Written Answers Nos. 934-953
934. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if a young person (details supplied) can get a scan and a referral to Temple Street Hospital for a number of serious seizures that they have experienced since 10 October 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54301/22]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
935. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the reason that there is no HRB funding granted to Galway or Limerick hospitals to run clinical trials; if there are plans to change this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54302/22]
View answerThe conduct of clinical trials is different from all other types of health research. Trials require access to specialised facilities, skills, coordination services and supports and they are typically highly regulated.
In 2021, the HRB Board approved a multi-year €23M investment as part of an open, competitive call for investment in Clinical Research Facilities/Centres (CRF/C) in Ireland, following an extensive application and international peer review process. This includes funding of €3M for the Clinical Research Facility at University College Hospital Galway. The Panel did not recommend significant funding at that juncture for Limerick as they concluded that Limerick first requires a broader-based investment in health research capability and supports, similar to that advocated in the HSE Action Plan for Health Research (2019–2029). If this occurred, it could over time support the specific ambition to have a high-performing, diverse and active trials portfolio led out of the region. In the interim, and while work continues to explore how research can be more explicitly supported and integrated into the establishment of the new HSE regional health areas, the HRB provided some grant funding to Limerick to enable it to maintain links with the HRB-funded National Clinical Trials Office and other clinical trial facilities nationally to support collaboration and participation in multi-centre trials.
The HRB also concluded an extensive strategic and scientific review of its investment in cancer clinical trials infrastructure and supports during 2021. Prior to that time, the HRB awarded funds to Cancer Trials Ireland (previously ICORG), who in turn managed funding to hospitals across the country to ensure their ability to lead/participate in trials. The review by the HRB recognised (1) the opportunity and synergies for cancer clinical trials afforded by the now well-developed, staffed and resourced clinical trials facilities/centres in many hospitals around the country (2) that participation in cancer clinical in Ireland remains low and the ambition set out in the National Cancer Strategy (2017-2026) is to double the numbers of patients on clinical trials from 3% to 6% and (3) funding for the conduct of clinical trials is best separated and made distinct from funding for the underlying infrastructure and support staff/services at sites or funding for networks.
Applications for infrastructure and support services at sites were reviewed by an International panel of experts according to the pre-published assessment criteria and the HRB Board subsequently announced a total investment of €21.6M, comprising support for a National Cancer Clinical Trials Network and funding for six cancer trials groups or clusters. The Panel raised a number of concerns about the applications from the SAOLTA University Healthcare Group and from University Hospital Limerick Group and these concerns were not resolved through the applicant’s written response to the Panel nor during the Panel interview with the applicant team. The Panel noted that many of the barriers to achieving the quality/performance/governance threshold set for this cancer clinical trials investment programme are inextricably linked to first order concerns and challenges regarding clinician capacity, breadth, and resources in the Hospital Groups. The HRB therefore did not fund these sites as cancer clinical trials clusters but provided modest ‘Enabling’ funding for a limited period to enable the sites to take stock with all relevant stakeholders (including hospital and hospital group management, the National Cancer Control Programme, the Department of health and the National Clinical Trials Network), to reflect on the feedback and to develop a roadmap and associated interventions to ensure that these sites could reasonably address the concerns raised in any future application process. It is hoped that progress is being made locally/regionally to address the concerns raised. Meanwhile, the HRB continues to engage with the Department and the NCCP to discuss next steps towards a potential re-assessment of capability at Galway and Limerick at some point in the future.
Finally, as highlighted above, the HRB disentangled funding for the conduct of investigator-led cancer clinical trials from the funding available for infrastructure support. In its most recent dedicated funding stream for clinical trials and health intervention studies (DIFA awards), the HRB opened a specific cancer stream with €3M available for cancer clinical trials and interventions. Applications are open to any and all investigators or sites to apply for this funding.
936. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the budgetary provision that has been made for 2023 to meet the measures included in the Action Plan for Disability Capacity Review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54303/22]
View answerThe Department of Health published the Disability Capacity Review in July 2021. This report set out the capacity requirements for health-funded disability services for the period up to 2032 and it is intended to address the capacity deficits in a phased approach over this period. This reflects the obligation under the UNCRPD for progressive implementation of social, cultural and economic rights.
In order to drive the process of implementing the recommendations of the Capacity Review, a Working Group was set up to develop an Action Plan for Disability Services. This group has now completed its work and the draft Action Plan, which will be an implementation plan for the first phase, is currently being finalised for approval.
In recent years, significant resources have been invested by the health sector in disability services. This year, the overall Budget for disability services in 2023 will be €2.4 billion, including a significant level of funding for specialist disability services. Building on the previous year, this is an unprecedented level of funding for Disability services. It follows substantial increases in the budget in 2021 and 2022; and reflects this Government’s commitment to strengthening the funding provided for the disability sector and working to act to address the shortfalls identified in the Disability Capacity Review.
The following increased funding has been provided for 2023:
|
Funding |
Measure |
|
€109m |
To support existing levels of service |
|
€4.3m |
Digital Initiatives/Disability Awareness and Participation Fund |
|
€25m |
Building Capacity (Core Services) |
|
€39m |
One off Costs associated with activity during Covid-19 |
A significant fund of up to €100m has been allocated this year to support community based voluntary organisations who are such an essential pillar in the provision of Health services across country. This fund is being made available in recognition of the challenges being faced by the sector in delivering and maintaining key health and social care services against a backdrop of increased inflationary pressures affecting energy, heating and related costs. These organisations are funded through the HSE to deliver a range of health and social care services on behalf of the HSE to communities around Ireland. This includes residential, day and ancillary services for people with a disability, older people, mental health services, palliative care services, addiction services and other health and social care services provided in the community. Details of the fund including its administration are being finalised.
The HSE, in preparing its National Service Plan, will examine how services, including relevant KPIs, can be progressed in 2023 within the overall increased envelope of funding for disability services.
937. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the number of existing and new residential supports, day places and respite supports that will be provided for in Budget 2023; the way in which this relates to the needs in the Capacity Review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54304/22]
View answerThe Department of Health published the Disability Capacity Review in July 2021. This report set out the capacity requirements for health-funded disability services for the period up to 2032 and it is intended to address the capacity deficits in a phased approach over this period. This reflects the obligation under the UNCRPD for progressive implementation of social, cultural and economic rights.
In order to drive the process of implementing the recommendations of the Capacity Review, a Working Group was set up to develop an Action Plan for Disability Services. This group has now completed its work and the draft Action Plan, which will be an implementation plan for the first phase, is currently being finalised for approval.
In recent years, significant resources have been invested by the health sector in disability services. This year, the overall Budget for disability services in 2023 will be €2.4 billion, including a significant level of funding for specialist disability services. Building on the previous year, this is an unprecedented level of funding for Disability services. It follows substantial increases in the budget in 2021 and 2022; and reflects this Government’s commitment to strengthening the funding provided for the disability sector and working to act to address the shortfalls identified in the Disability Capacity Review.
The following increased funding has been provided for 2023:
|
Funding |
Measure |
|
€109m |
To support existing levels of service |
|
€4.3m |
Digital Initiatives/Disability Awareness and Participation Fund |
|
€25m |
Building Capacity (Core Services) |
|
€39m |
One off Costs associated with activity during Covid-19 |
A significant fund of up to €100m has been allocated this year to support community based voluntary organisations who are such an essential pillar in the provision of Health services across country. This fund is being made available in recognition of the challenges being faced by the sector in delivering and maintaining key health and social care services against a backdrop of increased inflationary pressures affecting energy, heating and related costs. These organisations are funded through the HSE to deliver a range of health and social care services on behalf of the HSE to communities around Ireland. This includes residential, day and ancillary services for people with a disability, older people, mental health services, palliative care services, addiction services and other health and social care services provided in the community. Details of the fund including its administration are being finalised.
The HSE, in preparing its National Service Plan, will examine how services, including relevant KPIs, can be progressed in 2023 within the overall increased envelope of funding for disability services.
938. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position in relation to the Action Plan for University Hospital Kerry; if he will outline timelines in the process to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54305/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
939. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if capital funding will be provided for a respite facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54315/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
940. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health further to this Deputy’s raising of the issue, the interventions that have been provided in respect of an individual (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54317/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
941. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the current average waiting time for post mortem examinations in County Kerry; if a Kerry-based pathologist would reduce the waiting times; if he will clarify if a post mortem will be carried out in Kerry when just one body awaits; if he considers it unacceptable for the next-of-kin to have to wait three days for a post mortem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54322/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
942. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if it is considered best practice for the next-of-kin of recently deceased patients at University Hospital Kerry to be brought in to see their loved one in a room occupied by five other patients; if this practice will be discontinued for the sake of all involved, with privacy being provided to those recently bereaved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54323/22]
View answerAs this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
944. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the measures that he is taking to support the viability of community pharmacies nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54325/22]
View answerI recognise the significant role that community pharmacists play in the delivery of patient care. Indeed, community pharmacists have played a central role in the national COVID-19 vaccination rollout – the largest ever undertaken by the State. I also acknowledge the vital role that community pharmacy will play in the development and implementation of future healthcare reform, especially in regard to the aims and vision of Sláintecare.
During the COVID-19 pandemic the Health Service Executive established a Community Pharmacy Contingency Planning working group with relevant stakeholders, including the Irish Pharmaceutical Union and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, to support the implementation of all COVID-19 support measures. This group – now called the Community Pharmacy Planning Forum – had examined the operational and clinical challenges confronting community pharmacists during the COVID-19 emergency and played a key role in resolving them to the benefit of the people of Ireland.
The work of the Forum has now transitioned to discussing the strategic direction of the community pharmacy profession. This will prove invaluable in the context of future contractual reform. Of course, any publicly funded pharmacy service expansion should address unmet public healthcare needs, improve access to existing public health services, and provide better value for money.
I understand that there are reports of a current acute workforce issue, particularly in relation to community pharmacy. The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland as the pharmacy regulator, has been liaising with stakeholders, including the Irish Pharmacy Union, on efforts being taken within the sector to understand and address the issue. This a complex problem with many contributing factors and multiple stakeholders. Workforce challenges are being experienced in other sectors nationally, and in the pharmacy sector in a range of other countries. This re-enforces the need for robust data for Ireland to be best able to determine the current landscape, assess future health system needs and understand existing sectoral challenges now and into the future.
The PSI are currently undertaking a project, titled ‘Emerging Risks to the Future Pharmacy Workforce’, which is set to “assess emerging risks to the continued availability of a professional pharmacy workforce within community and hospital pharmacy in Ireland”. As part of this project, the PSI have committed to share any relevant data emerging with relevant Government departments particularly if trends are identified that indicate a future deficit. It will be on the basis of gathering and analysing up-to-date, robust and relevant data, that recommendations can be proposed to address Ireland’s needs for a pharmacist workforce in the future, as Ireland’s healthcare system evolves, and in the context of Sláintecare implementation. I will engage as necessary with government colleagues in addressing relevant issues as they arise.
945. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position regarding the provision of the CF drug kaftrio under the drug reimbursement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54326/22]
View answer1193. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the progress made to provide the CF drug kaftrio to a cohort of 35 Irish children aged between six and eleven years, who are currently excluded from access to the drug due to a disagreement between the manufacturers and the HSE; if he will report on the meeting which he committed to with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to this extremely important issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55287/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 945 and 1193 together.
Kaftrio has been a life changing drug for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers, and I want to see it made available to everyone who needs it. This Government wants to ensure greater access to new and innovative medicines and has allocated significant additional funding for new medicines in recent Budgets. Since the beginning of 2021, 99 new medicines, or expanded uses of existing medicines, have been funded. This has included 27 for the treatment of rare diseases, including Cystic Fibrosis.
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
I am grateful to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) for meeting with me recently, and outlining the concerns of the Cystic Fibrosis community. We discussed the recent statement from the Consultants providing care for these children, with all parties aligning in the view that the approach taken by the manufacturer, Vertex, is unfair to these children. I reassured CFI of the urgency with which the Government and the HSE are approaching the current situation.
I have been advised by the HSE that engagement with Vertex Pharmaceuticals is ongoing, which I hope can be quickly brought to a satisfactory conclusion for everyone.
946. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if there are specific financial supports available to private parties to adapt premises to make buildings suitable to provide respite services for adults with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54330/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
947. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the reason that the Government has not called for the extension of Medical Device Directive certificates until the notified body capacity is resolved, to maintain patient access to vital medtech that are already safely in use in the market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54332/22]
View answerRegulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices (‘MDR’) has been fully applicable as of 26 May 2021 and Regulation (EU) 2017/746 on in vitro diagnostic medical devices (‘IVDR’) became fully applicable as of 26 May 2022.
The overarching objectives of these new regulations is to significantly strengthen the regulatory system for medical devices and provide a framework that is robust and consistent and serves to enhance public health across the EU by ensuring that medical devices are safe, perform as intended and afford benefits to patients and healthcare systems.
Implementation of the new regulations has not been without challenge and I am aware that one of the key challenges in implementing these regulations relates to the capacity of the system in certifying devices under the new framework, which has been compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic and there are indeed other challenges associated with implementation of the new regulatory framework. My officials are kept in full brief on these issues through engagements with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) and EU fora and my department is working via these fora in considering and addressing these challenges and working towards the effective implementation of the regulations, ensuring that healthcare systems and patients have access to safe medical devices. My Department is fully committed to continuing to work with key stakeholders in this regard, in identifying and reaching pragmatic and necessary solutions to these challenges.
It remains imperative that we continue to work collectively across the EU in identifying harmonized solutions to these challenges in order to ensure that the new regulatory system is effective in practice and delivers on its objectives.
The full and effective implementation of these important regulations remains a key priority for my Department and I. We will continue to work collaboratively with stakeholders to address and overcome the challenges faced with the overall objective of ensuring that the benefits of these regulations are ultimately achieved in practice.
948. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied). [54334/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
949. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Cork would be considered for home help services given their particular circumstances. [54335/22]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
950. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to change the criteria for those who are eligible for the third booster to include people of under 50 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54341/22]
View answer1019. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if there is an estimated timeline for the second Covid-19 booster to be rolled out for those of under 50 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54608/22]
View answer1244. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update as of November 2022 as to the progress of the roll-out of COVID-19 booster vaccines to those under 50 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55636/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 950, 1019 and 1244 together.
Ireland's COVID-19 vaccination programme is based on the principles of safety, effectiveness and fairness, with the objective of reducing severe illness, hospitalisations and deaths from COVID-19 infection.
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The NIAC makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practices in relation to immunisation.
Following the recommendation for use of vaccines against COVID-19 by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and authorisation for use by the European Commission, the NIAC develops guidance for their use in Ireland which is contained in the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland. These guidelines are continuously updated and include guidance on all new vaccines as they are approved for use in Ireland.
You can view the updated guidelines here:
www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/guidelines/covid19.pdf
The NIAC has recommended a first mRNA booster vaccine for those aged 5-11 years with a weak immune system; a second mRNA booster dose for those aged 50-64 years, persons aged 12-49 years with an underlying medical condition or are residents of long-term care facilities.
The NIAC has also made a number of recommendations regarding the Autumn/Winter period. It has advised that healthcare workers are offered a second mRNA booster and a third mRNA booster is recommended for persons aged 65 years and older, and those aged 12-64 years who are immunocompromised. The Chief Medical Officer has endorsed these recommendations and the rollout is underway.
The NIAC will continue to examine emerging evidence regarding booster vaccines for others in the population where there is evidence of waning immunity and reduced effectiveness and will make further recommendations if required.
Further information on the booster vaccine rollout can be viewed here:
www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/get-the-vaccine/covid-19-vaccine-booster-dose/
951. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health his views on the adequacy of HIV treatment and support services in Ireland; his views on the adequacy of the geographical spread of such services; if he is satisfied that age-specific and age-appropriate services are available where need exists; and if he has plans to review or expand services. [54342/22]
View answerSexual health services are being delivered and implemented, led by the HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme, in accordance with the recommendations set out in the National Sexual Health Strategy 2015 - 2020. Sexual health and wellbeing is a priority for this Government.
The Strategy's lifetime has been extended to 2022. Following a standard Office of Government Procurement tendering process, the Strategy is currently being independently reviewed in order to chart a new direction for the coming years. The Review will be published on the Healthy Ireland website once complete.
Key achievements in relation to HIV prevention to date include:
- PrEP HIV prevention programme - Implementation of the national roll-out of a HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programme. PrEP is a medicinal treatment which prevents HIV and is provided to populations at substantial risk of sexual acquisition of HIV. Over 2,000 individuals, mostly gay men, are currently registered with the national programme.
- HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine extension to men and women living with HIV up to and including 26 years; and to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM), including MSM living with HIV. Over 7,400 MSM and people living with HIV have commenced the vaccine to date.
- Online STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing - This service is now available on a national basis and allows people to test for STIs in the comfort and privacy of their own homes, reaching those who may be reluctant to visit an STI clinic in person. The service is free at the point of use, avoiding both cost and stigma related barriers to access and facilitating higher detection rates, thereby preventing both onward transmission of infection and significant morbidity and mortality for those who test positive and who can then access treatment in person.
- Establishment of the National Condom Distribution Service (NCDS) in 2015 - The NCDS functions as a central point for distributing free condoms and lubricant sachets to HSE services and other organisations working directly with individuals and groups who may be at increased risk of negative sexual health outcomes. These include young people; migrants; gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men; sex workers; people living with addiction issues and people living with HIV.
Over 2 million condoms and over 1 million lubricant sachets have been ordered by 155 organisations since the service was launched. Products are available through public sector bodies, including STI clinics, hospitals, and HSE health promotion & improvement, third-level institutions, public STI clinics, and NGOs.
Funding has been provided through Budget 2023 to expand the NCDS to GPs, family planning clinics and other primary care service providers who are also providing any of the following services: PrEP, HIV/STI testing, the free contraception scheme and/or termination of pregnancy.
- HIV Fast-Track Cities Initiative
In 2019, Ireland’s four main cities (Cork, Dublin, Galway and Limerick) signed up to the HIV Fast-Track Cities Initiative, committing to fast-track city-level responses to HIV, as part of a global partnership to end the HIV epidemic. One of the targets of the Fast-Track Cities Initiative is Zero stigma and discrimination. Ending stigma is also one of the core targets set out in the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Fast-Track Cities Initiative is led by the HSE Sexual Health & Crisis Pregnancy Programme (SHCPP) who received funding from the Department of Health in 2019 to kick-start the initiative and included the development of a national campaign to address HIV-related stigma.
Comprehensive information on HIV testing, treatment, how to access services and other matters relating to sexual health and wellbeing is available through www.sexualwellbeing.ie
952. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health the number of staff who have been recruited in Sligo University Hospital and Letterkenny University Hospital as of 24 October 2022 to implement the winter plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54344/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
953. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the 'Jack Report Working Group'; if its recommendations have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54355/22]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
