Written Answers Nos. 599-615
599. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if his Department will examine the case of persons (details supplied) who were categorised as essential warehouse workers by the HSE, and are now being denied the pandemic bonus payment, on the basis of a technicality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9803/23]
View answerLast year the Government announced a once-off, ex-gratia COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for certain front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Eligibility criteria for the payment were set following significant consideration and consultation.
While the Department does not comment on individual cases, I can confirm that in order to receive the recognition payment, staff must have:
- Been in COVID vaccination cohorts 1 or 2, and
- Worked ordinarily onsite in a COVID-19 exposed healthcare environment, and
- Worked for at least 4 weeks in the 1/3/2020 – 30/6/2021 period, and
- Worked in a HSE/Section 38 organisation, or one of the following:
1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
2. Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities, working on-site;
3. Agency roles working in the HSE;
4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
5. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in front-line Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
6. Paramedic staff employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
Only those staff who meet all of the above eligibility criteria are covered for this payment. I appreciate that many other workers, volunteers, and other citizens, provided important services during this most difficult time. While this is not questioned, it is important to recognise that this in itself is not sufficient to be considered eligible for this payment.
The Government appreciates that those organisations and staff who are not encompassed for this particular payment may feel disappointed. It was tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the risks which eligible front-line workers faced, following careful consideration. While undoubtedly immense efforts have been made by other healthcare staff since the onset of this pandemic, it is right that the Government pursue this course to recognise those at greatest risk in the performance of their duties throughout the pandemic, including those who worked in the very acutely affected environments above.
In recognition of the efforts of all workers, volunteers, and the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government announced a public holiday which took place on 18 March 2022. As of February this year, there is a new permanent public holiday to mark Imbolc/St Brigid’s Day.
Finally I want to again express my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during what has been a challenging period for our health services.
601. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the current status of the review process of the role of radiation therapists; when the recommendations will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9808/23]
View answerAn independent radiation therapist review has been agreed between the HSE, Department of Health and SIPTU, under the auspices of the WRC.
This strategic review of Radiation Therapy will support the objectives of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 and help address the increasing and more complex demand for radiation oncology. Cancer cases are increasing in line with our ageing and growing population, and the NCCP estimates that up to 60% of patients will require radiation oncology for primary treatment and palliative care in coming years.
Radiation Therapists are highly skilled professionals regulated by CORU. The Review will align with the National Cancer Strategy, taking account of the increasing demand for radiation oncology, the advances in technology, increased specialisation and more targeted treatment. The review will consider issues such as organisation structure, career development in line with Health and Social Care Professional Frameworks, strategic workforce planning and recruitment and retention strategies.
The review process commenced in December 2022 and is currently underway.
All outcomes of the review will be given due consideration by the Department of Health. Implementation of any recommendations from the review are subject to approval from the Departments of Health and Public Expenditure and Reform in line with public service pay policy.
602. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) cannot get an appointment in Galway Merlin Park Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9809/23]
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.
603. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9810/23]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
604. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a pension for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9822/23]
View answerAs the payment of pensions is an administrative matter for the Health Service Executive, I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy.
605. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 641 of 11 October 2022, if any changes have recently been introduced to provide persons above the age of 16 years suffering with long-term mental illness, to be included in the HSE's long-term illness scheme, which would provide much needed relief to those without medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9823/23]
View answerThe Long-Term Illness (LTI) scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme.
The first of these regulations, Statutory Instrument No. 277 of 1971 put a limitation on Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970, in respect of the provision of medicines to those suffering from mental illness:
"Arrangements for the supply of drugs and medicines to persons suffering from mental illness in pursuance of section 59 (3) of the Act shall be made only in respect of persons under the age of 16 years."
There have been no recent changes to the legislation underpinning the LTI scheme, however, my Department is currently examining all of the issues around the scope of the Scheme.
It is important to remember that the LTI scheme exists within a wider eligibility framework.
This Government has put a significant focus on improving access to and the affordability of healthcare services, advancing substantial policy, legislation and investment to deliver expanded eligibility.
In 2022, a range of measures were delivered including the abolition of public inpatient charges for children, reductions in the Drug Payment Scheme threshold to €80 per month, and the introduction of free contraception for women aged 17-25.
The significant investment in Budget 2023 will facilitate better access to affordable, high-quality healthcare for people at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is impacting on everyone.
In 2023 this will mean:
- an expansion of GP care without charges to people earning no more than the median household income.
- all public inpatient hospital charges will be abolished.
- an extension of free contraception to 26-year-old women since 1 Jan 2023, and further extension to 27-30 years old women from 1 September 2023.
These measures continue to create a health and social care service that offers affordable access to quality healthcare.
In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card.
In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. Medical card eligibility is primarily based on an assessment of means and is not granted on the basis of any particular condition.
In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS), no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
606. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the work of the Ballyfermot, canal communities, Dublin 12, and south-inner city drug and alcohol task forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9831/23]
View answerThere are 24 drug and alcohol task forces co-ordinated by the nine community healthcare organisations across the country, including the three referenced by the Deputy in CHO 7. The task forces play a key role in implementing the national drugs strategy at CHO level. They assess the extent and nature of the drug problem and initiate appropriate responses, so that there is a co-ordinated approach to the problem of substance use in local communities. They operate through a partnership approach between the statutory, voluntary & community sectors, including public representatives.
South Inner City Drug and Alcohol Task Force were successful applicants to CHO 7 under the HSE-led initiative to reduce the health-related harms from cocaine and ‘crack’ cocaine. Under this proposal, the task force will offer community engagement activities, such as training, learning events and workshops. The main target groups are Women, Travelling Community, Homeless, Prisoners, and Service Users seeking treatment interventions.
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/12fa3-minister-for-public-health-wellbeing-and-the-national-drugs-strategy-announces-850000-for-hse-led-initiative-to-reduce-the-health-related-harms-from-cocaine-and-crack-cocaine/
Under the €2M Community Services Enhancement fund, four projects received funding from CHO 7. These included Dublin 12 DATF which received €150,000 for three years for a Minorities Communities Engagement Initiative, Ballyfermot and Dublin 12 DATFs which received €120,000 for three years for Crack Cocaine Outreach Workers, and South Inner City DATF also received €262,990 for three years for a women and drugs initiative.
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/ca088-minister-for-public-health-wellbeing-and-the-national-drugs-strategy-announces-2-million-community-services-enhancement-fund-for-drug-and-alcohol-services/
Previously, under the strategic initiative funding announced in 2019, Ballyfermot, Canal Communities, D12 and South Inner City Task Forces received funding for a Community Alcohol Detox Project, while Ballyfermot Task Forces received funding for research to support women to access appropriate drug and alcohol treatment services. Both of these projects gave rise to beneficial outcomes.
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/d0307d-minister-byrne-announces-228m-for-12-strategic-initiatives-to-implem/
I recently meet with all the drug and alcohol task forces, including the three task forces operating in CHO 7, to get an update on their work and any issues or challenges arising. I very much value their contribution to the national drugs strategy and look forward to further engagement.
607. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he remains focused on enabling rehabilitation and methadone treatments for those who have been adversely affected by drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9853/23]
View answerThe National Drug Strategy, Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery, strategy provides an integrated public health approach to drug and alcohol use, focused on reducing the harms for individuals, families and communities and promoting rehabilitation and recovery.
Methadone prescribing for opioid dependence remains a key element of the harm reduction approach to opioid use set out in the National Drugs Strategy. Methadone is one of the medications used in opioid substitution treatment, along with suboxone.
Opioid substitution treatment supports patients to recover from drug dependence. HSE addiction services work within the national drugs rehabilitation framework to support progression pathways. The framework ensures that individuals affected by drug misuse are offered a range of integrated options tailored to meet their needs and to create rehabilitation pathways.
Over the last 3 years and in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the HSE introduced a number of innovative changes to the delivery of care for this cohort to enable them safely access treatment and significantly reduce waiting times. As a result of these innovations and changes, the HSE Addiction services and community level 1 and level 2 GPs were in October 2022, providing OST/OAT to almost 1000 more individuals than at the end of January 2020 as can be seen in the table below
|
Jan 2020 |
October 2022 |
|
|
Methadone |
10,233 |
10,774 |
|
Buprenorphine/Naloxone |
262 |
706 |
|
Total |
10,495 |
11480 |
The number of GPs prescribing buprenorphine-based products increased from 37 to 61 in this period.
I believe that methadone treatment reflects the public health approach to drug and alcohol misuse set out in the National Drugs Strategy. Moreover, it is an important tool to reduce harm and to aid people to recover from drug use. I am committed to improving the availability of this treatment and to developing services to meet the needs of people on opioid substitution treatment.
608. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the planned funding for drug and alcohol task forces in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9854/23]
View answerThe Department of Health provides €28 million in recurring annual funding for 280 community-based drug and alcohol services, under the ambit of drug and alcohol task forces. In 2019, additional funding of €1m was provided for a number strategic initiatives, including €240,000 in core budgets.
Enhancing access to and delivery of drug and alcohol services in the community is a strategic priority under the national drugs strategy. In line with this priority, €2 million was allocated under the Community Services Enhancement Fund in 2022 to enhance community-based drug and alcohol services, in conjunction with CHOs and drug and alcohol task forces.
In Budget 2023, an allocation of €500,000 is made to increase the provision of community-based drug and alcohol services to address new and emerging patterns of drug use (see attached factsheet). A further €3.5m is provided to maintain existing level of service for community and voluntary providers of drug and alcohol services and inclusion health services. This will deliver a substantial uplift in grant agreements with service providers to cover cost of living and operational cost increases. I will announce the allocation of these additional funds to individual projects shortly.
In addition, I recently announced once off inflation funding of €3.9m for drug and alcohol and social inclusion projects. This will provide a once-off payment in recognition of the impact of inflation on the cost of delivering services The payment is the equivalent of 3.5% of the annual grant allocation. Further information can be found at:
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/4fd65-health-ministers-announce-81m-in-once-off-funding-for-voluntary-and-community-providers/
I am committed to strengthening the health-led approach to drug and alcohol use, through reducing the harms for individuals, families, communities and by promoting rehabilitation and recovery.
609. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a minor (details supplied) cannot access a Thorax brace under the public health system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9887/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
610. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the particular years in question in relation to possible discrepancies in the administration and charges of the fair deal nursing home support scheme. [9888/23]
View answerI understand that the Deputy's question relates to issues that have arisen recently in relation to legacy nursing home charges.
Up until 2004, people who were provided with publicly-funded long-stay care in public facilities and in publicly contracted beds paid a contribution towards the cost of their maintenance through a charge raised under Regulations made in 1954 and 1976.
It was accepted in 2004 that there was a flawed legal basis for raising charges on those with full eligibility in publicly funded care. This was regularised by the introduction of legislation in 2005 to provide for charges in publicly funded care and the establishment of a repayment scheme to refund charges that had been paid pre-2005. Over €450m was paid out under this scheme. The scope of the scheme was well publicised at the time and was limited to those who had full eligibility under the 1970 Act and who had paid charges to the State as a contribution towards their publicly-funded care.
Upon the raising of issues about how the State has approached legal challenges taken against it in relation to pre-2005 legacy nursing home charges, the Government moved quickly to establish the facts surrounding these issues, which go back many decades, by requesting the Attorney General to prepare a Report on the litigation management strategy. This comprehensive Report was published on 7 February 2023.
The Minister for Social Protection and I have undertaken to consider the Attorney General's Report in full and to revert to Government in three months on any further steps required.
611. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a schedule of social media influencers and online personalities, television and or radio personalities engaged by his Department and bodies under his aegis in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; if he will include the fees expended, name of personality and campaign they were engaged on; and if he will also provide the key performance indicators in respect of their engagement [9901/23]
View answerA response to the Deputy's question will require collection of information from 20 different bodies including the Department of Health and 19 other bodies falling under the aegis of the Department of Health. My officials will collate this information and share with the Deputy as soon as is possible.
612. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, there are to change protocols for ambulance personnel in the discharge of patients to hospitals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9913/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly in the matter, as soon as possible.
613. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to a person (details supplied) who finds themselves in circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9931/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, any patient concerned with any possible side-effects following their COVID-19 vaccination should, in the first instance, consult with their medical practitioner who can refer them as necessary to appropriate services following clinical assessment. The Department of Health or Minister for Health cannot advise individual patients as to how their symptoms should be managed and does not refer patients directly to the HSE for assessment and treatment.
Additionally, it should be noted that COVID-19 vaccines can only be approved and used if they comply with all the requirements of quality, safety and efficacy set out in the EU pharmaceutical legislation. Any authorised vaccine will be subject to ongoing monitoring in Ireland by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).
The HPRA is responsible for monitoring the safety and quality of all medicines including vaccines that are licensed in Ireland. The HPRA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) continually monitor adverse reactions to vaccination. The HPRA operates a national adverse reaction reporting system, to which members of the public and healthcare professionals are encouraged to submit any suspected adverse reactions to. All reports received by the HPRA are routinely transmitted to the EMA's adverse reaction database for inclusion in global signal detection and monitoring activities. The latest safety updates from the HPRA regarding COVID-19 vaccinations are available here: www.hpra.ie/homepage/medicines/safety-notices
Regarding a vaccine damage compensation scheme, during the pandemic, all available Department of Health resources were devoted to the Public Health response, this has meant that work in this area could not be progressed. Further scoping work is required to inform decision-making in this area. This remains under consideration by the Department.
614. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the reason an organisation (details supplied) was not included in the one-off inflation funding announced on 20 February, given it meets the criteria of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9934/23]
View answerA significant fund of €81m has been allocated to support community based voluntary organisations who are such an essential pillar in the provision of Health services across country.
These organisations are funded through the HSE to deliver a range of health and social care services similar or ancillary to those that the HSE may provide 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.
The details of the plan were finalised earlier this year. It was agreed that the inflation support fund will be administered by the HSE utilising the mechanism in place for funding eligible organisations in receipt of Service Level Arrangements and Grant Aid Agreements. These arrangements are already in place with organisations that provide key health and social care services for people in Ireland.
The Minister for Health has determined the scope of the fund and the methodology used to determine the amount paid to each organisation within scope. Based on this scope and methodology, the HSE has determined the exact organisations and relevant amounts at the operational level.
As the question relates to the administration of the fund, I am forwarding the PQ to the HSE for a direct reply to the Deputy.
615. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 348 of 8 February 2023, the specific way the legal position of the Mental Health Commission changed in respect of its oversight of the Owenacurra Centre closure in the final week of August 2022, such that it consulted with family members of residents at that stage, having declined to do so on the basis of legal restraints following requests for family consultation by a public representative and family members themselves in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9985/23]
View answerThe Mental Health Commission is an independent statutory body established under the provisions of the Mental Health Act 2001. The Department of Health sought a response from the Mental Health Commission in relation to the above Parliamentary Question. The Mental Health Commission provided the following response:
'The Commission regularly meets with residents of approved mental health centres as part of its inspection process. The Commission met with residents of Owenacurra either remotely or in-person during the annual and one focused inspection in 2021; and in-person with residents during the annual and two focused inspections of the centre in 2022. In late August 2022, the MHC also met with families of residents, further to issues raised by families that year.'
As stated previously, under the Mental Health Act 2001, the Mental Health Commission is required to inspect and regulate all approved centres across the country at least once a year.
The inspection of approved centres is a matter for the Mental Health Commission as an independent statutory body.
