Written Answers Nos. 1367-1389
1367. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on a vacant building (details supplied); to confirm what the plans are for this building; if there has been interest expressed in this building by another State body or if it has been deemed to be surplus to requirements and sold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36741/23]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
1368. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the national newborn bloodspot screening programme; the progress that has been made by the National Screening Advisory Committee to expand the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36742/23]
View answerThe expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot (NBS) Programme is a priority for me, and the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) has been progressing work on this expansion.
This independent expert group considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms. As you will appreciate, these are lengthy and complex processes.
However, I am glad to note that significant progress has been made on expansion over the past year. Since May 2022, babies are now screened for nine conditions following a recommendation from the NSAC to add ADA-SCID to the Programme.
Building on this, in January 2023, I approved a further recommendation from the Committee for the addition of T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC)-based screening for all types of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) to the NBS programme. The Committee made its recommendation to me based on their consideration of a comprehensive Health Technology Assessment report from HIQA.
The HSE is now undertaking an extensive body of work to prepare for implementation. Provision for this addition will be included in the relevant HSE service planning processes in line with HSE budgeting procedures.
A Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the addition of an eleventh condition to the NBS programme, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, is now underway by HIQA. It will provide evidence-based advice to NSAC and will inform a decision regarding the potential inclusion of SMA in NBS Programme. I am advised that the NSAC expect HIQA to complete this process over the coming months and that the HTA will be presented to and considered by the Committee at a meeting before the end of this year.
I look forward to receiving a recommendation from the Committee following their consideration of the HTA once it is available.
1369. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health for an update on the implementation and success of the Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2018-2020 "Connecting for Life Dublin South"; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36801/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1370. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health when the process considering implementation of the Expert Review Body on Nursing and Midwifery recommendation forty-six will be completed. [36826/23]
View answerThe Expert Review Body's Recommendation No. 46 recommends that the specialist/location allowance currently available to Clinical Nurse Manager 2/Clinical Midwife Manager 2 grades should also apply to the Clinical Nurse Manager 3/Clinical Midwife Manager 3 grades. As the Deputy will be aware, I published the Report on the Expert Review Body on Nursing and Midwifery in March 2022. I have accepted all 47 recommendations. Their implementation will address identified pay anomalies, support nurses and midwives to continue to learn and develop in professional roles and enable delivery of Sláintecare priorities.
I established a process to oversee the implementation of the 47 recommendations and this is being led by the Chief Nursing Officer in my Department. The Expert Review Body Implementation Oversight Team, with key stakeholder representation, was established in Q4 2022. Work is progressing, through Implementation Action Groups, on the many priority recommendations identified.
The priority recommendations relate to nursing and midwifery education, workforce, digital health capacity and capability and also leadership and governance. The work involved will encompass a review and reform of nursing and midwifery undergraduate training programmes. As well as delivering on workforce capacity, the work will align training needs with the healthcare reform agenda and increasing postgraduate training in community care. The recommendations, when implemented, will enhance care through digital solutions as well as addressing the challenges with recruitment and retention of senior level nursing and midwifery leaders.
1371. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the options available to an individual (details supplied) for medical support; and if an application for medical card is on file. [36833/23]
View answerUnder the Health Act 1970, eligibility for a medical card is based primarily on means. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without due hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure. The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn a week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances.
Persons aged 69 and under are assessed under the general means tested medical card thresholds which are based on an applicant’s household income after tax and the deduction of PRSI and the Universal Social Charge. Certain expenses are also taken into account, i.e., mortgage payments, which help to increase the amount a person can earn and still qualify for a medical card. Persons aged 70 or older are assessed under the over 70s medical card income thresholds which are based on gross income.
The issue of granting medical cards on the basis of illness or a disability was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
Since December 2018, the medical card earnings disregard for people in receipt of Disability Allowance was increased from €120 to €427 per week and applies to the assessment process for single people and to family assessments. This significant policy change gave effect to an important recommendation of the Make Work Pay for People with Disabilities report. This substantial increase in allowable earnings acknowledges that a Medical Card is a particularly significant support and ensures that people with disabilities can continue to be supported to access care when needed.
Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income threshold where they face difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness. Social and medical issues are also considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services.
I can assure the Deputy that, to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues, including the current medical card income thresholds, under review and any proposed changes are considered in the context of Government policy and other issues which may be relevant.
In relation to the medical card application, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1372. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health the reason a HSE employee (details supplied) who has met the criteria to qualify for the pandemic recognition payment has not received the payment to which they are entitled; when the application will be processed and paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36863/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
I would also like to remind the Deputy that it is against Department policy to comment on individual cases.
1373. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 759 of 27 June 2023, for a status update on the Strategic Assessment Report/Preliminary Business Case for the new Emergency Department, Women and Children's Block at University Hospital Galway; the timeline for the completion of the SAR/PBC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36873/23]
View answerAs outlined in my response to PQ No. 759 of 27 June 2023, the Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) reviews for the new Emergency Department, Women and Children's Block at University Hospital Galway have been completed. The output of the reviews has been shared with the HSE to ensure that the new SAR/Preliminary Business Case (PBC) document, as now required under the updates to the Public Spending Code (PSC) of March 2023, is as robust as possible.
The timeline for the completion of the SAR/PBC cannot yet be estimated as the outputs of the SAR review and PSC changes will have to be incorporated by the HSE. This work remains ongoing.
When the new SAR/PBC is finalised it will be subject to further review and Government consent before it can proceed to the pre-tender stage.
1374. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 36 of 1 June 2023, for an update on the development of the new elective hospital in Merlin Park; the status of the development of the project brief, procurement strategy and detailed business case; if the HSE is on track to complete these documents by October 2023; if discussions with local planning authorities have commenced to-date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36874/23]
View answerI have asked the HSE, as Sponsoring Agency with day-to-day responsibility for the delivery of the new Elective Hospital in Galway, to respond to you directly in relation to the matters raised.
1375. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No.55 of 1 June, 2023, the status of the development of a primary care centre on Inisbofin; the status of the land transfer process; the expected timeline for the completion of the land transfer and acquisition of the site; the progress to-date on the appointment of a design team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36875/23]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
1376. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1570 of 18 April 2023, the status of the proposed primary care centre for Galway City west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36876/23]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1377. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 111 of 26 May 2022, his plans to introduce a vaccine compensation scheme, as recommended in a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36877/23]
View answerMy Department and the HSE work continuously to monitor and improve patient safety, reduce incidents of harm and to minimise risk.
Government recently approved the establishment of an Interdepartmental Working Group to examine the rising cost of health-related claims and consider mechanisms to reduce costs. The Group will examine the rising cost of clinical negligence claims in the health system, with a particular focus on high value claims, and identify measures that could be put in place to reduce future costs. The Group is chaired independently by an expert healthcare professional, Dr Rhona Mahony, and is comprised of membership from across key Government Departments and Agencies.
With respect to vaccination, patients concerned with a possible side-effect or adverse reaction following a vaccination should, in the first instance, consult with their medical practitioner who can refer them as necessary to appropriate services following clinical assessment.
It should also be noted that vaccines can only be approved and used if they comply with all the requirements of quality, safety and efficacy set out in relevant EU pharmaceutical legislation. Any authorised vaccine will be subject to ongoing monitoring in Ireland by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). The latest safety updates from the HPRA regarding COVID-19 vaccinations are available on the HPRA’s website.
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 my Department.
1378. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36878/23]
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.
1379. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of extending the free contraception scheme to all people regardless of age; if the scheme will be extended to those aged 26 to 30 years from 1 September 2023; the estimated cost of extending the scheme to 30 to 45-year-olds; the estimated additional cost of extending the scheme to include non-hormonal contraception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36908/23]
View answerThe free contraception scheme for women aged 17 -25 years was launched on 14 September, 2022, and expanded to include 26 year-olds on 1 January 2023. The scheme is currently open to women aged 17-26 ordinarily resident in Ireland, and will be expanded to women aged 27-30 on 1 September 2023.
The scheme covers the cost of consultations with GPs and family planning centres and prescriptions for the wide range of contraceptive options available on the HSE Re-Imbursement List, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs: injections, intra-uterine devices and systems (coils) and implants) and emergency contraception in addition to the contraceptive Pill, patch and ring. LARC fittings, removals, injections and check-ups are also free of charge under the scheme.
Almost 2,400 GPs and almost 1,900 pharmacies have signed up to provide services and products under the scheme to date. Approximately €32 million was allocated to support the scheme in 2023, including scheduled expansions. Expansion to girls age 16 was also allocated funding in 2023, however, this is subject to consultation, ongoing legal consideration and, should pending legal advice permit, legislative amendment.
Good financial practice recommends that demand-led schemes are introduced on a pilot basis, both to ensure that real world costs are within allocated budgets and that the new scheme works according to intended parameters – it is easier to complete the operational streamlining of new programmes when these are working with subsets of the population.
As per the recommendations of the Report of the Working Group on Access to Contraception (which is available on the Department’s website), it was decided to commence the scheme with younger age cohorts, as they are least likely to be financially independent and many are still engaged in full time education.
The Report of the Working Group on Access to Contraception also highlighted that there may have been potential issues with sufficient capacity in primary care to fit LARCs, should the scheme have been introduced to all cohorts at once. However, the ICGP are being funded since 2022 to increase the number of LARC trained GPs. This training scheme is operational and is working to increase LARC fitting capacity currently.
Costings supporting the scheme have been published and are available through the Report of the Working Group on Access to Contraception, which is available on the Department’s website. The fees reimbursable to service providers under the scheme are also listed in S.I. No.451 of 2022, which is available on www.irishstatutebook.ie . Any decision relating to further expansion of the free contraception scheme for women will be a matter for the Estimates process in advance of Budget 2024.
Condoms are not included under the scheme, which, by law, covers prescription medications and devices available through pharmacies only. However, free condoms are available through a separate programme, the National Condom Distribution Scheme (NCDS), which has been in place since 2015.
The NCDS supplies free condoms to the national network of STI clinics, to NGOs and services working with high-risk groups, and on participating 3rd level campuses. It is now also supplying free condoms with orders from Ireland’s new online STI testing scheme, which was launched in late 2022.
1380. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health if his Department or the HSE will provide a subsidy for college health centres to provide abortion services; the projected cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36909/23]
View answerThe Deputy's question has been referred to the HSE for answer.
1381. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health the projected cost of expanding the free HIV rapid testing and PrEP to college health centres, in order that students can access services on-campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36910/23]
View answerIreland established a national HIV PrEP programme in November 2019, following a HIQA HTA, which concluded that the introduction of HIV PrEP would be safe, effective and cost saving. The HTA also found that significant investment in public STI services was required to implement PrEP and €5.4 million was set aside in Budget 2020 to roll out a national HIV PrEP programme, managed by the HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme (SHCPP).
At present, there are 13 public PrEP clinics in Ireland, four of which are located in Dublin, and 16 private/GP providers who are approved to prescribe PrEP, 15 of which are located in Dublin. Dispensing PrEP is free of charge, as are appointments at the public clinics, however, the private providers are subject to consultation charges. Student health facilities, like GPs and family planning centres, are private providers; the same principles would apply to GPs working in these settings.
The HSE SHCPP is working towards increasing the number of GPs approved as PrEP providers, thus giving individuals more choice around who and where they attend for treatment. A PrEP e-learning module is being developed to increase the number of appropriately trained nursing and medical PrEP providers.
However, currently, individuals attending GPs for PrEP would have to pay a consultation fee for attendance and may also have to pay for investigations, treatment and vaccines as recommended by their GP, if not attending a free STI clinic. Needless to say, it should also be noted that PrEP protects against HIV infection and not other STIs; it would also be necessary for PrEP patients to attend a public STI clinic for treatment of incident STIs, should these be diagnosed.
In terms of free home HIV and STI testing, this was launched nationwide in October, 2022, and is already freely available, including to those who may be resident on campus or in student accommodation. The scheme can be accessed through www.sexualwellbeing.ie.
The Department of Health and the HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme have been supporting sexual health on 3rd level campuses through the National Condom Distribution Scheme, which has been supplying free condoms through participating 3rd level campuses since 2019. In 2023, free condoms are also being provided with orders from the home STI testing service.
The free contraception scheme for women, covering prescription contraception, is currently open to women ordinarily resident in Ireland aged 17-26 and will be expanded to those aged 30 and under in September. Student health providers were consulted in preparation for the launch of the scheme and student health clinics are among the approximately 2,400 providers that have signed up to provide services and products under the scheme to date.
It covers the cost of consultations with GPs and family planning centres and prescriptions for the wide range of contraceptive options available on the HSE Re-Imbursement List, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs: injections, intra-uterine devices and systems (coils) and implants) and emergency contraception in addition to the contraceptive Pill, patch and ring. LARC fittings, removals, injections and check-ups are also free of charge under the scheme. Approximately €32 million was allocated to support the scheme in 2023.
Sexual health has been a priority for the Department of Health; the National Sexual Health Strategy 2015-2020 (NSHS) was developed as a core policy under the Healthy Ireland Framework and remains a priority under the Healthy Ireland Strategic Action Plan 2021-2025. An NSHS Redrafting Committee has been convened to refresh the Strategy and supports for sexual health in higher education settings will be considered as part of the Strategy redevelopment process. The new Strategy is currently scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023.
Any decisions relating to further expansion of services in 2024 will be a matter for the Estimates process in advance of Budget 2024.
1382. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health if his Department or the HSE have previously provided funding to an organisation (details supplied) to support sexual health and awareness packs to students in higher education institutions; if he intends to do so in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36913/23]
View answerA settings-based approach to health promotion maximises disease prevention by utilising a whole systems approach, thereby addressing the wider determinants of health. The settings that are addressed in the Healthy Ireland Strategic Action Plan include, homes, communities, cities and counties, schools, campuses, clubs, prisons and workplaces.
The Healthy Campus Charter and Framework is rolled out by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), in partnership with Healthy Ireland in the Department of Health. The HEA leads the strategic development of Higher Education Institutions in Ireland.
The Framework offers guidelines to third-level institutions to build on existing wellbeing actions and assists with the integration of health and wellbeing across the whole campus including teaching and learning, student supports and services, staff development, and policies. It also assists in identifying opportunities in the campus environment, whether social or academic, that can help foster an ethos of care, compassion, and inclusion. Specific recurring ring fenced funding is provided by Healthy Ireland to the HEA for a full-time Healthy Campus Coordinator, who has been in place since July 2022, and is responsible for driving the Framework's agenda.
The Framework takes a holistic approach to health and wellbeing including physical, mental, and social health with a focus on prevention and early intervention. At an operational level, many higher education institutions will have Healthy Campus Steering Groups actively working to coordinate and support student wellbeing across their day-to-day operations.
The Department of Health and the HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme have supported sexual health on 3rd level campuses through the National Condom Distribution Scheme. The NCDS supplies free condoms to the national network of STI clinics, to NGOs and service providers working with high-risk cohorts, and through participating 3rd level campuses since 2019. In 2023, free condoms are also being provided with orders from the home STI testing service.
The free contraception scheme for women, which covers prescription contraception, was introduced in September 2022 for women ordinarily resident in Ireland and aged 17-25. The scheme was extended to women aged 26 from 1 January 2023. It covers the cost of consultations with GPs and family planning centres and prescriptions for the wide range of contraceptive options available on the HSE Re-Imbursement List, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs: injections, intra-uterine devices and systems (coils) and implants) and emergency contraception in addition to the contraceptive Pill, patch and ring. LARC fittings, removals, injections and check-ups are also free of charge under the scheme. Approximately €32m was allocated to support the scheme in 2023
Student health providers were consulted in preparation for the launch of the scheme; almost 1,900 pharmacies and approximately 2,400 GPs, primary care centres, family planning clinics and student health clinics have signed up to provide services and products under the scheme to date.
My Department did engage with the Union of Students in Ireland previously with regard to period poverty, in preparation for the publication of the Period Poverty In Ireland Discussion Paper; the USI were members of the NSWG sub-committee on period poverty that prepared the paper.
My Department has not engaged with USI to support sexual health and awareness packs to students in higher education institutions directly; however, the HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme has engaged with HEIs and NGO partners with regard to sexual health programmes on campus.
In order to respond to the query regarding HSE funding, therefore, as this is a service matter, I have also asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1383. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost of changing the income limits for over-70s medical cards from €550 to €800 (single) and €1,050 to €1,600 (couple), and applying these income limits for everyone over 65 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36963/23]
View answerEligibility for a Medical Card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn a week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances.
Persons aged 69 and under are assessed under the general means tested medical card thresholds which are based on an applicant’s household income after tax and the deduction of PRSI and the Universal Social Charge. Certain expenses are also taken into account. Persons aged 70 or older are assessed under the over 70s medical card income thresholds which are based on gross income. It should be noted that in November 2020, the weekly gross medical card income thresholds for those aged 70 and over were increased to €550 per week for a single person and €1,050 for a couple. This increase ensures that a greater proportion of those aged 70 and over now qualify for a medical card. Furthermore, the Deputy may be aware that, since 2015, every individual aged 70 and over has automatic eligibility for a GP visit card.
As provided for in Budget 2023, eligibility for GP visit cards will be extended to people who earn up to the median household income and to all children aged 6 and 7 years. Approximately 500,000 additional persons, who otherwise would have attended their GP on a private basis, are expected to become eligible for free GP care under this expansion. The extension of GP visit cards to children aged 6 and 7 years will commence on 11 August. The extension of cards to those who earn the median household income or less will commence on 11 September and will be completed in two phases with the second phase commencing on 13 November.
Modelling scenarios normally used to determine estimated cost increases for medical card eligibility will likely be affected by these planned changes. Per request by the Deputy, it will be necessary for there to be opportunity for the extension of eligibility for GP services to commence and become operationalised before being able to accurately reflect the impact of this significant change in eligibility on estimated costs for amendments to medical card income thresholds more generally.
1384. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if she is aware that the temporary inflation payment scheme that is designed to address cost increases relating to heating and electricity to small privately owned nursing homes is of no benefit to nursing homes whose contract ends and have no choice but to sign up with a more expensive energy provider; if she is aware if this is an issue with other nursing homes; if there is a workaround being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36967/23]
View answerThe Government is conscious of the financial challenges faced by the nursing home sector, especially smaller and voluntary nursing homes that may not have access to the same economies of scale as larger homes or groups. The Government has provided substantial support to the private and voluntary nursing home sector over the course of the pandemic. Over €150m of financial support has been provided to private and voluntary nursing homes through the COVID-19 Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme (TAPS) and the provision of free PPE and oxygen to private nursing homes continues, costing over €77 million to date.
The Temporary Inflation Payment Scheme (TIPS) was a €10 million scheme established last year to support private and voluntary nursing homes with increases in energy costs, covering 75% of year-on-year cost increases up to a monthly cap of €5,250 per nursing home. This scheme was extended for a second time to the end of June 2023. The Department of Health is considering future options for additional financial support to the sector.
To the end of June 2023, the average amount paid per claim has been €2776. The total amount of claims in this time period has been 2683.
There are no considerations to amend the criteria of The Temporary Inflation Payment Scheme (TIPS).
1386. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the current status of HSE properties (detail supplied) in County Wicklow; to identify those properties which are intended for redevelopment or refurbishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36971/23]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
1387. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health for an update on any of the vacant HSE buildings in Wicklow that have been deemed surplus to requirement (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36972/23]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
1388. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when an application for nursing home subvention in the name of a person (details supplied) will be finalised. [36980/23]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1389. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when measures will be introduced to ban the sale of vaping products to children, both in store and through online shopping platforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36994/23]
View answerThe Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill will prohibit the sale of nicotine inhaling products such as e-cigarettes to those under 18 years. The Bill has been notified to the EU and Second Stage was completed in the Dáil on 15 June. The Bill is expected to be enacted in the next term of the Oireachtas.
