Written Answers Nos. 553-574
553. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will get a diagnosis following an ADHD assessment with CAMHS Donegal town; if he is aware that there is no psychiatrist in place in Donegal town; if there is a recruitment process in place; and if so, when the post will be filled. [49774/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
554. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of correspondence from Caredoc (details supplied); if he will keep the terms and conditions of these workers in line with Section 38 and HSE staff, given that the CIT team in Caredoc is the only national team not to have received the building momentum pay rises and 37.5-hour week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49775/23]
View answerCaredoc is a private company, not a public service organisation and, as such, staff employed by Caredoc do not fall under the current Public Service Agreement, Building Momentum. Building Momentum was agreed between public sector unions and the State and the agreement set out matters such as reform measures, industrial relations processes and pay rises for public servants. Only public service staff encompassed by the agreement benefitted from the pay rises.
The Independent Body Examining Additional Working Hours (HRA) in the Public Service was established under the Building Momentum public service agreement. The Independent Body recommended that working time be restored to pre-Haddington Road agreement (HRA) levels for virtually all civil servants, public servants and non-commercial State agency staff in grades where working hours were increased in 2013. Again, it is important to note that this recommendation was for public service staff only.
Caredoc is privately owned and run and the terms and conditions of employment of their staff, once in line with employment legislation, is strictly between the employer and the employee. Caredoc is not and have not been party to the Public Service Agreements.
In relation to the Pandemic Recognition Payment, eligibility criteria for the payment were set following significant consideration and consultation. 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 frontline 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 met all of the above eligibility criteria were covered for this payment. I appreciate that many other workers, volunteers, and other citizens including those working in Caredoc provided important services during this most difficult time. It was a hard task to set out the eligibility criteria for this payment but the Government based its decision on certain aspects of all the different roles within the health sector and certain risks which eligible frontline workers faced. Undoubtedly immense efforts have been made by all healthcare staff since the onset of the pandemic which has not gone unrecognised.
555. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49782/23]
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.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, there may be a delay in the Deputy receiving a response from the HSE.
556. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason adults who have spinal muscular atrophy are not being administered medications (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49785/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
557. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health what clinical and financial protocols were used for the decision to take over a nursing home (details supplied). [49789/23]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
558. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health what plans the HSE has to purchase or take over any nursing homes across the country; and if protocols for such scenarios have been put in place yet. [49790/23]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
559. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his position on the draft World Health Organisation Pandemic Preparedness Treaty; if he agrees with an assessment (details supplied) that the treaty is insufficiently human-rights based; if the Irish delegation will seek to enhance the human-rights basis of the treaty; if he will support or propose amendments to ensure that intellectual property rights are appropriately balanced against public investment in scientific advancement and do not constitute a barrier to the right to health and the right to benefit from scientific progress; the process he will follow when seeking to ratify the treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49791/23]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his query in relation to the draft World Health Organisation Pandemic Agreement.
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that the global status quo in terms of pandemic preparedness and response is not adequate and requires revision. As such, Ireland strongly supports a multilateral approach to global health issues with the World Health Organisation (WHO) in a central leadership role.
On 1 December 2021, the members of the World Health Organisation reached consensus to begin the process to negotiate a convention, agreement, or other international instrument to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, commonly known as the Pandemic Treaty. Ireland supports this WHO-led process to negotiate a binding legal instrument on pandemic preparedness and response. The aim of such a Pandemic Agreement is to protect public health and to help save lives in the event of future pandemics.
With respect to the Deputy’s query in relation to the concerns raised by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, I can advise that these comments have been reviewed and carefully noted.
Ireland has been participating fully in the negotiation process and is, along with a majority of EU Member States, a member of the Group of Friends of the Treaty. The Group of Friends of the Treaty strongly supports an inclusive and coherent agreement that would foster an all-of-government and all-of-society approach, strengthening national, regional, and global capacities and resilience to future pandemics.
Alongside fellow EU Member States, Ireland is advocating for an ambitious, fair, and implementable agreement to protect global public health through better pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response for all, including vulnerable populations.
Officials in my department are leading the coordination of Ireland’s position with respect to the WHO Pandemic Treaty, working closely with Ireland’s Permanent Representation to the UN in Geneva, and engaging with the relevant policy units in the Department of Health, other Government Departments, and EU partners on this matter. We value the input of relevant stakeholders, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, and we will continue to take their concerns into careful consideration as the negotiation process progresses.
In relation to the Deputy’s concerns regarding intellectual property rights, I can advise that Ireland notes the importance of ensuring balance between industry’s research and innovation costs, and maintaining a workable IP regime, whilst ensuring fair and equitable access to medicines and products for all during a public health crisis.
As the proposed instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response is currently being negotiated, it is not possible, at this time, to determine the precise legal ramifications of the instrument, or what form the instrument might take. These negotiations are due to conclude in May 2024. Once concluded, the draft Treaty will be presented to the Cabinet for agreement before adoption.
560. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of admissions for RSV to all hospitals in the period 1 September 2023 to 8 November 2023, by age of the person admitted and by hospital, in tabular form. [49794/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
561. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health what is causing the shortage of the diabetes medication ozempic (semaglutide); the reason the HSE is overruling GP recommendations that it be prescribed to their patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49795/23]
View answerOzempic (Semaglutide) is a medication indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Novo Nordisk markets Ozempic in Ireland.
To date, there have been particular challenges in the supply of Ozempic to all markets, including to the Irish market.
Novo Nordisk, has advised of supply issues with its GLP-1 receptor agonist products including Ozempic and Saxenda. The pre-existing supply issues are due to increased global demand for these products and subsequent manufacturing capacity constraints and will continue throughout 2023 and into 2024. These supply issues are not unique to Ireland and increases in demand for these medications and supply constraints have been observed in the UK, throughout the EU and across the world in recent months. Shortages of Ozempic are linked to the increased demand which has been attributed to the off-label use of the product to treat obesity.
Novo Nordisk has implemented monthly allocation to pharmacies to help ensure continuity of supply and equitable distribution of Ozempic stock to Irish patients. The company has issued advisory letters to healthcare professionals to ensure they are aware of these supply issues and how to manage them.
Novo Nordisk is continuing to work on increasing its capacity to produce more of this medication. The HPRA is engaging closely with the company and the wholesalers involved in the supply of this product. This is to closely monitor available stock and to keep the health system and the public informed.
There are a number of authorised alternative medicines indicated for treating adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus are available at this time, including other glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Where this shortage impacts ongoing treatment for a patient, prescribers and pharmacists, in conjunction with patients, should discuss with their Healthcare professional the most appropriate course of action, based on suitable alternative treatment options available.
The Department of Health, along with relevant experts from the HSE, HPRA, Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland and the Medical Council are continuing to work together during this time of limited supply to mitigate the impact of the shortages on patients.
562. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health to assist in resolving the difficult situation a stage 4 COPD and dementia patient (details supplied) being refused care by at least three nursing homes, including at least one with a dementia bed, on the grounds of their "psychiatric needs being too great". [49799/23]
View answerI understand that the situation is resolved to the family's satisfaction.
563. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health his views on the upward trend noted by the INMO's 'Trolley Watch' (details supplied) in the last week; what measures his Department is taking to significantly reduce the numbers of patients being cared for on trolleys, chairs and corridors in our hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49801/23]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004 and the subsequent Health Service Executive Governance Act (2013 and 2019), the HSE is accountable to the Minister for Health. This allows Department officials, on the Minister’s behalf, to interrogate and report on the data provided by the HSE. The Department of Health works closely with the HSE to examine trolley trends, and the question of ED congestion and performance is under constant review by the Department and the HSE. The INMO is a representative body and, as such, the Department of Health has no role in its governance.
Urgent and Emergency Care pressures are no longer just experienced during winter periods and levels of high daily presentations and congestion are now being experienced throughout the year. While significant investment has been driven through Winter Planning and National Service Plans over the past three years, a new approach to Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) planning is now required in response to this changing and increasing demand profile.
This approach is twofold:
• The delivery of an operational plan for Urgent and Emergency Care for the remainder of 2023, which was signed off by Government in July; and
• The delivery of a 3-year multi-annual Urgent and Emergency Care Strategy to provide a Vision and Framework for UEC for the next 3 years, which is currently being prepared for Government.
The UEC Operational Plan 2023 focuses on improving four key performance indicators. There are specific targets to:
• reduce ED waiting times for older patients;• reduce the number of patients with Delayed Transfers of Care;• reduce the numbers of patients waiting on trolleys; and• reduce average inpatient lengths of stay.
The Urgent and Emergency Care Operational Plan 2023 outlines targeted reform activities and initiatives which will run to the end of 2023, utilising current investment in hospital and community settings to ensure better outcomes in Urgent and Emergency Care.
564. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when it might be expected that homecare provision will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49803/23]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
565. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49808/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
The Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
566. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be reimbursed for treatment received under the treatment abroad scheme - EU Cross Border Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49809/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
567. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE radiographers by grade working in both CHI Temple Street and CHI Crumlin in the years 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [49811/23]
View answerAs this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
568. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of maxillofacial surgeries carried out at St. James's Hospital in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [49812/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
569. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant general paediatrician with a special interest in paediatric neurodevelopment and neurodisability at CHI Temple Street in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [49814/23]
View answerAs this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
570. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of lung transplant procedures carried out in the years 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [49815/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
571. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE stop smoking advisors employed by the HSE working in CHO7 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and the locations where these Stop Smoking Advisors are based. [49817/23]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
572. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE secretaries working in the neurology department in Beaumont Hospital in the years of 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [49818/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
573. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant WTE speech and language therapist posts within CHO7; and when these vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [49819/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
The Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
574. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to provide details of the consultation process which is planned to begin on 7 November 2023 in respect of the new Tobacco Products Bill, as announced by him on 12 October 2023 at a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49820/23]
View answerThe Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill will introduce a suite of measures to reduce the appeal and availability of tobacco and nicotine inhaling products to young people. The Bill will prohibit the sale of nicotine inhaling products to those under 18, and establish a comprehensive licensing system for the sale of both tobacco and nicotine inhaling products.
The Bill passed all stages in the Dáil on the 8th November.
I am already in the process of developing further legislation on nicotine inhaling products such as e-cigarettes. A public consultation to inform this legislation will be published shortly. I had intended that the consultation would issue this week but my colleague, the Minister for Finance, wishes to seek the views of the public on the introduction of a domestic tax on e-cigarettes so we will work together and examine both issues in a single consultation.
We know from successful actions taken on smoking and alcohol consumption that the regulation of any public health matter is complex and relies on multiple evidence-based interventions in order to have a successful impact. It makes sense that we should co-ordinate our work on vaping and I look forward to the results of the consultation to inform the legislation that I will bring and to inform the Minister for Finance in relation to the options for the taxation of these products.
