Written Answers Nos. 586-605
586. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the meetings held by his officials from assistant principal level upwards with representatives of the food industry in 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; the dates, attendees and matters that were discussed at each meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52026/23]
View answerSince 1st January 2020 to the present date, five meetings, which included officials at AP Grade or higher, have taken place with representatives of the food industry (see attached table for details).
The Department is coordinating the development of an Irish position on the EU’s proposed changes to the Food Information to Consumers (FIC) Regulation, which is aimed at better informing consumers so they can make informed decisions in support of a healthy and sustainable diet and the reduction of food waste. Three meetings were held on 16th February 2022, 20th June 2022 and 1st June 2023 with Food Drink Ireland (FDI) relating to the proposed changes.
In addition to these meetings, on 12th May 2022, the Department of Health, assisted by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland held an event to gather stakeholders’ views on the EU Commission’s proposed revision of the Food Information to Consumers (FIC) Regulation. In accordance with GDPR guidelines, personal details of individual attendees at this event have not been retained on file.
Engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives of the food industry, is an important element of informing and implementing policy around child and adult obesity as outlined in the Obesity Policy and Action Plan. Two meetings with Food Drink Ireland have taken place since mid-2020, one with then Minister of State Feighan and Department of Health officials on 12 November 2020 and one with Department of Health officials on 12 October 2021.
The relevant details- dates, attendees and matters discussed- as requested by the Deputy are set out in the attached document.
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Department of Health Food Unit meetings with Food Industry 2020-2023 |
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Date |
Topics for discussion |
Attendees |
Meeting |
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12-11-2020 |
Matters discussed relating to child and adult obesity: Update on progress under Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP) Food Labelling Wellbeing Healthy Eating Guidelines for 1-5 Year Olds |
Department of Health Frank Feighan, T.D. Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing & the National Drugs Strategy Blaine Gaffney, Minister Feighan’s Office Audrey Hagerty, (Principal Officer) Ciara Mellett, (Head of Healthy Ireland Programme) Ursula O’Dwyer, (Health Promotion Policy Advisor) Seamus O’Reilly, (AP) Food Drink Ireland Director, Food Drink Ireland Director of Prepared Consumer Foods, Food Drink Ireland Director of Corporate Affairs, Danone Ireland, and Chair of the Food Drink Ireland Public Affairs Group Executive, Food Drink Ireland |
Virtual |
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12-10-2021 |
Matters discussed relating to child and adult obesity: Update on the consultation issued by the FSAI in February 2021: ‘Food Information to Consumers - Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling, Nutrient Profiles, Origin Labelling and Date Marking’; Progress on the Voluntary Codes of Practice for food marketing; Update of progress under the Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP). |
Department of Health Tom James, Head of Health and Wellbeing Ursula O’Dwyer (Health Promotion Policy Advisor) Seamus O’Reilly,(AP) Food Drink Ireland Director of Prepared Consumer Foods, Food Drink Ireland Director of Corporate Affairs, Danone Ireland, and Chair of the Food Drink Ireland Public Affairs Group Executive, Food Drink Ireland |
Virtual |
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16-02-2022 |
Food Drinks Ireland (FDI) views about the EU Commission’s proposed Food Information to Consumers (FIC) Revision Package. |
Department of Health Food Unit: Louise Kissane (Principal Officer); Anne Barry Reidy (Administrative Officer);Caroline Gibbons (Executive Officer); Ursula O'Dwyer (National Health Promotion Policy Advisor, Healthy Ireland). Food Safety Authority of Ireland: Senior Technical Executive, Regulatory Affairs & Compliance Building). Food Drink Ireland (FDI) Prepared Consumer Foods (PCF) Director; PCF, Executive; Irish Beverage Council, Director; Dairy Industry Official. |
Virtual |
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20-06-2022 |
FDI views about the FIC Revision Package. |
Department of Health Louise Kissane (Principal Officer); Tommy Wilson (AP); Carolyn Phillis (AP); Caroline Gibbons (EO); Ursula O’Dwyer (National Health Promotion Policy Advisor, Healthy Ireland); FDI PCF Director; Regulatory Executive; |
In-person |
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01-06-2023 |
1. Front of Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) 2. Reformulation 3. Responsible Marketing and Advertising |
Department of Health Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton; Paul Melia, Advisor; Louise Kissane, PO (Food Unit); Catherine Curran, AP (Health & Wellbeing Unit); FDI Director; Deputy Director; and Chairperson. |
In-person |
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Department of Health Food Unit Stakeholder Event with Industry 2022-2023 |
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Date |
Topics for discussion |
Attendees |
Event |
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12-05-2022 |
Stakeholder event where representatives from health interest groups, industry and environmental groups discussed the FIC Revision Package. |
Industry Groups Represented · Food Drink Ireland; · Irish Cooperative Organisation Society; · Lidl; · Meat Industry Ireland; · Drinks Ireland; · Dunnes Stores; · Irish Distillers Association; · Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association; · Dairy Industry Ireland; · CAIS - Association of Irish Farmhouse Cheesemakers; · Musgraves; · Ornua; · Irish Farmers Association; |
Hybrid |
587. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the meetings held by his officials from assistant principal-level upwards with representatives of the tobacco and nicotine inhaling products industry in 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; the dates, attendees and matters that were discussed at each meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52027/23]
View answerNo officials from my Department have met with representatives of the tobacco and nicotine inhaling products industry in 2020, 2021, 2022 or to date in 2023.
Article 5.3 of the World Health Organisation's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, to which Ireland is a party, states: 'In setting and implementing their public health policies with respect to tobacco control, Parties shall act to protect these policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry in accordance with national law.'
In this context it would not be appropriate for any officials from the Department of Health to meet with industry representatives.
588. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied) who, having been referred to Croom Orthopaedic Hospital, Limerick by their GP for an appointment regarding an injury to their ankle, has yet to receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52072/23]
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, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
589. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he has evaluated the dexcom diabetes treatment pillars, which have been submitted for consideration by the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he is in a position to put them into action. [52073/23]
View answerThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement under the community schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including clinical efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact.
Both the Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 are currently available to eligible persons for the purpose of glucose monitoring.
The Health Information and Quality Authority completed a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in respect of the provision of glucose monitoring systems to adults with Type I diabetes in Ireland. This was published on 29 September 2023.
The HSE has accepted the recommendations made in the HTA and is currently designing a single managed access programme for glucose monitoring systems with clearly defined eligibility criteria.
590. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if a place in a facility will be expedited for a person (details supplied) following discharge from Cavan General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52074/23]
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.
591. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health if he has appointed a rare disease liaison within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52093/23]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to doing everything possible to assist people living with a rare disease.
Significant progress has been achieved under the National Rare Disease Plan 2014-2018, including the establishment of the HSE National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases and a National Rare Disease Office (NRDO).
A Rare Disease Policy unit has been established in my Department who liaise with the National Rare Disease Office in the HSE and relevant stakeholders.
In February I announced a strategy/plan to develop a revised National Rare Disease Plan, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. Initial work for the new strategy/plan has commenced, and a Steering Group to progress the new Strategy/Plan is expected to be convened in December.
The voice of patients and families will be central to the development of this policy. A patient liaison officer with a special focus on rare diseases will also be considered within the HSE as part of this new strategy/plan.
The NRDO established a National Rare Disease Information Line which provides current and evidenced based information on rare conditions and signposts to available rare disease expertise in Ireland and Europe.
Patients can also seek information, advice, and support through the Patient Advocacy Service. This free and confidential service, independent of the HSE, provides information and support to people who want to make a complaint about an experience they have had in a HSE public acute hospital through the HSE’s Your Service Your Say process.
Responding effectively to comments, compliments and complaints received and learning from them is key to providing high quality customer focused services. As such, Patient Liaison Officers are located in each Hospital Group and CHO to support service users and staff in the implementation of the complaints management process.
592. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the formulation of an updated national rare disease plan; if the plan will be published within the lifetime of this Government as per the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52094/23]
View answer611. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the current status on the draft National Rare Disease Plan for the period post 2018; when this plan will be published; the reason for the delay in publishing the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52176/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 592 and 611 together.
In February, on Rare Diseases Day, I announced a plan to develop a revised National Rare Disease Plan, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government.
Initial work for the new plan has commenced, and a Steering Group to progress the new plan will be convened in December.
The development of a new Plan will allow us to consider areas of the previous Plan that need to be further progressed, while also looking to the future and the needs of those patients and families living with a rare disease diagnosis.
Regarding the launch and publishing of the New National Rare Diseases Plan, while it is expected to be launched by Q3 2024, it will be dependent on the work of the Steering Group in the development of the Plan.
593. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health to publish the number of unimplemented actions from the National Rare Disease Plan 2014-2018; to outline each unimplemented action, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52095/23]
View answer594. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health how his Department in reviewing the unimplemented actions of the National Rare Disease Plan 2014-2018; whether he intends to publish this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52096/23]
View answer612. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the progress to date on each of the recommendations in the National Rare Disease Plan for Ireland 2014 - 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52177/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 593, 594 and 612 together.
An update on the current state of each of the 2014-2018 National Rare Diseases plan’s 48 recommendations has been completed by the Department of Health and provides a moment-in-time update on each of the recommendations. While a number of areas for improvement remain, various actions have been implemented from the 2014-2018 plan and significant resources invested in this area in recent years.
Principal among those actions was the establishment of the National Rare Disease Office (NRDO) in the HSE. The NRDO is the national rare disease ‘coordination hub’ and the HSE main contact and driver of rare disease initiatives and projects. The NRDO is committed to informing, supporting and empowering people affected by rare conditions, their families/caregivers and healthcare professionals.
The HSE National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases published the HSE ‘Model of Care for Transition from Paediatric to Adult Healthcare Providers in Rare Diseases’ in 2018, and the “Model of Care for Rare Diseases” in 2019. The work of the National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases has now been mainstreamed into standard operations.
The review of the 2014-2018 Plan will inform the work of the Steering Group to develop the new Plan when it convenes in December. It is expected that the Review will be published as part of the Steering Group meeting documents in due course.
595. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health if he intends to support the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) (Amendment) Bill 2021 to provide for a dedicated pathway for the reimbursement of orphan medicinal products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52097/23]
View answer597. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the next steps of a working group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52099/23]
View answer598. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health his views on whether legislative change is required to improve Ireland's reimbursement system for orphan medicinal products. [52100/23]
View answer599. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health if he supports interim access reimbursement models which allow early access to rare and ultra-rare disease medicines, as utilised in Scotland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52101/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 595, 597, 598 and 599 together.
The Health Service Executive (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.
The HSE is committed to providing access to as many medicines as possible, in as timely a fashion as possible.
The HSE robustly assesses applications for pricing and reimbursement to make sure it can stretch available resources as far as possible and to deliver best value in relation to each medicine and ultimately more medicines to Irish citizens and patients.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). There are formal processes which govern applications for the pricing and reimbursement of medicines, and new uses of existing medicines, to be funded and/or reimbursed.
In February, I published the Mazars Review which examined the governance arrangements around the HSE’s Drug Pricing and Reimbursement Process. The Report found that the reimbursement process is operating in line with the legislation and that it is delivering results in line with international norms. I fully support the recommendations contained in the Mazars report around improving the process, increasing transparency, providing easier access, and supporting value for money.
An implementation group has been established between my Department and the HSE to consider and progress the various recommendations contained in the Report. The membership of the Group includes representatives of the Drugs Group, the HSE, the NCPE, and the Department of Health. The Working Group has met frequently since its establishment, to consider the involvement of patients, industry, and clinicians, in each stage of the reimbursement process.
Targeted stakeholder consultation commenced on the 31st of May and concluded on the 20th of June. The insights gained from stakeholders have been considered by the Group as it continues its work on progressing the various recommendations of the Review. The Group’s work is now nearing completion and a report on this will be submitted to me in the coming months.
596. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health his views on an indicator survey (details supplied) showing Irish patients are waiting an average of 877 days to access EMA-approved orphan medicinal products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52098/23]
View answerThe Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 provides a rigorous process for the assessment of new medicines for reimbursement. This allows taxpayers to be confident both that the right medicines are chosen, and that those medicines are approved at a price that can sustainably be afforded in a budget-limited health service. Economic assessment is valuable to stretch the funds granted to the HSE as far as possible, allowing them to provide a range of services as well as innovative medicines for all citizens.
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Reimbursement is for licenced indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the Health Products Regulatory Authority. In line with the 2013 Act, and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must first submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
The timing of company applications for reimbursement in different countries can vary for a number of reasons, not least the available market share in each country. Once a company responsible for the commercialisation of a new medicine receives market authorisation, it can apply for reimbursement in the country (or countries) of its choice. Ireland, by virtue of its size and market share, may not always be prioritised by a company in the first stages of marketing a new product. Describing timelines for reimbursement from EMA approval to HSE reimbursement approval does not consider this important factor and misrepresents the process, as statutorily the HSE would not be able to approve or assess a drug until an application for reimbursement was received.
When an application is made to have a product added to the reimbursement list in Ireland, the HSE is required, under the 2013 Act, to decide within 180 days of receiving the application, to either add the medicine to the reimbursement list or refuse to reimburse the medicine. In assessing the application, the HSE is required to consider a range of criteria including the magnitude of the clinical effect, cost effectiveness, budget impact, opportunity cost and unmet need.
The principal factors in determining the speed of reimbursement are the price at which a manufacturer applies for the reimbursement of a product and the outcome of the HSE’s rigorous assessment process as to its clinical and cost-effectiveness.
In terms of the time taken from application to a decision on reimbursement, the HSE advise that the biggest impediments to achieving the 180-day timeline is often the failure of companies to provide sufficient evidence to support the efficacy of some medicines, and the need for the HSE to get involved in protracted negotiations in seeking to achieve better prices for the State.
The pricing and reimbursement of medicines is a national competence. Different pharmaceutical reimbursement systems are currently in place across the EU. As Member States operate different systems, a direct comparison of the reimbursement of products is not possible.
600. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if the HSE recruitment freeze exemptions will also cover CDNT managers; if not, why not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52103/23]
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.
601. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the provision of a Parkinson’s nurse specialist for Waterford and Tipperary University Hospitals, following a funding allocation under Budget 2023 for the provision of 22 neurologist speciality nurses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52110/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
602. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health what measures he is taking to ensure that children who require treatment from a paediatric orthopaedic consultant in Temple Street will get the treatment they require; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52113/23]
View answerAs this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
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.
603. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health if he will consider widening the eligibility for further Covid-19 vaccines to more age groups; if he will consider reinstating PCR testing for Covid-19; what steps he will take to ensure there is better data on the prevalence of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52115/23]
View answerThe scope of the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme continues to be based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The HSE is currently implementing the Autumn/Winter programme and the rollout will see a further booster rolled out to the following cohorts;
•those aged 50 years and older
•those aged 5-49 years with immunocompromise associated with a suboptimal response to vaccination
•those aged 5-49 years with medical conditions associated with a higher risk of Covid-19 hospitalisation, severe disease or death
•health and care workers
The NIAC has also advised that pregnant adolescents and adults should receive a Covid -19 booster vaccine once in pregnancy if it is more than six months since their previous Covid -19 vaccine or infection.
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.
Public health advice relating to Covid -19 is available on the website of the HSE. This advice is kept under continuing review.
The public health rationale for testing, case finding and tracing of infection to reduce Covid -19 transmission is focused on mitigation of the severe impacts of Covid -19 for those most vulnerable to the disease and those with risk factors who may benefit from specific interventions. Testing for Covid -19 is now operated on a sustainable model similar to the model that exists for other respiratory diseases. Testing is no longer needed unless a GP or healthcare worker advises you to have one or under the direction of Public Health in the HSE. Anybody who has concerns about an underlying condition or their level of risk in relation to Covid -19 should seek advice from their GP or treating clinician.
The targeted approach for Covid -19 testing now in place supports clinical assessment, diagnosis and management of individual “at risk” patients. This may include, for example, when a clinician is considering access to a specific therapeutic intervention. In common with most other infectious diseases, the HSE now operates a comprehensive disease surveillance-based model in line with public health guidance.
Additional resources have also been provided to the HSE to ensure enhancements are put in place to existing infectious disease surveillance systems in the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). Eighty-nine new posts in disease surveillance have been created with 55 of these already recruited. The HPSC is delivering an enhanced, integrated public health surveillance system for a range of respiratory pathogens (SARS-CoV-2, influenza, RSV etc.) This includes, for example, prioritising improvements to disease surveillance programmes such as expansion and strengthening of GP sentinel surveillance, Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) surveillance and establishment of a Biostatistics and Modelling Unit at the HPSC and strengthening of other surveillance systems that support Covid -19 surveillance. In addition, Wastewater Surveillance and Whole Genome Sequencing programmes remain in place and operational. This ensures effective monitoring and signalling of what is happening with infectious diseases at population level, so that we can better understand disease transmission and severity along with population immunity and risk.
604. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he expedite an appointment for a person (details supplied) to see a physiotherapist in Cavan General Hospital;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52120/23]
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 reply from the HSE.
605. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52123/23]
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.
