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Tuesday, 30 Jun 2020

Written Answers Nos. 435-459

Medical Aids and Appliances

Ceisteanna (435)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

435. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when an appropriate wheelchair will be made temporarily available to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12977/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Cards

Ceisteanna (436)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

436. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a medical card will be issued in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12983/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Respite Care Services

Ceisteanna (437)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

437. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if new initiatives have been provided with respect to respite care in the context of Covid-19 in view of the loss of school time which provided a type of respite for full-time carers of children with disabilities; if he has considered initiatives with the Minister for Education and Skills; if so, the initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12990/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In line with Public Health advice, individual respite, except in emergency cases, has ceased on a temporary basis. Some in-house support is being provided based on priority need.

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

Following extensive engagement between my Department, the Department of Education & Skills and the HSE a cross sectoral summer programme for children with complex needs and children in DEIS schools was announced on 12th June. 

The Summer Provision 2020 will involve a number of strands with a range of options available for families and schools.  These will include;

- A school based or home based programme provided by teachers and Special Needs Assistants, similar to the normal Department of Education and Skills July Provision Programme but with wider eligibility;

- A summer camp type programme for DEIS schools;

- And a  HSE led, activity based respite / summer camp programme for prioritised children with complex needs.

The Department of Education and Skills have invited schools to express their interest in participating in the various programmes. Depending on the availability of school premises and Special Needs Assistants, the HSE and its children’s disability service providers will aim to provide a “summer camp” type programme in each community healthcare network. 

Under this programme it is proposed that

- Respite sessions for a child will be limited to 3 hours;

- Each centre will accommodate a maximum of 16 children at any time;

- Each classroom will accommodate a maximum of 4 children at any time;

- Drop off and collection of children would be staggered over a 30-minute period.

It is intended that staff in children’s disability services will provide direction and support for Special Needs Assistants to deliver the programme.  The input of these teams will ensure that the activities are tailored to the needs of the children. 

The ultimate goals of the Summer Camp Programme are to:

- Provide short respite breaks for families;

- Facilitate children with complex needs to begin the transition from their homes to re-engaging with their communities and schools;

- Provide safe opportunities for children with complex needs to engage with their peers.

I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Cancer Services

Ceisteanna (438)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

438. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health when cancer services, including BreastCheck, will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12999/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Facilities

Ceisteanna (439)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

439. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the status of the new 50 bed unit at Portiuncula Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13000/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As 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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (440)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

440. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health when a report into a hospital (details supplied) will be completed and made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13004/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A report was recently requested from Mr Paul Reid, CEO of the HSE, on the Covid-19 measures taken at Mayo University Hospital from the outset of the pandemic, his views on the appropriateness of these measures at the particular points in time involved and his reassurance that all reasonable measures are now being taken to protect the safety of patients and staff in Mayo University Hospital.

A report has now been received from Mr Reid.  The report covers the Covid-19 planning undertaken at Mayo University Hospital as part of the overall work of the Saolta Hospital Group, the considerable challenges faced at the outset and the actions taken to address these challenges.  The report goes on to outline extensive measures implemented as the numbers of patients presenting with Covid-19 increased. 

The report details the 121 positive Covid-19 patients in Mayo University Hospital, and states that all cases of patients and staff where hospital acquired status has been identified will be managed via the incident management system.  The report refers to an increase in the number of patients and staff with confirmed Covid-19 in April, and indicates that the hospital undertook a focused response.  A report is currently being finalised in relation to this outbreak.

As is the case across hospitals, Mayo University Hospital has adjusted how care is delivered to patients, as well as continuously implementing updated national advice. The report indicates that Saolta Hospital Group is assured that the appropriate control measures are currently in place in Mayo University Hospital in relation to the management of Covid-19.  Saolta Executive, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases personnel have inputted to the management of Covid-19 in the hospital. In line with good practice, the hospital also had direct input from the HSE’s Public Health Specialist service.

Importantly, the report also outlines learning identified, and issues that need to be addressed going forward.  It indicates that the Saolta Hospital Group is assured that the appropriate control measures are currently in place in Mayo University Hospital in relation to the management of Covid-19.

The Covid-19 pandemic involved a previously unknown virus that put severe pressure on health facilities in Ireland and worldwide.  The report submitted by the CEO of the HSE provides reassurance that a concerted effort was made to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic in Mayo University Hospital.

Medicinal Products

Ceisteanna (441)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

441. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of efforts to licence the drug patiserin in the treatment of hereditary amyloidosis. [13006/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.  

In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.  

Reimbursement is for licenced indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.  

In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness, potential or actual budget impact and efficacy.  

I am advised by the HSE that it has received an application for the reimbursement of Patisiran (Onpattro®) for the treatment of hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (hATTR amyloidosis) in adult patients with stage 1 or stage 2 polyneuropathy.  

In January 2019, a full health technology assessment was commissioned by the HSE.    This assessment was completed in February 2020 with the NCPE recommending that patisiran (Onpattro®) is not considered for reimbursement unless cost-effectiveness can be improved relative to existing treatments.  

The HTA report will be an important input into the decision making processes of the HSE. The HSE is currently reviewing the report received and has recently met with the applicant company to discuss this.  

Once negotiations between the HSE and the applicant company are complete, this application must then be formally considered by the HSE Drugs Group. The HSE Drugs Group is the national committee which the HSE has in place to make recommendations on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines. The decision making authority in the HSE is the HSE Executive Management Team.

Cancer Services

Ceisteanna (442)

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

442. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will again provide community cancer screening services despite Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13019/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Maternity Services

Ceisteanna (443)

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

443. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Health the stage the HSE plans to allow fathers to be allowed back into HSE pregnancy scans with their pregnant partners; when fathers will be permitted to access the maternity ward during a pregnancy for longer than a one hour duration; if face masks will help the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13020/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (444)

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

444. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Health the plans in place to assist expecting parents with classes online in the absence of physical antenatal class appointments being offered due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13021/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.

Disability Services Provision

Ceisteanna (445)

Chris Andrews

Ceist:

445. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health when services will resume for a child (details supplied). [13030/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Abortion Services Provision

Ceisteanna (446)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

446. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will report to Dáil Éireann by 30 June 2020 on the number of unborn babies aborted under the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 during 2019, which is a legal requirement under section 21(4) of the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13034/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under section 20 (1) of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, a notification of each termination of pregnancy carried out under the legislation must be notified to the Minister for Health within 28 days of it being carried out.  

Section 20, subsections (3) and (4), require the Minister to prepare a report on the notifications received in a given year not later than 30 June the following year and thereafter to lay it before the Houses of the Oireachtas. This report may then be published.

Primary Care Services

Ceisteanna (447)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

447. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the range of services that will be provided at the new primary care centre in Athy, County Kildare; the HSE agencies that will operate a service from the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13035/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.

Primary Care Services

Ceisteanna (448)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

448. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will continue to operate services from a health centre (details supplied) in County Kildare; if so, the list of services that may continue there; and if new services will be provided at the centre [13036/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

HSE Properties

Ceisteanna (449)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

449. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the number of the 16 apartments the HSE leases in a location (details supplied) that are lying vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13060/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

HSE Properties

Ceisteanna (450)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

450. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the length of time each individual apartment in the HSE lease in a location (details supplied) has been lying vacant by month in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13061/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

HSE Properties

Ceisteanna (451)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

451. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health his plans to bring the vacant units among the 16 apartments the HSE leases in a location (details supplied) back into productive use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13062/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

HSE Properties

Ceisteanna (452)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

452. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the cost per month of the 16 apartments the HSE leases in a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13063/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

HSE Properties

Ceisteanna (453)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

453. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has had engagement with or contact from other public bodies in relation to bringing the vacant units among the 16 apartments the HSE leases in a location (details supplied) back into productive use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13064/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Dental Services

Ceisteanna (454)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

454. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health when his Department and the HSE will provide PPE and a range of other supports required by dental practices nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13076/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care free of charge to medical card holders aged 16 and over. These services are provided by independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE. Fees paid to dentists under the DTSS are set out in the Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Registered Dentists) Regulations 2009 and the Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Registered Dentists) Regulations 2012.

I understand that there are reports that medical card holders may have been refused access to treatment by a small number of dentists with DTSS contracts. The Chief Dental Officer in my Department is urgently pursuing the matter with the HSE National Oral Health Office to seek to ensure that no patients are left without a service.

I am aware that a number of dental contractors have given notice of their intention to withdraw from the DTSS but I would hope that those  dentists would continue to honour their ethical and contractual obligations to patients during the notice withdrawal period to either provide a service or ensure that  patients are referred to  a neighbouring dentist who will provide a service.

I would also expect due process to be followed in respect of any withdrawal from the terms of a DTSS contract, in particular regarding an appropriate period of notice.

The cost of PPE should not be a key determinant in decisions on the treatment of patients. The Dental Council advises that dentists should take a case by case assessment when deciding if additional PPE is warranted. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has advised that regular PPE, which has always been used, is generally sufficient for routine dentistry.

My understanding is that a small number of dentists had applied to the HSE for PPE until early May when the volume of requests increased. My Department, in conjunction with the HSE, is examining the issue of the provision of PPE across all parts of the health service, including health service contractors. I am not aware of any agreement between the HSE and the Irish Dental Association in this regard.

In order to support small, medium and larger businesses that are negatively impacted by COVID-19 a suite of Government measures is in place. These include a Restart grant for which application can be made online to local authorities and a Return to Work Safely Protocol designed to support employers and workers to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Health and Safety Authority also provides information and advice for employers and employees in this regard.

Question No. 455 answered with Question No. 371.

Occupational Therapy

Ceisteanna (456)

Danny Healy-Rae

Ceist:

456. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an occupational therapist will be appointed for the areas of Rathmore, Gneeveguilla and the entire surrounding area in view of the fact there has not been one for the past six months (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13083/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.  

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (457)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

457. 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. [13092/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under 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.

The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity, including outpatient clinics. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the World Health Organisation, and the National Action Plan published on 16 March. The trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of non-covid care including more routine care.

 My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to estimate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address any backlog or pent up demand. My Department continues to ensure that the resources available throughout our health system are best utilised at this unique and challenging time.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (458)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

458. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13093/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under 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.

The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity, including outpatient clinics. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the World Health Organisation, and the National Action Plan published on 16 March. The trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of non-covid care including more routine care.

 My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to estimate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address any backlog or pent up demand. My Department continues to ensure that the resources available throughout our health system are best utilised at this unique and challenging time.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (459)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

459. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the protocols in place in the event of the categories of passengers that on arrival at air or sea ports are required to fill in a form and self-isolate for two weeks having a return ticket within those two weeks; if the return date on the ticket will be automatically checked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13095/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The public health advice for passengers arriving into the State from overseas is to self-isolate for 14 days. Passengers do not need to remain in the country for 14 days but should follow this public health advice for the time that they are in Ireland.

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