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Tuesday, 15 Sep 2020

Written Answers Nos. 684-703

HSE Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (684)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

684. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in the mid-west awaiting eye appointments by county; and the length of time they have been waiting, whether three, six or more than 12 months, in tabular form. [23418/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Covid-19 Tests

Ceisteanna (685)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

685. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health if patients attending public and private hospitals for procedures have to take a Covid-19 test before they are admitted; if the patient will be expected to pay for the test (details supplied); and if so, the cost of the test. [23419/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, I do not have any responsibility for private hospitals, including in relation to charges that they apply.  The Department of Health does not have a role in the operational functions of private hospitals. 

More broadly in relation to testing, the HSE has developed guidance for the management of planned hospital admissions for non-COVID care which sets out advisory testing strategies for hospital patients. This guidance seeks to provide an advisory framework for mitigating risks associated with the delivery of non-COVID care while COVID-19 continues to be prevalent, and testing provides one of a number of measures that can be taken to reduce risk. 

As with any procedure or test, there will be a cost. I am not in a position to comment on what the actual cost may be in private hospitals, however, I understand that the costs arising from testing for COVID-19 in public hospitals is much lower than the charge quoted by the Deputy. As you will be aware, public patients are not charged for Covid tests in public hospitals.

In addition, I can confirm that the NTPF have advised my Department that no patient is liable for any charge from a private hospital for services arranged by the NTPF. It is also my understanding that the three main health insurers have reached agreement with the majority of private hospital facilities regarding charges for pre-admission COVID-19 testing, while continuing to work with those providers who they have not yet finalised agreements with. The aim is to ensure agreements are in place so that health insurance customers will not be charged for pre-admission COVID tests.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (686, 758, 789)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

686. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if a response will issue to a request by a person (details supplied) to review the green list and travel policy on countries which have a lower Covid-19 rate than Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23449/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

758. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health his plans to update travel restrictions for persons coming into Ireland from the UK. [23849/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

789. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health his plans to update travel restrictions for persons coming here from the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23993/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 686, 758 and 789 together.

On an ongoing basis, the Irish Government continues to consider policy in relation to travel to and from Ireland due to the nature of the virus that has caused this global pandemic and the concerns that remain about the very serious threats to health that can be caused by this virus.

The public health advice has not changed, and this is that all non-essential travel should be avoided at the current time.  The government travel advisory for countries not on the green list remains to avoid non-essential travel and passengers arriving from all other countries are advised, in the interest of public health, to restrict their movements for 14 days.

The Green List was developed based on the methodology used by the EU for making assessments of third countries, adapted to the Irish context. The primary function of the list is to ensure that appropriate public health measures apply to international arrivals.

The Deputy may wish to note that it is the Government rather than the Department of Health that makes decisions relating to travel. The Department of Health provides data to Government on an ongoing basis to assist their decision-making on travel advisories. The Government decided on August 18th 2020 that there would be no change to the current travel advisory. This is subject to ongoing review and the evolving national and international situation is taken into account when considering these matters.

 Given the nature of this disease and the variability of incidence rates, the Government keeps the 'green list' under review.

Question No. 687 answered with Question No. 76.

Covid-19 Tests

Ceisteanna (688)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

688. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE has not provided a Covid-19 testing centre in Drogheda, County Louth; if the HSE will review this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23464/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Covid-19 Tests

Ceisteanna (689)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

689. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will provide a total number of Covid-19 tests undertaken at the testing centre in Dundalk, County Louth, since the centre was established; the number of tests carried out to date at the centre on those referred who have an address in Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23465/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (690, 755, 788)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

690. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the position to be employed by dance schools under the public health guidelines in respect of the numbers that can be accommodated in classes and other pertinent information or clarification that can be provided to this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23483/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

755. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if dancing classes are permitted to recommence in circumstances in which there are small groups or the capacity to be socially distant exists during a class. [23833/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Emer Higgins

Ceist:

788. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if dance classes can have more than six participants if they have the space to socially distance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23992/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 690, 755 and 788 together.

The Deputies will be aware that the situation regarding COVID-19 has been, and continues to be, an evolving situation. COVID-19 is still having a major impact both here in Ireland and elsewhere. The measures in place and the public health advice have been adapted to the changing circumstances and this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future.

Progress has been made in suppressing the virus due to the huge effort of our citizens. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. We all must continue to do everything possible to avoid the virus spreading.

The public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and it provides advice to Government in line with the current epidemiological position. The latest public health advice on these matters is available at the links below and is updated on a regular basis:

https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-health/

https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/

https://www.gov.ie/en/

The recently introduced regulations [(S.I. 326 of 2020) Health Act 1947 (Section 31a – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 4) Regulations 2020], which state that events being organised indoors may have no more than 6 attendees apply to social, recreational, exercise, cultural, entertainment and community events. Additional guidance has been provided in relation to activities such as exercise, sports training, dance and drama classes. These activities should be limited to 6 people and observe physical distancing rules. Multiple pods of up to 6 people in each may operate if sufficient space is available and strict public health protocols are in place. There should be no mixing between groups. Sport Ireland guidance can be found here: https://www.sportireland.ie/news/sport-ireland-issues-practical-guidance-for-sport-on-covid-19-measures.

Medicinal Products

Ceisteanna (691)

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

691. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to cases regarding the drug Duogynon (details supplied); and the research undertaken by his Department on the use of this drug. [23491/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Duogynon (which was also known by the brand name Primodos in the UK), was a hormonal pregnancy test which was never authorised (i.e. licensed for use) in Ireland, although it is understood that the product was available in Ireland during the 1970s, with distribution discontinued in 1978. 

The National Drugs Advisory Board (NDAB), which was a predecessor of the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), received five reports of suspected adverse reactions associated with use of Duogynon between 1976 – 1980, involving congenital abnormalities, for which very limited information is available.

In April 1975, the NDAB issued a warning letter to practitioners regarding the use of hormonal pregnancy testing preparations. This letter reminded practitioners that these preparations had not been assessed by the NDAB and their use as a means of pregnancy testing had not been accepted by the NDAB. The letter also highlighted that these preparations should be avoided, as a firm statement of safety could not be given and other, more efficient, methods of pregnancy testing were available. This correspondence and information was also highlighted in the NDAB Annual Report for 1975.

The Department of Health has not undertaken any research into the historical use of Duogynon.

HSE Staff

Ceisteanna (692)

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

692. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE staff redeployed to deal with Covid-19 by county in tabular form. [23492/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

HSE Staff

Ceisteanna (693)

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

693. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health when staff redeployed due to Covid-19 will return to normal duties. [23493/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Disabilities Assessments

Ceisteanna (694)

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

694. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health the impact on the assessments of needs process of the redeployment of HSE staff. [23494/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way. 

 The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.

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

Question No. 695 answered with Question No. 76.

Disability Support Services

Ceisteanna (696)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

696. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a training centre (details supplied) is expected to reopen; the reason it has not reopened to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23508/20]

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.

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

General Practitioner Services

Ceisteanna (697, 860)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

697. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health when the proposed extension of free general practitioner care for persons aged six and seven years of age will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23509/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

860. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if free general practitioner cards for under eights will be extended during the Covid-19 pandemic. [24169/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 697 and 860 together.

The Government is committed to increasing access to GP care without charges for children, an important healthcare measure that will remove a potentially prohibitive cost barrier to accessing GP care and will help to improve children’s health as they develop.

The Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Act 2020 was signed into law in August.  This Act provides, amongst other things, for the phased expansion of GP care without fees to all children aged 12 years and under. The initial stage of this phased expansion will be the provision of GP care without fees to all children aged between 6 and 8.

The appropriate date for commencing the expansion remains under consideration in light of COVID-19 and the additional pressures the expansion might place on general practice in that context and in anticipation of the usual increase in demand for healthcare services over the winter period. This date will be determined in consultation with the IMO. It is important to ensure that any additional pressures placed on general practice will not limit its capacity to meet the needs of all patients in the community.

Nursing Staff

Ceisteanna (698)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

698. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of public health nurses in County Kildare; the areas covered by the nurses; the number of nurses per district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23515/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Disability Services Provision

Ceisteanna (699)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

699. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when urgent psychology services and occupational therapy services will be made available to a person (details supplied) who applied for an assessment of need in January 2020; if their case can be urgently considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23521/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way. 

The  Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.

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

Covid-19 Tests

Ceisteanna (700)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

700. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 tests conducted to the end of August 2020; the number and percentage which were positive; the estimated number and percentage of false positives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23522/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Covid-19 Tests

Ceisteanna (701)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

701. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health the contingency being made to provide Covid-19 tests promptly to persons without access to cars; if those without cars and who are symptomatic are being advised to take public transport to test centres; the number of test appointments rejected where the reason is that the person selected cannot travel to the test centre; and if he will examine a case (details supplied) in which testing was delayed by a number of days due to no access to a car. [23523/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Charitable and Voluntary Organisations

Ceisteanna (702)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

702. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the annual funding provided to a mental health charity (details supplied) in County Kildare since its inception; his plans to fund the charity in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23525/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Disability Support Services

Ceisteanna (703)

Pat Buckley

Ceist:

703. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the problems Covid-19 restrictions are causing to service users attending an association (details supplied), who are now unable to share buses and taxis, and the pressure this has placed on the funding of the services; if he will commit to additional funding to support the services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23528/20]

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.

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

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