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Gnáthamharc

Wednesday, 7 Oct 2020

Written Answers Nos. 219-238

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (219)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

219. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the rules governing alcoholics anonymous meetings under the Covid-19 restrictions regarding social distancing, numbers attending and other restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28981/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Restrictions on social interaction, the requirement for self-isolation and the restructuring of services, are particularly difficult for those accessing drug and alcohol services and supports.

I am fully aware of the vital role played by drug, alcohol support groups and treatment programmes in reducing the harms of substance use and supporting rehabilitation and recovery. They help individuals to build their recovery capital and to avoid relapse into harmful patterns of substance use.

Yesterday I published new guidance for drug and alcohol support groups and treatment programmes and other addiction treatment services. This new guidance will ensure that these groups can operate safely, including at levels 3 and 4 of the national framework for living with Covid-19.

The guidance is available on the Government of Ireland website at: www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/17d32f-drugs-and-alcohol-policy/.

The main points of the guidance are as follows:

1. It is recommended to hold meetings and deliver programmes online or outdoors where this is possible, without diluting the benefits for participants

2. Where it is decided to host a face-to-face group/programme meeting, organisers are advised to undertake a risk assessment to ensure the health, welfare and safety of participants

3. Facilities used to host support groups and treatment programmes should be for exclusive use, where possible, and not shared with other users

4. The recommended maximum number of attendees at level 3 is 15 people (including leaders), with 2 metres social distancing

5. Support groups and programmes should last a maximum of 115 minutes (1 hour and 45 minutes)

6. Individuals at higher risk from Covid-19, or in close contact with such individuals, should only attend meetings that are conducted online

I want to acknowledge the input of supports groups and service providers in the formulation of this new guidance. We all share a common goal for the safe resumption of recovery support groups.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Ceisteanna (220)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

220. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health when training can be provided for the use of an insulin pump for a patient (details supplied) who is in physical possession of same but is on a waiting list for training; and if a report can be made on the way in which such training can be accelerated for diabetic patients. [28983/20]

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.

Primary Medical Certificates

Ceisteanna (221)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

221. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a decision has been made on an application for a primary medical certificate by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28985/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Minister for Finance has responsibility for the Disabled Drivers and Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme which is operated by the Revenue Commissioners. To qualify for the Scheme, an applicant must be in possession of a Primary Medical Certificate.

The extent of the involvement of Health Service Executive (HSE) personnel in the Scheme relates to making a professional clinical determination as to whether an individual applicant meets the specified medical criteria. This determination is undertaken by Senior Medical Officers for the relevant HSE Community Health Organisation, on behalf of the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners.

As the matter of assessment by a HSE Senior Medical Officer is a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Motorised Transport Grant

Ceisteanna (222)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

222. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the progress made to replace the motorised transport grant and provide an alternative transport support scheme to assist with costs for persons with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28991/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

By way of background, two schemes, the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant, were put in place in 1979 and 1968 respectively, for operation by the Health Service Executive (HSE) at a time when there was limited availability of accessible public transport. The Government decided to close these administrative schemes in 2013, on foot of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both Schemes in the context of the Equal Status Acts.

In 2013, the Government also decided to continue payment of the monthly Mobility Allowance on an interim basis, to those who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time that the Scheme closed. Of the 4,700 individuals in receipt of the Mobility Allowance (€9 million per annum) when the Scheme closed in 2013, there were 3,831 people in receipt of the interim payments at July 2019.

At the whole of Government level, the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 sets the overall framework for the equal participation of people with disabilities in society. Monitoring of the implementation of the Strategy is being overseen by the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group which comprises key Government Departments, the National Disability Authority and the Disability Stakeholders Group.

Under the Strategy , the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of accessible public transport and is committed to the continued development of accessible public transport in recognition of the importance of such services to the lives of people with disabilities.

Recent developments which will impact on policy options regarding the provision of transport supports for people with a disability include the following:

- The ongoing progress by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in providing accessible public transport nationally and that Department's public consultation launched on 14 November last, to review active travel and public transport policy, including accessible public transport;

- The Cost of Disability Study currently underway which was commissioned by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection as part of Budget 2019. The research, when complete, will inform policy direction in relation to the provision of adequate supports to meet the needs of people with disabilities, including transport costs; and

- The Working Group established under Action 104 of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy by the Department of Justice and Equality which states that:- 'We will lead a review of transport supports encompassing all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities, to enhance the options for transport to work or employment supports for people with disabilities and will develop proposals for development of a coordinated plan for such provision. This plan will have regard to making the most efficient use of available transport resources.”

Other transport supports available to persons with disabilities in the State include the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme, operated by the Revenue Commissioners; the Free Travel Scheme operated by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection; and CLÁR funding, approved by the then Minister for Rural and Community Development, to voluntary organisations providing transport for people with significant mobility issues.

Covid-19 Tests

Ceisteanna (223)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

223. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a situation in which businesses on the Old Mallow Road, Cork, have approached the HSE requesting additional signage for the Covid-19 testing as persons travelling for tests are entering their premises seeking directions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28992/20]

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 (224)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

224. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will review travel advice with NPHET in respect of Cambodia in view of the low Covid-19 rate and strict inbound travel regime in the country. [29011/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Close consideration has been given by Government to Ireland's policy on overseas travel. It is anticipated that a common approach will shortly be agreed on intra-EU travel, a development I fully support. Discussions at EU level are ongoing to ensure the common approach achieves the right balance between coordination on travel and the public health concerns of Member States.

Until a common EU approach is in place, the Government Green List will continue to be published and updated weekly to ensure that the appropriate public health measures apply based on the assessed level of risk in the country a person has travelled from.

The Government's travel advisory for countries not on the Government Green list remains to avoid non-essential travel and passengers arriving from these countries are advised in the to restrict their movements for 14 days.

National Treatment Purchase Fund

Ceisteanna (225)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

225. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the details of each of the posts funded by the National Treatment Purchase Fund in each cancer centre; the year funding began for each post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29027/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In relation to the funding of posts in cancer centres, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has advised my Department that it does not provide this type of funding. The NTPF is principally involved in arranging treatments in order to reduce hospital waiting lists, typically for Inpatients, Day Case, GI Scopes and Outpatients.

National Treatment Purchase Fund

Ceisteanna (226)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

226. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the governance the National Treatment Purchase Fund has in place to ensure regional and geographical equity of access to services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29028/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) procures capacity for high-volume procedures in order to positively impact waiting time for patients. Such procedures may be procured in both private hospitals (outsourcing), or public hospitals (insourcing). In order to ensure competitive pricing as part of their outsourcing programme, the NTPF works with private hospitals from a panel agreement and engages in procurement processes through e-tender.

In relation to insourcing, a public hospital may have some spare capacity but require further funding in order to utilise it. Such public hospitals may make a proposal to the NTPF, whereby the NTPF pay a fixed price per procedure performed. The amount paid by the NTPF meets the extra costs incurred by the public hospital in performing the additional procedures.

The NTPF works with public hospitals, as opposed to with patients directly, to offer and provide the funding for treatment to clinically suitable long waiting patients who are on an inpatient/day case waiting list for surgery, having been referred on to such a list following clinical assessment by a consultant/specialist at an outpatient clinic.

The key criteria of the NTPF is the prioritisation of the longest waiting patients first. While the NTPF identifies patients eligible for NTPF treatment, it is solely on the basis of their time spent on the Inpatient/Daycase Waiting List. The clinical suitability of the patient to avail of NTPF funded treatment is determined by the public hospital.

The availability of capacity for the specific procedure required by the patient is a factor in the selection of treatment provider, as well as the ability and willingness of the patient to travel to another hospital to avail of treatment. Patients are contacted by their referring hospital with an offer of treatment at an alternative hospital and the NTPF advises that they endeavour to accommodate patients requiring procedures in hospitals closer to home, if they are requested by the public hospital to do so.

Health and Social Care Professionals Registration Boards

Ceisteanna (227)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

227. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an application submitted in hard copy to CORU in March 2020 and followed by an application via email in July 2020 for recognition of international qualifications in the name of a person (details supplied) will be expedited; the time frame for such applications; and the reason the applicant has been waiting since March 2020. [29033/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is an operational matter, I have asked CORU (the Health and Social Care Professional Council) to respond to the Deputy directly.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (228)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

228. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the essential services that are required to close under level 3 restrictions. [29055/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 was published by the Government on 15 September, 2020. This Framework sets out Ireland's approach to managing and living with COVID-19 in a range of areas over the next 6 - 9 months.

The plan sets out five levels of response, each with a number of measures designed to help us all lower COVID-19 transmission, and setting out what is permitted at that moment in time. It aims to allow society and businesses to be able to operate as normally as possible, while continuing to suppress the virus. The plan is framed to account for periods when there is a low incidence of the disease, with isolated clusters and low community transmission, through to situations where there is a high or rapidly increasing incidence, widespread community transmission and the pandemic is escalating rapidly in Ireland and globally. It recognises the need for society and business to be allowed to continue as normally as possible and is designed so that either national or county level restrictions can be applied.

Each level outlines what is permitted for social or family gatherings, work and public transport, bars, hotels and restaurants, exercise activities and religious services. The Framework was informed by expert advice and recommendations from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).

The plan seeks to balance the risks of different types of gatherings against the desire to allow normal activities to proceed in so far as possible.

During this pandemic, the application of the public health advice measures to suppress the disease transmission is intended to minimise the risks to public health whilst striking the right balance in:

- prioritising some activities over others, including health and social care services, education and other essential needs.

- protecting work and economic activity, and other key societal interests such as sports and important family gatherings, thereby allowing as much of society and business to continue as “normally” as possible while continuing to make every effort to suppress the virus.

.As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, COVID-19 spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another. COVID-19 is infectious in a person with no symptoms, or for the period of time before they develop symptoms. For this reason, we are all asked to be extra careful when socialising and working with others. For now, we must act like we have the virus to protect those around us from infection.

Ireland is moving from a short-term emergency response approach to a medium-term approach to managing risk and repairing the damage that COVID-19 has inflicted on society. All counties in Ireland will be at Level 3 of the Plan for living with Covid-19 from midnight Tuesday 6 October. At level 3, the priority is to keep all essential services open

Further information on the public health measures in currently in place at level 3 can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ad569-level-3/

Addiction Treatment Services

Ceisteanna (229)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

229. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 930 of 29 September 2020, when additional funding to support the resumption of drug and alcohol services will be made available; the way in which services will be able to access the funding; when task forces will be made aware of the funding; the amount of funding that will be made available; and if services that have already reopened and purchased additional equipment, PPE and so on will be able to utilise the funding to reimburse their annual budgets. [29056/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Covid-19 pandemic has created a time of uncertainty and anxiety for everyone and particularly for those who are affected by drug and alcohol addiction. The restructuring of services, social distancing measures and self-isolation can be particularly difficult for those who are trying to remain drug or alcohol free and for those who are in recovery.

The Government plan for living with Covid-19 details how non-Covid health and social care services will be resumed, especially during the challenging winter months. This includes planning for the safe resumption of drug and alcohol services, including community-based services, residential programmes and recovery support groups.

The Department has set up a working group with drug and alcohol service providers to develop a 'Framework for the Restoration of Drug and Alcohol Services', in a planned and appropriate manner in line with public health advice. The working group has identified issues on which guidance and supports are required.

I recently met with representatives of drug and alcohol task forces to discuss continued support for their work in identifying and responding to local needs. I confirmed my approval of additional funding to support the resumption of drug and alcohol services including the adaptation of services, premises, online meetings and personal protective equipment. The details of this additional funding will be communicated to the task forces shortly.

Vaccination Programme

Ceisteanna (230)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

230. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans for the delivery by pharmacists of off-site vaccination clinics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29063/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Due to the impact of COVID-19 there will be additional pressures on our healthcare services this winter, and therefore increasing access to the influenza vaccine is a high priority to protect members of our society, especially the most at-risk groups, and to help mitigate the impact on the health services as the pandemic evolves.

To enable the role out of this policy I, as Minister for Health, have signed into law Statutory Instrument No. 401 of 2020 - Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment) (No. 5) Regulations 2020. These Regulations amend the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003 to allow for influenza vaccination to be administered by registered pharmacists in places other than the premises of the retail pharmacy business in which they carry on their professional practice, in order to help address the public health need to increase access to the influenza vaccine.

The 2020/2021 influenza vaccination season will be the 10th year that pharmacists have been permitted to provide this service to patients. Since the pharmacy vaccination service began, The pharmacy regulator, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (the PSI) have carried out a number of evaluations and a user satisfaction survey which have identified that this service is well received by the public and is provided to a high standard.

It was therefore considered appropriate to build on the existing good practice and patient trust to further develop this service, in order to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the public and support the national healthcare system, particularly during this time of a pandemic and to take some of the vaccination workload off GPs.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, there is a public health need to increase access to the influenza vaccine. This need can now be greatly assisted by enabling pharmacists to provide vaccination services offsite from the pharmacy premises, for those who may be cocooning, or in other at-risk groups and/or apprehensive about accessing this service directly in a pharmacy or GP surgery. This has the potential to greatly increase uptake of the influenza vaccine in all the groups, who can avail of the vaccine free of charge in particular those in the at-risk categories, as well as patients wishing to access this service privately. It also enables pharmacists who may be unable to provide a vaccination service on their pharmacy premises during the 2020/21 flu season, (due to requirements for social distancing/staff restraints etc.) to continue to provide this service for their patients and local community, albeit at a different, but safe location.

The current training in place for the provision of vaccination services, which is accredited by the PSI, the existing suite of PSI Vaccination Guidance, in combination with the Immunisation guidelines for Ireland is comprehensive and can be applied to setting up and delivering this service at non-pharmacy locations. Therefore, no additional accredited training for pharmacists is needed at this time.

To further support this practice extension, the PSI intends to publish an additional guidance piece to support pharmacy owners, superintendent pharmacists and supervising pharmacists in planning and setting up a safe and effective vaccination service offsite from the pharmacy premises.

It is not the role of the Minister for Health to set up off-site influenza vaccination clinics led by pharmacists or any other healthcare professional, rather this is demand led and arranged locally as the need arises, in lines with applicable regulatory requirements and clinical and practice guidelines.

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (231)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

231. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who applied for counsellor roles from the recruitment drive be on call for Ireland; the number that were recruited for the position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29065/20]

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.

Vaccination Programme

Ceisteanna (232)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

232. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the details of his plans to introduce legislation enabling pharmacists to administer off-site vaccinations in view of media reports; when the legislation will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29070/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Due to the impact of COVID-19 there will be additional pressures on our healthcare services this winter, and therefore increasing access to the influenza vaccine is a high priority to protect members of our society, especially the most at-risk groups, and to help mitigate the impact on the health services as the pandemic evolves.

To enable the role out of this policy I, as Minister for Health, have signed into law Statutory Instrument No. 401 of 2020 - Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment) (No. 5) Regulations 2020. These Regulations amend the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003 to allow for influenza vaccination to be administered by registered pharmacists in places other than the premises of the retail pharmacy business in which they carry on their professional practice, in order to help address the public health need to increase access to the influenza vaccine.

The 2020/2021 influenza vaccination season will be the 10th year that pharmacists have been permitted to provide this service to patients. Since the pharmacy vaccination service began, The pharmacy regulator, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (the PSI) have carried out a number of evaluations and a user satisfaction survey which have identified that this service is well received by the public and is provided to a high standard.

It was therefore considered appropriate to build on the existing good practice and patient trust to further develop this service, in order to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the public and support the national healthcare system, particularly during this time of a pandemic and to take some of the vaccination workload off GPs.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, there is a public health need to increase access to the influenza vaccine. This need can now be greatly assisted by enabling pharmacists to provide vaccination services offsite from the pharmacy premises, for those who may be cocooning, or in other at-risk groups and/or apprehensive about accessing this service directly in a pharmacy or GP surgery. This has the potential to greatly increase uptake of the influenza vaccine in all the groups, who can avail of the vaccine free of charge in particular those in the at-risk categories, as well as patients wishing to access this service privately. It also enables pharmacists who may be unable to provide a vaccination service on their pharmacy premises during the 2020/21 flu season, (due to requirements for social distancing/staff restraints etc.) to continue to provide this service for their patients and local community, albeit at a different, but safe location.

The current training in place for the provision of vaccination services, which is accredited by the PSI, the existing suite of PSI Vaccination Guidance, in combination with the Immunisation guidelines for Ireland is comprehensive and can be applied to setting up and delivering this service at non-pharmacy locations. Therefore, no additional accredited training for pharmacists is needed at this time.

To further support this practice extension, the PSI intends to publish an additional guidance piece to support pharmacy owners, superintendent pharmacists and supervising pharmacists in planning and setting up a safe and effective vaccination service offsite from the pharmacy premises.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (233)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

233. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when contracts will issue to persons (details supplied); and when they will be remunerated. [29072/20]

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (234)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

234. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the basis on which and at the cost of consultants (details supplied) who have been employed by the HSE for the purposes of providing consultancy services in response to Covid-19. [29074/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

National Treatment Purchase Fund

Ceisteanna (235)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

235. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the National Treatment Purchase Fund funding figures for each of the cancer centres in each of the years 2010 to 2019 and to date in 2020; the variance in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29082/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In relation to funding for cancer centres, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has advised my Department that it does not provide this type of funding. The NTPF is principally involved in arranging treatments in order to reduce hospital waiting lists, typically for Inpatients, Day Case, GI Scopes and Outpatients.

Vaccination Programme

Ceisteanna (236)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

236. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when out-of-hours 'flu vaccination clinics will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29123/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Given the potential for the winter flu season in 2020/2021 to coincide with a resurgence of COVID, and the importance of minimising hospital attendance, the Government has expanded the provision of vaccination without charge to all of those in the at-risk groups, including healthcare workers, and to all children aged from 2 to 12 years inclusive.

Administration of the vaccines has commenced with both regular, opportunistic vaccinations and through dedicated, out-of-hours, vaccination clinics which aim to maximise the number of patients vaccinated in the safest way possible without interfering with the day-to-day running of practices. Special arrangements for the administration of vaccines, such as the dedicated out-of-hours vaccination clinics, will continue to be arranged at the discretion of the GP or Pharmacist in accordance the vaccine delivery schedule and their patient’s needs.

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (237)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

237. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of therapists and the specialties of each that have been redeployed to contact tracing as of 30 September 2020 in each CHO and hospital group, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29124/20]

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.

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (238)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

238. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the funding allocated through the disability vote to pay staff while contact tracing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29125/20]

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.

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