Written Answers Nos. 1333-1349
1333. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when accessories for a hospital bed can be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33183/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1334. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a full homecare package can be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33184/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1335. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the current waiting lists at general practitioners and pharmacies for persons receiving the flu vaccines; the status of the fourth and final batch of the flu vaccine to be delivered no later than the end of October 2020; if further flu vaccines will be ordered to ensure all those eligible for the flu vaccine are covered; the financial supports being made available to pharmacists and general practitioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33187/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has expanded the provision of seasonal influenza vaccination without charge to all of those in the HSE-defined at-risk groups, including healthcare workers, and to all children aged from 2 to 12 years. Vaccines are being administered via GPs and pharmacists, as in previous years.
This expanded programme will ensure that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza will have access without charges. This is in line with the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee and represents a significant step forward in providing vaccination without charges.
This season, 1.95 million doses of influenza vaccine have been purchased, which is approximately double the amount administered last season. The HSE has procured 1.35 million doses of the Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (QIV) for the forthcoming winter. This vaccine is being made available to all persons in an at-risk group and aged from 6 months up. In addition, the HSE has purchased 600,000 doses of the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV), which is delivered via nasal drops rather than by injection and is being made available to all children aged from 2 to 12 years old inclusive.
International markets for influenza vaccine are extremely tight this year, and in Ireland this resulted in deliveries from the manufacturer taking longer than intended. However, the full quantity of vaccine ordered has now been received. 950,000 doses of the injected vaccine have been distributed to GPs, pharmacists, and healthcare settings. This is 10% more than the amount distributed at the same time in 2019 and is equal to almost the full amount administered in the 2019/20 season. The quantities distributed to GPs and pharmacists has been based on the orders from the same sources last year, in order to ensure an equitable distribution. The remaining 400,000 doses will be distributed to GPs and pharmacists in the coming weeks. Given the difficult international market for flu vaccines this year, it is unlikely that any further increase in supply will be possible.
The new nasal (LAIV) influenza vaccine programme for children is well underway across the country. A high uptake of the vaccine in children has been shown to reduce the spread of influenza in the community. Maximising uptake of LAIV in children will also help protect others against influenza in the community. The full quantity of LAIV ordered has also now been received and is being distributed to GPs and pharmacists.
Given the importance of increasing the level of uptake of the flu vaccine this year, GPs and pharmacists are incentivised not only to deliver vaccination to the expanded groups, but to actively seek out relevant patients and deliver vaccinations in a programmatic way, such as through dedicated flu vaccination clinics. In addition to the fee of €15 for administering the vaccine to those in the at-risk group and €20 for the administration of the nasal vaccine to children, GPs and pharmacists will be eligible for an additional payment of €100 for every 10 patients in the at-risk categories vaccinated and €150 for every 10 children to whom the LAIV is administered.
1336. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health when the emergency funding to offset the costs of delivering drug and alcohol services in the context of Covid-19, which was announced during the Dáil Éireann debate on the National Drugs Strategy on 10 September 2020 will be made available to drug and alcohol task force and to community drug projects; the level of emergency funding being made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33212/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 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.
I will be announcing the details of this additional funding shortly.
1337. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if nurses who worked the night shift on 24 to 25 October 2020 that had to work an extra hour due to daylight savings time will be paid [33240/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
1338. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of acquiring a Covid-19 vaccine; the estimated number of vaccines initially required; the estimated cost of administering the vaccine; and the length of time it will take [33250/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraA COVID-19 Immunisation Strategy Group, chaired by the Department of Health, has been convened. The purpose of the Group is to advise on and assist in the development of national policy relating to COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, a COVID-19 Immunisation Programme Implementation Team has been established in the HSE.
Work is ongoing in both the Department of Health and the HSE to ensure the timely implementation of the COVID-19 immunisation programme.
Ireland is currently involved in an EU Procurement Exercise being operated by the European Commission on behalf of member states to procure a portfolio of suitable, safe and effective vaccines, in sufficient quantities, to combat COVID-19.
No vaccine for Covid 19 is yet approved for use. As further information becomes available on potential vaccines, dosage required, their effectiveness and other matters, the estimates the Deputy has requested will be possible to calculate.
1339. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health his plans to resume BreastCheck screening services; if the recent move to level 5 will have an effect on the resumption of his service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33255/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1341. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of contracts approved in his Department in 2019 and to date in 2020 without competitive tender; the details of the contract; the company awarded the contract; and the full value of the contract in tabular form [33274/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is required to make annual returns under Department of Finance circular 40/2002 in respect of awarded contracts in excess of €25,000 without a competitive process. In 2019 there were two such contracts awarded.
Details for 2019 are set out in the table below.
|
Contract details |
Company |
Value (ex VAT) |
|
Irish translation services (a tender competition to select a dedicated service provider from the OGP framework was carried out in 2020 and a contract is now in place) |
Premier Irish Translation Services |
€26,224 |
|
Legal Services |
Liam O’Daly |
€45,000 |
In respect of 2020, details of non-competitive contracts are not yet fully available, however indicative details for 2020 are set out in the table below.
|
Contract details |
Company |
Indicative Value (ex VAT) |
|
Emergency canteen services (A competitive procurement process for canteen services was carried out in August 2020 and a contract is now in place) |
Sambara Ltd |
€268,500 |
|
AV Conferencing System (pandemic response: implementation of conferencing solutions |
Scope AV |
€25,255 |
|
Call centre services for Passenger Locator Forms |
Capita Customer Solutions Ltd. |
* |
|
Distribution of Covid Safety Guidelines to households via national newspapers |
Open Communications |
€58,662 |
*The value of this contract is commercially sensitive as my Department will shortly be issuing a tender for this work.
1342. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the number of applicants for the primary medical certificate programme in 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33297/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 Deputy's question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
1343. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to a medical card holder that is prescribed a drug (details supplied) prior to undertaking a colonoscopy; the actions a medical card holder should take in these circumstances; if there are alternative drugs available under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33298/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1344. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health his views on the situation in which adult day care centres for persons with disabilities are not implementing their new programmes for service users and in some cases are only providing between 1 to 3 days out of 5 although they are receiving funds for the full 5 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25973/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE began planning for the resumption of adult disability day services in May, and services have now resumed nationwide. Public health guidance was specifically developed to underpin the safe resumption of services, and this guidance was published in July.
The guidance developed to support the resumption of adult day services has had to take account of social distancing rules which has meant that there is a reduced number of people in each service location. This means that, when day services re-opened they re-opened at approximately 40% capacity. However, the HSE is committed to maximising the support that can be provided within these restrictions.
The government will be investing an additional €100 million in new initiatives in 2021, bringing the total disabilities budget to around €2.2 billion. Regarding day services specifically, this additional investment will build the capacity of our adult disability services nationally, and will increase day services by one day a week, for those whose services were reduced due to COVID-19. It will also support around 1,700 young people who leave school and training programmes in 2021.
This is in addition to the €7.5 million being made available to support the resumption of day services which I announced in September.
The HSE gathered data at the end of September on the quantum of services currently being provided to individuals, and this will act as a baseline to track additional service levels.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1346. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the status of the planned CervicalCheck tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33322/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraArising from the court cases relating to CervicalCheck, the Government of the time agreed that Mr. Justice Charles Meenan would be requested to review, in the case of women affected by CervicalCheck issues, mechanisms which avoid, wherever possible, women and their families having to give evidence in court.
Judge Meenan proposed in his Report in October 2018 that claims arising out of CervicalCheck could be resolved outside the court process and that a Tribunal be established under statute for the purpose of hearing and determining these claims.
In December 2018 the Government agreed to establish the CervicalCheck Tribunal. The legislation necessary to establish the Tribunal, the CervicalCheck Tribunal Act 2019 passed through the Oireachtas and was signed into law by the President on 23 July 2019.
It was originally intended that the CervicalCheck Tribunal would be established by the end of March 2020. However, establishment was delayed due to the outbreak of COVID-19. A further delay arose in June when previously nominated members were no longer in a position to take up roles in the Tribunal.
There are considerations compelling the urgency of establishing the Tribunal, including legitimate issues raised by the 221+ patient support group when the Tribunal was delayed previously, such as in respect of the statute of limitations, that without the Tribunal eligible women would have no other option to make a claim outside of the courts, and the criticalness of any further time delay for some of the women eligible.
Concerns in respect of the CervicalCheck Tribunal and how CervicalCheck cases would be dealt with were raised with me by the 221+ patient support group at a meeting on 2 September 2020. I responded to the issues raised by the group at those meetings in my letter of 20 October, in which I also informed the group of the Tribunal’s establishment day, and in further letters of 27 and 28 October. Further meetings about the Tribunal and CervicalCheck cases were held with the 221+ group on Friday, 23 October 2020 and Monday, 26 October 2020, and I am engaged in ongoing constructive correspondence with the group.
Although the Tribunal was established on 27 October 2020, all further actions with regard to establishing the Tribunal, including the appointment of the members to properly constitute the Tribunal, have been paused as agreed pending the 221+ group’s consideration of my responses to their concerns.
I remain committed to addressing the 221+ group's concerns in respect of the Tribunal. The only practical impact of the establishment of the Tribunal on 27 October 2020 is that the nine-month period for making claims runs from that day, however this can be extended if necessary.
1347. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the number of times he has met with a group (details supplied) since taking office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33323/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have met with the 221+Group on 3 occasions.
I was pleased to meet with representatives of the 221+Group, on Wednesday, 2 September 2020 to engage in discussion on their experiences and concerns and find the best way forward for those affected by CervicalCheck issues.
I am committed to ensuring and supporting the central role that patients play in the development of health policy and the reform of health services, the 221+Group play a vital role in this regard. The 221+Group provide essential services in assisting patients and next of kin of those directly affected by the CervicalCheck issues through the provision of information, advice and support. In this regard I have committed to approving additional funding to support the work of the 221+ Support Group beyond August 2021 and to appointing a second patient representative from the 221+ group to the CervicalCheck Steering Committee.
The CervicalCheck Tribunal was discussed at the meeting of 2 September and further meetings about the Tribunal were held with the 221+ Group on Friday, 23 October 2020 and Monday, 26 October 2020. These meetings were in relation to the Tribunal and how cases arising from CervicalCheck would be dealt with.
1348. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of public health doctors here; the number that have qualified as consultants and are not employed as consultants; and the number of public health medicine consultants that came home to fill positions (details supplied) [33332/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
1349. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the reason he has not drawn up the proper consultant contracts for such doctors (details supplied) [33333/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraConsultant status for the Specialty as recommended in the Crowe Horwath Report is an immediate priority. It is also consistent with the role envisaged for the Specialists in Sláintecare and Professor Scally’s Report on the National Screening Service ('CervicalCheck') under a new public health framework. I, my Department and the HSE are committed to the early introduction of a new framework for public healthcare, as provided for in the Programme for Government, and to the framework incorporating consultant status.
It is recognised that the pandemic has accelerated the implementation of many of the Crowe Horwath recommendations in relation to the roles of the Specialists and that this will continue under the immediate Pandemic Framework. Teams are in place in my Department and the HSE working on a business case for submission to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform seeking consultant status and remuneration and this will be completed and submitted as soon as possible. There is an amount of work to be completed and we are committed to progressing this as a priority.
The recent decision by the IMO in relation to balloting for industrial action on the basis of a lack of progress on this issue is disappointing and I would hope that we will be able to engage constructively in the next month to avoid any such action.
