Thomas Gould
Ceist:204. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners that were registered in Cork in 2015; and the number currently registered. [42283/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraGeneral Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (204)
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.
Sports Organisations
Ceisteanna (205)
Mark Ward
Ceist:205. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number or sports organisations that have received mental health training by sport, club and gender by year to date 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42288/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (206)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:206. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health when the next phase of a unit (details supplied) is opening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42291/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A 23-bed Intermediate Care Unit in Monaghan Hospital is planned as part of Winter Plan 2020 to provide step down beds for Cavan Hospital patients. As you point out, 5 of these beds have opened and the RCSI Hospital Group advise that the other 18 will open on a phased basis in the coming months.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (207)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:207. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the overall number of consultancy posts currently vacant or unfilled at the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42298/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (208)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:208. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant or unfilled consultancy posts for each of the seven clinical sites within the Dublin Regional Hospital Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42299/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
Disabilities Assessments
Ceisteanna (209, 210)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:209. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time of children for full assessment in the nine CHO areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42316/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:210. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of complaints from parents in relation to assessment of need waiting times that were received by the HSE per CHO area in 2019 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42318/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 210 together.
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.
Ophthalmology Services
Ceisteanna (211)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:211. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of applicants and amount of funding provided to the community ophthalmic services scheme in 2019; the same details to date in 2020; and the average amount of reimbursement provided per applicant in each year. [42323/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (212)
Eoghan Murphy
Ceist:212. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health if specific plans for a vaccination database have been made; and if so, if the database will be centralised and easily updated by general practitioners, hospitals, pharmacists and other relevant groups. [42373/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service Implementation matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (213)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:213. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the reason medical card holders must pay for access to MRI scans; if he will address concerns that this disproportionately impacts persons on low incomes who may then avoid or be unable to seek urgently needed treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42377/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides that all persons ordinarily resident in the country are eligible, subject to certain charges, to public in-patient hospital services including consultant services.
All persons, irrespective of illness or condition, accessing public in-patient (including day case) services in a public hospital are liable for the statutory in-patient daily charge of €80 up to a maximum of €800 in any period of 12 consecutive months, subject to a number of exemptions, including where a person is a medical cardholder.
Medical cardholders are also exempt from the only outpatient charge that applies in public hospitals which is the €100 Emergency Department charge.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (214)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:214. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the details of the eight different public health regions across the country; the number of staff in each region; the grades of these staff; the details of vacancies; the grade of each vacancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42381/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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 Staff
Ceisteanna (215)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:215. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if a lead public health clinician is employed by the HSE; if not, if the position will be filled; the reason for not filling same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42382/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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 (216)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:216. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if there is a vaccination database in Ireland; if so, the vaccines it covers; the department of the HSE responsible for this database; if this database will be used for the Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42383/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to the timely implementation of a COVID-19 immunisation programme, as soon as one or more vaccines in the EU portfolio are approved for use. In this regard a High-Level Taskforce was established to support and oversee the development and implementation of the programme.
The Taskforce is supporting my Department and the HSE in developing national COVID-19 vaccination strategy and implementation plan which it is due to be submitted by Friday, 11 December. I will then bring the plan to Government for consideration and subject to the outcome of this discussion, it is the intention that the Vaccination Strategy and Implementation Plan will be published.
As part of the implementation planning, the HSE is currently arranging for an ICT system to be put in place to deal with the uniqueness of a vaccination plan of this scale.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (217)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:217. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the way in which the Limerick contact tracing centre is run; the persons in charge of the centre; the credentials of the persons; if they are employees of the HSE; the details of the clinical lead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42384/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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 (218)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:218. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the person that is the clinical lead for the Health Protection Surveillance Centre; the responsibilities of the body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42385/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (219)
Richard O'Donoghue
Ceist:219. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the failure to publish a report on orthodontics by persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42388/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (220)
Richard O'Donoghue
Ceist:220. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if he will report on orthodontic appointments and anticipated wait times for 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42389/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Autism Support Services
Ceisteanna (221, 222)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:221. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the last occasion by date and medium by which the HSE was in contact with each school in County Tipperary with ASD units in tabular form. [42397/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlan Kelly
Ceist:222. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the breakdown by date of the last visit by HSE personnel to each school in County Tipperary with an ASD unit in tabular form. [42398/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 222 together.
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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (223)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:223. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if cystic fibrosis patients will be given priority access to a Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42399/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional priority list of groups for vaccination once a safe and effective vaccine(s) has received authorisation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and Department of Health, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
The Allocation Framework was developed to consider how to prioritise different groups. It is based on (1) ethical principles and (2) epidemiological considerations, and takes account of the current and evolving understanding of distinctive characteristics of COVID-19 disease, its modes of transmission, the groups and individuals most susceptible to infection and the characteristics of the candidate vaccines. The primary aim of the allocation strategy is focus on the prevention of sickness and mortality, and to preserve the health of people, by prioritising those at highest risk.
The Strategy is a further component to the State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will evolve and adapt with more detailed information on the vaccines and their effectiveness.
Further information on the Strategy can be found at:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (224)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:224. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to making the wearing of face coverings compulsory in gyms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42401/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, the evidence relating to Covid-19, and the decisions necessary to protect everybody living in Ireland from its effects is constantly evolving. The public health advice relating to Covid-19, including for face coverings, is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), by my Department and by the Government. 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.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, a person, without reasonable excuse, must wear a face covering when using public transport, in retail outlets, shops and shopping centres, in other indoor spaces such as libraries, cinemas and cinema complexes, theatres, concert halls, bingo halls, museums, businesses carrying out cosmetic nail care or nail styling, hair care or hair styling, tattoo and piercing services, travel agents and tour operators, laundries and dry cleaners and licensed bookmakers. Face coverings are also recommended in situations where physical distancing may not be possible, in crowded workplaces, places of worship and in busy or crowded outdoor spaces where there is significant congregation. Additionally, facemasks should be worn in restaurants and cafes (including pubs that serve food and hotel restaurants.
Wearing of face coverings is also recommended in the following circumstances, by people visiting the homes of those who are over 70 years of age or who are medically vulnerable by people who are being visited in their homes by those who are over 70 years of age who are medically vulnerable and if you are travelling in a vehicle with someone you don't live with.
The relevant regulations in relation to face coverings are outlined below and can be viewed at https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/.
- Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid19) (Face Coverings on Public Transport) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 512/2020)
- Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid19) (Face Coverings in certain premises and businesses) Regulations 2020 (S.I No. 511/2020)
- Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (Face Coverings in Small Public Service Vehicles and Certain Premises) Regulations 2020 S.I. (No. 569 of 2020)
- Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (Face Coverings in Certain Premises and Businesses) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 571 of 2020)
The current face covering advice is available at
- https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html.
- http://www.gov.ie/facecoverings.
Question No. 225 answered with Question No. 190.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (226)
John Lahart
Ceist:226. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the number of approved consultant psychiatric posts by speciality; the number filled on a temporary basis; the number filled by doctors not on the specialist register; the number unfilled, vacant or unmatched; the location of these unfilled, vacant or unmatched posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42405/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy with the data sought as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (227)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:227. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he will consider waiving the annual registration fee for doctors, nurses and other frontline staff who have been so important during the effort to protect communities from Covid-19. [42408/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, there are six statutory health and social care professions regulators in Ireland - the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland; the Medical Council; the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland; the Dental Council; the Health and Social Care Professionals Council, and the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council. Funded through the annual retention fee paid by registrants and other sources, these independent regulators are responsible for the regulation of the relevant professions and carry out these statutory obligations to protect the public and to promote high standards in the relevant professions. Under the respective legislation I as Minister have no powers to waive fees.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (228)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:228. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the flu vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42409/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
1.95 million doses of influenza vaccine, including 1.35 million doses of the Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (QIV) for administration to all persons in an at-risk group and 600,000 doses of the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) for all children aged from 2 to 12 years old inclusive, have been made available for the current influenza vaccination programme. The amount of vaccine made available for this winter is almost double the amount of vaccine administered last winter.
Over 1.33 million of the 1.35 million doses of flu vaccine available this winter have been distributed to GPs, pharmacists and other vaccination sites. Deliveries are continuing and stock is expected to be depleted by the end of the year. In addition, over 460,000 doses of the LAIV for administration to children aged from 2 to 12 have been distributed.
Notwithstanding the large increase in available vaccine this year, the full supply of QIV may be used, representing an increase of 35% in uptake over last year. At that stage, sufficient stock will have been delivered for an uptake in excess of 80% in the targeted groups.
Given the demand on the international market for influenza vaccine, it is not likely to be possible to procure additional supply. As a consequence, from the fourth round of deliveries which started on 23 October, GPs and pharmacists have been asked that of remaining patients in at-risk groups, priority should be given to the over-65s and healthcare workers with direct patient contact, in line with WHO advice.
As of 3rd December, over 1.1 million claims for reimbursement from GPs and pharmacists for the administration of influenza vaccines have been received by PCERS.
The significant increase in uptake among those in the at-risk groups, combined with the addition of vaccination for children aged from 2 to 12, will help reduce the impact of influenza on the community and the health system.