Thursday, 17 Dec 2020

Written Answers Nos. 575-600

Disability Services Provision

Ceisteanna (575)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

575. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an immediate long-term placement will be provided for a person (details supplied); the action to be taken by him to accommodate the person and other residents affected; the reason for the sudden decision to close the facility and the complete lack of engagement with the residents and families concerned; the date his Department and the HSE were informed of the closure; and if a process will be put in place to inform all concerned including the staff. [44344/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I thank the deputy for the question.

It is important in the first instance to note that Camphill Communities of Ireland (CCoI) is not closing the Dunshane Camphill Community. CCoI Dunshane accommodates 26 adults with intellectual disabilities in eight residential buildings. Fire safety issues have been identified in one of the houses in the community, and remedial works will be necessary. CCoI have communicated to the HSE and to HIQA their intention to have these works carried out.

CCoI state that the decision is based on careful consideration of internal and external specialist advice, and has been ratified by their board based on the overwhelming requirement to protect the safety and well-being of their residents. There are normally 7 residents in the particular setting. CCoI is liaising with the families of the residents and are putting in place plans to provide alternative accommodation for the residents while the works are being carried out. All residents will be accommodated within CCoI services.

The HSE are working with CCoI in this regard. I will therefore ask the HSE to respond to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.

Disability Services Funding

Ceisteanna (576)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

576. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a grant application by an organisation (details supplied) will be decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44350/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Ceisteanna (577)

John Lahart

Ceist:

577. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the number of local community health infrastructure projects currently under way by CHO; if they are in primary care, social care or mental health; the cost of each; and the expected date of completion in tabular form. [44368/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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.

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Ceisteanna (578, 579)

John Lahart

Ceist:

578. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the number of local community health infrastructure projects completed in 2020 by CHO; if they are in primary care, social care or mental health; and the cost of each in tabular form. [44369/20]

John Lahart

Ceist:

579. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the number of infrastructure projects completed in 2020 in each hospital group; and the cost of each project in tabular form. [44370/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 578 and 579 together.

As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly in relation to this matter.

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Ceisteanna (580)

John Lahart

Ceist:

580. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the number of infrastructure projects currently under way in each hospital group; the cost of each project; and the expected date of completion in tabular form. [44371/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly in relation to this matter.

Covid-19 Tests

Ceisteanna (581)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

581. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the way in which persons who receive a negative PCR test will be picked up by the tracing service further to advice to persons travelling into Ireland that, if they obtain a negative PCR test after five days, they do not need to restrict their movements further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44377/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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 (582)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

582. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he plans to introduce a legal underpinning to the provision that persons travelling into Ireland may reduce the requirement to self-isolate for 14 days if they obtain a negative PCR test after five days in view of the statements by the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment that such underpinning may be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44378/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

From the outset of the pandemic, Ireland’s approach to international travel has been centred on advisory public health measures with the exception of the COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form, which has been a mandatory requirement for arriving passengers to complete since May. The Government is giving continuing consideration to policy on international travel informed by public health advice and the work of the Senior Officials Group on travel.

Ambulance Service

Ceisteanna (583, 584)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

583. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the resources to be made available for the development of the ambulatory care hubs; the location of the first phase of hubs; the reason level 2 hospital sites were not considered for such hubs in view of the fact that many are already dealing with large numbers of older persons and those with chronic illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44382/20]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

584. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the reason Roscommon town was not considered as a location for one of the 18 new ambulatory care teams in view of the current expertise in chronic and geriatric care at Roscommon University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44383/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 583 and 584 together.

As these are operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Maternity Leave

Ceisteanna (585)

Kieran O'Donnell

Ceist:

585. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health if matters raised by a person (details supplied) in relation to pregnant women from 28 weeks going on health and safety leave will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44394/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Given the role of the HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme in the dissemination of pregnancy related clinical guidelines, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible

Hospital Consultant Contracts

Ceisteanna (586)

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

586. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if funding will be allocated for the recruitment of an additional full-time consultant paediatric with a special interest in children's palliative medicine for Temple Street Children's University Hospital. [44407/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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

Primary Care Centres

Ceisteanna (587)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

587. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health when the Edenmore primary care centre will open; and the services the centre will provide. [44427/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I understand that the Primary Care Centre has been renamed in conjunction with HSE Estates and local residents as Tonlegee Road Primary Care Centre.

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.

Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (588)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

588. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when equipment will be made available to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44432/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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

Public Procurement Contracts

Ceisteanna (589)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

589. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the amount spent by his Department and the HSE on personal protective equipment, PPE, ventilators, related hardware and medicines directly related to the mitigation and contingency plans for dealing with Covid-19 since 1 February to date in 2020; the number of purchases that were made outside of the public procurement process; and if the Office of Government Procurement was engaged with and-or consulted on these purchases. [44435/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter I have referred this to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (590)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

590. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an assessment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44437/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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

Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (591)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

591. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if a community out-of-hours mental health nursing facility is available in north County Cork in respect of a person (details supplied). [44438/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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 (592)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

592. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the name and location of rehabilitation detoxification services that have been closed and used as isolation facilities due to Covid-19. [44439/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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

Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

Ceisteanna (593)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

593. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if increased funding will be made available in 2021 to the drug task forces in view of the increased demand for services in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44463/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Budget 2021 allocated €10m in new developments for drug and alcohol services and inclusion health. This includes €1 million for targeted drug and alcohol initiatives through the network of drug and alcohol task forces. This new funding is separate to that previously allocated in 2019.

It is my intention that the new resources should be directed towards new and emerging needs, informed by the mid-term review of actions in the national drugs strategy, and delivered in conjunction with drug and alcohol task forces. I will announce details of the new funding in due course.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (594)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

594. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if the business practice of cold-calling in person to persons' homes is permitted during Covid-19 restrictions; if it is provided for within the levels for the plan for living with Covid-19; if so, the levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44473/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

On Tuesday 15 September the Government published ‘Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19’. This Plan outlines our medium-term strategy for COVID-19 and sets out a Framework of 5 Levels which outline the broad measures which will apply depending on the level of the virus at any given time. It will be possible for different regions and counties to be at different levels, depending on prevailing epidemiological situation . The Plan is designed to help everyone – individuals, organisations and sectors – to better understand, anticipate and prepare for the measures that might be introduced to contain transmission of the virus. The purpose of restrictive measures and associated regulations is to restrict movement so as to contain transmission of the virus.

At Level 1,2 and 3 of the Plan cold calling in person depends on the service being offered, but is generally permitted having regard to specific regulations in place. Regulations are available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/

At Levels 4 and 5, only essential services are permitted and these are listed online (https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/) and in relevant regulations (most recently in Statutory Instrument 442 (Level 4) and Statutory Instrument 448 (Level 5)). At Levels 4 and 5 cold calling in person should not take place. While certain trades people are permitted to carry out works in homes at Level 4 and Level 5 this should be on the request of the homeowner and in accordance with the relevant Regulations.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (595)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

595. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking in response to evidence from a cross-disciplinary group of Irish researchers (details supplied) that a sufficient level of vitamin D helps to safeguard against susceptibility to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44476/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for bone and muscle health as well as to support the normal functioning of the immune system.

Vitamin D can be found in a variety of food such as oily fish, eggs, liver and fortified cereal and dairy products, humans can also absorb it from the sun.

With regard to Covid-19, the HSE advises that those who are self-isolating or who are unable to go outside should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D to ensure a healthy vitamin D status for adults and children over the age of one.

The role of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 has not been definitively established. The rationale for using vitamin D is based largely on immunomodulatory effects that could potentially protect against COVID-19 infection or decrease the severity of illness. Ongoing observational studies are evaluating the role of vitamin D in preventing and treating COVID-19. Emerging evidence in relation to this will be kept under review by the NPHET.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (596)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

596. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the details of the agreement between his Department and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland to commission the recent review by the authority of the national vitamin D guidelines; if a literature review was required as part of the report; if the review referred to the issue of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44477/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

In response to a request from the Department of Health, the Scientific Committee of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) are developing Scientific Recommendations for Food-Based Dietary Guidelines for people aged 65 years and older. This report is expected to be completed at the end of 2020.

In view of media coverage over the spring months regarding vitamin D supplementation for this age group, the Department requested the FSAI to fast-track its advice on this issue to provide an evidence base to underpin public health policy for vitamin D supplementation for this age group.

The full report is available at: https://www.fsai.ie/VitaminD_DietaryGuidelines_OlderAdults_Ireland/.

While the request for advice on Vitamin D sought by the Department of Health was solely related to Vitamin D supplementation in older adults and how best to prevent vitamin D deficiency taking dietary sources and supplementation into consideration, during the course of their literature review, the FSAI reviewed the research evidence relating to COVID and Vitamin D. They assessed two recent rapid evidence reviews conducted in the UK which summarised the best available scientific evidence on vitamin D and risk of COVID-19 (NICE, 2020) and acute respiratory tract infections (SACN, 2020). After reviewing the acknowledged limited evidence base and lack of RCT data, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) concluded that there is no evidence to support taking vitamin D supplements to specifically prevent or treat COVID-19. The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) concluded that the evidence on vitamin D supplementation and acute respiratory tract infection risk was inconsistent and generally did not show a beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation on infectious disease risk.

Regardless of whether vitamin D deficiency is a risk for poor outcome due to COVID-19, the practice of staying indoors is a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency because it curtails skin production of vitamin D by minimising exposure to natural sunlight. The new Department advice for all older adults 65 years and over to take a 15 microgram supplement of Vitamin D daily will help reduce vitamin D deficiency in this population.

The Department has prepared a fact sheet on vitamin D supplementation for older people which can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/706608-healthy-ireland-policies/#vitamin-d

Food Safety Authority of Ireland

Ceisteanna (597)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

597. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if the membership of the public health nutrition sub-committee convened to generate the Food Safety Authority of Ireland report "Vitamin D – Scientific Recommendations for Food-Based Dietary Guidelines for Older Adults in Ireland" included specialist expertise in the areas of immunology, virology, infectious disease or geriatric medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44478/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

In 2019 the Department of Health requested the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, through their Scientific Committee, to develop Scientific Recommendations on Food-Based Dietary Guidelines for Older Adults over 65 years.

In May 2020, the FSAI was requested to fast track the current work on Vitamin D and older people to provide an evidence -base to the Department of Health to underpin public health policy for vitamin D supplementation in older people, 65 plus years. The FSAI was asked to:

- Look at the vitamin D requirements for older adults and their current vitamin D intake status.

- Consider how best to achieve vitamin D requirements, taking total vitamin D intake into consideration.

- Determine the older population sub-groups that need vitamin D supplementation.

- Determine the level of supplementation required within these sub-groups and the appropriate vitamin D supplement.

- Consider any special circumstances.

- Deliver scientific advice for population- based guidance to the Department of Health before the end of September.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (598)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

598. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if an independent expert group will be convened to examine the evidence linking vitamin D levels and susceptibility to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44479/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for bone and muscle health as well as to support the normal functioning of the immune system.

Vitamin D can be found in a variety of food such as oily fish, eggs, liver and fortified cereal and dairy products, humans can also absorb it from the sun.

With regard to Covid-19, the HSE advises that those who are self-isolating or who are unable to go outside should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D to ensure a healthy vitamin D status for adults and children over the age of one.

The role of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 has not been definitively established. The rationale for using vitamin D is based largely on immunomodulatory effects that could potentially protect against COVID-19 infection or decrease the severity of illness. Ongoing observational studies are evaluating the role of vitamin D in preventing and treating COVID-19. Emerging evidence in relation to this will be kept under review by the NPHET.

Departmental Reports

Ceisteanna (599, 607)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

599. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 916 of 24 November 2020, if officials in his Department have concluded their examination of the matter; and the reason for not publishing the Smith report. [44483/20]

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

607. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 916 of 24 November 2020, if officials in his Department have concluded their examination of the matter; the reason a report (details supplied) on the proposed national genomic and genetic medicine strategy has not been published; and if he will publish it without delay.. [44543/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health (Deputy Stephen Donnelly)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 599 and 607 together.

The Donnai and Smith Reports relate to the important area of genetic clinical service as well as any potential national strategy in this area. The Reports and the matter of a national strategy remain under active consideration at this time, and it is important to acknowledge that Covid-19 has led to delays in this area.

Thalidomide Victims Compensation

Ceisteanna (600)

Réada Cronin

Ceist:

600. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the needs and difficulties of persons living with limb damage caused by the drug thalidomide (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44496/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Deputy will appreciate that there are a number of cases concerning thalidomide before the High Court at present and it is not possible to comment on matters that are sub judice.

Following an Irish Government Decision in January 1975, the Government granted an ex-gratia sum equivalent to 4 times the German lump-sum and an ex-gratia monthly allowance for life equal to the German monthly allowance, to each of the Irish children found to have thalidomide related injuries. There are currently 29 Irish people in receipt of ex-gratia monthly payments from my Department.

The German monthly payments are made by the Contergan Foundation, which is established under German legislation. From 1 August 2013, the Foundation substantially increased its monthly payments to thalidomide survivors, including Irish survivors. Both the German payments and the Irish ex-gratia payments made to the survivors are exempt from tax, including DIRT and are not reckonable as means for the purpose of Social Welfare payments. The rate of payment is related to the survivors' level of thalidomide related injury.

In addition to the initial lump sum and monthly payments for life, the supports provided to each Irish survivor include a medical card on an administrative basis regardless of means, provision of appliances, artificial limbs, equipment, housing adaptations and access to a full range of primary care, hospital and personal social services. There is a designated senior manager in the Health Service Executive who liaises with Irish thalidomide survivors in relation to meeting their ongoing health and personal social service needs.

It is important to note that the German Contergan Foundation, which is established under German legislation, has confirmed that since 2013 it is accepting applications from individuals for compensation for thalidomide related injury. It is open to any Irish person to apply to the Foundation for assessment of their disability as being attributable to thalidomide. Any Irish person who establishes that their injury is attributable to thalidomide will be offered appropriate supports by the Irish Government, commensurate with those currently provided to Irish thalidomide survivors.

Work is underway in the Department to bring forward Heads of a Bill to provide on a statutory basis for health and personal social services for Irish survivors of thalidomide.