Written Answers Nos. 711-738
711. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health his plans to involve private optometrists in the provision of eye care for those awaiting appointments and treatment under the public health system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5349/21]
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.
712. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health his plans to roll-out the Sligo model of eye care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5350/21]
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.
713. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health his plans to tackle the increasing waiting list for eye appointments and surgery as a result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5351/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last year as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The HSE is currently recommending that only critical time dependent elective procedures are undertaken at this time due to the on-going and significant increased demand for bed capacity related to Covid-19. This decision was made arising from the rapid increase in Covid-19 admissions and to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources are made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work.
Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols. The HSE continues to optimise productivity through alternative work practices such as the use of alternative settings including private hospitals, community facilities and alternative outpatient settings.
In recent years, my Department has worked with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to improve access for patients waiting for high volume procedures, including cataracts. Ophthalmology services are provided throughout all hospital groups in the country, with cataract removal one of the key procedures carried out as part of this specialty.
A key development in improving access to Ophthalmology services was the opening of a stand-alone high-volume consultant-led cataract theatre by the University of Limerick Hospital Group in Nenagh Hospital in 2018, with the intention that it would facilitate patients from surrounding geographical areas to avail of their treatment there. The impact of such initiatives can be seen in the reduction in the waiting times to access cataract procedures since 2018. At the end of December 2020 there were 4,095 patients waiting for a cataract procedure compared to 6,440 in December 2018.
An additional €240 million has been provided in Budget 2021 for an Access to Care Fund, €210m of which has been allocated to the HSE and €30m to the NTPF for the provision of treatment as required in both private and public hospitals in order to address capacity issues in acute hospitals and waiting lists.
My Department, the HSE and the NTPF are continuously reviewing waiting lists with a view to ensuring that services for scheduled care are resumed as soon as it is deemed safe to do so in line with HSE clinical guidelines.
714. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health if St. Brigid’s Hospital, Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary is due to close (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5358/21]
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.
715. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health when the HSE National Service Plan 2021 will be published; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5362/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE formally submitted the 2021 National Service Plan on the 24th November, 2020 for my approval.
I initially responded to the HSE on 15th December, 2020 with the requirement to include the COVID vaccination strategy that had been launched since the receipt of the Plan. Following further detailed consideration of the Plan, I formally responded to the HSE on 31 December with a number of high level requirements.
The HSE formally submitted the revised 2021 National Service Plan on January 15th for my approval.
I am currently giving consideration to the revised Plan and intend to revert to the HSE promptly.
Once the Plan is approved, it must be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas within 21 days of its approval. Once the Service Plan is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas, the HSE will ensure it is published at the earliest possible time.
716. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of lactation consultants in each CHO; the number of CHOs which plan to advertise posts for dedicated lactation consultants in the next three months; and if there are plans to remove any lactation consultants from CHOs in tabular form. [5364/21]
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.
717. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the plans in place to reconsider the proposed sequence of Covid-19 vaccinations especially in relation to persons with certain conditions (details supplied); if there are plans for an individual appeal mechanism in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5368/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra725. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to concerns in relation to places on the list of priority for vaccine roll-out for persons with cystic fibrosis who are particularly vulnerable due to the fact their illness affects their lung capacity and respiratory system; and the steps he will take to resolve the matter. [5389/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 717 and 725 together.
The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.
The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.
The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.
The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus.
The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.
The next group to be vaccinated are those aged 70 and older in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74. Vaccination of this group will begin in February (subject to regulatory approval of the AstraZeneca vaccine).
All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.
The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.
718. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if persons (details supplied) will be included in the replacement for the Cross-Border Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5369/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrior to the 1st January 2021, UK pensioners residing in Ireland who had accessed healthcare under the EU Cross Border Directive were required to have their healthcare costs reimbursed by the UK as this was a requirement of the provisions of the EU Cross Border Directive. As a result of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, the provisions of the EU Cross Border Directive no longer apply to the UK. This has an impact for UK pensioners residing in Ireland, as Ireland now becomes responsible for the reimbursement of any healthcare costs arising from accessing healthcare under the EU Cross Border Directive in another EU/EEA Member State since 1 January 2021.
Separately, as the provisions of the EU Cross Border Directive (CBD) no longer apply to the UK, on the 28th December 2020 the Government approved the implementation of a new Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme. The new Scheme operational from 1 January 2021 for 12 months on an administrative basis will enable persons resident in the State to access and be reimbursed for private healthcare in Northern Ireland by the HSE, provided such healthcare is publicly available within Ireland.
In the context of the Covid-19 Pandemic, persons seeking to utilise this scheme should review and adhere to the public health guidance and restrictions in place at any point in time.
719. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if scheduled cervical screening appointments for persons based in an area (details supplied) have been fully reinstated under current level 5 Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5371/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
720. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the reason persons (details supplied) based in County Dublin cannot access screening services via their general practitioner practice; when these services will resume; if alternative screening services are available to persons in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5372/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
721. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently awaiting appointments under the National Counselling Service in County Laois; the waiting times for each service for choice and partnership approach, CAPA, counselling in primary care, CIPC, and counselling for former residents of mother and baby homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5378/21]
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.
722. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently awaiting appointments under the National Counselling Service in County Meath; the waiting times for each service for the choice and partnership approach, CAPA, counselling in primary care, CIPC, and counselling for former residents of mother and baby homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5379/21]
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.
723. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health the position of patients of a company (details supplied) given the recent positive announcement regarding the CAP and the funding for medications under the scheme; if an application has been received for the company to be part of the CAP scheme; if so, if there have been issues outstanding regarding its inclusion; if not, if an application will be made in the future; the information in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5380/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA prospective supplier of cannabis-based products can apply to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), on behalf of the Minister, to have a product considered for inclusion in the Medicinal Cannabis Access Programme.
Cannabis products that can be used in the Medicinal Cannabis Access Programme are defined as ‘specified controlled drugs’ in legislation (SI 262/2019) and the definition outlines the specific requirements for those products.
The criteria that cannabis-based products must meet in order to be considered by the Minister for inclusion on the schedule are set out in the legislation and can be found in the operator guidance issued by the HPRA.
The manufacturers of the prescribed cannabis-based products availed of by patients (whose clinicians are licenced under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977-2016) from a pharmacy in the Netherlands have not sought to have their products included in the Medicinal Cannabis Access Programme.
Due to current Netherlands government policy, the prescribed cannabis-based oil formulations are not permitted to be commercially exported from the Netherlands but are only supplied in the Netherlands to Irish patients on an individual basis on foot of a valid medical prescription when presented to the appropriate pharmacy.
724. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health if he will consider regulations in relation to the recognition of PCR Covid-19 tests by airlines and at the Border by Irish officials; if it will be ensured when drafting these regulations that tests issued by competent bodies in public health systems are recognised, that passengers will not be obliged to take a test with a certain private operator tied to the airline or otherwise and that measures are taken to recognise or to verify tests with results in languages other than English or Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5381/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEffective from 16 January 2021, all passengers arriving into Ireland from overseas have been required to present a negative or ‘not detected’ result from a pre-departure COVID-19 RT-PCR test that was carried out no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland. Passengers are asked to present evidence of their negative/‘not detected’ result before boarding their airplane or ferry and will be denied boarding if they cannot produce such evidence.
The following categories of travellers are exempt from requiring a pre-departure test result: International Transport Workers (including workers in aviation, maritime and road haulage sectors) travelling in the course of their duties, passengers transiting on to another country without exiting the airport and children aged 6 or younger.
The test requirement for international arrival is given effect under SI 11/2021, which defines a “relevant test result” as any electronic or written form of evidence or record that the person has been subject to a RT-PCR test, administered no more than 72 hours before the person arrived in the State, and that COVID-19 was not detected at the time of taking the test.
726. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to all childcare and early educators workers that are working during the pandemic and the risks in their workplace; and if they will be added to the vaccine roll-out programme as a priority, in particular the group 4 category of childcare workers. [5390/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.
The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.
The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.
The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus.
The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.
The next group to be vaccinated are those aged 70 and older in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74. Vaccination of this group will begin in February (subject to regulatory approval of the AstraZeneca vaccine).
All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.
The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.
727. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if his Department will provide specific guidelines in relation to Covid-19 for private dental practices in terms of personal protective equipment, cross-infection and which aerosol-generating procedures are deemed essential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5401/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has worked with the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) to provide evidence-based advice and guidance on infection control for the public and healthcare professionals throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The most recent guidance concerning dental services, "COVID-19: Guidance on Managing Infection Related Risks in Dental Services" issued on 14th October 2020. My Department will continue to work with the dental profession and with the HPSC to ensure the safe provision of oral healthcare.
728. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health if he will review the supports available to a child (details supplied) whose rare condition is such that they do not currently fall under the criteria to access certain therapies and other supports from the HSE; if he will review the criteria to include the rare condition in question that is currently excluded from same; and the specific supports that are available to the family in question. [5406/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
729. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the engagements his Department has had with the HSE regarding the representation rights of paramedics; if there was discussion with an association (details supplied) as per the direction of the previous Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5427/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring 2019, a branch of the Psychiatric Nurses Association called the National Ambulance Service Representative Association (NASRA) engaged in industrial action. The Psychiatric Nurses Association state that their industrial action is in connection with two substantive issues. The first is the automated deduction of union subscriptions. The second is that the HSE does not engage in negotiations with the PNA or does it recognise the PNA as representing ambulance personnel.
It should be noted that the HSE deducts subscriptions at source for those ambulance staff that are members of a number of unions. These are SIPTU, FORSA and UNITE. The deduction of subscriptions is not a legal right but rather a concession granted to recognised unions.
NASRA, is a group which is not recognised by the HSE and, therefore, does not have negotiating rights. The PNA does not have negotiating rights for ambulance personnel. It is not possible to negotiate with a union which is not recognised as having negotiating rights for ambulance grades.
Industrial relations policy has had a long-standing objective of avoiding fragmentation in worker representation in public sector employments, and the trade union movement generally, to facilitate the orderly conduct of bargaining and other aspects of industrial relations.
Officials in my Department have engaged with HSE management in the past to explore ways forward to see if a resolution to the dispute can be progressed. These discussions have taken place, but an appropriate solution has yet to emerge.
On that basis, the fact remains that the PNA does not have negotiating rights for ambulance grades and hence the HSE cannot negotiate with them in respect of this group.
730. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the initiatives he has undertaken to support and acknowledge the work of paramedics within the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5428/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
731. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) in relation to medicinal cannabis licensing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5432/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCannabis is strictly controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 to 2016, and the Regulations and Orders made thereunder. THC is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. Under the Misuse of Drugs legislation products containing THC are strictly controlled and possession is unlawful except under licence.
The Misuse of Drugs (Designation) Order 2017 states that he manufacture, production, preparation, sale, supply, distribution and possession of the drugs specified in Schedule 1 (including cannabis) is unlawful except for the purposes specified in Schedule 2 of the Order, licences may be issued for research, forensic analysis or use as an essential intermediate or starting material in an industrial manufacturing process.
Policy to date has not permitted the cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes and no licences have been issued for this activity.
732. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he has considered clinical guidance for BreastCheck in relation to notifying women of breast density during routine mammograms; if he will take into consideration a mandate to require BreastCheck to notify women in cases in which dense breasts are detected during routine mammograms given the difficulty the condition can cause in identifying cancer by obscuring and masking breast cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5441/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Screening Service in the HSE have advised that BreastCheck delivers its services in line with international criteria for screening programmes, based on the best international evidence.
They note that breast density measurement is not used in any population-based breast screening programme internationally, as there is no evidence to support improved overall outcomes for the population. In addition, there is no accepted standardised way of measuring breast density or international guidance to be given to women and no specific action that can be taken.
The NSS and BreastCheck monitor new research regularly to review for any potential changes or improvements that can be made: however, the situation in relation to breast density is not expected to change in the foreseeable future.
It is important to understand that breast screening does not prevent breast cancer. However, it helps to find breast cancer at an early stage. A small number of cancers cannot be found by a mammogram, but attendance for regular screenings means that many changes can be found as early as possible.
It is also important to emphasise that BreastCheck is a screening service for otherwise well women with no symptoms. Any woman, regardless of age or eligibility with BreastCheck, who has any concerns relating to their breast health should contact their GP immediately to discuss their concerns.
Any proposed future changes to national population-based screening programmes will be assessed by the National Screening Advisory Committee, which was established in 2019. The Committee’s role is to undertake an independent assessment of the evidence for screening for a particular condition against internationally accepted criteria and make recommendations accordingly.
The addition of any new population-based screening programmes, or modifications to existing programmes, will be incorporated as part of the Committee's work programme following a robust, methodologically sound and detailed analysis of the evidence in each and every case against internationally accepted screening criteria.
733. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health the protocol with regard to control and restraint training during level 5 lockdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5447/21]
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
734. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the current waiting list for CAMHS services in an area (details supplied). [5469/21]
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.
735. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the current waiting list for adult mental health services in an area (details supplied). [5470/21]
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.
736. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the current number of acute beds in an area and current levels of occupancy. [5471/21]
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.
737. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the current number of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, CAMHS, adult mental health services, PoL and rehab and recovery teams in an area (details supplied); and the staffing levels of each. [5472/21]
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.
738. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the variance between A Vision of Change and staffing figures in an area (details supplied) for CAMHS teams, AMHS teams, PoL and rehab and recovery teams. [5473/21]
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.
