Written Answers Nos. 938-965
938. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if applications for the Northern Ireland planned healthcare scheme have opened; the location in which information on the scheme can be found; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11859/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1 January 2021, 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, which has been operational for applications 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. Patients are advised to contact the HSE CBD office directly for further information on individual applications under the NI Planned Healthcare Scheme.
Furthermore, patients also continue to have access to health services under the EU CBD Scheme in all other remaining EU/EEA countries. In the context of the Covid-19 Pandemic, persons seeking to utilise these schemes should review and adhere to the public health guidance and restrictions in place at any point in time.
939. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if those in receipt of a UK pension are eligible to avail of the Cross-Border Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11868/21]
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. Therefore, as of 1st January 2021, for UK pensioners ordinarily resident in the State, Ireland became responsible for the reimbursement of healthcare costs arising from accessing healthcare under the EU Cross Border Directive in another EU/EEA Member State.
940. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the date the breast screening programme will resume. [11870/21]
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.
941. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken in order to prepare for new variants of Covid-19 and or other viruses that may manifest themselves from October 2021. [11875/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment has responded proactively to threat of new variants of concern of SARS-Cov-2 and has introduced mandatory testing and quarantine measures.
Regulations have been in place to require pre-departure testing of overseas arrivals since 16 January 2021 and mandatory home quarantine has been in place since 4th of February 2021.
There are currently 33 states designated as Category 2 due to concerns of the risk of variants of concern. Arrivals from these states are subject to more stringent quarantine requirements and advised to contact a GP to arrange a free PCR test no less than five days after arrival. These test results are used for genome sequencing in order to identify the presence of variants of concern in Ireland.
The Health Amendment Bill gives effect to the Government Decision on mandatory quarantine at designated facilities. The operationalisation of these designated quarantine facilities is being advanced on a cross-departmental basis as a matter of priority.
The Government gives continuing consideration to travel policy informed by the epidemiological situation internationally and public health advice.
942. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each group in the revised cohorts, for example, those aged over 65 years with underlying illnesses and so on (details supplied). [11879/21]
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.
943. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health when primary medical certificate applications will begin to be processed; if steps are being taken to address the backlog of applications to be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11892/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme is underpinned by statute and comes under the remit of the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners.
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 for a Primary Medical Certificate, which is a requirement for the Scheme. This determination is undertaken by Community Medical Doctors for the relevant HSE Community Health Organisation on behalf of the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners.
The Deputy may be aware that following a Supreme Court decision of June 2020, the assessment process for Primary Medical Certificates was suspended at the request of the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe T.D.. Following the approval of the Finance Act 2020 which provides for the medical criteria in primary legislation, the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, T.D., issued an instruction to the Chief Executive Officer of the HSE to the effect that Primary Medical Certificate assessments can recommence with effect from 1st January, 2021.
In the context of the national effort to suppress and manage the impact of COVID, the ability to hold assessments is impacted by, among other things, the public health restrictions in place and the role of the HSE Medical Officers in the roll out of the COVID vaccination programme. The HSE has confirmed that the Community Medical Doctors and their teams are predominately deployed to the COVID vaccination rollout in residential care facilities and other health care settings.
I have been informed that the HSE is considering the matter of Primary Medical Certificate assessments in the context of their revision of the HSE Recovery and Restoration Plan, taking into account the pressures and challenges to the health services presented by COVID.
944. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a single point of contact to families of patients in each hospital to alleviate problems that families are having in finding out information while staff are busy assisting patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11896/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy’s question is a matter for the HSE. Accordingly, I have asked them to respond directly to her.
945. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will publish criteria for changes in the level of pandemic related restrictions in terms of number of cases, number of deaths, the R rate, vaccination numbers and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11897/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you will be aware, the public health restrictions at level 5 of the Government's Framework Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 will remain in place until 5th April 2021, when a further review will be conducted. The Framework continues to provide an appropriate mechanism to guide decision-making, and it will continue to be supplemented by more detailed sectoral guidance in relation to measures that apply at each level of the Framework.
On 23 February, 2021, the Government published COVID-19 Resilience & Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead which sets out how in-school education and childcare services will be reinstated in a phased manner from 1 March, with staggered return throughout March to be concluded after the Easter break on 12 April. Information on the revised plan is available here – www.gov.ie/en/publication/c4876-covid-19-resilience-and-recovery-2021-the-path-ahead/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/ThePathAhead/.
The public health advice in relation to Covid-19 is kept under continuous review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), by my Department and by the Government, taking account of the evolving epidemiological situation and available evidence in relation to vaccine deployment, uptake and effectiveness. However, public health advice is that it is too early to say how and when other restrictions should be eased given current uncertainties.
The Government will meet in advance of the 5th of April to review the level of restrictions. The focus of the assessment, based on the public health advice, will be on achieving the following before any significant easing of measures is contemplated:
1. Disease prevalence (case numbers/incidence) is brought to much lower levels that can be managed and controlled by public health and that the reproduction number (“R” number) is such that we can be confident we can continue to suppress the disease e.g. at or below 1.
2. Hospital and critical care occupancy are reduced to low levels to protect the health service and allow for the safe resumption of non-COVID-19 care.
3. Ongoing and steady progress on the vaccination programme such that the most vulnerable are protected through vaccination.
4. Emerging information on variants of concern.
The period between now and the 5 April is to allow for a fuller assessment of the status of the disease, including the impact of priority services reopening in the context of the more transmissible variant. There will also be considerably more data in relation to vaccines which will enable more detailed modelling.
Information on the current public health measures is available here - www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/.
946. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health when the Athy primary medical centre will be fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11900/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
947. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health when occupational therapists will return from secondment to contact tracing in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11901/21]
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.
948. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce safeguards and an appeal system to counteract persons giving false names to avoid fines under the Covid-19 travel restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11903/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSI No. 45/2021 provides the legislative basis for the COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form and sets out an offence where the form is not completed in the manner specified or where false or misleading information is provided on the on the form. These offenses are punishable by a fine not exceeding €2,500 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or both.
949. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of antigen and PCR tests carried out by the HSE for Covid-19 to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11904/21]
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.
950. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with a disability in County Kildare awaiting a HSE-funded residential placement; the waiting times for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11907/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
951. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of children on CAMHS waiting lists by age and gender in County Kildare in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11908/21]
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.
952. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of staff working in the HSE in County Kildare in each of the years 2015 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11909/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter, as soon as possible.
953. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who received an invitation to take part in BreastCheck each month in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; and the percentage of persons who accepted an invitation and subsequently attended a screening appointment in each of the specified months, in tabular form. [11925/21]
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.
954. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who received an invitation to take part in CervicalCheck each month in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; and the percentage of persons who accepted an invitation and subsequently attended a screening appointment in each of the specified months, in tabular form. [11926/21]
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.
955. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who received an invitation to take part in BowelScreen in each month in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; and the percentage of persons who accepted an invitation and subsequently attended a screening appointment in each of the specified months, in tabular form. [11927/21]
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.
957. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health if persons requiring urgent periodontal surgery which they are unable to access in a timely manner in Ireland due to lengthy waiting lists are permitted to travel abroad for more affordable timely surgery under level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11929/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSI No 29/2021 provides for additional temporary restrictions on travel. The Regulations remain in operation until 5 March 2021. The Regulations set out a non-exhaustive list of reasonable excuses for travel to an airport or port for purpose of leaving the State. These include:
- To work, comply with a contract of employment or contract for services, or otherwise engage in work or employment
- To provide services to, or perform the functions of, an office holder appointed under any enactment or under the Constitution, or a member of either House of the Oireachtas, the European Parliament or a local authority
- To provide services essential to the functioning of diplomatic missions and consular posts in the State
- To attend, for educational reasons a primary or secondary school, or a university, higher education institution or other education and training facility, to the extent that it is necessary for such educational reasons to attend in person
- To accompany any other person residing with the person, or a vulnerable person, to one of the education facilities mentioned above
- To attend a medical or dental appointment, or accompany, to such an appointment, any other person residing with the person, or a vulnerable person
- To seek essential medical, health or dental assistance for the person, for any other person residing with the person, or for a vulnerable person
- To attend to vital family matters (including providing care to vulnerable persons)
- To attend a funeral
- To fulfil a legal obligation (including attending court, satisfying bail conditions, or participating in ongoing legal proceedings), attend a court office where required, initiate emergency legal proceedings or execute essential legal documents
- if the person is a parent or guardian of a child, or a person having a right of access to a child, to give effect to arrangements for access to the child by the person, or another person who is (I) a parent or guardian of the child, or
(II) a person having a right of access to the child,
where the person is not ordinarily resident in the State, to leave the State.
958. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the status of the general practitioners' social deprivation financial supports ranking system; the number of applications by county based on five applicant practices; the number of successful applicants; the number of appeals; the number of unsuccessful applicants; the grants awards by county in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11931/21]
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.
960. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied). [11941/21]
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.
961. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the reason a homecare package for a person (details supplied) was reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11942/21]
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.
962. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when construction works on the new accident and emergency department at Mayo University Hospital will commence; the reason for the delay in commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11949/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
963. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health when the roll-out of the school vaccine programme for junior infants will recommence; the recommended timeframe within which the vaccines can be delivered to ensure their greatest efficacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11952/21]
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.
964. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the number of staff based in speech and language therapy that are currently redeployed to other duties by CHO; the corresponding figures for each month from January 2020 to March 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11953/21]
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.
965. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health when all general practitioners in the Dublin 7 and 15 areas will receive the Covid-19 vaccine for the over 85s; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11956/21]
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.
