Thomas Gould
Ceist:965. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners who left employment, by county, in each of the years 2015 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [16681/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraGeneral Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (965)
Freagraí scríofa
General practitioners are private practitioners, while most hold a GMS contract with the HSE to provide medical services on its behalf to medical card and GP visit card holders without charge, they are not employed by the HSE. I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the number of GMS GPs that have retired or otherwise vacated their GMS panel.
General Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (966)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:966. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners who were recruited as interns or newly qualified in each of the years 2015 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [16682/21]
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.
General Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (967)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:967. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners recruited through means other than new qualification or internship, by county, in each of the years 2015 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [16683/21]
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 (968)
Denise Mitchell
Ceist:968. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be administered a vaccine. [16684/21]
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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (969)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:969. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason prescriptions are again required to be collected weekly, after being changed to monthly collections at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. [16689/21]
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.
Abortion Services
Ceisteanna (970)
Mick Barry
Ceist:970. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health the measures he will take to urgently ensure that all those facing diagnoses of fatal foetal abnormality will not have to travel to access a termination of the pregnancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16696/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Section 11 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 sets out the law in Ireland on access to termination of pregnancy in cases where there is a condition present affecting the foetus that is likely to lead to the death of the foetus before or within 28 days of birth. It requires the involvement of two medical practitioners, one of whom must be an obstetrician and the other a medical practitioner of a relevant specialty. Both must examine the pregnant woman and both must certify their reasonable opinion, formed in good faith that the termination of pregnancy can be carried out. The termination of pregnancy must then be carried out by the certifying obstetrician, or in cases where the second certifying doctor is also an obstetrician, either one may carry out the procedure.
The provisions in the 2018 Act reflect the recommendations made by the Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution, published in December 2017.
The operation of the legislation is a matter for attending clinicians. The appropriate medical body, the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Obstetricians based in the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, has published Clinical Guidance on Termination of Pregnancy in a number of scenarios, including the Pathway for Management of Fatal Fetal Abnormalities and/or Life-Limiting Conditions Diagnosed During Pregnancy .
Services for termination of pregnancy under the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 have continued to function during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (971)
Mick Barry
Ceist:971. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health the names of the companies that have been awarded contracts to manage detention centres related to mandatory Covid-19 quarantine; the cost of these contracts to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16698/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Given the necessity to establish the mandatory quarantine services in an expedited timeframe, an initial scoping exercise was conducted, involving a number of market operators. These initial proposals were reviewed based on the capability to deliver the broad suite of services involved, capacity to deliver in an expedited timescale, and the proposed cost models.
The contract was awarded to Tifco based on their capability to deliver the broad suite of services involved, their capacity to deliver in an expedited timescale, and their proposed cost model. The contractual arrangement and cost model agreed with the provider is commercially sensitive.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (972)
Mick Barry
Ceist:972. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health the measures he has taken to ensure that those who are subjected to mandatory quarantine under the Covid-19 quarantine regulations will have access to consular assistance, legal services and medical services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16699/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All guests undergoing mandatory quarantine in a designated facility are being provided with access to a 24/7 on-site healthcare team who hold clinical responsibility for their wellbeing during their stay. The on-site health team are available to address any wellbeing concerns of guests through both scheduled check-ins during a guest's stay as well as through direct engagement if requested. Additionally, the hotel service provider has put in place a number of services to support guest wellbeing, such as guided exercise and yoga programmes, music playlists and access to the hotel's entertainment services.
Guests who wish to access other services, such as consular services or private legal services, may arrange to do so through normal channels. The hotel service provider will endeavour to facilitate any requests for assistance in accessing such channels, such as by arranging for translation services if requested.
The State Liaison Officer (SLO) will have staff onsite 24/7 at each designated facility to liaise between guests and the service provider if required.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (973)
Mick Barry
Ceist:973. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health the training that those working in the detention facilities related to Covid-19 quarantine will be obliged to undertake; if there will be an obligation for human rights training, cultural awareness training and mental health awareness training; if a certain cohort of the staff will have medical training and language skills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16700/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE has provided persons working in mandatory quarantine facilities extensive training via webinars and video presentations on a number of key quarantine protocols. This training was provided to promote risk reduction in the environment at the facility for both guests and staff.
The training included Infection Prevention and Control principles, proper use of personal protected equipment, disinfection and cleaning requirements relating to COVID-19, practical information about maintaining Infection Prevention and Control in a working environment, COVID-19 transmission, COVID-19 testing procedures, ventilation requirements for rooms, vaccination information and measures for transferring guests to a facility.
All guests undergoing mandatory quarantine in a designated facility are being provided with access to a 24/7 on-site medically qualified healthcare team who hold clinical responsibility for their wellbeing during their stay. The on-site health team are available to address any wellbeing concerns of guests through both scheduled check-ins during a guest's stay as well as through direct engagement if requested. Additionally, the hotel service provider has put in place a number of services to support guest wellbeing, such as guided exercise and yoga programmes, music playlists and access to the hotel's entertainment services.
Guests who wish to access other services, such as consular services or private legal services, may arrange to do so through normal channels. The hotel service provider will endeavour to facilitate any requests for assistance in accessing such channels, such as by arranging for translation services if requested.
The State Liaison Officer (SLO) will have staff onsite 24/7 at each designated facility to liaise between guests and the service provider if required.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (974)
Mick Barry
Ceist:974. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health if he will oblige the managers of Covid-19 quarantine detention centres to report on occasions when they refuse access to medical treatment for a detainee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16701/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Guests will not be refused appropriate medical treatment during their stay at a designated quarantine facility. The well-being of guests within the mandatory quarantine system is a priority of all organisations supporting the system and is monitored by the 24/7 on-site healthcare team as well as by the State Liaison Officer, the hotel service provider and the HSE.
All guests undergoing mandatory quarantine in a designated facility are being provided with access to a 24/7 on-site healthcare team who hold clinical responsibility for their well-being during their stay. The on-site healthcare team are available to address any well-being concerns of guests through both scheduled daily check-in calls during a guest's stay as well as through direct engagement if requested. Guests requiring any specific, urgent or emergency care which cannot be provided on-site at a hotel may also be referred to a dedicated medical facility by the on-site healthcare team.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (975)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:975. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if he has considered prioritising the vaccination for home school community liaison scheme co-ordinators given that they are working on the frontline. [16702/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
On the 23rd of February, I announced an update to Ireland’s COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy. In comprising the initial Vaccine Allocation Strategy, the NIAC listed several conditions associated with increased risk of severe disease and death. In the intervening period, national and international evidence has become available which has enabled a more detailed analysis of underlying conditions that may increase the risk of developing severe disease or death. The NIAC has now been able to more comprehensively identify those medical conditions and to distinguish between those which place a person at very high or high risk of severe disease if they contract the virus. Medical conditions and the magnitude of the risk they pose will continue to be monitored and periodically reviewed.
On the 30th of March, the Government approved a further update to the COVID-19 Vaccination Allocation Strategy. Based on clinical, scientific and ethical frameworks produced by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee and my Department, following the vaccination of those most at risk, future groups will be vaccinated by age, in cohorts of 10 years (i.e., 64-55; 54-45, etc.).
The move to an age-based model better supports the programme objectives by:
- protecting those at highest risk of severe disease first, which benefits everyone most;
- facilitating planning and execution of the programme across the entire country;
- improving transparency and fairness.
Further details are available here:
https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/93f8f-minister-donnelly-announces-update-to-irelands-vaccination-prioritisation-list/
Ophthalmology Services
Ceisteanna (976)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:976. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an eye clinic (details supplied) in County Laois; the arrangement in place for persons who attend this clinic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16705/21]
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 (977)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:977. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will urge NIAC to reconsider the decision to omit cardiac patients from the very high-risk group in the Covid-19 vaccination schedule in view of the medical evidence that supports the potential for very poor outcomes for persons with cardiac conditions who contract the virus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16710/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
On the 23rd of February, I announced an update to Ireland’s COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy. In comprising the initial Vaccine Allocation Strategy, the NIAC listed several conditions associated with increased risk of severe disease and death. In the intervening period, national and international evidence has become available which has enabled a more detailed analysis of underlying conditions that may increase the risk of developing severe disease or death. The NIAC has now been able to more comprehensively identify those medical conditions and to distinguish between those which place a person at very high or high risk of severe disease if they contract the virus. Medical conditions and the magnitude of the risk they pose will continue to be monitored and periodically reviewed.
On the 30th of March, the Government approved a further update to the COVID-19 Vaccination Allocation Strategy. Based on clinical, scientific and ethical frameworks produced by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee and my Department, following the vaccination of those most at risk, future groups will be vaccinated by age, in cohorts of 10 years (i.e., 64-55; 54-45, etc.).
The move to an age-based model better supports the programme objectives by:
- protecting those at highest risk of severe disease first, which benefits everyone most;
- facilitating planning and execution of the programme across the entire country;
- improving transparency and fairness.
Further details are available here:
https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/93f8f-minister-donnelly-announces-update-to-irelands-vaccination-prioritisation-list/
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (978)
Seán Canney
Ceist:978. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health his plans to lift restrictions to allow Easter ceremonies to take place with limited congregations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16713/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, COVID-19 spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another. The public health measures recognise the need to reduce congregation and interactions between people to reduce opportunities for the transmission of Covid-19.
The ‘Framework for Restrictive Measures in Response to COVID-19’provides for restrictions on gatherings of people indoors given the higher risk associated with these types of activities. The number of people allowed to gather in different scenarios in the plan is based on a review of international practice and the judgment of public health experts. It seeks to balance the risks of different types of gatherings against the desire to allow normal activities to proceed in so far as possible. The measures in place for each level reflect the prevailing disease situation and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others.
The Framework sets out when it is considered that religious services can take place with protective measures (Levels 1 and 2) and when they must move online (Levels 3,4 and 5). Weddings and funerals are exceptions and can continue at every level with limited numbers. Churches and other places of worship can remain open for private prayer. It is also important to note that at all levels, Ministers of Religion are permitted to travel to perform a service on-line, to minister to the sick, and conduct a funeral or wedding ceremony.
I and my Cabinet colleagues recognise the immense sacrifices that are being made by people across the country at this difficult time. That includes the many people who are affected by their inability to attend church in the way they have been used to. However, there has been significant engagement and solidarity from the Catholic Church and other Faiths at all stages throughout this pandemic to ensure the protection of individuals and communities from COVID-19.
In February, the Taoiseach met with representatives of the Catholic Church to discuss the current level of Covid-19 restrictions and the Church’s desire to return to worship, in particular during the season of Lent, Holy Week and Easter. At that meeting the Taoiseach acknowledged the importance of the Church community in people’s lives at this time of stress and worry.
As the Deputy will appreciate, Ireland’s epidemiological situation remains uncertain as a number of disease indicators are now static or potentially disimproving. Ireland is still experiencing high levels of infection across the country and the health service remains under pressure. There remains a considerable risk that Ireland will experience a further wave of infection if public health restrictions are eased at the current level of infection and before the vaccine rollout has been significantly advanced.
The Government reviewed current public health measures on 30 March and agreed that religious services will continue to be held online and that this will be reviewed by 4 May.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (979)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:979. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the reason fully trained staff who have been distributing Covid-19 vaccines in care home settings must retake courses on vaccine administration in order to distribute vaccines in a vaccine hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16716/21]
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 (980)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:980. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if he plans to recognise pre-existing qualifications of vaccine administration from the HSE for staff applying to work in vaccine centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16717/21]
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 (981)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:981. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the reason those applying for the role of vaccinators in the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine must submit a copy of their birth certificate alongside two forms of photographic identification given that this may cause delays to the application process and involves the sharing of deeply personal information to which many persons do not have access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16719/21]
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.
Addiction Treatment Services
Ceisteanna (982)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:982. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the status of the HSE addiction treatment centre on the Donore Road, Drogheda, County Louth; if the centre is now operational again following its designation in 2020 as a Covid-19 assessment hub; the addiction services that have been put back into operation; the number of addiction-related service staff that are on site; the cost to date that the HSE has spent renovating the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16721/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (983)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:983. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) is due to receive an appointment for the Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16732/21]
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 (984)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:984. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to remedy the lack of service provision for adults with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16733/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly.
Diabetes Strategy
Ceisteanna (985)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:985. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to improve the prevention and treatment of diabetes, in particular for the lower income area; if his Department has carried out studies in relation to the link between socioeconomic background and the prevalence of diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16734/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
With regard to the steps being taken to improve the prevention and treatment of diabetes, I have asked the the Health Service Executive to examine this matter and respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (986)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:986. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if NPHET, NIAC and the HSE have taken into consideration the distinct experiences of minority groups, including ethnic minority groups, in relation to health issues and the way this impacts the Covid-19 vaccination roll-out; the way these groups ensure that minority voices are represented in the decision-making process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16735/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The aim of Ireland’s COVID-19 vaccination programme strategy is to distribute all available vaccine as quickly as is operationally possible, prioritising those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.
The programme is based on the principles of safety, effectiveness and fairness, with the objective of reducing severe illness, hospitalisations and deaths from COVID-19 infection.
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. Preliminary work has already been undertaken by NIAC, in the context of Group 9 (people aged 16-64 living or working in crowded settings) listed in the Allocation Strategy, to identify those who meet the criteria of living and/or working in conditions which make social distancing difficult and further consideration will be given to finalising the composition of this cohort in the coming weeks.
There may be unintended barriers to equal access to the vaccine for minority groups. These barriers could include:
- difficulties in attending designated vaccination centres
- lack of contact with and trust in the health services
- vaccine hesitancy due to a lack of information
- low levels of health literacy or language barriers.
Advance preparation including a targeted campaign to ensure socially excluded groups can access the vaccine in accordance with the Vaccination Allocation Strategy will be key to its success. Listening and engaging with socially excluded groups is critical to building confidence in the COVID-19 vaccination programme. This will take time, resources, targeted communications and innovative delivery mechanisms.
A collaborative approach to roll out the vaccine is required with HSE addiction and inclusion health services, section 39 organisations and service users. To this end the National Social Inclusion office held a National COVID-19 Vaccine Information Web Session for Traveller and Roma service providers on 25 March 2021.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (987)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:987. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a list of dental practices in County Galway that provide services to medical card holders under the dental treatment services scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16738/21]
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.