Written Answers Nos. 1096-1120
1096. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if advice will be provided in relation to a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17238/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 17 March 2021, the European Commission published its proposal for a Regulation to introduce a ‘Digital Green Certificate’. The aim of the proposal is to facilitate free movement in the EU through a common framework for the issuance, verification and acceptance of certificates relating to vaccination, testing and recovery.
Careful consideration is being given to the proposal and its many policy, infrastructural and operational implications across a number of sectors in Ireland and my Department is engaging constructively in the on-going technical discussions at EU level, in collaboration with relevant Departments, to ensure we can achieve alignment in preparing for the reopening of international travel for non-essential purposes as soon as it is safe to do so.
This Government is continually giving consideration to travel policy informed by the epidemiological situation internationally and public health advice.
1097. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for infertility services at secondary level to have been developed across the country and the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill 2019 commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17249/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, drafting of a Bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated research is ongoing by officials in my Department in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General.
The publication of the AHR Bill is a priority for my Department and the Government, and a commitment to enact this legislation is included in the Programme for Government, “Our Shared Future
In relation to your query regarding infertility services at secondary level, as you will be aware there is also a commitment in the Programme for Government to introduce a model of care for infertility. This model of care was developed by officials in my Department in conjunction with the HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme and will ensure that infertility issues will be addressed through the public health system at the lowest level of clinical intervention necessary.
Phase One of the roll-out of the model of care has commenced and involves the establishment, at secondary care level, of Regional Fertility Hubs in maternity networks. which will facilitate the management of a significant proportion of patients presenting with infertility issues. Funding of €2m was provided to the HSE to commence Phase One of the roll-out of the model of care in 2020. This was utilised specifically in respect of the development of the first four Regional Fertility Hubs – namely, Cork Maternity University Hospital, the Rotunda Hospital, the National Maternity Hospital and the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital.
Additional funding of just over €1m has been made available to enable the continuation of Phase One of the roll-out in 2021, including through the setting-up of the final two Regional Fertility Hubs, to be located in Galway and Limerick.
Phase Two of the roll-out will see the introduction of tertiary infertility services, including IVF, in the public health system. Phase Two will not commence until such time as infertility services at secondary level have been developed across the country, required resources have been allocated, and the AHR legislation is commenced. It is intended that, in line with available resources, this model of care for infertility will be rolled out on a phased basis over the course of the coming years.
1098. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to address the waiting list for over 3,000 gynaecological appointments in Tallaght University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17250/21]
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 were 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.
On 23rd March the HSE published the “Safe Return to Health Services Plan”. This plan outlines a three phased plan for the proposed restoration of services across Community Services, Acute Hospital Operations, Cancer Services and Screening Services. It sets target times for their safe return and details the conditions and challenges that will have to be met. Every phase of the plan has been informed by clinical guidance and putting patient and staff safety first.
Decisions in relation to the type and volume of activity will be made at site level based on local COVID-19 numbers, available capacity and guidance from national clinical leads. The schedule outlined in the plan for resumption of services will be regularly monitored by the HSE and updated as appropriate, dependant on public health advice and healthcare capacity.
The work of the HSE to improve access to elective care and reduce waiting times for patients is supported by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). This includes increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services where minor procedures are provided at the same time as outpatient consultations, funding hybrid services where public and private hospitals contribute to the treatment of patients, virtual clinics and clinical validation.
The NTPF have advised that they have provided funding for a number of Insourcing initiatives to reduce Gynaecology waiting lists at Tallaght University Hospital in 2020. As a result, 475 patients have to date received treatment through HSE Insourcing initiatives. Details of these initiatives are outlined in the attached document.
€240 million has been provided in Budget 2021 for an access to care fund, €210m of which has been allocated to the HSE and a further €30m to the National Treatment Purchase Fund. This will be used to fund additional capacity to address the shortfall arising as a result of measures taken in the context of COVID-19, as well as to address waiting lists.
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Approved Outpatient (OPD) NTPF initiatives for Gynaecology for 2020 and to date 2021 for Tallaght University Hospital |
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NTPF Insourcing Approved OPD Gynaecology Initatives Tallaght University Hospital as at 26/03/2021 |
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|
Specialty |
Initiative Type |
Volume |
Notes |
|
Gynaecology |
OPD |
100 |
Nurse-led clinic |
|
Gynaecology |
OPD |
125 |
GP-led clinic |
|
Gynaecology |
OPD |
250 |
Physio-led clinic |
|
Total |
475 |
||
1099. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who is categorised as very high risk with respect to Covid-19 has not received a Covid-19 vaccination. [17252/21]
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.
1100. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the reason there is no dietitian currently employed in the Maynooth community care unit; if there are plans to employ a dietitian in this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17256/21]
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.
1101. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if a schedule will be provided of outbound and inbound international flights in respect of airports not listed on the passenger locator form field (details supplied) and or place of arrival from 1 to 18 March 2021; the number of passenger locater forms processed in respect of these airports as an entry point to the State over the same time period; and the number of follow-up calls made in respect of the data collected from these forms. [17258/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the Deputy's query about a schedule of outbound and inbound international flights at certain airports, I refer the Deputy to my colleague the Minister for Transport's response to your Question 73 of 24 March 2021. The Department of Health does not have a function in keeping a schedule of outbound and inbound international flights.
With limited exemptions, passengers arriving to Ireland are required to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form. Passengers arriving to the main ports or airports, which are listed in SI 45/2021, are required to present an Passenger Locator Form electronic receipt or a paper form to immigration officers.
The ports of entry referenced by the Deputy are not listed in the SI. In such cases, passengers arriving at smaller ports of entry are obliged to complete an electronic Passenger Locator Form and select “other” as their place of arrival.
Between 1 and 18 March 2021, 398 passengers recorded "other" on their Passenger Locator Form. Operational statistics on PLF activity are not disaggregated by place of arrival and as such it is not possible to provide a breakdown of the number of follow-up calls made in respect of these.
1102. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the amount paid to a company (details supplied) since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis by services provided in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17265/21]
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.
1103. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if a copy of a HSE report will be made available (details supplied). [17266/21]
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.
1104. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if a project team has been appointed to oversee the introduction of two new palliative care units in the CHO8 region; if so, the person or body on the group; and the process in which the selection took place. [17268/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1105. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the expected cost of the work to take place regarding the introduction of palliative care units in CHO8 in 2021, 2022 and 2023. [17269/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1106. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the amount spent to date on the proposed palliative care units in the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. [17270/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1107. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the location of the proposed facility to be located on the site of the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore; and if there is sufficient agreement that the proposed site will facilitate the new hospice and its future growth. [17271/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1108. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if the work involved in the introduction of the new palliative care units in the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda has gone out to tender; and if all the relevant specialists have been appointed such as builders, architects and engineers. [17272/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1109. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the rationale behind ruling out Mullingar Regional Hospital as a possible site for the proposed palliative care units. [17273/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1104 to 1109, inclusive, together.
In line with the Programme for Government and as set out in the National Service Plan 2021, the Health Service Executive is committed to working alongside voluntary hospice groups and philanthropic bodies to progress the plans for new inpatient units in Louth and Offaly.
A site within the grounds of the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore has been made available for the hospice in Tullamore and funding has been secured through the HSE Capital Estates Programme to prepare initial outline drawings.
The hospice for the north-east is to be located on a site donated by the Medical Missionaries of Mary directly adjacent to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. A planning application is due to be submitted shortly.
As Deputy Clarke's queries relate to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1110. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each of the vaccination categories for cohorts 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9; and the number of persons that are in the 70 to 74 years and 75 to 79 years cohorts. [17276/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’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.
To date over 800,000 vaccine doses have been administered. Vaccination of cohort 1 and 2 are now substantially complete. Further information on vaccines administered to cohort groups is available on the HSE Integrated Information Service - vaccination programme dashboard at:
https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/integrated-information-service-vaccination-programme-dashboard.html
Vaccination of the over 70s in cohort 3 and those aged 16-69 and at very high risk of severe illness and death in cohort 4 is ongoing. Work is continuing on the stratification of subsequent groups and assessing the number of people encompassed by each group.
1111. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the conclusions of the HSE investigation into a reported data breach in relation to the Covid-19 vaccine database; if this has been reported to the Data Protection Commissioner; the type of investigation carried out by the HSE; if a data protection impact assessment has been conducted since the breach; the steps taken to protect persons’ data and privacy in relation to the breach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17277/21]
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.
1112. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that have access to the Covid-19 vaccination database; the roles of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17278/21]
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.
1113. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he has instructed or requested the NIAC to evaluate family carers with regard to the ethical principles for the vaccine roll-out considering their role as health and social care providers as per the national carers strategy and their place in the provisional allocation groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17279/21]
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.
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/
1114. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the number of doses of Covid-19 vaccine by type held in storage (details supplied) as of 24 March 2021; if such data can be updated regularly on the Covid-19 data hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17283/21]
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.
1115. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the number of ambulances which are being used in the home vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17284/21]
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.
1116. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of inpatient beds in hospitals nationally for persons suffering an acute episode of mental illness (details supplied); his plans to increase the numbers of beds and doctors; and the timeframe for same. [17290/21]
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.
1118. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1659 and 1662 of 24 March 2021, if he will answer the substantial part of the question which remains unanswered; if he will prioritise the vaccination of special educational staff and teachers that work in the special education sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17292/21]
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.
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/
1119. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to include sativex CBD oil used for the treatment of MS pain and fatigue in the HSE reimbursement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17297/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.In line with the 2013 Health Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.Reimbursement is for licensed indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact. HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) for the HSE and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions.The HSE has advised that, in 2014, it notified the manufacturer of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol/Cannabidiol, THC/CBD (Sativex) that there was significant uncertainty around the cost-effectiveness of the medicine and, as a consequence it did not support reimbursement of Sativex, at that time.In February 2018, the HSE received a revised application from the manufacturer for pricing / reimbursement of Sativex indicated as treatment for symptom improvement in adult patients with moderate to severe spasticity due to multiple sclerosis who have not responded adequately to other anti-spasticity medication and who demonstrate clinically significant improvement in spasticity-related symptoms during an initial trial of therapy.In April 2018, the HSE commissioned a full HTA with respect to this indication, as per agreed processes. On 12 August 2019, the NCPE received the applicant's submission. The HTA is currently ongoing at the NCPE. The output of this HTA will be an important input into the decision-making processes of the HSE.The application for Sativex remains under consideration with the HSE and is being assessed in line with the 2013 Health Act.
1120. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when the GMHS based at the Meath primary care centre will fully resume; his plans for expanding this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17298/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented interruption to normal healthcare activity in 2020/2021, affecting the provision of all healthcare services including public STI clinics and the GMHS.
Over the last year, the HSE reconfigured STI services, establishing online booking systems and providing virtual appointments, in order to support STI service provision in line with the social distancing and infection prevention control requirements due to COVID-19.
Public STI clinics have prioritised those with symptoms and who require treatment, in order to treat active infections and minimise onward transmission. The GMHS website and other resources such as www.man2man.ie and www.sexualwellbeing.ie are regularly updated to reflect current service delivery and to signpost users to the HSE list of approved STI and PrEP services.
All PrEP service providers have maintained existing PrEP service users in the programme, providing virtual consultations, postal prescriptions and attendance for screening or treatment where necessary. It is difficult to predict the level of any number of infectious diseases including STIs that will occur post pandemic, but with the resumption of normal service, there is an expectation that increased testing will bring increased diagnoses.
The HSE is continuing to progress a number of initiatives that aim to reduce the level of HIV and STIs nationally and improve access to services for those in need.
- The promotion of safer sex messages to the public via a range of social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
- During the pandemic, the public has been advised about STI clinic restrictions and encouraged to consider safer sexual practices to reduce the risk of HIV and STI transmission.
- Those who are symptomatic are advised to contact a clinic directly for an emergency appointment.
- Guidance was issued around sex and COVID-19 which advised the public to limit numbers of partners to reduce transmission of HIV/STIs as well as COVID-19 during the pandemic.
- Condoms are freely available to NGO partners and service providers via the National Condom Distribution service and a number of NGOs established postal services to make condoms and lubricant accessible to service-users throughout the pandemic while venues were closed.
- Free rapid HIV testing is available in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick through community NGO partners HIV Ireland, Sexual Health Centre Cork, Sexual Health West and GOSHH. NGO partners have adapted their services and are currently providing free rapid HIV testing from their offices or alternative venues.
- STI/HIV testing is currently available through a HSE home STI testing pilot project in Dublin, Cork and Kerry. Tests are being made available in a phased manner to ensure there is sufficient capacity in local clinics for service users who may need follow-up treatment or support.
At the outset of Covid-19, staff in the Gay Men’s Health Service were reassigned, by reason of necessity, to other HSE services. Some staff continue to be redeployed to Covid-19 services, including to the COVID-19 vaccination programme which commenced in recent months. COVID-19 has placed increased demands on HSE services which are require to be delivered in accordance with current restrictions.
Community Healthcare East re-opened the GMHS in January 2021 on a phased basis, and in line with Government and HSE Guidelines. Existing PrEP users continue to be seen in the GMHS. The Clinic Consultant and other doctors are providing virtual consultations, and PrEP service users attend the GMHS for STI screening and blood testing. Those with diagnosed STIs, or requiring Hepatitis and/or HPV vaccine, continue to be treated in GMHS also.
Previously the GMHS relied heavily on agency staff. This is no longer the situation. The funding allocated to the HSE in respect of the GMHS PrEP programme was received in 2020 as recurring funding. This has facilitated a recruitment campaign to fill the posts for the GMHS PrEP programme to commence in the latter part of 2020. This recruitment is on-going.
HSE Community Healthcare East will continue to reinstate services in the GMHS on a phased basis and in line with the HSE’s Safe Return to Work Guide. HSE Community Healthcare East has made every effort to restore, and maintain services as far as possible and will continue to do so, subject to current demand for health services, and subject to resources available.
