Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1088. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a hospital appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22241/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (1088)
Freagraí scríofa
It 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.
Elective hospital care was curtailed for the first quarter of 2021, in line with the rapid increase in Covid -19 hospital admissions, with only critical time dependent elective procedures undertaken.
On 23 March the HSE published the “Safe Return to Health Services Plan”. This plan outlines a three phased approach 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.
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.
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1089)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:1089. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the actions he has taken in response to the Mental Health Commission December 2020 Report Mental Health Services for Older People; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22250/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Provision of quality care for older people, who can be among the most vulnerable in society, remains a priority for the Government, which is committed to providing the leadership and resources to improve mental health outcomes for older people. This commitment is underlined by the significant increase of €50 million in Exchequer funds for HSE Mental Health Services in 2021.
The Department welcomes the report on mental health services for older people published by the Mental Health Commission. It should be noted that there is a wide range of mental supports for older people in place. Nationally, there are 32 psychiatry of later life community teams. These teams support people to remain in their homes and in the community where possible, in line with Slaintecare recommendations. In addition, the HSE provides over 400 inpatient mental health beds dedicated for older people.
Healthy ageing and the mental health of older people was recognised as a key consideration during the development of Sharing the Vision. The policy identifies the importance of promoting positive mental health in the older population and of providing appropriate specialist mental health services to older people. Late last year, a National Implementation and Monitoring Committee was established to drive and oversee implementation of the policy over the next 10 years.
In 2019, the HSE launched the Specialist Geriatric Services model of care. It outlines how specialist mental health services for people aged 65 and over should be developed appropriately to focus on supporting the mental health needs of this group.
The model of care recognises the importance of integrated care. It focuses on a number of areas, including improving clinical pathways in the community and acute hospitals and building on relationships with primary care and geriatric medicine.
This programme is complemented by the recent launch of the HSE Model of Care for Talking Therapies, which applies to all adults, including those over 65.
The Healthy Ireland Framework makes a clear commitment to improving partnerships, strategies and initiatives that support older people to maintain, improve or manage their physical and mental wellbeing, by addressing risk factors and promoting protective measures to support lifelong health and wellbeing.
The Framework will also lead to increased mental health supports for those in long-term palliative care and the development of age-friendly services in community and primary care settings.
Under the Department of Health’s Keep Well campaign for living with Covid, €7 million has been invested to support the delivery of wellbeing and resilience initiatives with a range of partners. These initiatives include supports for older people.
Of course, the existing range of mental health supports available, including those promoted through yourmentalhealth.ie or 1800 111 888 can be accessed by older people. These include for example free online counselling delivered though MyMind.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (1090)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:1090. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive a date for admission to Beaumont Hospital for spinal surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22259/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It 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.
Elective hospital care was curtailed for the first quarter of 2021, in line with the rapid increase in Covid -19 hospital admissions, with only critical time dependent elective procedures undertaken.
On 23 March the HSE published the “Safe Return to Health Services Plan”. This plan outlines a three phased approach 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.
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.
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (1091)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:1091. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a date for a procedure at Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22260/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (1092)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:1092. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive a date for a hip replacement operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22261/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Information and Communications Technology
Ceisteanna (1093)
Neasa Hourigan
Ceist:1093. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the timeline and expected completion date for the move of over 200 legacy financial systems in the health service to a single integrated financial and procurement management system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22266/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive is currently undertaking the rollout of a Single Integrated Financial and Procurement Management System (IFMS) which will enhance the financial reporting underpinning operational performance against strategic objectives. Its development is one of the HSE’s key non-clinical priorities.
As the matter you have raised relates to the HSE's project planning on the rollout of the IFMS system I have asked them to respond to you directly.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (1094)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:1094. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the amount spent by his Department on public relations advice and media advice since January 2020 to date in 2021; and the companies engaged for this advice in tabular form. [22276/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that my Department has engaged with one company with regards to public relations and media advice during the period of time in question. The relative contract was awarded to the global CEO advisory firm Teneo through a tender process at a fee of €2,500 in total.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (1095)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:1095. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the amount spent by his Department on advertising and public messaging in print, broadcast and online since January 2020 to date in 2021; and the companies engaged to assist with placing the advertisements and the companies advertised with in tabular form. [22294/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is being collated by Department officials and a deferred reply will be submitted within ten working days.
As this question is also relevant to the Health Service Executive, I have asked them to reply directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (1096)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:1096. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to discretionary or new temporary rules that can be applied to persons suffering from long-Covid such as a person (details supplied) to cover the medical costs of the condition. [22303/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the particular issue raised relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (1097)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:1097. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to awarding temporary medical cards to long-Covid sufferers given that Covid-19 is a public health matter. [22304/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is based primarily on means. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without undue hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure. The issue of granting medical cards based on having a particular disease or illness was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
However, every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income threshold where they face difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from, the social and medical impacts of an illness.
Regarding long Covid, as COVID 19 is still a relatively new disease information on it, its features and its course are just emerging. Longer term observational studies will be required to fully understand the health consequences presently being attributed to post COVID-19 infection and management of persisting symptoms that will in time provide higher quality evidence and assist guideline development for appropriate provision of care. It is noted however that medical card holders can access GP and hospital services free of charge irrespective of the type of illness.
National Treatment Purchase Fund
Ceisteanna (1099)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:1099. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the details of all National Treatment Purchase Fund offers made to University Hospital Kerry in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; the details of offers which were accepted and declined, not accepted or not responded to, respectively; the dates and number of patients involved in each; the types of procedures involved in each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22321/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is being collated by Department officials. Due to the scope of the details requested for each of the years 2019, 2020 and to date 2021, a deferred reply will be submitted within ten working days.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (1100)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:1100. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists in County Wexford participating in the dental medical card scheme; his plans to address the number of dentists leaving the scheme which has left medical card patients in many areas with no access to dental treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22324/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care, free of charge to medical card holders aged 16 and over. These services are provided by independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE. Patients may choose to have their treatment undertaken by any dentist who participates in the Scheme.
I am aware that there has been a reduction in the numbers of dentists participating in the DTSS nationally, including in Co Wexford, since the beginning of the current COVID-19 pandemic and that this is causing inconvenience to some patients. I have been assured by the HSE that their local services on the ground will assist any persons who are experiencing problems in accessing a service. I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible with the figures he has requested.
I want to ensure the sustainability and viability of the Dental Treatment Services Scheme so that all eligible persons can continue to receive the services that they deserve from their local dentist of choice. My commitment to the profession and to the public is for a review of the Scheme, in keeping with Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (1101)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:1101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which general practitioners, pharmacists and other authorised personnel are progressing the Covid-19 inoculation programme; if all of the methods currently in place are equally successful in dealing with the vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22347/21]
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 (1102)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:1102. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that all persons over 70 years of age have been given a first Covid-19 vaccination; the number outstanding in this cohort; his proposals to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22348/21]
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 (1103)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:1103. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which Covid-19 vaccinations are available at weekends by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22349/21]
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.
Departmental Correspondence
Ceisteanna (1104)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:1104. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the steps that were taken to retrieve information and correspondence that was shared by the then Minister for Health regarding the GMS general practitioner contract through private messaging services in the conduct of official Department business in response to a request (details supplied); the efforts made to retrieve the records requested such as messages sent over social media; the response received by his Department as it sought those records; the Departmental policy when such records, which are official department records, cannot be retrieved or are not shared with the Department by the office holder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22350/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In accordance with the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2014, having received an FOI request, the FOI body must take all reasonable steps to identify and locate the records requested. The steps taken to identify and locate records, and the results of those efforts, regarding the FOI request concerned have been set out in the decision letter issued. Under Chapter 3 of the Act, a requester not satisfied with the decision on their FOI request may ask the FOI body to review that decision.
It is not the policy of the Department of Health to monitor stored files, voicemail, e-mail, etc. However, the Department retains the right to review, audit, intercept, access and disclose all files and messages created, received or sent using its ICT facilities for the purpose of performance, maintenance, auditing, security or investigative functions and to protect itself and users from potential liability under pornographic, equality, data protection, copyright legislation etc.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (1105)
David Cullinane
Ceist:1105. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will advise on a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to vaccination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22361/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have been given to understand that the vaccine known as Covishield gives equivalent protection to the version known as Oxford-AstraZeneca or Vaxzevria, as approved by the EMA. I have therefore asked that individuals vaccinated with Covishield be treated in the same way as those vaccinated with Oxford-AstraZeneca/Vaxzevria for the purposes of mandatory hotel quarantine.
Departmental Transport
Ceisteanna (1106)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:1106. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of replacing State vehicles which are owned by his Department or agencies under his remit with hybrid or electric models; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22568/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has no vehicles owned or leased. In relation to vehicles owned or leased by the HSE, I have forwarded your query to the them and asked that they respond directly to you on this.
Details for other bodies under the aegis of my Department are operational matters for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.
Afforestation Programme
Ceisteanna (1107)
Verona Murphy
Ceist:1107. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 2050 of 24 March 2021, the minimum level of afforestation needed to ensure the survival of private forestry nurseries, planting companies and contractors given the fact that only 50% of the 4,500 hectares referenced will convert to planting due to inordinate delays in obtaining approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21134/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department is committed to addressing the backlog in licences. Project Woodland has been established and working groups are actively examining the backlog with the aim of improving the rate of licensing in accordance with environmental compliance. The afforestation scheme is a demand-led scheme and its participation is voluntary. The Government's target is to aim to achieve an afforestation rate of 8,000 hectares and the area planted in any particular year is dependent on a wide number of factors.
The Irish forestry sector currently has approximately 4,300 hectares of available land licenced and ready to plant since last year. In addition, the Department has approved 1,700 new hectares year to date. It is essential that every licence is used if possible as any non-utilisation is a waste of everybody's valuable resources.
The size of the nursery sector and forests sector is dependent on the total forest estate and projected harvesting rates which is forecast to increase significantly from approximately four million cubic metres to close to eight million cubic metres by 2035. This level of harvest will see an increase in road construction and increased areas of reforestation as areas are felled into the future. Taking into consideration that the State has invested over €3 billion in forestry supports over the last 30 years significant economic activity will occur due to increased harvesting.
However, I acknowledge that an effective and efficient licensing system is essential to drive that activity and the Department is committed to addressing the current issues associated with the backlog. Achieving increased levels of afforestation and reforestation will determine the size of the nursery sector and my Department will continue to put in place measures to encourage landowners to plant trees on their holdings.
Forestry Grants
Ceisteanna (1108)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:1108. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 2004 of 24 March 2021, the number of hectares issued in financial approvals by the Forestry Service from 1 January to 31 December 2020, on form 1As; the number of hectares that were planted from the financial approvals issued during the same timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21144/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department offers a generous suite of establishment grants and annual premiums under the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme, with grant and premium categories and species to suit most land types. At present, there is 4,300 ha of land approved to plant forestry where planting has not yet commenced. I encourage anyone that has an approved afforestation site, to arrange financial approval and to go ahead and plant. That way, they can avail of the annual premiums. Financial approval is a straightforward process that usually only takes a few days and is arranged by the landowner’s Registered Forester.
Some 2,488 new hectares were planted in 2020. From 1st January to 31st December, 2020, the Department issued financial approval for 304 sites, totalling 2,355 ha. A total of 271 of those sites have advised my Department that planting has been completed for an area of 1,889 ha. Thirteen financial approvals were withdrawn for an area of 77 ha, with 20 contracts outstanding at 389 ha. Some of these sites were approved in late December, with an expiry date of 31st March, 2021, so it may well be the case that planting has gone ahead, but documentation is awaited by the Department.