Written Answers Nos. 616-635
616. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the action being taken by his Department and the HSE to ensure the availability of dental treatment to patients with a medical card; if his attention has been drawn to the number of dental practices no longer providing treatment under the medical card scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23095/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 since the beginning of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Some people are experiencing problems in accessing a service close to their home, however, 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 want to ensure the sustainability and viability of the DTSS 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.
617. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the planned primary care centre for Kilrush, County Clare will not be going ahead (details supplied); the timeframe for the provision of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23098/21]
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.
618. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health when the boarding out scheme was last reviewed by the HSE. [23104/21]
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.
619. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health his views on reports (details supplied) that the roll-out of vital Covid-19 vaccines to the homeless population of Dublin was cancelled. [23115/21]
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.
620. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has not yet received their Covid-19 vaccine. [23119/21]
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.
621. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will address a series of matters in relation to testing and contact tracing (details supplied). And if he will make a statement on the matter. [23122/21]
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.
622. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if he has examined the feasibility of delivering designated Covid-19 hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23123/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
623. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of Health Products Regulatory Authority audits conducted on cosmetic and skin care production companies in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021. [23125/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra624. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of cosmetic and skin care products of concern that have been notified to the Health Products Regulatory Authority; the number of these notifications that have been investigated; and the number of these investigations that ultimately lead to a ban and or recall of product. [23126/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra625. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of instances in which the Health Products Regulatory Authority has directed companies to amend or change its cosmetic and skin care product packaging to truly reflect the content of the product and the effectiveness of the product. [23127/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 623, 624 and 625 together.
Cosmetic products placed on the market in Ireland must meet the requirements outlined in Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 on cosmetic products (the ‘Cosmetics Regulation’) and S.I. 440 of 2013 European Union (cosmetic products) Regulations 2013. In line with the Cosmetics Regulation, a cosmetic product on the market must be notified to the European Commission Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) in advance of being placed on the market; products are not notified directly to the HPRA.
The HPRA conducts reactive and proactive market surveillance of cosmetic products available on the Irish market, in collaboration with the Health Service Executive (HSE). Reactive market surveillance includes investigation of quality-related complaints (compliance cases), reports of adverse events relating to the use of cosmetics (vigilance cases) and Safety Gate RAPEX alerts. From 2017 to 2020, the HPRA initiated 1276 such market surveillance cases.
Of the 1276 cases, 753 were regarding investigations of potential or confirmed non-compliances of cosmetic products with the requirements of the Cosmetics Regulation. Such compliance cases may be initiated as a result of non-compliances found as part of the proactive HPRA and HSE annual sampling plan or on a reactive basis. As part of compliance case work, non-compliances with the Cosmetics Regulation are notified to the cosmetic product operators. Non-compliances that are found vary; however, these can often involve a non-compliance with the labelling requirements of Article 19 of that Regulation. The market action, if any, that is carried out is dependent on the perceived risk to consumers in Ireland of the non-compliance(s). This may involve discontinuation of further sales of non-compliant product, or recall from the market place. In other instances, corrective actions proposed by the company may be considered acceptable, for example, labelling changes for future batches to be placed on the Irish market. The HPRA initiated 70 vigilance cases in the years 2017 to 2020, following receipt of reports of suspected undesirable or serious undesirable effects following the use of a cosmetic product. Of these vigilance cases, two products were discontinued from sale and one product was recalled from end-users.
Between 2017 and 2020, the HPRA notified 33 cosmetic products to the European Commission for notification to other member states and publication online on the Safety Gate website (the EU rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products), previously called RAPEX. Cosmetic products considered to present a serious risk are notified in this manner when it is known the product of concern is available on the market of another member state. This is in line with the European Cosmetic Regulation and Directive 2001/95/EC (the General Product Safety Directive).
Article 8 of the Cosmetic Regulation establishes ISO 22716, or equivalent, as the requirements for Good Manufacturing Practice in the manufacture of cosmetic products, and it is the obligation of the RP to ensure this is met. Article 7 lists the obligations of cosmetic product distributors. Inspection of manufacturers and distributors is not mandatory for products to be placed on the market; rather, it is carried out using a risk-based approach.
The number of inspections of cosmetic product distributors and manufacturers located in Ireland from 2017 to 2020 is outlined below. The inspection programme for cosmetic product manufacturers and distributors in 2020 and 2021 has been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and onsite inspection is suspended at present. A remote inspection/assessment process can be used as an alternative.
|
Number of cosmetic distributor inspections conducted |
Number of cosmetic manufacturer inspections conducted |
|
|
2017 |
3 |
0 |
|
2018 |
5 |
2 |
|
2019 |
1 |
0 |
|
2020 |
3* |
0 |
*one inspection was a follow-up, which was conducted by distant assessment due to Covid 19.
626. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of Health Products Regulatory Authority audits conducted on veterinary products in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021. [23128/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is the competent authority in Ireland for veterinary medicinal products (VMPs). Under the European Communities (Animal Remedies) (No. 2) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. 786 of 2007, as amended), this role includes inspection and licensing of manufacturers of veterinary medicinal products based in Ireland. A number of inspections of manufacturers, based outside the European Economic Area (EEA), that are supplying VMPs into the EEA are also carried out. During an inspection, the state of compliance of the manufacturer with European Union guidelines on good manufacturing practice is examined.
In Ireland, an inspection is carried out on foot of an application for a manufacturer’s licence, while routine inspections of licensed manufacturers are carried out on a risk basis with the interval being, generally, from 18 – 30 months.
The numbers of inspections of manufacturers of VMPs carried out over the period 2017 – end April 2021 are as follows:
2017 – 20
2018 – 23
2019 – 24
2020 – 23
2021 (to end April) – 6
The current number of licensed manufacturers of VMPs is 30. A list of licensed manufacturers in available on the HPRA website at http://www.hpra.ie/homepage/veterinary/regulatory-information/manufacturers?page=1
627. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the reason those under 16 years of age are not eligible for Covid-19 testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23135/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAny person, including those under 16 years of age, can avail of a free COVID-19 (coronavirus) test if they have symptoms of COVID-19, and their GP advise that they require a test following an assessment. Their GP will then arrange the test for them and they will be notified of the time and location via text message.
Further information on how to avail of a free COVID-19 test is accessible through the following link:- https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/testing/how-to-get-tested.html
628. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if he will address the issue of those who do not have identification due to the passport backlog and wish to avail of Covid-19 testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23136/21]
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.
629. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the status of the human tissue (transplantation, post-mortem, anatomical examination and public display) Bill; the legislative timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23156/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government includes a commitment to "Enact the Human Tissue Bill".
The drafting of the Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Bill is a priority for the Government.
My Department is progressing work on the drafting of the Bill in collaboration with the Office of Parliamentary Council with a view to ensuring that Government approval is secured to publish the Bill as soon as possible in 2021.
630. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if an issue (details supplied) in relation to school dentistry appointments will be examined. [23157/21]
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.
631. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) can receive a particular vaccine given they have underlying health problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23165/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile a person can, of course, refuse any offer of vaccination on religious, conscientious or other grounds, provision of one or other authorised COVID-19 vaccine(s) during the immunisation programme will be based on clinical expert guidance, including from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee, to ensure the optimal stewardship of scarce resources and equitable access to safe and effective vaccine(s) for a given population.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
632. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the reason some diabetes type 1 patients in University Hospital Waterford are being requested to transfer the status regarding persons with type 1 diabetes in University Hospital Waterford being given the opportunity to access insulin pumps; the reason University Hospital Waterford is the only level 4 hospital not currently providing insulin pump therapy to adults with type 1 diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23166/21]
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.
633. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will address concerns (details supplied) from representatives of the fitness industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23168/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been considerable progress in reducing infection levels since the peak of the wave of infection in late 2020/early 2021 because of the widespread commitment and adherence by the public to the public health measures in place. While there is still a high level of infection nationally, the situation is considered reasonably stable and significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme.
In recognition of the improving situation, the Government announced a roadmap on the 29 April for the gradual lifting of some restrictions over the next two months, with a particular focus on allowing more outdoor activities. A range of measures will be eased in May, with a further easing of measures in June subject to the epidemiological situation at the time.
Under this roadmap, it is envisaged that gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres will reopen from the 7 June for individual training. I recognise the significant impact that the public health restrictions have had across many sectors, including the fitness sector, and I hope the Government’s announcement last week will provide the sector with a pathway towards reopening.
It is important to note that while there is now scope to ease a range of public health measures, the approach must continue to be cautious, gradual and on a phased basis, with sufficient time between any easing of measures to assess the impact. This will be critical to ensuring the protection of the gains of recent months, the protection of those most vulnerable, and the protection of health and social care, education, and childcare services.
Significant progress has been made on suppressing the virus over recent months due to the huge effort of people across the country. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. We all must continue to do everything possible to continue to avoid the virus spreading and to support the safe reopening of activities over the coming months.
634. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health his plans for the structure and timeline of the review under section 7 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018; if he will be accepting submissions from the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23170/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe review of the operation of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 is scheduled to be progressed in 2021. It is anticipated that it will take a three-part approach to reviewing the operation of the Act, with strands focusing on service users, service providers and a public consultation. Research to inform the service user and service provider strands will be commissioned and carried out independently, while the Department of Health will manage the public consultation.
The Department will collate and analyse the findings of the different strands of the review. Upon completion a full report, with any necessary recommendations, will be submitted to the Minister for Health for consideration.
Officials in the Department are continuing to work on the arrangements to carry out the review of the operation of the Act.
635. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1660 of 21 April 2021, the consideration given to prisons as a place in which persons are living and working in crowded settings; the plans for vaccinations within prisons; if a vaccine (details supplied) will be utilised within these settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23173/21]
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.
