Written Answers Nos. 194-214
196. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he has received a submission from the HSE primary care reimbursement service recommending that the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system is made available to persons with diabetes over 21 years of age based on clinical need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23408/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
197. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of meetings that have been held in 2020 and 2021 between the manufacturers of the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system and the HSE primary care reimbursement service in relation to making the technology available to persons with diabetes over 21 years of age based on clinical need; the outcomes of these meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23409/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
198. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in the decision to make the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system available to persons with diabetes over 21 years of age based on clinical need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23410/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
199. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if future tax increases on alcohol or cigarettes will be ring-fenced for addiction treatment services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23415/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlthough the rates of excise duty on alcohol and tobacco products are ultimately a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance I note that public health considerations are taken into account in determining those rates.
There are currently no plans to ring-fence tax increases on alcohol and tobacco products for addiction services. Budget 2021 saw significant funding committed to tobacco cessation and alcohol reduction programmes through the Healthy Ireland initiative. In 2021, €1.08m is being provided to expand alcohol services including the establishment of two community-based teams to provide counselling and supports to adults with problem alcohol use and their families.
200. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a transport scheme to assist older persons get to hospital and back home following treatment in cases in which they are too weak to use public transport and cannot drive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23434/21]
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.
202. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health when the pause on vaccinating healthcare workers will be lifted given that some staff in homeless services have not yet received their first vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23439/21]
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.
203. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an orthodontic appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23440/21]
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.
204. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health if vaccinated tourists from the United States of America will be able to enter Ireland by 3 July 2021; if a decision has not been made, when a decision will be made on whether such vaccinated tourists can enter Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23442/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra207. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health his views on the different versions of vaccines available worldwide; and the way in which travel restrictions will be implemented coming into Ireland for persons that have received a non-EMA approved vaccine. [23455/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 207 together.
Under the current travel policy, persons who can demonstrate that they are fully vaccinated by one of the four EMA approved vaccines are exempt from hotel quarantine. Such persons are, however, still required to observe mandatory pre-departure testing and self-quarantine on arrival.
The Government gives continuing consideration to travel policy informed by the epidemiological situation internationally and public health advice.
205. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if further plans are being considered in regard to the introduction of minimum unit pricing of alcohol products in view of the announcement in Northern Ireland that it is not in a position to proceed with coinciding the implementation at this time given the very serious impact this may have on businesses in the Border counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23453/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 4 May the Government agreed to revise the standing 2013 Decision and to allow for the introduction of minimum unit pricing here without its simultaneous introduction in Northern Ireland. On the basis of that revised Decision it is my intention to commence section 11 of Public Health (Alcohol) Act and to provide that it will come into operation in early January 2022.
206. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if persons travelling from the United Arab Emirates will be required to quarantine if their vaccine is not EMA approved. [23454/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMandatory hotel quarantine has been introduced as one element of Ireland’s public health measures to combat the transmission of COVID-19 variants of concern.
The Health Act 1947, as amended, provides that all persons arriving in Ireland from a designated state, or having travelled through a designated state in the previous 14 days, are required to undergo mandatory quarantine in a designated facility unless they are an exempted traveller under the Act. All applicable travellers must reserve and pay for a place in mandatory hotel quarantine.
The Health (Amendment) Act 2021 identifies those who are exempt from mandatory hotel quarantine and a full list of exemptions can be accessed on gov.ie/quarantine.
The provisions of the Act also allow for travellers to request a review of decisions relating to their quarantine; however this can only be undertaken once quarantine has begun.
The Government continues to evaluate wider policy on international travel as informed by the epidemiological situation and public health advice.
As of 17th April, passengers who are fully vaccinated and have the documents to confirm this are no longer required to complete mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival in Ireland. Dependents, including children, will also be exempted from the requirement to complete mandatory hotel quarantine in this instance.
Please note that the 4 EMA approved vaccines currently accepted have specific definitions for when a person would be considered fully vaccinated.
The following table sets out the definition of ‘fully vaccinated’.
|
Type of Vaccine |
You are regarded as fully vaccinated after |
|
Pfizer-BioNtech |
7 days after 2nd dose |
|
Moderna |
14 days after 2nd dose |
|
Oxford-AstraZeneca, also known as Covishield |
15 days after 2nd dose |
|
Johnson & Johnson/Janssen |
14 days after single dose |
Passengers who are fully vaccinated and exempt from hotel quarantine are still subject to other travel restrictions, such as the need to provide a negative pre-departure PCR test and complete a period of self-quarantine at home or wherever specified in their passenger locator form.
Covid 19 vaccines can only be approved and used if they comply with all the requirements of quality, safety and efficacy set out in the EU pharmaceutical legislation. No vaccine will be used until Market Authorisation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is obtained and any authorised vaccine will be subject to ongoing monitoring in Ireland by the Health Product Regulatory Authority (HPRA).
At present, neither the Sinopharm or Gam-COVID-Vac Covid-19 vaccines have received EMA approval.
Neither I as Minister for Health nor my Department have a role in decisions relating to whether individual persons must enter mandatory quarantine or whether individual persons are exempted travellers. All such decisions are to be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
The Government continues to advise against all non-essential international travel.
208. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the level of cancer care being provided under current restrictions; and when normal cancer care services will resume. [23461/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Action Plan on Covid-19 identified the continued provision of cancer care as a priority. Cancer services continue to operate in line with guidance issued by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).
The NCCP is continuing to closely monitor trends in numbers coming forward to diagnostic services, and the level of attendances for appointments for treatment. The total number of patients seen across all Rapid Access Clinics (RACs) in 2020 (44,233) amounted to 88% of the 2019 figure (50,249). GP e-referrals to RACs for weeks 2-17 (up to 25th April) this year stand at 153% of the activity in the corresponding weeks in 2020, and 126% for the corresponding weeks in 2019.
Medical and radiation and oncology services are continuing, utilising the safeguards of social distancing and infection prevention & control measures built up in the past year. The number of patients receiving chemotherapy up to end-2020 was at approximately 88% of 2019 activity, while radiation oncology was operating at >90% of 2019 activity.
An important message to everyone now is that, if you have any concerns about cancer please go to your GP, who will arrange appropriate follow-up care. Our cancer diagnostic and treatment services are open, and our healthcare staff will provide any necessary care.
Funding of €12m has been allocated this year for the restoration of cancer services to 95% of 2019 (pre-Covid) levels. This funding will support hospitals in addressing backlogs, extending clinic times, providing additional clinics, increasing diagnostic capacity and providing locum/temporary support. It will also support virtual clinics and more accurate triage, and facilitate infrastructure and minor equipment purchases to increase capacity across Rapid Access Clinics and surgical oncology, medical oncology and radiation oncology services.
In addition, as part of Budget 2021, an extra €20m has been allocated for the continued implementation of the National Cancer Strategy this year. This funding will facilitate developments across prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient supports.
209. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the supports that are in place specifically to provide mental health services to island communities including the availability of counselling services for young persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23483/21]
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.
210. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the funding that is in place to provide island communities with dedicated general practitioners, nurses and healthcare facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23484/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agreement reached in 2019 on GP Contractual Reforms and Service Development will see an increase in expenditure on GP services of €210 million over the period 2019 and 2023, providing for significant increases in capitation fees for all participating GPs, and the introduction of new fees and subsidies for additional services such as the chronic disease management programme.
The Agreement also includes measures aimed specifically at rural GPs, as well as practices in urban areas of deprivation. As part of this package, the financial allowance available to eligible GP practices for the Rural Practice Support Framework was increased by 10% from last year to a maximum of €22,000.
Additionally, the Agreement provides for the phased 28% increase in fees from 2020-2022 for dispensing doctors, GPs in rural areas that dispense medicines directly to patients who do not live within a reasonable distance of a retail pharmacy.
In relation to provision of GPs, nurses and healthcare facilities, the HSE continues to manage facilities on the Islands and on the mainland through the estates management process. Existing provision of GPs and nurses continues and services range from full time to sessional depending on the geographic area. Funding for these services continues to be provided through the existing HSE annual budget.
211. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the essential health and care needs that are in place to prepare for emergency situations on islands including pandemics and extreme weather events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23485/21]
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.
212. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the health services staff temporary accommodation scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23489/21]
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.
213. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if secular wedding ceremonies are permitted to have 50 in attendance from 10 May 2021 in line with ceremonies taking place in a church; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23490/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra224. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health when attendance at weddings of more than six persons will be permitted. [23517/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 213 and 224 together.
There 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.
The announcement made last week include the following changes to the measures applying to weddings: as of May 10, there can be an increase in the number of guests attending wedding services to 50 which brings this figure in line with the numbers permitted at religious services.
This increase to 50 guests relates to the service (both religious or civil) only. The number of guests attending a wedding celebration or reception should remain at 6 guests for indoor gatherings and 15 guests for outdoor gatherings. From 7 June, subject to the epidemiological situation at the time, it is envisaged that the numbers of guests attending a wedding celebration or reception will increase to 25.
It is important to note that while there is now scope to ease a range of public health measures, this 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.
214. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of the vaccine supply projection table for quarter two taking into account the revised version of the vaccine roll-out plan; and the changes to deliveries which occurred in April 2021. [23491/21]
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.
The following is an update on the total number of vaccines delivered to Ireland, up to and including Sunday 2 May 2021.
As of Monday 3 May, 1,621,870 doses of vaccine have been administered in Ireland, with 30% of the population aged 16 years and older having had at least one dose.
Moderna Inc has requested that 50% of its vaccine is held back for second doses. Similarly, an appropriate buffer amount is built up and held back for all vaccines to ensure availability of second doses for the following week. Currently, about 95% of available vaccines are administered within seven days of arrival in Ireland.
