Written Answers Nos. 399-413
399. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding essential travel for overseas work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25210/21]
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.
At present the UK is not a designated state for the purposes of mandatory hotel quarantine. Passengers who are travelling from non-designated countries and are not required to undergo quarantine in a designated facility 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.
The designation of states will be subject to ongoing review in line with the provisions of the Act.
The Government continues to evaluate wider policy on international travel as informed by the epidemiological situation and public health advice, including the possibility of future exemptions, such as for certain categories of essential workers. Public health will remain a paramount consideration.
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'.
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.
Neither I as Minister for Health nor my Department have any 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.
400. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health the budget allocated to home help and homecare packages in each of the years 2015 to 2020; the funding allocated to direct HSE services, voluntary and non-profit organisations and private providers for these services for the same years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25212/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this matter is specifically related to the operation of HSE I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
401. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health if persons that are fully vaccinated but have not completed a seven day wait after their last dose will be expected to quarantine for the full 14 days in a mandatory detention facility upon entry into the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25213/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMandatory hotel quarantine has been introduced as one element of Ireland’s public health measures to combat the transmission of COVID-19, particularly 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.Mandatory hotel quarantine is also necessary in circumstances where passengers coming from non-designated states, do not provide evidence that they have a negative or ‘not detected’ result from a COVID-19 Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test carried out no more than 72 hours before arrival into Ireland. 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 |
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.The provisions of the Act allow for travellers to request a review of decisions relating to their quarantine; however, this can only be undertaken once quarantine has begun. Requests for review can be based only on a limited number of grounds and public health will remain a paramount consideration. The SLO (Irish Defence Forces) in the hotel can provide further information on how to apply.It is important to note that the list of designated states will be subject to change at short notice and passengers are required to check the list before travelling to Ireland, to be sure of their obligations.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.
402. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health the number of staff working in his Department dedicated to the mandatory Covid-19 detention system from persons arriving in the State; the number of staff at each grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25214/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 12th May 2021, there are 31 persons in my Department working on the Mandatory Hotel Quarantine System in either permanent or temporary roles. The number at each grade is included as follows.
|
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
|
Principal Officer |
5 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
7 |
|
Administrative Officer |
6 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
4 |
|
Executive Officer |
6 |
|
Clerical Officer |
2 |
403. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health the amount spent on legal fees in relation to defending the mandatory Covid-19 detention system for persons arriving in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25215/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAny legal cases to date concerning the Mandatory Hotel Quarantine system have been handled by the Chief State Solicitors Office, on behalf of my Department. A confirmed total is not yet available to provide.
404. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health his plans to enable a legal parental relationship to be established to both parents of LGBTQ+ families using surrogacy and other forms of assisted human reproduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25219/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (the Act of 2015) reforms and updates family law to address the needs of children living in diverse family types. The Minister for Health commenced Parts 2 & 3 of the Act of 2015 on 4 May 2020. Specifically, Parts 2 & 3 provide a legal framework for parentage of children who are born as result of assisted human reproduction (AHR) involving donated eggs or sperm or embryos. Records are also required to be kept in relation to the identity of the donor(s), the child, the mother and the intending parent for the purposes of enabling donor-conceived children to access information relating to their genetic inheritance.
A legal framework to regulate surrogacy is included in the forthcoming AHR legislation; drafting of this Bill is ongoing by officials in my Department, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General. The surrogacy provisions outline a court-based mechanism through which the parentage of a child born through surrogacy may be transferred from the surrogate (and her husband, if applicable) to the intending parent(s). Subject to certain criteria being met, AHR treatment involving gamete donation and domestic surrogacy will be available to people irrespective of gender, marital status or sexual orientation.
The AHR legislation aims to promote and ensure the health and safety of parents and others involved in the process (such as donors and surrogate mothers), while, most importantly, consideration of the welfare and best interests of children born as a result of AHR is a key principle underpinning all legislative measures in this area.
405. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health when communities can hold drive-through bingo activities given that the country is opening up again; and when he expects this to happen. [25221/21]
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. Further detail is available on Gov.ie: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/0bd80-new-public-health-measures-announced-the-path-ahead/
Drive through events such as bingo are not permitted under current public health restrictions commencing on the 10 May. The level of restrictions will be kept under review by Government.
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. In this regard, the NPHET has advised that the current reopening plans can be considered low to medium risk. They also advise that a faster reopening would be very high risk.
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.
406. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding critical skills employment permits for non-consultant hospital doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25223/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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.
408. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if his Department will subsidise counselling psychologists in training in Ireland in a way similar to clinical psychologists in training are, that is, salary for work experience and fees subsidised in view of the huge benefit this would be to encourage more persons to study this area and alleviating the huge waiting lists for counselling services. [25243/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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.
409. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the rationale for not vaccinating members of An Garda Síochána as front-line workers. [25245/21]
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/
It is important to note that the NIAC has advised that there is no evidence to show a significantly increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease, independent of age and other comorbidities, in any occupational group other than front-line healthcare workers to prioritise them for vaccination above their age-cohort.
410. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the status of the waving of mandatory hotel quarantine for persons who are vaccinated with Covid-19 vaccines not yet approved by the European Medicines Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25246/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra444. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health when persons fully vaccinated with a vaccine (details supplied) will be able to travel here without the need to enter mandatory hotel quarantine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25331/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra445. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the requirements regarding mandatory hotel quarantine for Irish citizens returning to Ireland from the UAE in July 2021 who have been working in the UAE and have been vaccinated there with a vaccine (details supplied). [25345/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra466. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he is considering exemptions from mandatory hotel quarantine for persons who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 with a vaccine (details supplied); if he will take into account that on 7 May 2021, the World Health Organization approved the vaccine as a suitable and recognized vaccine for protection against Covid-19; if he will discuss this matter at the earliest convenience with the National Public Health Emergency Team and the National Immunisation Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25485/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 410, 444, 445 and 466 together.
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 |
15 days after 2nd dose |
|
Johnson & Johnson/Janssen |
14 days after single dose |
Fully vaccinated travellers are still required to have a negative pre-departure RT-PCR test and complete a period of self-quarantine at home or wherever specified in their passenger locator form.
Ireland supports the EU Procurement Process, the purpose of which is to secure safe and efficacious vaccines for EU citizens.
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).
The delivery of vaccines under APAs that the Commission has negotiated on behalf of Member States are predicated upon a CMA being obtained from the Commission (on the basis of a positive recommendation being awarded by the EMA).
The awarding of a CMA provides a high level of assurance that a vaccine has undergone rigorous testing and has met the requirements of the independent regulatory process as regards demonstrating its safety and efficacy.
The Sinopharm vaccine has not been awarded a CMA to date.
The provisions of the Act allow for travellers to request a review of decisions relating to their quarantine; however, this can only be undertaken once quarantine has begun. Requests for review can be based only on a limited number of grounds and public health will remain a paramount consideration. The SLO (Irish Defence Forces) in the hotel can provide further information on how to apply.
It is important to note that the list of designated states will be subject to change at short notice and passengers are required to check the list before travelling to Ireland, to be sure of their obligations.
Neither I as Minister for Health or my Department have any role in deciding which persons must enter mandatory quarantine or which persons are exempt from entering mandatory quarantine. All such decisions are to be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
411. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he has engaged with the NIAC on the review of age limit for vaccination in particular the inclusion of children in the 12 to 15 age group who are in the very-high risk category for Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25247/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCOVID-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).
Following the recommendation for use of vaccines against COVID-19 by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and authorisation for use by the European Commission, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) develops guidance for their use in Ireland which is contained in the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland. These guidelines are continuously updated and includes guidance on all new vaccines as they are approved for use in Ireland.
The EMA has announced that it had started to evaluate an application to extend the use of the COVID-19 vaccine Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech) to include young people aged 12 to 15. The EMA will communicate on the outcome of its evaluation, which is expected in June unless supplementary information is needed.
This vaccine is currently authorised for use in people aged 16 and older and is being used as part of Ireland’s vaccination programme since the 29 December 2021.
412. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the attendance of expectant fathers at maternity services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25252/21]
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.
413. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2125 of 21 April 2021, the options available to a family (details supplied) given the service recommended has a year long waiting list and they require assistance quicker than that time frame; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25255/21]
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.
