Written Answers Nos. 539-572
539. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the waiting times for an MRI appointment at University Hospital Limerick for a person (details supplied) who has been waiting in excess of three years for an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27368/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
540. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the reason for not allowing communions or confirmations to proceed given that churches have reopened and the children involved are attending school together; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27374/21]
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 adherence by the public to the public health measures in place, and this progress has been sustained during recent phases of reopening in April and May. 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.
On 28 May, Government decided to move ahead with the process of lifting restrictions further and a range of measures were eased in June.
The Government has indicated that a further easing of measures will be considered from 5 July subject to the epidemiological situation at the time and this would include permitting communions and confirmations to take place. Government will give consideration to whether this further easing can proceed as planned next week.
As outlined on Gov.ie, when communions and confirmations are permitted, any related family gatherings should strictly adhere to the prevailing public health advice on household mixing, including visitors to your home and indoor and outdoor dining and any decision to schedule such ceremonies should take account of the disease situation in the local community (www.gov.ie/en/press-release/7894b-post-cabinet-statement-resilience-and-recovery-the-path-ahead/#what-you-can-do-in-july-subject-to-the-public-health-situation-at-the-time).
While there has been scope to continue with the easing of public health measures, our 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 ensure that our progress in controlling the virus is maintained.
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. To protect the gains of recent months we must continue to practice basic preventative behaviours and to follow public health guidelines.
541. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he plans to take legal action arising from a programme (details supplied) in relation to alleged activities in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27429/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have taken the allegations made in the RTÉ Investigates broadcast of 25th March extremely seriously, and the distress this has caused.
The Report of the Department of Health team set up to establish the facts in respect of specific allegations by RTÉ Primetime Investigates Programme was published on 21st April. This report deals with each of the allegations made in the programme and related articles on the website.
This Report is clear that the Department of Health has never gathered sensitive medical and educational information on children involved in court cases in the manner portrayed by RTE.
There is no evidence that the Department of Health was secretly compiling dossiers on children with autism involved in Special Educational Needs litigation as alleged.
The Department of Health does not have any plans to take legal action arising from the programme.
542. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the disparity in supports for clinical psychology trainees that receive a starting salary of €33,000 in addition to a sponsorship for 60% of the course fee compared to counselling doctorates that receive no financial supports at all; if he will take steps to address this matter given that both types of trainees ultimately end up applying for the same jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27432/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Report of the Psychology Review Implementation Group in 2017 expanded the care group employment available to counselling and educational psychologists. The report’s recommendation led to the establishment of a Project Team to implement this recommendation.
In February 2019, HSE Community Operations convened a Project Team, chaired by Dr Cathal Morgan, comprised of representatives from Clinical, Counselling and Educational Psychology; Social Care, Disability, and Mental Health services; Community and Acute services; Operational and National HR; and the Health and Social Care Professions office.
The Project Team was tasked with, inter alia, considering the preparation of a workforce plan for psychological services in the HSE, including an examination of the current framework for training psychologists for the health service, and the type, and skill-mix, required for the future.
The work of the Project Team has been informed by a thorough stakeholder consultation process. It is expected that the Report of the Project Team will be finalised in the coming weeks.
543. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners that have signed up for the general medical service scheme contracts in 2021, by county in tabular form; the number of general practitioners that have withdrawn from the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27433/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
544. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the next date for a meeting (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27464/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) formally assumed responsibility for services previously provided by the former Board of St. Mary’s (Telford) on the 2nd of November 2020.
In furtherance to the continuation of services on site, and as an interim measure, the HSE secured a short-term lease agreement with the owners of the facility – The Religious Sisters of Charity. The HSE now operates this service directly and provides care and support to the 17 remaining residents on site.
The HSE is working closely with these residents, their families and advocates towards identifying an appropriate long-term residential option for all of the current residents. Plans in this regard have commenced in respect of all residents and are at an advances stage for many. The HSE is acutely conscious of the trauma that all of these residents have been through in the past 12 months and have ensured that appropriate counselling and psychological supports have been in place to support all residents.
The HSE will continue to appropriately resource this service and will endeavour to ensure that all of the current residents are re-located in line with the clinical and social requirements and in accordance with their wishes to the greatest possible extent.
Officials in my Department are currently liaising with HSE colleagues in respect of the Deputy’s meeting request and will be in direct contact with the Deputy at the earliest opportunity to agree a suitable meeting date.
545. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he will make publicly available the report he received from the HSE on visits in maternity units stating which hospitals are fully compliant with the national policy and which have yet to be fully compliant; the reason for the non-compliance in particular hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27465/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaternity services are a core, essential service and must be able to continue to provide 24/7 care during the pandemic. In order to protect women, babies, staff and our maternity service as a whole, it has been necessary to introduce restrictions on attendance at maternity services. This has unfortunately included limitations on access of partners to maternity wards, theatres and appointments. My Department and the HSE have been engaging closely in relation to this matter.
The HSE has advised that in mid-May a review of compliance was conducted in all maternity hospitals/units, based on the HSE-AMRIC national guidance in place. At that time, the HSE confirmed that 14 of the 19 maternity hospitals/units were fully compliant with the guidance. As of last week, the HSE has advised that all 19 maternity hospitals are now fully compliant with that national guidance.
However, it should be noted that this guidance was limited to planned attendances. Accordingly, the HSE's National Women and Infants Health Programme has advised that additional guidance was issued on 23 June to maternity hospitals. This guidance now addresses unplanned attendance, including at the Early Pregnancy Assessment Units, or emergency presentations in late pregnancy. The guidance also addresses attendance for women with at-risk pregnancies. I am advised that the HSE anticipates that a two-week period may be required to ensure all hospitals are able to address local logistical issues that might arise in implementing this additional guidance.
546. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if children (details supplied) can have access to early an vaccination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27427/21]
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 of Health, 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 on the updated allocation strategy are available here:www.gov.ie/en/press-release/93f8f-minister-donnelly-announces-update-to-irelands-vaccination-prioritisation-list/Vaccine registration for those aged 35 to 39 has opened.The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE. You can find more information on the rollout of the vaccine and the progress of vaccinations here:www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/rollout/It is important to emphasise that vaccination is only one part of our response to the prevention of COVID-19 infection. People who are vaccinated need to continue with all the public health measures that have been proven to reduce the risk of infection, i.e., limiting our social contacts, physical distancing, wearing a mask, hand hygiene, cough etiquette and avoiding non-essential travel until a sufficiently large proportion of the population are immune.
547. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for a primary medical certificate. [27745/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE). However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and to resume normal services.
Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
548. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of counsellors and psychotherapists currently registered; if his Department or the HSE have considered workforce planning and future supply for counselling and psychotherapy in general and more specifically with reference to the recommendations set out in Sharing the Vision or another policy or strategy. [27750/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 provides for the protection of the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct and professional education, training and competence through statutory registration of health and social care professions designated under the Act. The professions of counsellor and psychotherapist were designated for regulation by the Minister under the Act and will be regulated by CORU.
Regulations to designate the two professions under the Act and to establish the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board were made in 2018. The Board was appointed in February 2019 and held its inaugural meeting in May 2019. The work of the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board is significantly more challenging than for registration boards for some of the more established professions, owing to the different and complex entry paths into these professions, the variety of titles used, and the variety and number of courses and course providers.
The Board is now undertaking the substantial work required to open the registers for counsellors and psychotherapists. This work includes the scoping of professions and titles and the consideration of the minimum qualifications to be required of existing practitioners and for future graduates.
When the Board has opened the register and the transitional period to allow existing practitioners to register is completed, it will be an offence for anyone not registered to use any protected titles. All registrants will also be subject to the fitness to practise process in CORU which provides for sanctions against registrants when complaints are proven.
In relation to workforce planning, the Programme for Government commits the Department of Health to working with the education sectors, regulators, and professional bodies to improve the availability of health professionals and reform their training to support integrated care across the entire health service.
Sharing the Vision - A Mental Health Policy for Everyone (2020), aims to enhance the provision of mental health services and supports across a broad continuum from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention to acute and specialist mental health service delivery, during the period 2020-2030. The policy envisages an expansion of mental health service provision across the whole system, necessitating a significant skill mix analysis and human resource development. Consequently, to realise the policy recommendations, a comprehensive workforce planning initiative is required. The National Implementation and Monitoring Committee (NIMC), charged with implementation monitoring of national mental health policy Sharing the Vision (2020) has identified workforce planning in the mental health sector as a key enabler to the implementation of this policy and consistent service improvement over the next ten years.
The HSE Report on Workforce Planning Mental Health: Assessing Supply and Demand (October 2018) www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/our-workforce/resources/workforce-planning-report-mhs.pdf.
and the HSE Report of the National Psychology Project Team (January 2021) www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs/eligibility-criteria/psychology-report-jan-2021.pdf are relevant HSE initiatives in relation to workforce planning in mental health services.
549. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of counsellors and psychotherapists employed and or contracted under the CIPC service in 2019, 2020 and to date 2021; the estimated cost of one hour of counselling delivered under the scheme; the cost for the full seven sessions per client; and the cost of the CIPC in each of the years 2018 to 2020. [27751/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
550. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the supports and safeguards that have been provided for vaccinators that do not have a professional indemnity insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27778/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
551. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the details in relation to insurance for vaccinators; if nurses who have been recruited as vaccinators and are former members of the union will be covered by the union's professional scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27779/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
552. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health his plans to upgrade the IT system in his Department and bodies under his aegis with a view to maximising the protection against hackers. [28688/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproved IT security measures have already been put in place within my Department. A complete security review of the infrastructure is being finalised and specialised software has been installed to mitigate against malicious software, and to provide early warning notifications of same. The system is fully monitored, providing for a rapid response to any notified incidents.
Going forward, my Department will, in conjunction with our security partner, the NCSC and OGCIO , continue to assess requirements against best practice and industry standards when upgrading the ICT infrastructures.
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.
553. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if additional security measures will be taken to impede and prevent the intrusion of hackers in his Department’s IT system and to ensure an early warning system is in place which will trigger an ultimate defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28706/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that improved security measures have already been put in place within my Department's IT systems. A complete security review of the infrastructure is being finalised and specialised software has been installed to mitigate against malicious software, and to provide early warning notifications of same. The system is fully monitored, providing for a rapid response to any notified incidents.
My Department continues to liaise closely with the National Cyber Security Centre, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, our security partner and with colleagues across the Public Service to ensure that best practice is followed as it relates to all aspects of Cybersecurity.
554. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if he will conduct a substantive review of the exercise of emergency powers enacted since 20 March 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32494/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra555. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if he will conduct a human rights impact assessment of emergency legislation enacted since 20 March 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32495/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 554 and 555 together.
Under Section 31A of the Health Act 1947 (as inserted by Part 3 of the Preservation and Protection of Human Life and other Emergency Measures Act 2020), the Minister for Health may make regulations to give effect to public health measures to protect the health and lives of people, having regard to the constitutional duty of the State to respect and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate the rights of citizens to life and to bodily integrity. They are drafted subject to the advice of the Attorney General to ensure that they are constitutional.
Government decision-making on public health measures has been informed by public health, economic and social impact assessments which have been undertaken on an ongoing basis throughout the pandemic with inputs from across Government to understand and assess both the impacts of the pandemic and the impacts of the restrictions imposed to manage it.
Government has always sought to balance rights and obligations along with ensuring that the public health measures being introduced are proportionate to the public health objectives being pursued and they are kept under constant review in light of the prevailing epidemiological situation.
The Deputy will also be aware that a Government amendment to the Health and Criminal Justice (Covid-19) (Amendment) Act 2021 introduced at Dáil Committee Stage provides that the emergency powers expire on 09 November 2021, with only one extension after that permitted by joint resolution of the Oireachtas and for no more than 3 months. It is my hope that an extension of these powers will not be required past 09 November 2021.
Question No. 555 answered with Question No. 554.
556. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health when section 39 workers can expect to see full restoration of their pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32956/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 39 agencies are agencies under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004 where the HSE provides a grant to allow the agency to provide services similar or ancillary to the HSE. They were not and are not party to the Public Service Agreements and are therefore not covered by the pay restoration provided for in these Agreements. In October 2018, an agreement was reached by the parties at the Workplace Relations Commission in relation to a process of pay restoration for staff employed in a pilot group of 50 section 39 organisations who are funded by way of a Service Level Agreement (SLA). Pay restoration commenced in April 2019. Any outstanding balance would be paid in two equal amounts in 2020 and 2021, if due.
The agreement reached at the WRC noted that some of the organisations (approximately 250) which did not form part of the pilot phase are also likely to have pay restoration issues. A further WRC engagement followed in December 2020 in relation to a final phase of 250 SLA funded organisations who were identified as part of the earlier agreement. A payment arrangement consisting of three phases was agreed with the first two payments to be made in 2021.Pay restoration was applicable to Section 39 organisations who met certain criteria rather than types of individual workers that are employed in them. I can also confirm that there is no scope to revisit the eligibility criteria for the process.
557. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of households with at least one child under the age of 18 that are in receipt of a medical card. [33362/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems.
The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
558. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if she will review the income thresholds for the blind welfare allowance and increase them in the forthcoming budget. [33266/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIssues relating to the alignment of the Supplementary Blind Welfare Allowance Circular with current Department of Social Protection rates, means assessments and developments in Social Protection schemes are under review.
The Deputy will be aware that I cannot comment on items for inclusion in the budgetary process.
559. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to young persons who have secured college places in the United States of America who are required to be vaccinated before they take up their place; if arrangements will be made that they can receive their vaccine accordingly to allow them to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33106/21]
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 of Health, 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 on the updated allocation strategy are available here:www.gov.ie/en/press-release/93f8f-minister-donnelly-announces-update-to-irelands-vaccination-prioritisation-list/Vaccine registration for those aged 35 to 39 has opened.The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE. You can find more information on the rollout of the vaccine and the progress of vaccinations here:
www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/rollout/It is important to emphasise that vaccination is only one part of our response to the prevention of COVID-19 infection. People who are vaccinated need to continue with all the public health measures that have been proven to reduce the risk of infection, i.e., limiting our social contacts, physical distancing, wearing a mask, hand hygiene, cough etiquette and avoiding non-essential travel until a sufficiently large proportion of the population are immune.
560. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health the reason nurses from the Philippines have been reduced due to the fact Ireland did not apply for an exemption from 5,000 to 10,000 nurses for Ireland given that the UK and Germany have been approved for the larger amount and that this is a matter of urgency as the Philippines’ may close off this source of nurses as they may need them for their own health system. [33384/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for raising this important matter.
In early 2020, as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic the government of the Philippines introduced a ban on healthcare workers leaving the country. This ban was lifted in November 2020, but a limit was placed on the number allowed to leave the Philippines to ensure that enough healthcare workers would remain at home to help in the fight against the pandemic. This amount was initially set at 5,000 in respect of healthcare workers. We understand from the Department of Foreign Affairs that this has been increased to 6,500 in recent days.
It should be noted that the process for applying for an exemption is challenging and requires complex negotiation. Ireland does not have an embassy in the Philippines at present but is in the process of opening one in Manila, it is hoped that this will be in place in later in the year.
Officials from my Department are currently liaising with the Department of Foreign Affairs who are monitoring the situation. Officials are also seeking clarity from the HSE regarding the extent of the impact of this cap on workforce planning in our health service. When we have further information on the matter a decision will be taken regarding what next steps are required.
561. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if the lack of legislation will be addressed in relation to surrogacy in Ireland regarding the legal status of the mother; if there are plans to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33525/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, drafting of a bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research, based on the published General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill, is ongoing by officials in my Department, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General. This comprehensive piece of legislation will encompass the regulation, for the first time in Ireland, of a very wide range of practices, including domestic altruistic surrogacy.
The legislation sets out a court-based mechanism through which the parentage of a child born through a surrogacy agreement which has been pre-approved by the AHR Regulatory Authority may be transferred from the surrogate (and her husband, if applicable) to the intending parent(s).
Overall, the aim of the AHR legislation is to promote and ensure the health and safety of parents, others involved in the process (such as donors and surrogate mothers), while, most importantly, consideration of the welfare and best interests of the children who will be born as a result of AHR is the key principle underpinning all legislative measures in this area.
562. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will require the business case for the design, construction and operation of the proposed new national maternity hospital at Elm Park to include design, construction and fit-out for the provision of full reproductive healthcare including contraception, surgical sterilisation, IVF and abortion; the specific design, construction and fit-out provision that will be installed for each of these services; and the installed bed and consultation capacity that will be provided for the specific delivery of each of these services. [33200/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra563. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will require the business case for the operation of the proposed new national maternity hospital at Elm Park to include specific estimates for section 38 funding of staff for the provision of contraception, surgical sterilisation, IVF and abortion services; and the estimated number of staff to be funded under section 38 for the specific provision of contraception, surgical sterilisation, IVF and abortion services. [33201/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 562 and 563 together.
The Government is committed to the development of the new National Maternity Hospital (NMH) as planned at the St Vincent’s University Hospital campus. A draft legal framework has been developed setting out the governance and ownership arrangements for the new hospital, which are designed to protect the State's investment in the new hospital and to provide assurance that all services legally permissible in the State will be made available there. I will not countenance any new maternity hospital where there is any risk that any services will be prohibited based on religious beliefs or ethical code.
In line with the Public Spending Code, a full business case is being prepared and is currently under review within the HSE. In essence, the purpose of the business case is to set out the demographic, clinical, social, and technology factors pertaining to the project as well as providing robust consideration of the options, costs, risks, and deliverability of the project to enable the Government to make an evidence-informed decision, which would enable the project to progress to the tendering stage.
564. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will review a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32973/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for raising this important matter.
In early 2020, as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic the government of the Philippines introduced a ban on healthcare workers leaving the country. This ban was lifted in November 2020, but a limit was placed on the number allowed to leave the Philippines to ensure that enough healthcare workers would remain at home to help in the fight against the pandemic. This amount was initially set at 5,000 in respect of healthcare workers. We understand from the Department of Foreign Affairs that this has been increased to 6,500 in recent days.
It should be noted that the process for applying for an exemption is challenging and requires complex negotiation. Ireland does not have an embassy in the Philippines at present but is in the process of opening one in Manila, it is hoped that this will be in place in later in the year.
Officials from my Department are currently liaising with the Department of Foreign Affairs who are monitoring the situation. Officials are also seeking clarity from the HSE regarding the extent of the impact of this cap on workforce planning in our health service. When we have further information on the matter a decision will be taken regarding what next steps are required.
565. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when a prescription will be given to a child (details supplied). [34038/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
566. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the expenditure to date on the National Drugs Strategy from the Budget 2021 allocation. [34046/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra567. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the sum allocated to Southdoc Blackpool to date in 2021. [34047/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
568. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of a drug manufactured by a company (details supplied); and the status of the resolution of recurring problems with the reimbursement scheme. [34049/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra569. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the scheme under which reimbursement for a drug manufactured by a company (details supplied) is currently given. [34050/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE have advised that where a patient who has a valid medical prescription for medical cannabis, whose treating clinician holds a Ministerial licence under the Misuse of Drugs Act and who has sourced a cannabis-based product may submit an application to the HSE Corporate Pharmaceutical Unit in the PCRS for reimbursement.
The HSE has advised that in the previous situations where it considered reimbursement support appropriate, the following steps were completed:
- The patient’s consultant is satisfied that all therapeutic options have been exhausted and is prepared to accept the responsibility for monitoring the patient’s response to the cannabis product.
- A prescriber has successfully applied to the Minister for a Ministerial license.
- The consultant completes an Individual Reimbursement Form, setting out the therapeutic benefit for the patient. It is important that this is completed in sufficient detail for therapeutic benefit to be demonstrated.
- The Individual Reimbursement Form is considered by the Medicines Management Programme (MMP).
- On review of the documentation, the MMP makes a recommendation for or against reimbursement support for the patient to the HSE, under the patient's eligibility, and informs the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) of that recommendation.
- If approval is given, the PCRS, when authorised to proceed, will make the necessary arrangements to cover the costs involved for the patient.
The contact details for the CPU as follows:
Corporate Pharmaceutical Unit,
HSE, Primary Care Reimbursement Service,
Exit 5, M50,
Finglas,
Dublin 11.
D11XKF3
Phone No: 01 8915725
Fax No: 01 8915757
Email Address: CPU@hse.ie
570. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the funding provided to the medicinal cannabis access programme to date in 2021. [34051/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn June 2019, the then Minister for Health signed legislation to underpin the operation of the Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP). This is a 5-year pilot programme, restricted to prescribing of cannabis-based products by medical consultants, for patients with certain medical conditions who have exhausted all other available medical treatment options. The HSE have now included the MCAP as part of its National Service Plan 2021 and the conditions that are covered under the MCAP are:
- Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis
- Intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy
- Severe, refractory (treatment-resistant) epilepsy.
The Deputy will be aware that additional funding of €50m has been provided for new medicines in Budget 2021. This budget allocation will provide for the reimbursement of the MCAP.
571. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health his plans to include additional diagnosis in the medicinal cannabis access programme. [34052/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra572. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health when a review will be undertaken on the current diagnosis and medicines available under the medicinal cannabis access programme. [34053/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 571 and 572 together.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority’s “Cannabis for Medical Review Use – A Scientific Review” advised that treatment with cannabis is only permitted under a controlled access programme for the treatment of patients with;
a. Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis resistant to all standard therapies and interventions whilst under expert medical supervision;
b. Intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, despite the use of standard anti-emetic regimes whilst under expert medical supervision;
c. Severe, refractory (treatment-resistant) epilepsy that has failed to respond to standard anticonvulsant medications whilst under expert medical supervision.
The HPRA did not consider that the available evidence supported the use of cannabis in other medical conditions.
The programme has been included in the HSE Service Plan for 2021, will operate on a five-year pilot basis with a centralised data collection point and regular reports to the Department of Health. This information will provide data on the medical use of cannabis and the supply needs in Ireland.
The decision to initiate a review of the programme will be considered after the commencement of the programme.
Question No. 572 answered with Question No. 571.
