Mark Ward
Ceist:303. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health when the prison population is due to be vaccinated given prisoners are living in close proximity with each other and mostly in an indoor setting. [28246/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraVaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (303)
Freagraí scríofa
The 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: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/93f8f-minister-donnelly-announces-update-to-irelands-vaccination-prioritisation-list/
The programme is vaccinating individuals in the custody of the State and this is ongoing. This cohort is estimated at 4,000 people and the vaccinations began in March with those aged 70 years and older. Over 950 individuals in the custody of the State have now received their first dose and over 80 individuals have been fully vaccinated. There was anticipated to be a further 1,000 vaccinations administered for people in the Irish Prison Service last week.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (304)
Mark Ward
Ceist:304. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health when prison staff are due be vaccinated given prisons are living places in which persons are in close proximity with each other and mostly in an indoor setting. [28247/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/93f8f-minister-donnelly-announces-update-to-irelands-vaccination-prioritisation-list/
350 prison officers received a first vaccine dose in May and further 550 first doses are planned for this month. This number may reduce as a number of prison officers may have been vaccinated through vaccination centres in their respective age groupings. The vaccination of prison officers is expected to be completed by late August.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (305)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:305. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if provision can be made for two persons (details supplied); if they will be required to isolate upon arrival; if a green card will be applied to facilitate their travel requirements in the next few weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28248/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the current public health travel measures, travellers arriving into Ireland from all overseas are required to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form, to present evidence of a negative / non-detected pre-departure RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival and to observe mandatory quarantine. These measures are currently required for all overseas arrivals, even vaccinated persons.
International travel policy is kept under continuous consideration and Government is responding proactively to balancing the risks associated with increased travel with the re-opening of society and non-essential overseas travel.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (306)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:306. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when it can be expected that mandatory quarantine from France to Ireland to be lifted. [28249/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All adults who enter the State from abroad are subject to the Government's current travel restrictions upon arrival, unless exempted.
As of May 28th, persons arriving from France are no longer automatically subject to Mandatory Hotel Quarantine. However, they are still subject to other travel restrictions such as home quarantine, supplying passenger locator form information and ensuring they have evidence of a negative RT-PCR test conducted within the 72 hours prior to their arrival in Ireland.
Home Help Service
Ceisteanna (307)
Chris Andrews
Ceist:307. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health the reason home help will be stopped on 31 July 2022 for a person (details supplied); and the alternative care arrangements that will be put in place for the person. [28251/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
Medical Qualifications
Ceisteanna (308)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:308. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the timeline in relation an applicant by a person (details supplied) who applied for CORU recognition; the suggested timeline for such applications; the number of applications made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28252/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is an operational matter, I have asked CORU (the Health and Social Care Professionals Council) to respond to the Deputy directly.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (309)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:309. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when approval under the treatment abroad scheme will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28253/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, given the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems, my Department contacted the HSE regarding the current status of the patient’s application under the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS). The disruption to service is on-going, however the HSE have confirmed that the latest information they have available is that the patient was approved under the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) and the approval letter was issued by the HSE TAS office on 16th June 2021.
Patients are advised to contact the HSE TAS office directly with queries on individual applications. The TAS office may be contacted by phone on 056 778 4900 / 056 778 4908; by email at treatmentabroad.scheme@hse.ie or in writing at Health Service Executive, Seville Lodge, Callan Road, Kilkenny, Co Kilkenny. Further information is also available on the TAS website.
General Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (310)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:310. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the steps is he taking to ensure that persons who have not yet received general practitioner visit cards due to Covid-19 delays are reimbursed for the fees they are charged while their applications are being processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28254/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Eligibility for a medical card or GP visit card is granted on the date when a completed application has been assessed and the applicant is awarded eligibility for a card under the scheme guidelines. Expenditure incurred prior to being granted eligibility is not reimbursable.
It should also be noted that the HSE National Medical Card Unit confirmed there have been no delays in the processing of medical and GP visit card applications due to Covid-19 and that standard processing times have been maintained throughout the pandemic.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (311)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:311. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will get a Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28256/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (312)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:312. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the restrictions that will be in place for the summer months in relation to summer camps for children both indoors and outdoors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28257/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 adherence by the public to the public health measures in place, and this progress has been sustained during recent phases of reopening in April, May and June.
While significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme and the current situation is broadly stable, the prevalence of the more transmissible Delta variant is rapidly increasing in Ireland and this poses a significant risk, in particular to those who are not yet fully protected though vaccination.
On 29 June, Government announced the next phase of reopening the economy and society in line with Recovery and Resilience: The Path Ahead, with an emphasis on lower risk activities given the risks posed by the Delta variant. Higher risk indoor activities, including organised events, service in bars and restaurants, group training, exercise and dance will not yet recommence, pending the implementation of a system to verify vaccination or immunity status.
Summer camps may proceed however camp organisers must ensure adherence to the public health measures in place at the time of the summer camp. The public health measures in place will, for example, guide the numbers permitted in pods for both indoor and outdoor activities and whether indoor catering is permitted. Details of public health measures can be found online: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/7894b-post-cabinet-statement-resilience-and-recovery-the-path-ahead/
As we further ease public health measures, our approach must continue to be cautious, gradual and phased, 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 and sustained 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.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (313)
Johnny Guirke
Ceist:313. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of assistant psychologists that are currently working on a voluntary capacity within HSE services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28258/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (314)
Johnny Guirke
Ceist:314. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health his Department’s policy on the recruitment of assistant psychologists in an unpaid capacity by HSE services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28259/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department has supported the establishment of 114 paid Assistant Psychologist posts within HSE Psychology Services on a pilot basis, with the posts coming on-stream in a phased basis during 2017, and funding of €3.4m being provided for implementation of this important initiative.
The role of Assistant Psychologist is intended to support the provision of psychology services in primary care settings, enabling delivery of early and cost-effective interventions for children and adolescents, and is key to delivering a “stepped care” model in which service users receive the level of required support and/or intervention appropriate to their assessed need.
The employment of Assistant Psychologists in HSE Primary Care Psychology services is intended as a time-limited pilot project and is being independently evaluated. All Assistant Psychologist posts were due to complete their contracts by the end of July 2020 when the evaluation was originally due to be finalised. However, due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was necessary for this evaluation process to be paused during 2020 and, as several months of data was not collected, the HSE report that the initiative has been extended to the end of September 2021, after which a final report and assessment of the pilot project will be completed.
Management of the allocated funding and resources to the pilot initiative, including recruitment of staff to the Assistant Psychologist posts, continue to be matters for which the HSE holds full responsibility, and in which the Department has no direct involvement.
Care of the Elderly
Ceisteanna (315)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:315. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if provisions will be made for elderly care facilities that are at risk of having to reduce bed capacity due to a HIQA mandate that will require 7.4 square metres between residents. [28260/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The provision of residential care is part of a range of measures to offer a care system that reflects and responds to the varying needs of older people who require additional supports.
The safety and quality of care provided to persons living in nursing homes is of the greatest importance. To that end, the Department of Health continues to work closely with the Health Information and Quality Authority and nursing home providers to ensure that the highest standards continue to be met. The regulation referred to states that "On and from 1st January 2022, a bedroom in a designated centre which was carrying on the business of a designated centre on or before 1st July 2009 or a part of a designated centre where such business was carried on before that date shall have an area of not less than 7.4 square metres of floor space, which area shall include the space occupied by a bed".
This regulation means that providers must provide a minimum of 7.4 square metres per resident in a bedroom, rather than requiring 7.4 square metres between residents.
The HSE's National Service Plan 2021 contains a number of measures designed to mitigate the risk of a temporary reduction of capacity in some nursing homes arising from both regulatory compliance pending the completion of the Community Nursing Unit capital infrastructure programme and from infection and prevention control measures in place arising from COVID-19. These include funding for an additional 1,250 community beds to reduce the number of older people in long stay residential care through purposing existing or developing additional rehabilitation and intermediate care beds, expanding reablement and outreach services and by significantly increasing home support hours.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (316)
Michael McNamara
Ceist:316. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who have stayed in mandatory hotel quarantine to date; the number of those who have paid for their stay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28261/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Mandatory 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 exempt under the Act.
As of 27th June, a total of 7,171 people have entered mandatory hotel quarantine since it began on 26th March. Of these, 599 people have been granted payment deferral.
Question No. 317 answered with Question No. 284.
Home Help Service
Ceisteanna (318)
Johnny Mythen
Ceist:318. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1648 of 21 April 2021, when the review of the home support waiting list for County Wexford will be recommenced; the timeframe for publication of the findings of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28263/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.