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Gnáthamharc

Thursday, 1 Jul 2021

Written Answers Nos. 406-428

Medicinal Products

Ceisteanna (406)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

406. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to progress the recommendations of the special Dáil Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution report, specifically its recommendations on free contraception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28818/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Following the recommendations of the Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution, a Working Group was established in April 2019 to consider the range of policy, regulatory and legislative issues arising in relation to improving access to contraception in Ireland.

The Group’s high-level report, published in October 2019, identified the barriers that exist to accessing contraception and the mechanisms available to overcome those barriers, noting that any policy proposal must focus on accessibility, education, workforce capacity as well as cost.

A sizable body of work remains to be addressed in order to develop and finalise the policy approach, bring forward the necessary legislative proposals and ensure the implementation of service delivery arrangements. Progress on these issues has unfortunately been delayed due to the need to focus on and prioritise the response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

It is, however, important to stress that my Department and this Government remain committed to providing free contraception over a phased basis, starting with women aged 17 – 25, as set out in the Programme for Government.

Although the health service can and does provide supports in relation to sex education, the issue of sex education in schools is a matter for my colleague Norma Foley, TD, as Minister for Education.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (407)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

407. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the number of guests who will be permitted at wedding ceremonies and receptions over the coming months. [28822/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, 50 people can currently attend a wedding service (both religious and civil) and 25 people can attend a wedding celebration or reception. On 29 June, Government announced the next phase of reopening the economy and society in line with Recovery and Resilience: The Path Ahead. While a number of higher risk indoor activities will not recommence as planned on the 5th July, pending the implementation of a system to verify vaccination or immunity status, it has been announced that, as an exception, weddings already planned will be allowed to proceed with the planned increase in the number of guests to 50 at the wedding reception with protective measures.

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 vaccinated.

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (408)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

408. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if matters raised by a person (details supplied) in hotel quarantine will be addressed; his views on whether the experience is acceptable; if a survey will be carried out of all persons who have used quarantine hotels to determine if they had similar experiences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28823/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Mandatory hotel quarantine has been introduced as one element of Ireland’s public health measures to combat the transmission of Covid-19 and to protect the population when there is a high risk of importation of infection from Covid-19 and from challenges posed by new variants of concern.

The safety, wellbeing and comfort of all guests quarantining in a designated facility (hotel) is a priority of the mandatory hotel quarantine system, along with the ultimate goal of protecting public health by limiting the potential spread of Covid-19, particularly variants of concern. The principles and policies of the system are governed by the Health Act 1947, as amended by the Health (Amendment) Act 2021.

Guests receive an RT-PCR test after entering mandatory hotel quarantine, generally on the following morning after arrival.

In order to protect other guests and onsite teams, guests are only permitted to leave their room for fresh air breaks after receiving a negative (‘not detected’) test result post arrival.

A designated safe and secure space for fresh air breaks is available at each designated facility. For reasons of infection prevention and control, breaks should be booked in advance. The service provider endeavours to accommodate guests at their preferred time.

The period of quarantine is 14 days for guests who are required to enter mandatory hotel quarantine as a result of having travelled from or through a designated state in the previous 14 days. The quarantine period begins on the day of admission to the designated facility.

However, the law provides that a person's obligation to remain in hotel quarantine may be ended, on receipt of a negative (‘not detected’) result following an RT-PCR test taken on day 10 of quarantine. If a person in these circumstances tests positive during quarantine, a further period of quarantine is required.

Test results are generally returned to guests in less than 48 hours, and as of 29 June, 99% of test results are being returned within 24 hours.

All guests undergoing mandatory quarantine in a designated facility are provided with access to a 24/7 on-site healthcare team, who provide daily wellbeing check-in calls, as well as direct engagement as requested and required.

All reasonable efforts are made by both service provider staff and the on-site healthcare team to facilitate a comfortable stay in a designated facility.

If a person believes they are not required to undergo quarantine or believe they should be allowed to leave quarantine early, they may request a review of their quarantine. Requests for review can be based only on a limited number of grounds and public health will remain a paramount consideration. All decisions are taken by independent appeals officers.

In the last week, my Department introduced a guest satisfaction survey, which is sent to guests who have completed their stay in mandatory hotel quarantine. The information gained from this survey will be used to improve on the services provided.

Neither I, as Minister for Health, nor my Department have a role in decisions relating to whether individual persons must enter mandatory quarantine. All such decisions are to be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

More information, including further detail on the services available in mandatory hotel quarantine, can be accessed on www.gov.ie/quarantine.

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (409)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

409. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a matter in relation to the provision of pharmacists (details supplied) in Kenmare Community Hospital will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28824/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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 (410, 413, 450, 452, 455, 464, 471)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

410. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that the temporary assistance payment scheme available to nursing homes will continue beyond 30 June 2021, having regard to the ongoing risk from Covid-19 and the consequent need for nursing homes to have extensive infection-prevention control measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28825/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

David Cullinane

Ceist:

413. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the status of the nursing home temporary assistance payment scheme; his plans to continue the scheme and support nursing homes in acting to suppress and manage Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28839/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

450. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the temporary assistance payment will be continued into the future (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29107/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

452. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend the temporary assistance payment scheme for nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29109/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

455. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if advice and clarification will be provided on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29112/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

464. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will extend the temporary assistance payment scheme to support the nursing home sector and that no cliff-edge will present with regard to Covid-19 supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29170/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Michael McNamara

Ceist:

471. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health if he plans to extend the temporary assistance scheme to support private and voluntary nursing homes with additional costs due to coronavirus Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29178/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 410, 413, 450, 452, 455, 464 and 471 together.

The Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme (TAPS) was established in April 2020 as a temporary administrative measure in response to the challenges faced by the nursing home sector at the start of the pandemic. As the pandemic continued, additional support measures for private and voluntary nursing homes have been delivered through the Health Service Executive (HSE).

As of 11th June 2021, 7,148 claims had been submitted as part of the Scheme. In total, €134.5 million has been made available under TAPS between 2020 and 2021.

Due to the ongoing high-level of risk associated with COVID-19 during this period, the Department of Health responded by extending the scheme twice, far beyond the originally planned timescale of three-months. The further extension of the scheme was outlined in the Government’s Plan, Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021 Plan for Living with COVID-19, published in September 2020. This provided reassurance of the Scheme’s availability and a planned timeframe of operation to the end of June 2021.

There has been a marked improvement in the status of the virus in the community and in nursing homes due to the rollout of the National Vaccination Programme – COVID-19 cases and outbreaks in nursing homes are now at a very low level compared with the first quarter of the year and, overall, the epidemiological situation is very positive. Whilst we do not have precise up-to-date data due to the impact of the recent cyber-attack on the HSE, indications from HIQA and public health teams are that there was only a single outbreak recorded in the first half of June.

The Scheme has fulfilled its temporary purpose of providing financial support to nursing homes to address COVID-19. Although the risk is greatly reduced, it has not been completely eliminated, therefore the outbreak assistance element of the Scheme will continue to be available to nursing homes until the end of 2021. Availability of outbreak assistance is subject to the overall sanctioned amount of €42m for 2021.

The substantial package of non-financial supports outlined below will continue to be provided for the time being:

- Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The continued supply of PPE is a key support mechanism and will be provided in line with clinical and public health recommendations;

- The COVID-19 Response Teams established to support Public Health Outbreak teams covering all residential services as well as home support settings. All stakeholders, including the COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel, have highlighted the significant contribution these new teams have made to supporting nursing homes throughout the pandemic;

- The HSE Temporary Accommodation Scheme;

- HSE training and development resources, including the opening up of HSeLanD to private and voluntary providers.

- IPC support and advice;

- The substantial suite of publicly available guidance developed to support the sector.

These measures and supports reflect a significant investment by the State to support nursing homes and other services and measures, such as the COVID-19 Response Teams, and are a clear signal of the work that is ongoing to integrate the wider health system.

In February 2021, a revised Resilience and Recovery 2021 Plan: The Path Ahead was published by the Government. This plan recognises the need for longer-term reform of both older persons and nursing home care, broadly reflecting the lessons learned from the COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel and the pandemic. However, these structural reforms, including the policy and regulatory framework, extend beyond the scope of a temporary financial support scheme aimed at a specific, time-limited public health objective.

Primary Medical Certificates

Ceisteanna (411)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

411. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a primary medical certificate will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28826/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As 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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (412)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

412. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason persons in care homes are not allowed indoor or home visits; the HSE guidelines in relation to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28827/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It is important to note that nursing home providers are ultimately responsible for the safe care of their residents. Under Regulation 11 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 it is the legal responsibility of each registered provider to make arrangements for a resident to receive visitors, having regard to any risks that may present for the resident or other residents. Under these regulations the person in charge shall ensure that in so far as is reasonably practicable, visits to a resident are not restricted, unless such a visit would, in the opinion of the person in charge, pose a risk to the resident concerned or to another resident, or the resident concerned has requested the restriction of visits.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre published new visiting guidance on 23rd April, which came into effect on 4th May. This provides additional opportunities for residents in long-term residential care facilities to receive visits and participate in social and recreational outings. Residents may now be facilitated to receive four routine visits per week. This will be possible following two weeks after the full vaccination of approximately 8 out of 10 of all residents in the nursing home. In the absence of a high level of vaccination of residents, two visits per week should be facilitated unless there are critical or compassionate circumstances that require increased frequency of visiting.

A copy of the latest guidance can be accessed at www.hpsc.ie. As noted by the HPSC, restrictions on visiting should only be applied on the basis of the relevant guidance and a documented risk assessment that is reviewed regularly in view of the evolving public health situation and new guidance. Visiting by the resident to a private home outside of their nursing home is also possible and should comply with public health restrictions that apply to the general public at the time.

Although the situation in nursing homes has greatly improved, the risk associated with COVID-19 remains very real. There is still a risk of introduction of infection, including the possibility of a new variant of COVID-19, against which the vaccine may be less effective. Therefore, caution remains appropriate. At all times vigilance on the general infection prevention and control measures must be maintained and public health advice must continue to be followed, including when visiting, to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect those living in our communities.

I have written to HIQA and all nursing home providers to emphasise the need to ensure visits take place to the greatest extent possible in line with the new guidance. I have also encouraged providers to communicate frequently and clearly with residents and families on the matter of visiting.

I would like to reassure the Deputy that the guidance will be kept under continuing review as new evidence and data emerge.

Question No. 413 answered with Question No. 410.

Vaccination Programme

Ceisteanna (414)

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

414. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the vaccination options that are available for those who are housebound and unable to travel to their general practitioner or local vaccination centre and do not meet the criterion of being over 70 years of age in order to receive vaccination by the National Ambulance Service; the steps that will be taken in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28840/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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 Strategies

Ceisteanna (415)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

415. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health when the HSE National Steering Group responsible for implementation of the neurorehabilitation framework will next meet; if meetings will take place on a regular basis for the remainder of 2021 and for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28874/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Programme for Government – Our Shared Future’ includes a commitment for advancing neuro-rehabilitation services in the community. The Health Service Executive is leading on the implementation framework in respect of the recommendations of the National Policy and Strategy for the provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011-2015.

The Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy Implementation Framework (IF) was launched in February 2019. The overarching aim of the Strategy is the development of neuro-rehabilitation services to improve patient outcomes by providing safe, high quality, person -centred neuro-rehabilitation at the lowest appropriate level of complexity. This must be integrated across the care pathway, and provided as close to home as possible or in specialist centres where necessary.

These services should be configured into population based managed clinical rehabilitation networks (MCRNs). The MCRN, while an effective model in a number of European countries, is a new concept in Ireland. MCRNs are recognised as having the potential to bring together an appropriate range of primary, secondary and tertiary services to ensure equitable provision of high quality and clinically effective services.

Funding has been sought and approved to support the introduction of a managed clinical rehabilitation network demonstrator project. The focus of the demonstrator project is the development of post-acute and community neuro-rehabilitation services across CHO 6 & 7. In terms of service provision, this is where the gap is most evident in terms of demonstrating a Network model.

Funding became available from Q4 2020, with full year funding of €2.29m available for 2021. The learning from the demonstrator project will inform implementation of the Neuro-rehabilitation Strategy across each CHO and implementation of strategy will roll-out from 2022.

As the issue raised is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to reply directly to the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (416)

Dessie Ellis

Ceist:

416. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health if those members of staff who had been transferred from mental health services to supplement Covid-19 services will be returned to mental health services; and if so, when this will occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28892/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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 (417)

Dessie Ellis

Ceist:

417. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health the status of the commitment made in the programme for Government to fill positions for consultants, psychiatric nurses and in peer support in mental health services in hospitals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28893/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (418)

Dessie Ellis

Ceist:

418. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health the number of persons presenting at accident and emergency units for Beaumont Hospital, the Mater Hospital and James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, from 1 January 2020, by month in tabular form, to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28894/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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 Strategies

Ceisteanna (419)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

419. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the reason for the omission of heart valve disease from the list of conditions addressed in the National Heart Programme, which includes diabetes, asthma, COPD and cardiovascular disease; if measures are being taken to address this omission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28896/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Heart Programme was established by the Health Service Executive (HSE). 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

Ceisteanna (420)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

420. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if he will list procedures provided to patients who are covered under the general medical scheme for the treatment of heart valve disease; the proportion of such patients treated using transcatheter aortic valve implantation and surgical aortic valve replacement procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28897/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

Hospital Admissions

Ceisteanna (421)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

421. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of private patients treated in public hospitals for heart valve disease; the details of the proportion of patients treated using transcatheter aortic valve implantation versus surgical aortic valve replacement procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28898/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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 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.

Healthcare Policy

Ceisteanna (422)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

422. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if his Department or the HSE has taken a position on the HIQA recommendation contained in its Health Technology Assessment of transcatheter aortic valve implementation in patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis at low and intermediate risk of surgical complications, published in November 2019; if these recommendations will be adopted and implemented; if not, the reason in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28899/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a specialist cardiac intervention and is covered by the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services which is currently ongoing. The Review commenced in January 2018 with Professor Phillip Nolan as Chair of the Steering Group. The Review aims to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive by establishing the need for an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service. This aligns with the Sláintecare reform programme.

While substantial progress has been made on the Review, the COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted on the progress, as the Chair has played a key role in the national COVID-19 response, both as a member of the NPHET and Chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group. However, it is intended that the Review will continue and work is now underway to progress this to completion over the coming months. The HIQA Health Technology Assessment report is an important resource in this regard.

As this Parliamentary Question also refers to the HSE position this part of the question 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.

Hospital Procedures

Ceisteanna (423)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

423. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the regional breakdown of transcatheter aortic valve implantation and surgical aortic valve replacement procedures performed throughout the State on a regional and hospital basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28900/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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 (424, 475)

James O'Connor

Ceist:

424. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the status of antigen testing usage in a return to international travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28901/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

475. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if the use of the antigen test will be utilised more readily in order to facilitate international travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29222/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 424 ad 475 together.

The Government has applied more stringent measures applying to international travel in order to mitigate against the risk of new variants being imported through travel and to protect the progress we are making in suppressing transmission domestically. The Government continues to advise against non-essential international travel.

At present, passengers arriving into Ireland from overseas are required to complete a passenger locator form, to provide a negative pre-departure PCR test and to complete a period of quarantine at the address specified in their passenger locator form.

These travel measures are kept under continuous review based on public health advice and the international epidemiological situation. The Government has announced revised travel policies to take effect from 19 July in keeping with the EU Digital Covid Certificate. Work to give effect to these measures is progressing on a cross-departmental basis.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (425)

Michael McNamara

Ceist:

425. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28912/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (426)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

426. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a situation in a hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28913/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am sorry to hear of the unsatisfactory experience that a patient experienced while attending the Emergency Department at Beaumont Hospital. I also note the complimentary comments in relation to the staff in the Emergency Department.

Officials of my Department have been in contact with the RCSI Hospital Group (of which Beaumont is part) in relation to the matter. While noting the points made, the Group advise that they would require the patient's name, address and date of birth if the those involved wish to have the matter investigated further.

Medicinal Products

Ceisteanna (427)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

427. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if a drug (details supplied) will be included on the drug payment scheme for pregnant women. [28930/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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

Ceisteanna (428)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

428. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if public health nurses will be provided with bilirubin meters for conducting checks on newborn babies in order that they do not have to be sent to a general practitioner or hospital to have their reading taken. [28932/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

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