Bernard Durkan
Ceist:479. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which rare and orphan drugs are being cleared for use and reimbursement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29226/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedicinal Products
Ceisteanna (479)
Freagraí scríofa
In the EU, medicines for rare diseases must be authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Commission under the ‘centralised procedure’. It is therefore not open to Irish authorities to grant a marketing authorisation for orphan medicines outside of this framework.
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In line with the 2013 Health Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
Reimbursement is for licensed indications which have been granted marketing authorisation by the EMA or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
In making a reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact.
The HSE strives to reach reimbursement decisions on all medicines, including orphan drugs, in as timely a manner as possible. However, it must ensure that the best possible price is achieved, as these commitments often represent multi-million-euro investments on an ongoing basis. This can lead to a protracted deliberation process. The Government wants new and innovative medicines to be available to our citizens as quickly as possible, but this can only be achieved if medicines are priced in a viable and sustainable manner.
While the 2013 Health Act does not include provision for a different ruleset when assessing orphan drugs, the HSE seeks as far as possible to take into account issues such as the small patient numbers and the nature of the condition to be treated when evaluating these medicines. The criteria that apply to the evaluation process allow sufficient scope for the HSE to take on board the particular circumstances that pertain to orphan drugs and rare diseases.
There has been a number of key changes in the HSE assessment process of medicines within the confines of the 2013 Health Act. These have included changes to the HSE Drugs Group, whose membership has been expanded to include representatives from the National Patients Forum and more clinical expertise in the area of rare diseases.
In June 2018, the HSE Leadership appointed a Technology Review Committee for Rare Diseases (RDTRC) which is responsible for:
1) reviewing proposals received from industry or expert groups in Ireland for funding of new products for rare diseases including orphan drugs, or expanded indications for existing products for rare diseases and making recommendations as to the implementation of the relevant recommendations from the National Rare Diseases Plan 2011-2018; and
2) providing contributions to the development of clinical guidelines for relevant Orphan Medicinal Products (OMPs) and supporting the implementation of guidelines in conjunction with the National Drugs Management Programme Office where applicable.
The Committee’s recommendations for reimbursement of OMPs are not intended to replace any part of the existing medicines appraisal or reimbursement process but rather complement it.
Question No. 480 answered with Question No. 476.
Healthcare Policy
Ceisteanna (481)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:481. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which the administration of health services is moving towards the provisions set out in Sláintecare; the expenditure to date arising therefrom; the expenditure proposals for the remainder of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29228/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The vision of Sláintecare is to achieve a universal single-tier health and social care system, where everyone has equitable access to services based on need, and not ability to pay and to deliver safe, quality health and social care services that meet the needs of our growing population, and attracts and retains the very best healthcare clinicians, managers, and staff.
Considerable progress has been made in moving from vision to reality. The commitment to Sláintecare was reconfirmed in the Programme for Government and Budget 2021 invested in staffing and infrastructure to enhance the permanent capacity of our health services and expand the scale and range of services to be provided in the community. Major foundational decisions were made by Government, including the establishment of the HSE Board, and the approval of the geographies for six new regional health areas. There has been progress against all of the eight Sláintecare Principles from the Oireachtas Sláintecare Report, including the patient being paramount; timely, needs-based care; prevention and public health; and engagement with citizens and staff. This was done against the backdrop of COVID-19 which has challenged our healthcare systems in a manner never previously seen.
Budget 2021 allocated €1.235 billion to Sláintecare-related initiatives in 2021, including €136 million capital allocation. The allocation included €467 million for increased acute and community bed capacity to progress implementation of the 2018 Capacity Review, €150 million for enhanced Community Services, €133 million for social care expansion, €128 million for eHealth (including €95 million capital), €121 million towards implementing National Strategies & Expert Reviews, €90 million for additional Services for People with Disabilities, €78 million towards improving Access to Care, €25 million for GP access to diagnostics, €23 million to Mental Healthcare expansion, €15 million for Health & Wellbeing, and €5 million for Community Paramedicine / Critical Care Retrieval / Pathfinder / 1813 Medical Helpline / NEOC.
The Government has now approved a new three-year Sláintecare Implementation Strategy & Action Plan 2021-2023. The new plan will build on the commitment and desire for innovation, demonstrated during the pandemic, and build on the unprecedented levels of investment in our health service. The Strategy will focus on two new reform programmes. Programme One: Improving Safe, Timely Access to Care and Promoting Health & Wellbeing will focus on integration, safety, prevention, shift of care to the right location, productivity, extra capacity and achieving Sláintecare waiting time targets. Programme Two: Addressing Health Inequalities will bring us on a journey towards universal healthcare. Eleven associated Projects have been developed and are aligned with key national strategies, policies and initiatives.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (482)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:482. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of posts remaining to be filled in the Kildare psychology services; the efforts currently in hand to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29229/21]
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.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (483)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:483. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when it is expected that modern child and adolescent assessments can be made available to children with such requirements in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29230/21]
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
Ceisteanna (484)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:484. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which actions are in hand to minimise the recent cyber-attack on the most sensitive of services provided by the HSE including oncology, cardiovascular, endoscopy, paediatric, neurology and emergency mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29231/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While much progress has been made, health care services continue to be impacted by the cyber-attack. Hospitals and community services nationwide are seeing varied impacts, but all teams are responding with contingency arrangements, including redeploying staff, rescheduling some procedures and appointments, and adjusting processes as needed.
It is important to note that essential services are continuing, however, systems are not operating as normal and patients are experiencing delays in some cases. It is likely that it will be at least several more weeks before the system is operating normally.
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 (485)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:485. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he has examined and approved the plans for the reopening of general hospital services, post-Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29232/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 23 March 2021 the HSE published the “Safe Return to Health Services ” Plan. This Plan provides an operational framework for the safe return to services at a local level. It includes an overview of the services to be resumed, the target for their safe return and some detail on the conditions and challenges that have to be met. It is important to emphasise that every phase has been informed by clinical guidance and putting patient safety first.
Following an analysis of need, capacity and patient safety, and taking into account scenario models, the Plan outlined a phased approach for the proposed restoration of services across Community Services, Acute Operations, Cancer Services and Screening Services.
The National Service Plan 2021 sets out the type and volume of services that the HSE will provide in 2021 in respect of the funding allocated including in the Acute Hospital area.
The HSE in submitting the NSP 2021 for my approval committed to keep the Plan under review to assess the impact of COVID 19 on the key transformation programmes and on the original targets and activity levels proposed for this year.
Progress had been made by the HSE with the review, however due to the recent Cyber-attack, the HSE has been requested to extend the review to include both the impact of COVID 19 and the Cyber-attack on the original NSP targets and to produce revised end of year positions which will ensure an effective performance management process for the remainder of 2021. It is expected that this will be completed in mid-July.
It is recognised that many Acute Hospital services including waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last year as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
My Department, the HSE and the NTPF are putting in place plans to improve access to elective care and reduce waiting times for patients. These plans include increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services where minor procedures are provided at the same time as outpatient consultations, providing virtual clinics and increasing capacity in the public hospital system.
My Department , the HSE and the NTPF are also currently in the process of finalising a Multiannual Waiting List plan to address waiting lists and bring them in line with Sláintecare targets over the coming years.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (486)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:486. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when the appropriate action will be taken to ensure the provision of full-scale orthodontic treatment for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29233/21]
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.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (487)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:487. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when a paediatric service (details supplied) will resume in University Hospital Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29262/21]
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.
Mortality Rates
Ceisteanna (488, 489)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:488. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the reason the Health Research Board have not conducted an analysis of drug and alcohol deaths since 2017; and when it plans to publish such a study again. [29263/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThomas Gould
Ceist:489. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the location the collated up-to-date information on drug and alcohol death is available. [29264/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 488 and 489 together.
The National Drug Related Deaths Index (NDRDI), which was last published in 2017, is a system for recording drug-related deaths and deaths among drug users to enable the State and its agencies to respond in a timely manner, and with accurate data.
The NDRDI is funded by the Department of Health and the Department of Justice and Equality and managed by the Health Research Board (HRB). The HRB collect data from closed coronial files relating to all deaths where a history of drug use and/or alcohol dependency was recorded, and/or where drugs including alcohol were implicated in the death.
Unfortunately, annual data on drug and alcohol-related deaths regarding the NDRDI has been delayed due to the Covid-19 public health restrictions. The data collected includes administrative details, demographic details, socio-economic information, problem drug use, risk behaviours, drug treatment history, details about the death itself, and medical diagnosis.
Data collection has restarted, however, as this includes extracting data from closed Coronial inquest files onsite at the offices of individual Coroners, this is dependent on both access to Coroner’s offices to collect the data, and the completion of any backlog in holding inquests in the Coroner’s courts due to Covid-19 public health restrictions.
Deaths due drug and alcohol overdose are a tragic loss of life and cause a huge amount of grief and devastation for families. Tackling these preventable deaths is a central theme in our National Drug Strategy.
Question No. 489 answered with Question No. 488.
General Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (490)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:490. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the status of the reopening of SouthDoc Blackpool. [29265/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following ongoing discussions between the HSE and the Board of SouthDoc, the Board of SouthDoc have advised the HSE of the following update in relation to the provision of services at the SouthDoc Blackpool treatment centre.
From September 6, 2021 Blackpool related calls will be processed through the Blackpool treatment centre where they will be clinically assessed by an onsite doctor. The type and nature of treatment will be decided in the normal way based on the clinical needs of each patient. Until this change comes into effect, the model of service delivery will remain as it currently stands with patients being seen on a scheduled appointment basis in Blackpool.
The HSE has welcomed this restoration of service and the provision of an onsite doctor. The Board of SouthDoc will continue to monitor the demand for the service and should there be an increase in the patients accessing the service they may review the model of service delivery to ensure the appropriate service is available.
General Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (491)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:491. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if formal steps have been taken by the HSE to penalise SouthDoc Blackpool for their continued breach of the service level agreement with SouthDoc. [29266/21]
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.
Hospital Admissions
Ceisteanna (492)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:492. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the number of alcohol-related admittances to hospitals in 2020 and to date in 2021, by month in tabular form. [29267/21]
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.
Hospital Admissions
Ceisteanna (493)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:493. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the number of drug-related admittances to hospitals in 2020 and to date in 2021, by month in tabular form. [29268/21]
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
Ceisteanna (494)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:494. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health when an organisation (details supplied) will resume providing services to older persons; the timeline for reopening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29269/21]
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.
Day centres are fundamental to the health and well-being of our older population and play a key role in enabling older people to live independently in their own communities. The pandemic and associated restrictions has had a profound impact across society and especially for our older population.
All Community Health Organisations through the National Older Persons Office were requested in April 2021 to provide information on the status of their Day Care Services in order to ascertain the level of service that could resume on receipt of updated public health guidance. As a result, it was intended that approximately 100 day centres would re-open week beginning 5 July. It was also intended that an additional 55 centres would resume in July and August, with a further 90 centres that require works expected to reopen before the end of the year. It was indicated that these dates may be subject to change as the HSE continues to deal with the significant challenge of the on-going cyber attack.
Since then updated Public Health guidance to support the re-opening of Day Care Services for Older People was provided in June 2021 to facilitate re-opening plans. Following on from this a further information request issued to HSE Services to obtain an update on re-opening plans. Their responses are currently being analysed and further detail regarding the re-opening of services is expected imminently and it is intended that the re-opening of centres will commence this month.
A Day Care Focus Group which was established in 2020 will remain in place (representative of both HSE and voluntary sector) to oversee the resumption of day care services and provide feedback in relation to both service delivery and users of the services.
While services may have to operate at a reduced capacity, initially, this is a huge step forward in the resumption of day centres for older people. It follows extensive planning by the HSE and has been made possible by the advanced stage and positive impact of the COVID-19 vaccination programme among our older population.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (495)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:495. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health his plans to recruit more clinical psychologists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29270/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 2021 National Service Plan recognised the need for an unprecedented expansion of the permanent health workforce through permanent appointments. Funding has been provided for an increase to approximately 135,655 WTE across the health service by December 2021, which is an increase of 15,838 WTE over funded 2020 levels. There is significant workforce recruitment underway.
The Pay and Numbers Strategy identifies the specific roles and grades to be hired. Due to the recent cyber attack, it has not been possible to get the most up to date targets approved. Thus, we cannot currently specify the recruitment plans for clinical psychologists. When the HSE has had their systems restored, I invite the Deputy to resubmit this question in order to allow the HSE to respond with their recruitment plans and campaigns.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (496)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:496. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the disability capacity review report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29271/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Review of Disability Social Care Demand and Capacity Requirements to 2032 has been completed, and publication is expected in the near future. The provision of alternative formats which are accessible to people with different forms of disability is being prepared; as well as a Framework Action plan to progress implementation, in line with the Programme for Government commitments.
As we progress towards the vision outlined by Sláintecare, it is essential that over the next number of years, the State moves to a population-based planning approach, based on demographic and geographic considerations, that reflects both the health and social care needs of those within our population, including those who require specialist disability services.
I therefore hope to be in a position to publish the Disability Capacity Review Report in the very near future, as this will inform the planning for the specialist disability services to meet evolving needs.
General Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (497)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:497. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the date on which the free general practitioner care for under 8's will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29272/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to increasing access to GP care without charges for children, an important healthcare measure that will remove a potentially prohibitive cost barrier to accessing GP care and will help to improve children’s health as they develop. At present all children under six years of age are eligible for a GP visit card and therefore GP care without charges.
The Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Act 2020 provides, amongst other things, for the phased expansion of GP care without fees to all children aged 12 years and under. The initial stage of this phased expansion will be the provision of GP care without fees to all children aged between 6 and 8.
The appropriate date for commencing the expansion remains under consideration in light of COVID-19 and the additional pressures the expansion might place on general practice in that context. This date will be determined following consultation with the IMO. It is important to ensure that any additional pressures placed on general practice will not limit its capacity to meet the needs of all patients in the community.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (498)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:498. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the date on which the primary school dental programme is set to resume for vital check-ups and follow-up dental care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29273/21]
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.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (499)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:499. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the provision for a paediatric emergency department and urgent care facility or outpatient appointments service for children in Naas hospital that is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29274/21]
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.
National Children's Hospital
Ceisteanna (500)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:500. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the date on which the emergency department unit in Tallaght University Hospital will be wound down and moved to the new children’s hospital as part of CHI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29275/21]
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.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (501)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:501. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be offered a date for vaccination; the way in which the person can register given that they have been unable to source a vaccination through their general practitioner and the hospital could not give any time range; if he will address these issues as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29276/21]
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.