Written Answers Nos. 518-543
518. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health if an allocation of funding for a permanent public MRI machine for Wexford General Hospital will be included in Budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29743/21]
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.
519. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health the wait times for an MRI scan in Wexford General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29744/21]
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.
520. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if concerns will be addressed in relation to the removal of audiology services at Portlaoise Hospital which will cause considerable difficulties for existing service users; the measures he is taking to support the growth of audiology services and supports in counties Offaly and Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29745/21]
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.
521. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a campaign by a company (details supplied) targeting Irish mothers with email marketing weeks after they give birth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29769/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBreastfeeding is important for the health of both mother and infant, and national health policy, including the Healthy Ireland Framework, the National Maternity Strategy 2016-2026, the National Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016-2025 and the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026, emphasise the importance of supporting mothers who breastfeed, as well as taking action to increase breastfeeding rates in Ireland.
Encouraging mothers to breastfeed is a priority for the Department of Health. To deliver on this priority, the HSE is working to achieve the aims and objectives of “Breastfeeding in a Healthy Ireland – HSE Action Plan 2016-2021”. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the delivery of some actions, the HSE will extend the implementation of the Breastfeeding Action Plan into 2022 and continue to work on priority outstanding actions.
In May of this year I announced significant investment towards implementing the HSE Breastfeeding Action Plan, with €1.58 million of funding to provide an additional 23.5 lactation consultants across hospital and community settings.
Implementation of Breastfeeding in a Healthy Ireland – HSE Action Plan includes initiatives in the following areas:
- Improved governance and health service structures
- Breastfeeding training and skills development
- Health service policies and practices
- Support at all stages of the breastfeeding continuum through social marketing, support and advocacy.
The Maternity Strategy states that "in addition to practical supports which can be provided to mothers, such as support to continue breastfeeding on return to the workplace, a broader societal change is required in order to promote a more positive culture around breastfeeding. This should support women to feel confident about their choice to breastfeed". In essence, this means that all mothers should be supported to breastfeed at anytime and anywhere.
The HSE is partnering with key stakeholders to develop the supports that mothers require at all stages of the breastfeeding continuum through social marketing, support and advocacy. The www.mychild.ie website provides pregnant and new mothers and families with a range of information and supports about infant feeding. An Ask Our Expert (AOE) on-line service, provided by International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants, is available to answer mothers’ questions and link them to supports in their local area. The webchat facility and HSE breastfeeding Facebook page is also available. These services provide supportive and practical expert information in a friendly, supportive and non-judgemental manner.
A new Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes in public health services is in final draft and is due for implementation across all health services in 2021.
The HSE’s National Women and Infants Health Programme, in collaboration with health promotion and improvement and public health services in the HSE, supports the implementation of the WHO/UNICEF 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding using a model suitable for the promotion and support of breastfeeding in Ireland.
The Healthy Ireland “We're Breastfeeding Friendly” programme aims to support business, community and public service settings to welcome breastfeeding mothers and families.
Breastfeeding will continue to be a priority for the Department of Health, and the Department and HSE will continue working to achieve the aims and objectives of the HSE Breastfeeding Action Plan.
522. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the timeframe of the publication of the disability capacity review; his views on the causation of the publication being delayed over such a protracted period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29770/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 for an 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.
526. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health the number of occupational therapists employed to work in a centre (details supplied); the number available for appointments for those on the waiting list at the centre; if any of these therapists have been redeployed to other services in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29790/21]
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.
527. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if a CAMHS Cherry Orchard appointment will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29791/21]
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.
528. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will urgently intervene and apply extensions to any lapsed or expired medical cards that were due for renewal recently until such time that the cyber-security issues have been resolved and the medical card system is back in operation to avoid any issues such as payments for general practitioner visits or prescriptions for those on low incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29792/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a result of the recent cyber-attack on the HSE, the National Medical Card Unit (NMCU) in the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) was temporarily unable to facilitate online medical or GP visit card applications. However, I am pleased to confirm that the NMCU have now successfully restored web-enabled services. Medical and GP visit card applications can once again be submitted online or alternatively by post to the NMCU.
It is also recognised that the cyber-attack had an impact on the review process, PCRS therefore decided to extend eligibility for certain cohorts. Following the onset of the cyber-attack any individual who had not engaged in the review process for medical/GP visit cards, which had an expiry date of 31st May 2021, has had their eligibility extended by 2 months. In addition, individuals who would normally be brought into review in June for cards with an expiry date of 31st August have had their eligibility extended for an additional 2 months (until 31st Oct). This temporary measure has ensured continued eligibility for individuals, i.e. continued access to GP care and prescribed medication, during an unprecedented cyber-attack on the health service.
As web-enabled services have now been restored, the normal eligibility review process has resumed for cohorts holding cards with an expiry date of September 30th or later. Individuals who may have queries about an application/eligibility status can also contact the NMCU helpline, which is fully operational on 1890 252 919 for further information and assistance.
530. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will consider waiving current dining restriction for persons who are vaccinated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29867/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, on 29 June, Government announced the next phase of reopening the economy and society in line with Recovery and Resilience: The Path Ahead.
While significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme and the position had been broadly stable over the earlier part of June, 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. For this reason, a number of higher risk indoor activities including service in bars and restaurants, will not recommence as planned on 5 July, pending the implementation of a system to verify vaccination or immunity status.
Since 29 June, the Government has been working, together with the hospitality sector, to enable the safer reopening of indoor restaurant and bar services.
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.
531. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will consider harmonising and aligning the common travel area between the UK and Ireland once the number of vaccinated persons in the UK and Ireland get to an acceptable figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29868/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 from the Great Britain 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.
Due to concerns around the Delta variant, passengers travelling from Great Britain, who are not fully vaccinated, are asked to continue to quarantine until another negative is returned from a PCR test taken after day 10.
These travel measures are kept under continuous review based on public health advice and the international epidemiological situation.
532. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when the Covid-19 vaccine will be made available to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29869/21]
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.
534. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to issues regarding HSE pest control and calls and emails to the agency going unanswered; if he has engaged with the agency on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29871/21]
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.
535. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if he will review a decision in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29872/21]
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.
536. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the timeline of the vaccine roll-out for school-age students some of whom are scheduled to participate in the international Erasmus programme in August and September 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29873/21]
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 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.).
Further details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/93f8f-minister-donnelly-announces-update-to-irelands-vaccination-prioritisation-list
I am pleased to inform you that this week will see the vaccine rollout at participating pharmacies expanded to encompass an opt-in model for the vaccination of younger age groups. The amendment to the programme follows updated advice from the NIAC regarding the use of adenoviral vaccines (AstraZeneca and Janssen) in those aged under 50 years of age.
Younger age-groups who do not wish to receive an adenoviral vaccine will be offered an mRNA vaccination in due course. The HSE will put in place consent mechanisms to ensure that anyone under 35 years of age who chooses to avail of an earlier vaccination is adequately informed of the extremely rare side-effects associated with the adenoviral vector vaccines. People in this age group will also be advised about the probable timing of the availability of mRNA vaccine for their age group when considering this accelerated option.
The administration of the single dose Janssen vaccine to those aged 18-34 will begin the week commencing 5 July at participating pharmacies across the country. The rollout is being implemented by the HSE in conjunction with the Irish Pharmacy Union and will see more than 700 pharmacies participating nationwide.
537. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the financial and non-financial supports that are provided to couples receiving IVF treatment from the State outside of the medical card or drugs payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29878/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile assisted human reproduction (AHR) treatment, such as IVF, is not currently funded by the Irish public health service, as the Deputy is aware, a defined list of fertility medicines needed for fertility treatment is covered under the High Tech Arrangements administered by the HSE. Medicines covered by the High Tech Arrangements must be prescribed by a consultant/specialist and authorised for supply to the client’s nominated community pharmacy by the High Tech Hub managed by the Primary Care Reimbursement Service. The cost of the medicines is then covered, as appropriate, under the client’s eligibility, i.e., Medical Card or Drugs Payment Scheme. Given the costs associated with certain fertility medicines, I am aware that these schemes can have a material impact on the total cost of AHR treatment for individuals who avail of them.
In addition, there is other support available in that patients who access IVF treatment privately may claim tax relief on the costs involved under the tax relief for medical expenses scheme.
Further to this support, a commitment to introduce the model of care for infertility, which was developed by officials in my Department in conjunction with the HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme, is included in the Programme for Government, “Our Shared Future”. This model of care will ensure that infertility issues will be addressed through the public health system at the lowest level of clinical intervention necessary as part of the full range of services available in obstetrics and gynaecology.
Phase One of the roll-out of the model of care has commenced and involves the establishment, at secondary care level, of Regional Fertility Hubs in maternity networks, which will facilitate the management of a significant proportion of patients presenting with infertility issues.
Phase Two of the roll-out will see the introduction of tertiary infertility services, including IVF, in the public health system. Phase Two will not commence until such time as infertility services at secondary level have been developed across the country, required resources have been allocated, and the AHR legislation is commenced. Drafting of the AHR legislation is ongoing, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General.
It is intended that, in line with available resources, this model of care for infertility will be rolled out on a phased basis over the course of the coming years. The underlying aim of the policy to provide a model of funding for AHR, within the broader AHR regulatory framework, is to improve accessibility to AHR treatments, while at the same time embedding safe and appropriate clinical practice and ensuring the cost-effective use of public resources.
539. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health his plans to offer gene cell therapy for patients with certain conditions via the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29908/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Oireachtas put in place a robust legal framework, in the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, which gives full statutory powers to the HSE to assess and make decisions on reimbursement of medicines, taking account of a range of objective factors and expert opinion as appropriate.
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 market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
In making a relevant 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.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) for the HSE and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions. The NCPE uses a decision framework to systematically assess a drug's clinical and cost effectiveness as a health intervention.
While the 2013 Health Act does not include provision for a different ruleset when assessing cell and gene therapies, the criteria that apply to the evaluation process allow the HSE to take account of evidence of the benefits associated with each given medicine.
A number of gene therapies approved by the EMA are currently at various stages of the pricing/reimbursement assessment process and will be assessed by the HSE in line with the 2013 Act.
540. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the reason for the long delay for an elderly person (details supplied) to have their request for their named chiropodist changed. [29909/21]
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.
541. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health if the restrictions for weddings will be relaxed in August 2021; and the number of guests who will be allowed to attend a wedding in August. [29918/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, on 29 June, Government announced the next phase of reopening the economy and society in line with Recovery and Resilience: The Path Ahead.
While significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme and the position had been broadly stable over the earlier part of June, 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. For this reason, a number of higher risk indoor activities will not recommence as planned on 5 July, pending the implementation of a system to verify vaccination or immunity status. However, 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 from 5 July.
Unfortunately, due to current uncertainties with regard to the Delta variant there is not yet an indication of the number of guests that will be permitted to attend a wedding in August. The epidemiological situation will be monitored on an ongoing basis and the level of restrictions will be kept under review by Government.
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.
542. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Health his views on whether a product which meets his Department’s clinical guidelines on the use of medical cannabis in epilepsy can be added to the medical cannabis access programme before it launches in order to make it accessible to persons with epilepsy and their clinicians (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29923/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the Misuse Of Drugs (Prescription And Control Of Supply Of Cannabis For Medical Use) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 262/2019) a cannabis product or preparation that can be used in the Medical Cannabis Access Programme is defined as ‘specified controlled drugs’ and the definition outlines the specific requirements for those products.
A prospective supplier can apply to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), on behalf of the Minister, to have a product considered for inclusion in the Schedule of ‘specified controlled drugs’ in the Regulations. As specified controlled drugs will fall under schedule 2 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017, a controlled drugs licence, processed by the HPRA, on behalf of the Minister, is also required for possession, supply or import of such cannabis products.
Details on how to apply for a licence to possess, supply or import medical cannabis products for use under the Medical Cannabis Access Programme in accordance with the requirements for schedule 2 products in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017 can be found in the operator guidance issued by the HPRA.
It is open to any supplier or producer to apply to the HPRA to have their products assessed for inclusion in the programme.
543. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health if he will consider requesting the vaccination strategy team to consider offering a choice of an alternative secondary or primary dose of vaccination to those in the older age groups who already have received a vaccine (details supplied) but who are concerned regarding its efficacy and risks. [29924/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s COVID-19 vaccination programme strategy is to distribute all available vaccine as quickly as is operationally possible, prioritising those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19. The programme is based on the principles of safety, effectiveness and fairness, with the objective of reducing severe illness, hospitalisations and deaths from COVID-19 infection.
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The Committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department. The NIAC review all data relating to COVID-19 vaccines on a rolling basis. Following the recommendation for use of vaccines against COVID-19 by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and authorisation for use by the European Commission, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee develops guidance for their use in Ireland which is contained in the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland. These guidelines are continuously updated and includes guidance on all new vaccines as they are approved for use in Ireland.
The current Guidelines state: There are currently four COVID-19 vaccines authorised for use in Ireland. The vaccines are not interchangeable. For vaccines that have a two dose schedule, the same vaccine should be used for both doses. You can read the guidelines at: www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/guidelines/covid19.pdf
There is insufficient evidence to recommend a change from the authorised two-dose Vaxzevria® schedule or to support giving a mRNA vaccine instead of a second dose of Vaxzevria®. There is a need for further evidence on safety and effectiveness of mixed (heterologous) vaccine schedules. Further information is expected in the coming months which may warrant an update of these recommendations.
