Written Answers Nos. 1494-1519
1494. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will advise on a matter raised in relation to girls who have not received the HPV vaccine (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33547/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 continues to revise recommendations to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. Therefore, the immunisation schedule will continue to be amended over time.
In 2009, the NIAC recommended HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination for all 12 to 13 year old girls to reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer when they are adults. In September 2010, the HPV vaccination programme was introduced for all girls in first year of secondary school.
In June 2017, on foot of the NIAC’s recommendation that the HPV vaccine should also be given to boys, my Department asked the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to undertake a health technology assessment (HTA) to establish the clinical and cost-effectiveness of extending the immunisation programme to include boys in the first year of secondary school.
The HIQA completed the HTA in December 2018, recommending that the HPV immunisation programme be extended to include boys. A policy decision was made to extend the HPV immunisation programme to include boys, starting in September 2019, with the introduction of a 9-valent HPV vaccine.
The ages at which vaccines are recommended in the immunisation schedule are chosen by the NIAC in order to give each child the best possible protection against vaccine preventable diseases. As the HPV vaccine is preventative it is intended to be administered, if possible, before a person becomes sexually active, that is, before a person is first exposed to HPV infection.
Therefore, the gender-neutral HPV vaccination programme targets all girls and boys in first year of secondary school to provide maximum coverage. All vaccines administered through the School Immunisation Programme are provided free of charge.
My Department will continue to be guided by NIAC's recommendations on any emerging evidence on this issue in the future.
It is important to note that the schools-based immunisation programme for the 2019/2020 academic year has been completed and the uptake rates for the HPV vaccine in that academic year are 82% for the first dose of the vaccine and 77% for the second dose.
This is the highest uptake for the HPV vaccination programme since 2015/2016 and is particularly encouraging because it was the first year that boys were included in the programme and it shows that the provision of vaccine in community clinics did not adversely affect the uptake.
The programme for the academic year 2020/2021 was paused during the first few months of 2021 due to school closures and redeployment of staff to the COVID-19 immunisation programme.
The inputting of uptake information for the schools-based programme has also been delayed due to redeployment of administrative staff. However, Community Healthcare Organisations have reported that the vast majority of second level schools had their first dose of HPV vaccine delivered between October and December 2020.
The uptake rate for the first dose of the HPV vaccine, in the 2020/2021 academic year, is 67% as of the 12th May 2021, and this figure is expected to increase because data input on vaccine uptake is ongoing.
The HSE expects the HPV vaccination programme for 2020/21 to be substantially complete before the start of the 2021/22 academic year.
Anyone not in 1st year of secondary school or age equivalent in special schools or home schooled during the 2020/2021 school year who wishes to get the HPV vaccine, must go to their GP or sexual health clinic and pay privately for the vaccine and its administration. This applies to everyone whether or not they have a medical card/GP visit card, as it is outside of the HPV immunisation programme.
1495. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE early intervention teams presently operating across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33570/21]
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.
1496. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of new early intervention teams that have been established since February 2020 in view of the Programme for Government commitment to fully implement the access and inclusion model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33571/21]
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.
1497. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost to fund an early intervention team in its entirety including an occupational therapist, psychologist and speech and language therapist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33572/21]
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.
1498. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE school age teams currently operating across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33573/21]
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.
1499. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the cost to fund a school age team in its entirety including a clinical psychologist, occupational therapist and speech and language therapist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33574/21]
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.
1500. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists that have withdrawn from the dental service scheme in the period 31 May 2020 to 31 May 2021, by county and by CHO area in tabular form; the number of dentists that remain on the scheme by county and by CHO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33581/21]
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.
1501. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies that currently exist in CHO5 across psychiatry, psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counselling and psychotherapy and mental health nursing by job title in tabular form; the number of positions across these disciplines are currently fulfilled by locum or agency staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33582/21]
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.
1502. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of outpatient psychiatry, psychology and psychotherapy appointments that have been cancelled in CHO5 due to staff unavailability in the period 1 December 2020 to 31 May 2021, by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33583/21]
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.
1503. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of workers employed by his Department and in each office or agency under the aegis of his Department that earn less than the living wage of €12.30 per hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33601/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe staff of my Department are on centrally negotiated civil service pay scales. There were eight staff on the first point of the new entrant Clerical Officer pay scale at the date of the last census. The weekly pay is currently €471.20 which is below the living wage of €12.30 per hour, but as they progress to the second point on the pay scale, their salaries will exceed the living wage.
It is not possible to refer PQs to the HSE for their response to the Deputy in respect of the staff of the HSE and the Section 38 agencies under their aegis at present. This is as a result of the attack on their IT systems. The Deputy may wish to resubmit that element of the question once an indication is given that the HSE are in a position to respond.
The information in relation to the non-commercial state agencies under the aegis of the Department is being collated and will issue to the Deputy shortly.
1504. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will advise on a matter raised in correspondence in relation to vaccination issues (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33604/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) is currently reviewing future vaccination requirements, including the potential need for booster shots and is expected to make recommendations in this regard shortly. Following receipt of the NIAC advice, my Department and the HSE will consider the appropriate operational measures to implement the recommendations.
1505. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health his views on the future of a nursing home (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if the future of all current services at the nursing home will be guaranteed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33607/21]
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 ongoing, 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.
1506. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to correspondence in relation to a nursing home (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33616/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented challenge across our health services and none more so than in our nursing homes. The pandemic has been a hugely difficult time for all residents, relatives, and staff of nursing homes. While it is undoubtedly important that we learn from our responses to the pandemic, it must be recognised that the pandemic has not concluded. At this time, a priority focus of Government remains the ongoing management of the COVID-19 response.
Although significant progress has been made in relation to the roll-out of the vaccination programme and the current situation in nursing homes is broadly stable, the prevalence of the more transmissible Delta variant is rapidly increasing in Ireland. This poses a significant risk, particularly to those who are not yet fully protected though vaccination, which must be managed.
It is also important to recognise that learning from the early stages of the pandemic has been integral to the Government’s responses as the pandemic has progressed. The COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel considered lessons learned from the initial wave of the pandemic in developing recommendations that focus on immediate, short-term actions required for the response to COVID-19 as well as on long-term actions required to effect the strategic reform of nursing home systems, operation, policy, and legislation.
Continuing the approach of the Expert Panel, the HSE will undertake a detailed analysis of the management and outcomes that occurred during COVID-19 pandemic, with lessons for causal factors and preparedness for infection prevention and control, in line with recommendation theme 6 of the Expert Panel’s report.
The blend of operational data from the frontline, voluntary surveys’ findings and key stakeholder feedback also continuously provide insight into the current status of the nursing home sector's response to COVID-19.
The ongoing learning from the pandemic, including consideration of new evidence and information that emerges nationally and internationally, is critical to the Government’s continued response to the pandemic as it evolves. While we are still dealing with a degree of risk in nursing homes due to COVID-19, we are continuing to look at options which may be available to the State in relation to listening to the voices of those who have lost a loved one.
I wish to advise the Deputy that correspondence received on this matter will be considered and a response will issue in due course.
1507. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health if he will make direct contact with the UL Hospital Group to impress the need to lift all restrictions being imposed on pregnant women and their partners in accessing maternity services in the mid-west region (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33629/21]
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.
1508. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health the plans in place for St. John of God’s, Drumcar, County Louth; the engagement there has been between stakeholders and families of service users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33631/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSt John of God Community Services clg (SJOGCS) is a legal entity within the St John of God Hospitaller Services Group, which is funded under Section 38 of the Health Act, 2004 to provide services on behalf of the HSE to over 2,400 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in CHO Areas 4,6,7 & 8. It is the second largest provider of disability services in the state and operates 93 residential centres which are registered with HIQA. St John of God residential facility in Drumcar is located in CHO 8.
SJOGCS also provides mental health services and supports through Cluain Mhuire Community Health Services on behalf of the HSE in CHO Areas 6 and 7.
As the Deputy will be aware, SJOGCS has given the HSE 12 months’ notice of its intention to terminate its Section 38 arrangement with a view to transferring responsibility for the provision of disability and mental health services to the State by 1 October 2021. It is recognised that SJOGCS is a significant and important disability service provider for the State. Accordingly, my foremost concern, which is shared by the HSE, is to ensure the continuity of appropriate disability services delivery by SJOGCS in line with strong governance mechanisms in a cost-effective and equitable manner consistent with care and support needs.
I understand that the HSE is engaging intensively with SJOGCS on a mutually acceptable twin track approach to allow for SJOGCS to continue to provide services and ‘pause’ the notice of intent to exit the provision of services, while at the same time maintaining work on the transition plan. In the context of the transition plan, the HSE and SJOGCS has appointed a Joint Governance Committee and a Joint Implementation Committee to plan for the orderly transfer of services to the HSE covering: - Services - Finance and Assets - Communications - Human Resources. I am very conscious that SJOGCS has played a significant role in the delivery of vital disability services and supports to service users and their families across the State for many years and the key focus at present is to ensure that the organisation is facilitated to maintain its important service delivery role into the future in line with a reformed model of care. Therefore, in parallel with the work on the transition plan, the HSE is encouraging SJOGCS to engage in a Sustainability Impact Assessment, which would provide the organisation with a pathway to financial and operational sustainability and enable the organisation to remain in service provision.
Finally, I understand that the HSE is engaging with the families of service users in relation to the overall process and I would like to assure the Deputy that the needs of services users and their families are at the forefront of all considerations and decision-making in relation to the reform process. The HSE met with the National Parents, Families and Friends Association (NPFFA) of SJOG on dates in March, May and June this year. Across the next three months the HSE will meet with the NPFFA on a fortnightly basis. I am advised by the HSE that there is an open communication channel both through phone call and/or email between the HSE and NPFFA reps as required. In addition, on the 28th June, two NPFFA representatives were brought on to the Communications Work stream as part of the four workstreams regarding the transition programme from SJOGCS to the HSE.
1509. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when he expects oncology treatment to be fully restored post the cyber-attack on 14 May 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33649/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1592. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the impact the cyber-attack had on cancer services and patients attending these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34375/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1509 and 1592 together.
While the recent ransomware attack has had an impact on cancer services, every effort is being made to maintain services at present, with a particular focus on urgent and time-sensitive cases. Service provision continues to improve as systems are being brought back on-line.
- Services in Rapid Access Clinics (RACs) are continuing. While the ability to refer new patients to RACs was affected for a time, electronic referrals are now operating as normal in most hospitals, though some local issues remain
- Medical oncology is continuing (26 hospitals). Nationally, most services are operating at 100% of pre-ransomware attack levels, but with some delays due to manual recording.
- Emergency and some elective surgeries are continuing (most in 8 designated cancer centres) – with some delays related to administrative processing and imaging. Private hospital capacity is continuing to be utilised.
- While radiotherapy services were particularly impacted, all Linear Accelerators are now back in operation.
- Nursing staff support to patients is continuing, particularly through the acute oncology nursing staff attached to Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (medical oncology) services. In addition, the Together4CancerConcern initiative also continues to provide psychological supports to patients.
Funding of €12m was allocated this year for the restoration of cancer services to 95% of 2019 (pre-Covid) levels. This funding is supporting hospitals in addressing backlogs, extending clinic times, providing additional clinics, increasing diagnostic capacity and providing locum/temporary support. It is also supporting virtual clinics and more accurate triage, and is facilitating infrastructure and minor equipment purchases to increase capacity across Rapid Access Clinics and surgical oncology, medical oncology and radiation oncology services.
In addition, as part of Budget 2021, an extra €20m has been allocated for the continued implementation of the National Cancer Strategy this year. This funding will facilitate developments across prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient supports.
1510. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will make an executive decision to allow partners of pregnant women to attend prenatal appointments and be present for the early stages of labour in maternity hospitals here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33653/21]
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.
1511. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will provide additional detail on the targeted funding alluded to in recent comments to the media by the Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy to local drugs task forces in areas in which crack cocaine has become a serious issue; the increased supports and resources that will be made available; and the level of funding that will be involved. [33667/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Drugs Strategy, ‘Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery’ emphasises a health-led response to drug use, providing person-centred services that promote rehabilitation and recovery for people who misuse substances such as cocaine.
Recent data from the National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS), published this month, shows that the prevalence of polydrug use is a continuing trend, and remains a concern. The number of crack cocaine cases have increased year-on-year, from a relatively low number of 84 cases in 2014 to 414 in 2020, an increase of almost 400 per cent.
It is important to get the message out to the public about the risks associated with drugs like crack cocaine and highlight how these risks are hugely increased when combined with alcohol. The national cocaine harm reduction campaign, a collaboration between the HSE and the Ana Liffey Drugs Project, aims to raise awareness of the dangers of taking cocaine (both in powder form, and crack). It communicates the risks and dangers of cocaine use to dependent users and at-risk groups, as well as to those who engage in ‘recreational use’.
The national drugs helpline is available to people with concerns regarding their drug and alcohol use, or that of a family member. The helpline provides support, information, guidance, and referral to anyone with a concern related to drug and alcohol use. Additional resources are being provided in 2021 to extend the opening hours of the helpline, so that more people can received assistance.
I am committed to strengthening early harm reduction responses to current and emerging trends and patterns of drug use in Ireland, including cocaine and crack cocaine. I intend to strengthen measures to address these trends following the mid-term review of our National Drugs Strategy. This will include the allocation of the additional €1m funding for targeted drug and alcohol initiatives in conjunction with the drug and alcohol task forces. I expect to announce details of this funding shortly.
1512. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will approve the use of the versatis pain patch for pain relief other than from shingles when recommended by a qualified clinician; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33691/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
Following a review, the HSE introduced a new system for the reimbursement of the lidocaine 5% medicated plaster (Versatis), which is licensed only for the localised relief of post-shingles pain in adults.
Patients are reviewed by the Medicines Management Programme (MMP) for reimbursement approval, on foot of an application by the patient’s clinician, through the HSE online system.
In exceptional circumstances, the product may be approved for supply for unlicensed uses.
If an application is refused, the clinician may make an appeal, making a clear clinical case for the patient to the MMP at mmp@hse.ie.
This process ensures the appropriate use of the patch and that post-shingles patients, and other patients as clinically appropriate, can continue to have this treatment.
1513. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when an appointment can be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33711/21]
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.
1514. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to the use of rapid antigen testing as the primary protocol of testing for international travellers departing from or arriving into Irish airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33786/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraReverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests remain the gold standard in terms of COVID-19 testing, particularly in relation to the screening of travellers. Ireland does not accept antigen tests for incoming travellers.
COVID-19 tests for the purposes of travel, both to and from the State, can be sourced via private testing providers, in order to preserve the testing capacity of the HSE for priority groups and public health screening. Antigen tests can be sourced via private providers and Digital COVID Certificates based on antigen tests can be issued for the purpose of travelling to an EU country where antigen tests are accepted.
These travel measures are kept under continuous review based on public health advice and the international epidemiological situation.
1515. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health if the current definition of a sporting event in the current Health Act 1947 (Covid-19) Regulations 2021 precludes sporting organisations not affiliated with a recognised national body from organising a competitive sporting event; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this has prevented independent and unaffiliated clubs (details supplied) from holding events; his plans to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33787/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that National Governing Bodies and the definition of sporting events is a matter for the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
1516. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will report on Ireland’s progress to become tobacco free by 2025; if this target will be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33826/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe most recent Healthy Ireland survey in 2019 found that 17 percent of the population smoke, a 12 percent decline (14 percent smoke daily and 3 per cent smoke occasionally) In 2009 the number of people smoking was at 29 percent of the population. The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey 2018 found that 5 percent of children aged 10-17 smoke, a decline of 3 percent on the 2014 figure. While this means that smoking prevalence is on the decline there is still much work to do.
The Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill will ban the sale of tobacco products at places or events that are intended for children and introduce a licensing system for the retail sale tobacco products thus recognising that these are not a typical consumer product. The Bill will also prohibit the sale of tobacco products from self-service vending machines. In addition to legislation, community initiatives such as the ‘Not Around Us’ campaigns in Limerick, Galway and Clare are contributing to the denormalisation of smoking for children and young people while the HSE Tobacco Free Ireland programme has worked with educators to develop content on the dangers of tobacco use as part of the Junior Cycle SPHE curriculum. By using all of the tools available to us, legislative, educational and engagement at community level, I am confident that we can continue to make progress in our goal of creating a tobacco free Ireland.
1517. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of recorded smokers aged 19 and under from 1990 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33827/21]
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.
1518. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter in relation to a vaccination scenario (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33846/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Digital COVID Certificate Regulation is intended to facilitate people’s fundamental right to move and reside freely and help to support the lifting of restrictions currently in place in a coordinated manner within the EU.
Certificates issued under this regulation, by the Member State in which the vaccination took place, hold digital proof that a person has been vaccinated against COVID-19.
This certificate is valid form a vaccination proof in all EU Member States, including Ireland, EEA states and third countries recognised under an EU implementing act.
1519. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment given any delay is having a detrimental effect on their mental health. [33855/21]
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.
