Written Answers Nos. 711-732
711. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the reason funding has been withheld from an organisation (details supplied); if he will reconsider the provision of such funding to keep the service in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46248/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is aware of the many challenges facing families and communities in Drogheda and the north east region arising from drug-related crime, as documented in the Department of Justice report.
In line with the report's recommendations, the Department is committed to improving the availability of drug and alcohol services in Drogheda and surrounding counties. As well as the allocation of €150,000 announced by Minister McEntee for drug and alcohol services in Drogheda, the Department of Health and the HSE is providing a further €150,000 to support family support services and to improve access to community-based drug and alcohol services across the region.
The important role of families affected by drug use in contributing to the planning, design, and delivery of effective addiction services is outlined in the National Drug Strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery. Accordingly, in Budget 2021, €280,000 was allocated to support family services through the HSE National Service Plan for 2021. This funding will be used to develop and broaden the range of peer-led, mutual aid and family support programmes in accordance with best practice. The HSE will use this additional funding to develop coordinated family support programmes in Louth and Meath and three other areas in 2021, with each area being allocated €70,000.
The drawdown of the funding for these services has been approved by the Department and the funding is now available to the HSE for allocation to local services.
I would encourage eligible organisations, including the one referenced by the Deputy, to engage with the HSE on securing additional funding for their services in the Louth/Meath region.
712. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the rationale for locating the major trauma centre at the Mater Hospital contrary to best international practice of co-locating major trauma centres with neurological centres. [46251/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Trauma Strategy, A Trauma System for Ireland, published in February 2018, recommended the introduction of an inclusive trauma system, that will be delivered by two regional networks, each with a Major Trauma Centre that is linked to a number of Trauma Units. Services will be networked and co-ordinated along standardised pathways to ensure that the right care is delivered in the right place at the right time.
Before recommending the designation of the Mater Hospital as the Major Trauma Centre for the Central Trauma Network, the Health Service Executive (HSE) undertook a clear and objective process to inform the recommendation for the designation. This included the appointment of an Independent Assessment Panel, containing members expert in the retrieval and acute management of trauma patients, including those patients with head injuries. The panel used a designation framework, which included service specifications and criteria to assess submissions from Hospital Groups. This Framework had been subject to a public consultation, which allowed the HSE to meet with key stakeholders and gave interested parties an opportunity to seek further clarity on the service specifications and the designation criteria. The recommendation to designate the Mater Hospital as the Major Trauma Centre for the Central Trauma Network was approved by Government in April 2021.
The clear objective of the National Trauma Strategy is for all trauma patients to access the treatments they need in a timely manner. This will be possible through the establishment of two Major Trauma Centres that have all trauma specialties, including neurosurgery. The availability of all trauma specialties in one hospital will create very significant benefits for patients, including a reduced need for a secondary transfer, as well as reduced waiting times between sequential surgeries. As such, the National Trauma Office in the HSE is engaging closely with neurosurgeons with a view to them assisting in the planning of neurosurgical services in the Major Trauma Centre.
713. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the suspension of BreastCheck screening services over the pandemic; and if a breakdown will be provided of cancelled appointments by CHO area in tabular form. [46252/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
714. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists that were registered for the dental treatment support scheme in each of the years 2016 to 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46253/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
715. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of registered complaints and or cases taken against dentists by medical card holders and non-medical card holders, respectively in each of the years 2016 to 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46254/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy is not held by my Department. The Dental Council, established under the Dentists Act 1985 is the regulatory body for the dental profession. The Dental Council deals with complaints concerning breaches of its Codes of Practice. The Dental Council publishes the results of Fitness to Practise Inquiries where allegations of professional misconduct against a dentist have been proven together with the sanctions imposed.
716. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of hours of the additional €5 million allocated for home support hours as committed to in the National Service Plan 2021 delivered to date. [46255/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
717. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on a waiting list for the National Rehabilitation Centre by county of residence in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46256/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
718. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the reason that persons who received their first vaccine dose in another country and their second dose in Ireland may apply for an EU Digital COVID Certificate in Ireland, while for those who received their first dose in Ireland and their second dose in another country there is no option to apply for the certificate in Ireland; his plans to amend this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46258/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation concerns the issuing and verification of certificates for medical events including vaccination, recovery, and testing related to COVID-19 to support freedom of movement across the EU.
EU Digital COVID Certificates for persons who have received their full or second dose of a vaccine in Ireland are issued automatically to the holder. EU Digital COVID Certificates can be issued as proof of a single dose of vaccine administered in Ireland upon request.
Persons who have been fully vaccinated or received their second dose of a vaccine in another EU country must request a Digital COVID Certificate from the issuing authorities in that specific EU country.
719. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1184 of 9 September 2021, when new guidelines for addiction recovery group meetings will be published; if these guidelines will take account of the current restrictions imposed in an office environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46261/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current public health advice for organised indoor group activities is as follows:
Organised indoor group activities (sports, arts, culture, dance classes) can take place with capacity limits of 100 people (with appropriate protective measures) where all patrons are immune (fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 within previous 6 months), or accompanied minors (under 18). Where patrons have mixed immunity status, pods of up to 6 participants will be permitted (excluding adult leaders/teachers). Multiple pods will be permissible subject to protective measures. Number of pods will have regard to the size of venue and substantial social distance between individual pods.
In the light of the above, the Department guidance for drug and alcohol support groups and treatment programmes, where participants have mixed immunity status, is unchanged. The Department advise that the maximum number of participants is 20, to include organisers. This higher limit is subject to 2 metre social distancing in the venue.
From 22 October onwards, the majority of the remaining restrictions will be lifted and replaced by guidance and advice to enable us to work together to protect ourselves and to live our lives to the fullest extent possible. We will need to continue to monitor the ongoing risk from the disease and take steps individually and collectively in our everyday lives to keep this risk under control.
The following public health restrictions will be lifted:
- requirements for physical distancing
- requirements for mask wearing outdoors and in indoor private settings
- limits on numbers at indoor and outdoor events and activities
- restrictions on religious or civil ceremonies
- limits on numbers that can meet in private homes/gardens
- certification of vaccination, immunity or testing as a prerequisite for access to, or engagement in, any activities or events (with the exception of international travel)
- restrictions on high-risk activities (for example: nightclubs)
Measures that will remain in place include:
- self-isolation when we have symptoms
- mask wearing in healthcare settings, indoor retail and on public transport
I appreciate the positive engagement by drug and alcohol support groups with the Department on this matter. I look forward to the full resumption of their activities from 22nd October.
720. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the status of the appointment of a national lead in genomics by the HSE; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46262/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs recruitment is a service issue I have referred the Deputy's question to the HSE for direct reply.
721. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the status of Recommendation 17 of the National Cancer Strategy, appointment of a National Lead for Cancer Molecular Diagnostics; if progress can be made in this prior to the appointment of the national lead in genomics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46263/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE's National Cancer Control Programme advises that the recruitment of the National Lead in Genomics is expected to be finalised shortly through the office of the HSE's Chief Clinical Officer.
It is considered important that the National Lead in Genomics be in place before the NCCP advance the recruitment of a National Lead for Cancer Molecular Diagnostics. Once the National Lead in Genomics is in place, the NCCP will be in a position to better define the role of a National Lead for Cancer Molecular Diagnostics for solid and liquid malignancies, and then to pursue the appointment.
722. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health if he is considering the option of providing resources in Budget 2022 to enable the reduction in the age of those women who can avail of a free breast check; and if he is considering introducing a general practitioner service to breast check all young women of the age of 18 upwards as part of standard general practitioner visits. [46269/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes which are a valuable part of our health service. In that regard and in line with commitments in the Programme for Government, BreastCheck is currently implementing an age-extension project that will see all women aged between 50 to 69 years being invited for routine breast screening.
In relation to consideration of any further age changes, such as reducing the age to people under the age of 50, it is vital we remember that breast screening is a population health screening measure. It is not an individual diagnostic test. The balance between the benefits of screening and the potential harms or risks to the population as a whole require careful, evidence-based consideration and balancing.
As with all our national screening programmes, BreastCheck delivers its services in line with international criteria for population-based screening programmes, which are kept under constant review. The balance between the benefits of screening and the potential harms or risks to the population as a whole require careful, evidence-based consideration and balancing.
Decisions about changes to our national screening programmes will be made on the advice of our National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group considers the evidence for changes in a robust and transparent manner. The Committee’s role is to undertake an independent assessment of the evidence for screening for a particular condition against internationally accepted criteria and make recommendations accordingly. This ensures policy decisions are informed by the best available evidence and advice.
The NSAC is currently finalising plans for its first ‘annual call’ which will be announced later this year. Applications for proposals for new population based screening programmes and modifications to existing programmes, such as a reduction in the age of those eligible for screening, will be welcomed from the public as well as the HSE, health professionals and other professional bodies. Further information on the 'annual call' will be published on the NSAC website.
There are no plans at present to introduce a general practitioner service to breast check all young women of the age of 18 upwards as part of general practitioner visits under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme.
It is important that every woman is breast aware. This means knowing what is normal for them so that if any unusual change occurs, they will recognise it. The HSE have useful information in relation to self-checking their breasts on its website.
If a woman becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact their GP, who will arrange appropriate follow-up care.
723. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the completion date and timeline for opening for the Ballyboden primary care centre; the services to be provided on opening and over time; the anticipated geographical reach of the centre; the way in which staff will be recruited on the administrative side for the centre; the hours of opening; the overall cost of the project both anticipated and real time; the details of the contractors and the contractual arrangements and costs for the lease of the centre going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46270/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
724. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time staff by job title working in the medical assessment unit at Nenagh General Hospital; and the number of vacancies by job title in tabular form. [46278/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
725. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of fractional CO2 laser machines that are in use in CHI Temple Street and CHI Crumlin; and if there are sufficient trained staff available in both hospitals to use these machines. [46279/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
726. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time vacant nursing posts in South Tipperary General Hospital; and if a recruitment campaign will be launched to fill these vacancies. [46280/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
727. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost in 2022 of providing 65 additional general practitioner training places. [46281/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe annual cost of one doctor on the GP Training Scheme is approximately €100,000. On that basis, the estimated full year cost in 2022 of an additional 65 GP training places would be €6.5 million.
728. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the way in which HSE has spent and will spend the €3.94 million allocated on specialist eating disorder services in 2021. [46282/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
729. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide €5 million in annual funding to deliver the carer’s guarantee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46289/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, I cannot comment at this stage on the outcome of the estimates process, or matters which will be the subject of national service planning in 2022.
In Budget 2021, €2m was allocated as a first step towards implementing a Carers’ Guarantee. The ‘Carers Guarantee’ will provide a core basket of services to carers across the country, regardless of where they live. My Department has been in consultation with representative groups and the HSE to ensure measures introduced will work towards addressing geographical inequity of access to supports.
730. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide €5 million to publish a refreshed National Carers’ Strategy Action Plan 2021-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46292/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, I cannot comment at this stage on the outcome of the estimates process, or matters which will be the subject of national service planning in 2022.
As Minister for Health, I am committed to improving supports for family carers. Under the National Carer’s Strategy a range of measures have been introduced or extended by my Department to support family carers in recent years. Most recently, €2m was allocated in Budget 2021 as a first step towards implementing a Carers’ Guarantee. My Department has been in consultation with representative groups and the HSE to ensure the funding addresses geographical inequity of access to carer supports.
731. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce the statutory home care scheme including an annual entitlement to 20 days respite and a carer needs assessment for full-time carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46293/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling people with care-needs to continue to live independently at home for as long as possible is a priority for the Government. To advance this, the Government is committed to establishing a new, statutory scheme for the financing and regulation of home-support services, which the Department of Health is currently developing.
It is intended that the new scheme will provide equitable and transparent access to high-quality services based on a person’s assessed care-needs. It will build on the HSE’s continual enhancement of existing service-provision and on emerging good practice across the current system of health and social care delivery as well as supporting family and unpaid carers.
Work is on-going within the Department to progress the development of the new scheme within the broader context of the Sláintecare reforms. This work encompasses the development of the regulatory framework for the new scheme; the examination of the options for the financing model for the scheme; and the development of a reformed model of service-delivery for home support services.
The national roll-out of interRAI as the single assessment tool (incorporating the assessment of carers’ needs) will be integral to the new scheme, underpinning the provision of one streamlined process for responding to the evolving care-needs of the individual, from entry-level home-support through to intensive care in a residential setting. In this regard, funding was allocated for approximately 130 posts to support the national rollout of the InterRAI Ireland system as the standard assessment tool for care needs in the community. The system of regulation will ensure public confidence in the services provided as well as safeguarding service-users.
The Programme for Government commits to delivering a ‘Carers Guarantee’ proposal that will provide a core basket of services to carers across the country, regardless of where they live. This commitment is consistent with the National Carers' Strategy, which seeks to support family carers to care with confidence through the provision of adequate information, training, services and supports.
In line with this commitment, and as a first step towards implementing the Carers’ Guarantee, €2 million was allocated in Budget 2021 to provide a more standard package of supports to family carers in every region, in tandem with the community and voluntary sector. Discussions are underway between my Department and the HSE to determine how this funding will be allocated and to ensure measures introduced will work towards addressing geographical inequity of access to supports.
732. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will work to establish a commission on care to include an examination on the role, reliance and recognition of family carers in long-term care provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46294/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn June 2020, the Programme for Government, mindful of the particular impact of COVID-19 on older people, especially those who live on their own and people living in nursing homes, set out a commitment to establish a commission to examine care and supports for older people.
Under the National Carer’s Strategy a range of measures have been introduced or extended by my Department to support family carers in recent years. Most recently, €2m was allocated in Budget 2021 as a first step towards implementing a Carers’ Guarantee. My Department has been in consultation with representative groups and the HSE to ensure the funding allocated to address geographical inequity of access to carer supports. In addition, the interRAI Carers Needs Assessment pilot - which will look at the needs of carers in the context of access to home supports - is starting in November 2021.
In relation to a Commission on Care, progress has been made in relation to older persons care over the last 12 months. In particular good progress has been made on the implementation of recommendations arising from the COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel which ultimately will improve standards of care in nursing homes; and also in the establishment of a statutory Home Support Scheme which will significantly increase support for people in their own homes.
In light of these developments we are assessing the focus and remit of a Commission on Care for older people.
