Written Answers Nos. 245-264
246. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the details of the work underway to introduce blended working into the HSE in particular in CHO9 Dublin north central in a way that provides flexibility for workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47030/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA central policy framework for Blended Working in the Civil Service will be finalised in conjunction with employee representatives over the coming months, and after that it is expected that the public service will follow suit. This framework will inform the development of organisation level blended working policies tailored to the specific requirements of each Department/Office/agency, whilst ensuring a consistency of approach across the sectors.
In line with the Government campaign - #MakingRemoteWork – I am supportive of facilitating all reasonable and practical applications for blended working, while ensuring the continued effective and efficient delivery of business. It is important to note however that many roles in the public health sector are not suitable for a blended working pattern.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in respect of their preparations in this regard.
247. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the progress being made to ensure funding for free contraceptive distribution; if it will be made available in Budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47031/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the recommendations of the Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution, a Working Group on Access to Contraception was established in April 2019 to consider the range of policy, regulatory and legislative issues arising in relation to improving access to contraception in Ireland.
The Group’s report, which was published in October 2019, identified the barriers that exist to accessing contraception and the mechanisms available to overcome those barriers.
The report is available online at: assets.gov.ie/38063/89059243e750415ebf7e96247a4225ae.pdf
The findings of this report made clear that a sizable body of work needs to be addressed in order to develop and finalise the policy approach, bring forward the necessary legislative proposals and ensure the implementation of service delivery arrangements.
The need to focus on and prioritise the response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has unfortunately delayed progress on this issue. It is, however, important to stress that my Department and this Government remain committed to providing free contraception over a phased basis, starting with women aged 17 – 25, as set out in the Programme for Government.
Accordingly, a Contraception Implementation Group has been established within my Department, which held its first meeting in July and is currently actively working to progress implementation of this Programme for Government commitment as a matter of urgency; contraception is currently a Ministerial priority.
In the meantime, access to free contraception is already enabled to some contexts, through the National Condom Distribution Service (NCDS), which was established by the HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme (SHCPP) in October 2015.
The NCDS functions as a central point for distributing free condoms and lubricant sachets to HSE services and other organisations working with individuals and groups at increased risk of negative sexual health outcomes. The NCDS was expanded to 3rd level campuses in 2019 and will continue to operate in this context as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted and students return to in-person tuition.
It should also be noted that those with a GMS (medical) card already have access to most forms of contraception, subject only to the €1.50 prescription charge. Those with a GP visit card are supported to some extent as the clinical consultation cost of contraception is reduced. The Drugs Payment Scheme, for which anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland is eligible, covers the cost of prescription items above a limit of €114 per month.
However, I am very conscious that, for those who do not qualify for a GMS (medical) card, cost can be a barrier to accessing their preferred or most appropriate form of contraception. As such, Minister Donnelly, myself and our Department remain committed to providing free contraception over a phased period, starting with women aged 17-25, as set out in the Programme for Government.
Funding allocations for the health sector in 2022 will be announced on Budget Day as per usual practice.
248. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the way the selection criteria will be devised in relation to the recent commitment to transition 18 out of over 1,300 young persons living in institutional care into community settings; the detriments of the selection process, that is, cost of care package, availability of accessible housing, length of stay in residential care setting and so on; the projected timeline for the transitions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47033/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
249. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health if he plans to introduce training or a protocol for employers to guide support for employees who are experiencing perimenopause and menopause. [47034/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises that menopause is a key health issue for women in Ireland today, and work is underway to drive progress in this area which is being driven by the Women’s Health Taskforce. Menopause has been identified as a priority under the Women's Health Taskforce. The Women’s Health Taskforce was established in September 2019 with the aim of improving women’s health outcomes and experiences of healthcare. The Taskforce has met fourteen times since it was established in September 2019. A number of initial priority areas for action were determined by the Taskforce in 2020, with the issue of menopause recognised and included as one of these priority areas.
The issue of menopause has also been emphasised through the nationwide “Radical Listening” exercise carried out by the Women’s Health Taskforce. This exercise enabled women across the country to share their views and experiences of the health sector and health services. A report on the findings of this ‘radical listening’ exercise was published on September 14th 2021.
In relation to support for women at work through the menopause, women’s health will be represented at the Healthy Workplace implementation group which is to be established in 2021, following the publication of the Healthy Workplace Framework in the coming months. Following publication, an Implementation Group will be established with responsibility for developing an action plan. A representative from Women’s Health will be included on the Implementation Group to ensure the needs of women in the workplace are incorporated. Through this representation, the particular issues for women at work will be highlighted for consideration. This has particular reference to menopause within the workplace.
At present, there is existing guidance available from CIPD.ie for organisations who wish to consider their response and support to women throughout their menopause journey within work. They provide resources for people managers and professionals to use in the workplace to help break the stigma of women going through the menopause. This includes a menopause at work document which can help organisations consider how they can make their workplaces more supportive for women throughout their menopause journey.
The Minister for Health and the Women's Health Taskforce are committed to improving the experience of women in Ireland through the menopause. This is underscored by the announcement on September 10th of a new approach to menopause care in Ireland, beginning with the establishment of a dedicated specialist menopause clinic. This forms a core part of a new approach to menopause care for women in Ireland and will be supported by enhanced community and primary care supports as well as the publication of targeted and trusted sources of information for women experiencing menopause.
Menopause will continue to be a priority for the Women's Health Taskforce for 2021 and 2022.
250. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health if he plans to increase the number of child and adolescent mental health service units made available nationwide given they are only in counties Dublin, Cork and Galway and only two of them take out-of-hours admissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47035/21]
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.
251. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health if the public sector speech and language therapists that were redeployed during the Covid-19 period will be reinstated in their initial capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47036/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational issue, I have the HSE to respond to the HSE directly.
252. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will advise on an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47042/21]
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.
253. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if matters in relation to the case of a person (details supplied) will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47092/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
254. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if supports are available for business that provide a sensory experience for persons with disabilities and mental health issues [47106/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.
The Deputy has clarified that the question refers to funding for private businesses looking to provide sensory experiences for their customers with disabilities or mental health-related needs. I must inform the Deputy that there are no funding streams of this kind available through the Department of Health or Health Service Executive (HSE).
255. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an appointment can be expedited for a person (details supplied). [47136/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
256. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive their EU Digital COVID Certificate given that they have been vaccinated since March 2021 in Qatar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47137/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the successful rollout of the initial implementation phase of the EU Digital COVID Certificate in Ireland the Government is adding a further service to enable Irish citizens vaccinated outside of the EU, with Irish approved vaccines, to obtain a Digital COVID certificate valid in Ireland and across the EU.
This service will be released in a two phased approach. An announcement on the launch of the portal will be made shortly.
257. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which medicines for the treatment of rare diseases continue to be approved with particular reference to those deemed to make a considerable beneficial impact; the number of such medicines currently under examination; the number approved in the past year; the expectation for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47138/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
258. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which vaping or other smoking alternatives continue to be evaluated with a view to ensuring that they do not encourage tobacco smoking; if the smoking habit has increased through the use of alternatives or hand-rolled tobacco cigarettes; if he proposes to take steps to address such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47139/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October 2020 the Health Research Board published the findings of three evidence reviews conducted at the request of the Minister for Health. The reviews examined electronic cigarettes and heat-not-burn tobacco products including their public health harms or benefits and their effectiveness as an aid to cessation of smoking tobacco products.
The evidence reviews found that e-cigarettes are not harmless but that they are less harmful than tobacco cigarettes, that e-cigarettes are as effective as nicotine replacement therapies for smoking cessation up to 6 months and that there is a positive association between e-cigarette use and subsequent smoking in adolescents.
The reviews also made clear that further research was needed on the effects of alternatives such as heat-not-burn tobacco products as there is currently insufficient evidence to draw any conclusions about these products. The Department of Health continues to monitor emerging evidence concerning novel products.
E-cigarette usage is monitored in the Healthy Ireland Survey. The most recent survey (2019) found that 5% of people reported using electronic cigarettes. Use of e-cigarettes among smokers was 10%, among ex-smokers was 13% and among non-smokers was 1%.
In relation to tobacco smoking, the 2019 Healthy Ireland survey found that the overall smoking prevalence in Ireland had dropped to 17%, with 14% smoking regularly and 3% occasionally. It is not possible to point to any single factor or product as the cause of changes in smoking rates which is why Ireland's Tobacco Free Ireland policy, and the WHO MPOWER model on which it is based, both recommend multiple measures to address tobacco smoking. Those measures including addressing areas such price, restrictions on promotion and cessation services.
The General Scheme for a Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill includes multiple measures to reduce the disease, disability and death associated with tobacco smoking. The Scheme for a Bill provides for a licensing system for the retail sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products, a prohibition on the sale of tobacco products from vending machines, a prohibition on the sale of e-cigarettes to persons under the age of 18 and a prohibition on the sale of tobacco products and e-cigarettes by persons under the age of 18. The General Scheme is with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for drafting and has also been referred to the Oireachtas Committee on Health for Pre-Legislative Scrutiny.
259. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will receive an urgent appointment with CAMHS in Cherry Orchard [47143/21]
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.
260. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health when day centres (details supplied) in County Sligo will be reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47152/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDay services re-opened at 39% capacity at service locations throughout August and early September of 2020, and by end of January 2021 this had increased to 51%. The combination of supports in the location, outreach supports, and remote supports provides an overall quantum of support to service users of over 60% at the end of January. The increase in day service capacity was supported by additional funding of €30 million provided in Budget 2021 to increase capacity in buildings and provide extra staff. This funding provided an increase in day services by an average of one day a week for 14,940 people against September 2020 service levels.
I was very pleased to announce that adult day services for people with disabilities will return to full capacity by October 22nd, in line with our COVID 19 response ‘Reframing the Challenge’ roadmap for the lifting of restrictions.
Day service providers have been requested to develop their individual day service location roadmaps to increase the level of day service provision to 100% restoration for each day service user by October 22nd.
Infection prevention and control measures that have been introduced to support the safe delivery of adult disability day services since the onset of COVID 19 will remain in place after October 22nd. These arrangements include risk assessments, enhanced environmental hygiene, and pod like arrangements in day service locations. Mask wearing will remain in place in day services, except for those who are exempt from wearing a face covering.
Further updates for service users and families will also be made available at the following link: www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/disability/newdirections/resumption-of-adult-day-services-for-adults-with-disabilities.html
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly with regard the specific service locations mentioned, as soon as possible.
261. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if an increase is due in relation to a HSE pension for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47156/21]
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.
262. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if a response will issue in relation to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding Lyme disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47174/21]
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.
263. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he plans to map public AEDs throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47176/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra264. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he plans to provide more public AEDs particularly in areas in which there is a lack of the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47177/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 263 and 264 together.
AEDs (defibrillators) are available in many locations across society under the management of various organisations. The location, maintenance and upkeep of these devices is a matter for the supplying organisations. The HSE is not responsible for the supply or upkeep of AEDs. As such, an AED register would not be within the scope of the Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Strategy.
