Written Answers Nos. 988-1007
988. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of patients diagnosed with kidney disease in each of the past five years to date; the availability of and proposals to extend home dialysis for patients with this disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52776/21]
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.
989. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the status of the negotiations around site ownership and governance of the planned new national maternity hospital; if a timeframe has been set for the completion of these negotiations; and if an alternative site is under consideration should this timeline not be met. [52777/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1132. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the national maternity hospital; if there is a date by which negotiations are expected to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53348/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 989 and 1132 together.
The Government is committed to the development of the new National Maternity Hospital (NMH) planned for the St Vincent’s University Hospital Campus at Elm Park, as set out in the Programme for Government.
The proposed corporate and clinical governance arrangements for the new National Maternity Hospital were set out in the Mulvey Agreement, which was finalised in 2016 following an extensive mediation process between the NMH and St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group (SVHG). A draft legal framework has been developed to copperfasten the clinical and operational independence of the new hospital, and to ensure the protection of the State’s investment.
Work is ongoing to finalise the legal arrangements. However, as I have clarified previously, I will not be making any further comment until the process has concluded.
990. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will review the National Positive Ageing Strategy; the reason it has not been updated in over eight years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52794/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Positive Ageing Strategy is a high level document outlining Ireland’s vision for ageing and older people and the national goals and objectives required to promote positive ageing. It is an over-arching cross-departmental policy document that has influenced policy and service delivery across Government since its inception.
Significant developments have been made, and continue to be made, in promoting positive ageing since the Strategy launched in 2013. In relation to the Programme for Government commitment to create an Age Friendly Ireland, progress is being made on commitments to increase home and community supports and housing options for older people. In particular, Sláintecare, which envisages older people being supported to live well in their own homes for as long as possible, sets out an overarching vision for care in our community and enabling older people to live longer at home.
New projects such as the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme, the establishment of a Statutory Home Support Scheme, and Integrated Care Packages for Older People (ICPOP) are just some examples of the progress we are making across Government, agencies, and with stakeholders in the community to increase the positive experience of ageing. The establishment of Age Friendly Ireland as a shared service for older people nationally is a further significant achievement.
Since the publication of the National Positive Ageing Strategy, my Department has developed a significant body of research to inform an evidence based approach to policy making for older people in partnership with the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) and the research initiative set up on foot of the Positive Ageing Strategy, the Healthy & Positive Ageing Initiative.
Across Government, we will continue to prioritise improvements in health outcomes for older people in Ireland by focusing on the effective implementation and delivery of outcomes envisaged in Sláintecare, Housing For All, and other focused strategies such as the National Dementia Strategy.
991. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the reason the National Positive Ageing Strategy does not include reference to the importance of good nutritional care for the elderly; if his attention has been drawn to the strong correlation between age and malnutrition risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52795/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Positive Ageing Strategy is a high-level document outlining Ireland’s vision for ageing and older people and the national goals and objectives required to promote positive ageing. It is an over-arching cross-departmental policy that has influenced policy and service delivery across Government since its inception.
The National Positive Ageing Strategy contains a reference to the importance of good nutritional care for older people under National Goal 2: Support people as they age to maintain, improve, or manage their physical and mental health and wellbeing. Under National Goal 2, Objective 2.1 is to ‘Prevent and reduce disability, chronic disease and premature mortality as people age by supporting the development and implementation of policies to reduce associated lifestyle factors. Under this objective, an area for action (2.1.9) includes nutrition, which the Department of Health and HSE are taking lead responsibility for advancing.
Under the aegis of Sláintecare, on the 20th of October 2021, I launched a new €13m initiative called Healthy Communities. This new cross-government initiative will deliver increased health and wellbeing services to 19 community areas across Ireland. The programme will be delivered in partnership with the HSE, local authorities, local communities, statutory, voluntary and community groups.
One of the key components of the Healthy Communities Programme is the Healthy Food Made Easy (HFME) programme. This programme will provide user-friendly nutrition and cookery courses that help people increase their skills to implement a healthy diet, focus on age/health related needs, plan meals on a budget, and make it easy to cook meals.
I am aware of the strong correlation between age and malnutrition risk. The ‘Scientific Recommendations for Food-Based Dietary Guidelines for Older Adults’ report was published in April 2021 by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). The report offers updated national recommendations to enhance over 65’s nutritional well-being with the aim of improving health in later life. The report was written by the FSAI’s Scientific Committee at the request of the Department of Health.
992. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health his views on a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52796/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Positive Ageing Strategy is a high-level document outlining Ireland’s vision for ageing and older people and the national goals and objectives required to promote positive ageing. It is an over-arching cross-departmental policy that has influenced policy and service delivery across Government since its inception.
The National Positive Ageing Strategy contains a reference to the importance of good nutritional care for older people under National Goal 2: Support people as they age to maintain, improve, or manage their physical and mental health and wellbeing. Under National Goal 2, Objective 2.1 is to ‘Prevent and reduce disability, chronic disease and premature mortality as people age by supporting the development and implementation of policies to reduce associated lifestyle factors. Under this objective, an area for action (2.1.9) includes nutrition, which the Department of Health and HSE are taking lead responsibility for advancing.
Under the aegis of Sláintecare, on the 20th of October 2021, I launched a new €13m initiative called Healthy Communities. This new cross-government initiative will deliver increased health and wellbeing services to 19 community areas across Ireland. The programme will be delivered in partnership with the HSE, local authorities, local communities, statutory, voluntary and community groups.
One of the key components of the Healthy Communities Programme is the Healthy Food Made Easy (HFME) programme. This programme will provide user-friendly nutrition and cookery courses that help people increase their skills to implement a healthy diet, focus on age/health related needs, plan meals on a budget, and make it easy to cook meals.
The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) identified the need for a National Nutrition Policy for older persons that recognises the nutritional needs of older adults. This was published as part of their key findings report in 2017. TILDA collected further information on food consumption as part of their Wave 4 data collection in 2018 and will have more data on nutrition being released in 2022. The Department of Health will continue to work closely with TILDA in order to align their research with any prospective national strategies on ageing.
993. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the funding provided to each local first responder group in counties Laois, Offaly and Kildare in each of the years 2018 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52797/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity First Responders (CFRs) are members of the community, professionally trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation, who attend actual or potentially life-threatening emergencies and are dispatched by the National Ambulance Service.
In regard to the specific information requested by the Deputy pertaining to counties Laois, Offaly and Kildare I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
994. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health when the premises of a centre (details supplied) which is currently being refurbished will reopen; if funding has been secured to complete the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52798/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
995. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with lived experience of mental health challenges who are employed to support recovery and recovery education in each CHO in the years 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; and the funding made available to employ these workers in each CHO in the same period. [52814/21]
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.
996. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that while the Medical Cannabis Access Programme allows for those who suffer from epilepsy to avail of the scheme, there is currently no product included on the programme which meets his Department’s clinical guidelines for the use of medical cannabis based products in epilepsy being a product with less than 2% THC; if he is taking steps to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52816/21]
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.
997. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if changes have been made recently to the regulations for families to visit loved ones in nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52821/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) published updated guidance on visiting in long-term residential care: COVID-19: Normalising Visiting in Long Term Residential Care Facilities (LTRCFs). This guidance came into effect on 19 July. The public health advice is to restore visiting to near normal in terms of frequency of visits in those settings with a high level of vaccination of residents as quickly as possible, while also recognising the need to remain cautious as we continue to deal with the evolving risks associated with COVID-19.
The guidance provides that:
- Providers should put in place the necessary measures to progress to more normalised visiting and visiting frequency as quickly as possible in line with public health guidance with no more than two visitors at any one time.
- Routine visiting will no longer need to be scheduled in advance.
- There is no requirement to have a list of nominated visitors.
- The duration of the visit should not be limited.
- Fewer restrictions will apply to residents going on outings or visits outside of the nursing home.
Nursing home providers are ultimately responsible for the safe care of their residents. In a broad sense, visits to nursing homes are governed by legislation under the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013; regulation 11 provides that the nursing home should facilitate visiting and not restrict visiting except in circumstances such as the resident requesting same, or potential risk posed from visiting – this aligns with the risk assessments referred to in the visiting guidance. The regulations also require that the nursing home has suitable facilities in place and available for residents to receive visits. It is the legal responsibility of each provider to assess the risks and mitigation measures associated with their service and how best to manage visits having regards to the specific circumstances that arise in relation to their service. The HPSC has developed public health guidance, mentioned above, to assist and support providers in this regard.
It must be noted that risks continue to remain and emergent risks such as variants of concern present ongoing challenges and the need for vigilance. Visiting arrangements should continue to take account of general public health advice and the necessary infection prevention and control measures, to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of COVID-19 and protect those living in our communities. This is particularly important in the context of the increasing prevalence of the more transmissible Delta variant. This variant poses a significant risk, in particular to those who are not yet fully protected though vaccination.
Visitors are reminded of their responsibilities with regard to self-checks for COVID-19 in advance of visits, infection and prevention control and social interaction with all individuals, while in the nursing home.
I have communicated with the nursing home sector to emphasise the need for service providers to follow the guidance and have requested the issue of visits continues to be monitored by HIQA.
The guidance will be kept under continuing review as new evidence and data emerges.
998. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health when the portal will open for those Irish passport holders vaccinated for Covid-19 outside of the EU and they will be able to apply for an EU Digital Covid Certificate given that the portal was to open on 21 October 2021 but was delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52825/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Digital COVID Certificate is a document which is issued to help facilitate enable the safe and free international movement of people across the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation allows for Digital COVID Certificates to be provided to Union citizens vaccinated in a third country provided that the Member State has been provided with reliable proof of vaccination.
Ireland launched an online portal to receive applications from individuals vaccinated in third countries for Irish passport holders vaccinated in Northern Ireland from 28th September and this was extended to Great Britain on 15th October.
The further development of the portal to accept applications for Irish passport holders vaccinated in other third countries is underway, taking into account the need to ensure reliable proof of vaccination in a varied and diverse global context to support the robust trust framework on which the EU Digital COVID Certificate is built. This additional extension is expected to be available in November.
This portal will accept applications from individuals vaccinated in a third country, outside of the EU Member States and countries which have been awarded an equivalence decision, who are 18 years of age and older, hold a valid Irish passport, and a reliable proof of vaccination for a vaccine type currently authorised for use in Ireland.
999. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if those under 18 years of age will be able to apply for an EU Digital Covid Certificate once the portal opens for Irish passport holders vaccinated outside of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52826/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1000. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if Irish passport holders vaccinated outside of the EU will be able to apply for an EU Digital Covid Certificate if they did not receive a QR code confirming their vaccination from the State that provided it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52827/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1019. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health when EU Digital COVID Certificates will be issued to persons vaccinated outside the EU; the way in which such persons can access the certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52917/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 999, 1000 and 1019 together.
The EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation allows for Digital COVID Certificates to be provided to Union citizens vaccinated in a third country provided that the Member State has been provided with reliable proof of vaccination.
Ireland has launched an online portal to receive applications, which became operational for Irish passport holders vaccinated in Northern Ireland from 28th September. The application process was extended to Great Britain on 15th October.
The development of the portal to accept applications for Irish passport holders vaccinated in other third countries is underway, with cross-departmental support, and is expected to be available in November.
This portal will accept applications from individuals 18 years of age and older who hold a valid Irish passport and a reliable proof of vaccination for a vaccine type currently authorised for use in Ireland.
1002. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of tissue viability nurses available to medical card holders by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52844/21]
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.
1003. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which his Department or other bodies within this jurisdiction monitor the alternative smoking options on sale here; if all forms of vaping have been tested for addictive tendencies; the research available to date here or throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52847/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1005. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which vaping continues to be tested in Ireland with particular reference to establishing if they are in themselves habit-forming or whether their use leads to a return to conventional tobacco smoking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52849/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1003 and 1005 together.
Under the EU Tobacco Products Directive, which was transposed into Irish law by the European Union (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale of Tobacco and Related Products) Regulations 2016, a manufacturer must notify the Health Service Executive before placing novel tobacco products, e-cigarettes and refill containers on the market in Ireland. In relation to e-cigarettes, the Directive sets maximum nicotine concentrations and maximum volumes for cartridges, tanks and nicotine liquid containers. Health warnings advising consumers that e-cigarettes contain nicotine which is a highly addictive substance are also mandatory. Manufacturers, importers and distributors are legally obliged to inform the Health Service Executive if they have reason to believe that an electronic cigarette or refill container is unsafe, not of good quality or non-compliant with the Tobacco Products Directive. Details of the risk to human health and safety and any corrective action taken must also be provided. The HSE also carry out inspections of e-cigarette and refill container manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers as part of their enforcement activities under the 2016 regulations.
In October 2020 the Health Research Board published the findings of three evidence reviews on e-cigarettes conducted at the request of the Minister for Health. The evidence reviews found that e-cigarettes are not harmless but may represent a reduction in harm in relation to smoking, that e-cigarettes are as effective as nicotine replacement therapies for smoking cessation up to 6 months and that there is an association between e-cigarette use and subsequent smoking in adolescents. The reviews also made clear that further research was needed on the long-term effects of e-cigarettes.
1004. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if the use of home rolled tobacco cigarettes has increased during the course of the lockdown; if the use of such cigarettes has led to a return to conventional smoking habits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52848/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1006. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which his Department has monitored smoking habits in Ireland with particular reference to the need to determine whether it is on the increase or otherwise; if particular action needs to be taken to address increases in smoking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52850/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1004 and 1006 together.
Adult smoking trends are monitored via the Healthy Ireland Survey each year in order to measure success against the objective of Tobacco Free Ireland, the national tobacco control policy, to achieve a smokefree Ireland by 2025. Overall smoking prevalence declined by 6% between 2015 and 2019 indicating that increasing numbers of people are successfully quitting long-term. While the 2020 survey could not be conducted due to COVID-19 a survey was carried out in 2021 and its findings will be published in due course.
The HSE also monitors smoking prevalence and behaviour on a quarterly basis and continued to do so throughout the pandemic. They report that the use of roll-your-own tobacco, which is a conventional combustible tobacco product, has remained largely the same between 2019 and 2021 at around 30% of smokers.
1007. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number and location of hospital theatres throughout the country of a standard capable of facilitating orthopaedic surgery, cardiac surgery and scoliosis procedures; if there are sufficient facilities available to deal with requirements in the months and years ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52851/21]
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.
