Written Answers Nos. 541-563
541. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to provide a primary health centre for Adamstown; if a site has been agreed for the proposed health centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58432/21]
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.
542. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if he will provide advice to childcare facilities (details supplied) in relation to Covid-19. [58434/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTesting and contact tracing continues to be a key component of the Irish Government’s response to the pandemic. Demand for testing is higher than it has been at any point in the pandemic and continues to increase. Approximately 215,000 PCR tests have been completed in the last 7 days.
While the system is currently operating in excess of surge capacity, it is kept under continuing review in order to maximise its use in responding to the threats posed by the virus. There are testing centres located all around the country. The HSE have worked to ensure that measures in childcare facilities are robust and prioritise the safety of staff and children in these settings. Schools and Childcare facilities are controlled settings and the approach to testing and contact tracing is risk-based in relation to the setting, age-group and the existence of other preventive measures.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has published guidance on 'COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control guidance for Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare settings during the COVID-19 Pandemic' which is available as follows: www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/childcareguidance/Guidance%20for%20services%20providing%20childcare%20services.pdf
The HPSC has also published an updated guidance document 'Isolation quick guide for parents and guardians of children older than 3 months and up to 13 years of age', which is available as follows: www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/factsheetsandresources/Isolation%20quick%20guide%20under%2013s.pdf
Further guidance on the management of Covid-19 in Early Years settings is published by Tusla as follows: www.tusla.ie/uploads/content/Guidance_Document_for_Early_Years_Services_COVID-19_(Version_3_19.04.21)_.pdf ,
The role of testing and contact tracing, as part of the wider public health response, has been under ongoing review throughout the pandemic and will continue to be reviewed and amended in line with the epidemiological profile of the disease, its impact on healthcare utilisation and outcomes, the vaccination status of the population and ECDC guidance.
543. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the results of the antigen pilots that occurred in the childcare sector (details supplied). [58435/21]
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.
544. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the funding application by Children’s Health Ireland to the HSE to help alleviate pressure on Temple Street and Crumlin hospitals, in particular services for children awaiting treatment for scoliosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58456/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Children’s Health Ireland’s (CHI) paediatric orthopaedic service, most scoliosis cases are treated at Crumlin and Temple Street, with Crumlin providing specialised multi-disciplinary treatment for the most complex patients. The National Orthopaedic Hospital at Cappagh provides additional capacity for the treatment of less complex orthopaedic patients, including routine scoliosis procedures. By using the capacity provided by Cappagh, CHI can free up space in order that complex orthopaedic procedures, including scoliosis spinal fusions, can be carried out centrally at CHI sites.
More specifically, additional theatre capacity at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh commenced on the 26 April 2021 for daycase surgery. CHI has advised the Department of Health that this should result in a positive impact in reducing long waiting times for general orthopaedics, in addition to consequential capacity gains for scoliosis patients. In 2022 CHI is planning to undertake a range of inpatient, daycase and outpatient orthopaedic appointments in Cappagh.
Funding proposals submitted to the HSE by Children’s Health Ireland to increase capacity and activity for both orthopaedic and scoliosis patients are considered under the HSE National Service Plan 2022 and under the HSE Capital Plan. Improving access to scheduled care capacity remains a priority for me and my Department as we work to finalise next years’ Service Plan.
Improving waiting times for hospital appointments and procedures remains a commitment of this Government. For 2022 an additional allocation of €250 million, comprised of €200 million to the HSE and €50 million to the National Treatment Purchase Fund has been provided in respect of work to reduce hospital and community waiting lists. The €250 million will be used to fund additional activity in both the public and private sectors. The €50 million additional funding provided to the NTPF brings its total allocation for 2022 to €150 million, and as a consequence there will be a budget of €350 million available to support vital initiatives to improve access to acute hospitals and community health services.
In addition, my Department, the HSE and the NTPF are working on a Multi Annual Waiting List Plan to bring waiting lists in line with Sláintecare targets over the coming years. This process will be overseen by a Ministerial Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and includes representatives from the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund. The plan will be informed by the lessons learned from the successful Vaccine Taskforce.
545. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will extend the period of presumptive immunity from six to nine months post-Covid-19 infection given HIQAs latest advice to NPHET; if the certificate of recovery will also be extended from six to nine months to reflect HIQAs position; if not, the reason a certificate of recovery and immunity only lasts for six months given that studies show that the period of immunity lasts for nine months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58467/21]
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 scope and details to be included in each Digital COVID Certificate has been agreed at EU level and is standardized across the EU to allow for complete interoperability.
The dataset to be included in each Digital COVID Certificate is specified in Annex I of the EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation. The dataset for a certificate of recovery includes the requirement that it is a ‘certificate valid until (not more than 180 days after the date of first positive NAAT test result)’.
546. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if the figures on the period of presumptive immunity from Covid-19 are being collated for those who have recovered from Covid-19 and therefore have presumed natural immunity following HIQAs latest study; if these levels of immunity are being considered in the formulation of policy decisions regarding Covid-19; if information is being collated on the number of unvaccinated persons who have presumed natural immunity and on the number of unvaccinated persons who have recovered from Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58468/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that on the 11th November, the NPHET endorsed the recommendation of the HIQA that the period of presumptive protective immunity following infection with SARS-CoV-2 should remain at nine months post-infection at this time, subject to ongoing review and monitoring of national surveillance data and research evidence. The NPHET further accepted the HIQA’s advice that communication campaigns should continue to encourage people to come forward for vaccination, including those who have been previously infected with SARS-CoV-2.The HIQA advice is available here: www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/health-technology-assessment/duration-protective-immunity-protection.
As is standard in epidemiological models, the Irish Epidemiological and Advisory Group’s (IEMAG) modelling work assumes that infection with SARS-CoV-2 confers very long lasting immunity. The models have been adapted to allow for waning of vaccine induced immunity, and are also being adapted to allow for waning of infection-induced immunity.
The IEMAG’s work is presented at NPHET meetings and forms a key input with regard to informing NPHET discussions and advice on the ongoing management of the COVID-19 response.
The NPHET provides evidence-based policy advice to the Minister for Health in accordance with its Terms of Reference, available here: www.gov.ie/en/collection/691330-national-public-health-emergency-team-covid-19-coronavirus/#terms-of-reference.
547. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if steps are being taken to speed up waiting times for childhood scoliosis operations; and the prospects of setting a date for a procedure for a person (details supplied). [58472/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI acknowledge that waiting times for many hospital procedures and appointments are unacceptably long. It is of particular regret that children can experience long waiting times for orthopaedic treatment, especially for time sensitive procedures, and I remain acutely aware of the impact that this has on children and their families.
Children’s Health Ireland continues to examine new and innovative ways to improve access to orthopaedic services. “Cappagh Kids” at the National Orthopaedic Hospital at Cappagh provides additional theatre capacity for non-complex, age appropriate, orthopaedic procedures, freeing up much needed space at central CHI sites for children with complex, multi-disciplinary needs. Additional orthopaedic outpatient sessions are also now held at Cappagh, providing additional capacity to see and assess children on the outpatient waiting list.
In addition, a fast-track orthopaedic pathway has been developed as part of outpatient reduction plans. Paediatric Active Clinical Triage has already been introduced for the longest waiters (over 12 months) on the paediatric outpatient list.
Improving waiting times for hospital appointments and procedures remains a commitment of this Government. For 2022 an additional allocation of €250 million, comprised of €200 million to the HSE and €50 million to the National Treatment Purchase Fund has been provided in respect of work to reduce hospital and community waiting lists. The €250 million will be used to fund additional activity in both the public and private sectors. The €50 million additional funding provided to the NTPF brings its total allocation for 2022 to €150 million, and as a consequence there will be a budget of €350 million available to support vital initiatives to improve access to acute hospitals and community health services.
In addition, my Department, the HSE and the NTPF are also working on a Multi Annual Waiting List Plan to bring waiting lists in line with Sláintecare targets over the coming years. This process will be overseen by a Ministerial Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and includes representatives from the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund. The plan will be informed by the lessons learned from the successful Vaccine Taskforce.
Under 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 regarding a date for a procedure for the person concerned, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
548. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if HIQA has approved the use of the new Covid-19 antiviral pill (details supplied) which has been given emergency use authorisation by the European Medicines Agency; if the HSE plans to roll-out the use of this drug; the cost of this drug; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58473/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that HIQA have no role in the approval of medicines, this would be a matter for the HPRA (Health Products Regulatory Authority).
549. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists who were contracted with the HSE under the dental treatment services scheme who have left the scheme in the past 24 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58475/21]
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.
550. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who are waiting on a first appointment to the outpatients' diabetes clinic in the University of Limerick Hospitals group who are aged 18-24, 25-34 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 and over 65 years of age in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58481/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra551. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting on a first appointment to the outpatients' diabetes clinic in the University of Limerick Hospitals group for 24 months or more who are aged 18-24, 25-34 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 and over 65 years of age in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58482/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra552. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting on a first appointment to the outpatients' diabetes clinic in any of the University of Limerick Hospitals group who have type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes or other forms of diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58483/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 550 to 552, inclusive, together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
553. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delays in recruiting the four diabetes clinical nurse specialist posts, the three dietitian post and the additional two consultant endocrinologist posts for University of Limerick Hospital some of which were approved in January 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58484/21]
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.
554. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health the number of hospital admissions through University of Limerick hospitals groups’ accident and emergency or the acute medical assessment unit due to diabetic ketoacidosis or to severe hypoglycaemia in each of the years 2017 to 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58486/21]
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.
555. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health the number of persons over age 18 years of age who were admitted through University of Limerick hospitals group's accident and emergency or the acute medical assessment unit due to diabetic ketoacidosis or to severe hypoglycaemia in each of the years 2017 to 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58487/21]
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.
556. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will be seen under the children's disability network team in CHO4. [58494/21]
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.
557. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the reason a spouse can be removed from a medical society that is a restricted membership undertaking as defined in the Health Insurance Act 1994 scheme by their partner without their knowledge upon the breakdown of a marriage and relationship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58499/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter the Deputy raises in her question relates to the business practices of a restricted membership undertaking (RMU). An RMU is an organisation which provides health insurance only to its members, who are generally members of a common vocational or occupational group, and their dependants.
In my role as Minister for Health, I have oversight of private health insurance regulation under the Health Insurance Acts 1994-2020. Under the Acts, open membership health insurers are obligated to provide insurance cover to any person who applies for it regardless of that person's personal circumstances, such as health status or age. RMUs are obligated to provide insurance cover to any person who qualifies as a member, and their dependants, without any requirements as to age. These obligations and other health insurance-specific market rules are overseen by the Health Insurance Authority as the regulator of the market.
In the case where a person ceases to be a dependant of a member, for example where they cease to be married to the member of the medical society or where their spouse ceases to qualify as a member, an RMU is not obligated to continue to provide insurance cover to that person. Depending on the RMU's rules, the member may be required to inform the RMU of a change in marital status within a short period after the change occurs.
Without further details it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the particular circumstance which the Deputy refers to in her question. I would advise if any person is unhappy with the actions taken by any health insurer they should in the first instance make a complaint to that health insurer. If the matter is not resolved to their satisfaction, they can make a further complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman.
558. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if a birthing pool is located in the maternity unit at Mullingar Regional Hospital. [58516/21]
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.
559. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the estimated additional capacity an increase of €5 million in respite care services would provide. [58517/21]
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.
560. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided for the recruitment of an additional full-time consultant paediatric orthopaedic surgeon for Mullingar Regional Hospital. [58518/21]
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.
561. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if the 27 additional expert staff to process assessments of needs were filled after funding for these additional staff was announced in Budget 2021. [58519/21]
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.
562. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant consultant posts by speciality currently in CHI Crumlin; the length of time each post has been vacant for; and when each vacancy will be filled in tabular form. [58520/21]
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.
563. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the details of the most recent projected workplace planning requirements to meet demand in urology services; and the number of these posts that are filled in tabular form. [58521/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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.
