Written Answers Nos. 481-502
481. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health his plans to establish set criteria to streamline the process of adding orphan medicinal products to the reimbursement list; his plans in the near future to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59844/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 gives full statutory powers to the HSE to assess and make decisions on the reimbursement of all medicines taking account of a range of objective factors, clinical benefits, cost effectiveness and expert opinion as appropriate.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
The HSE Drugs Group is the national committee which the HSE has in place to make recommendations on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines. The role of the Drugs Group is to make a recommendation to the HSE Executive Management Team (EMT) in relation to each individual application having considered the criteria under the 2013 Act.
The Drugs Group considers the NCPE assessment, the outputs from commercial engagements, patient interest group submissions, any inputs provided by the Rare Disease Technology Review Committee (RDTRC) and any other pertinent information in advance of providing its recommendation to the HSE EMT.
As the decision-making authority within the HSE, the HSE EMT decides on the basis of all the demands with which it is faced (across all services) whether it can fund a new medicine, or new uses of an existing medicine, from the resources that have been provided to it in line with the 2013 Act.
The 2013 Health Act does not include provision for a different ruleset when assessing orphan medicines. However, the criteria that apply to the evaluation process allow the HSE to have particular regard for the unique circumstances surrounding orphan drugs, such as small patient populations and unmet clinical need.
In fact, fifteen of the forty-three new medicines approved by the HSE in 2021 (up to the 12th November) were orphan medicines. That represents over one third of approvals this year.
The budget allocation of €30m funding for new medicines in Budget 2022 will provide for the reimbursement of both orphan and non-orphan new medicines.
I am prepared to consider any ideas or proposals that might improve on our existing pricing and reimbursement assessment processes, with a special focus on orphan products.
482. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide guidelines for the cost of foot treatment for persons with a chiropody treatment card for a home visit and a visit to a practitioner's clinic; if guidelines already exist; if so, if he will publish them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59847/21]
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.
483. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the required assistance and support to the home care sector with particular reference to commencing the statutory home support scheme as soon as possible and being in a position to facilitate the best possible model of care for persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59848/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling people with care-needs to continue to live independently at home for as long as possible is a priority for me and for Government as a whole. 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.
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.
In relation to the regulatory framework, with the aim of ensuring that all service-users are provided with a standard, high-quality level of care which is safe, effective, and person-centred, it is envisaged that the framework will comprise (i) primary legislation for the licensing of public and private home support providers; (ii) minimum requirements (regulations); and (iii) HIQA National Standards for Home Support Services.
Earlier this year, Government gave approval to draft a General Scheme and Heads of a Bill to establish a licensing framework for home-support providers. This is being progressed by the Department with a view to bringing it through the Houses of the Oireachtas at the earliest opportunity. It is expected that the primary legislation will give the Minister for Health the power to make regulations in respect of minimum requirements which will form the criteria against which a provider’s eligibility to hold a licence will be determined.
The options for the funding of the new scheme are being examined through work with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) on the projected demand for, and cost of, home-support services in various scenarios.
In parallel to this, work is ongoing in relation to the development of a reformed model of service delivery. In 2021 funding was secured for the Health Service Executive to: (i) progress the roll-out of interRAI as the standard assessment tool for care-needs in the community; (ii) pilot a reformed model of service-delivery for home-support; and (iii) establish a National Office for Home Support Services.
A comprehensive and robust operational model for the rollout of interRAI has been developed which will facilitate effective, efficient, fair, and transparent care needs assessment and planning and appropriate service delivery. The interRAI outputs and pilot site evaluation will be critical to the development of the new home-support scheme. Funding has been provided for the recruitment of 130 posts for the national rollout of interRAI as the single assessment tool for care needs in the community.
A National Home Support Office is in the process of being established. Over the last two years, the annual home-support budget has been increased significantly. In Budget 2021, an extra €150 million was allocated to fund 5 million additional hours of home-support for older people. In Budget 2022, the extra €150 million has been maintained.
The testing of the reformed model of service delivery for home-support commenced in November 2021 in the first of the four pilot sites, namely CHO 8. It is envisaged that the three other sites - CHOs 2, 4 and 7 - will be fully operational by January 2022.
A Departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group is currently being established. The role of the group will be to facilitate the views of stakeholders and examine workforce challenges in home support and nursing homes. A call for submissions was announced on Friday 3rd December 2021.
484. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when the recruitment process to fill vacant psychology posts in a centre (details supplied) is expected to finish. [59853/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
485. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a nursing registration in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59854/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe register of Nurses and Midwives is under the remit of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). As the Deputy is seeking information regarding an application to the Register, my Department has referred the question to the NMBI for its attention and direct response.
486. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the evidence for a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59856/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra582. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the evidence or science that shows mandating children to wear masks in schools will reduce the rate of hospitalisation from Covid-19. [60275/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra631. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health , further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 163 and 203 of 1 December 2021, the international guidance, practice and evidence for the use of face coverings in children, and the potential benefits and harms from such recommendations, that were considered as part of the NPHET deliberations on this matter. [60518/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra634. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if he sought advice from a statutory authority (details supplied) since 1 September 2021 concerning the reduction of the minimum age for the application of mask wearing requirements and recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60539/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra639. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if the National Public Health Emergency Team sought advice from a statutory authority (details supplied) since 1 September 2021 concerning the reduction of the minimum age for the application of mask wearing requirements and recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60544/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 486, 582, 631, 634 and 639 together.
The Government, at its meeting on 30 November, agreed that face masks/coverings be recommended for those aged 9 and over on public transport, in retail and other indoor public settings as currently required for those aged 13 and over, with exemptions as appropriate. Face masks/coverings are also recommended for children in third class and above in primary school and guidance has issued to schools from the Department of Education on this. This guidance can be found online: www.gov.ie/en/publication/d3c55-department-of-education-guidance-on-the-use-of-face-coverings-in-primary-schools/ It should be noted that this is a temporary, interim measure and will be reviewed in mid-February 2022. The continued importance of other public health measures will continue to be emphasised.
The Government decision is based on a recommendation from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The NPHET, at its meeting on 25 November, considered the question of reducing the age at which mask wearing is recommended. This issue has been subject to ongoing review by the NPHET. NPHET consideration has been informed by a number of evidence reviews and advice provided to NPHET by HIQA at NPHET’s request since February 2021, informed by research evidence developed by HIQA’s COVID-19 Evidence Synthesis Team and with expert input from HIQA’s COVID-19 Expert Advisory Group (EAG).
The most recent review by HIQA in August 2021 recommended that the minimum age for mask wearing should remain unchanged, however ongoing monitoring was advised with respect to the epidemiological situation in children.
In light of the sharp rise in the incidence in the 9 to 11 year old age-group in recent weeks the issue was therefore considered again by the NPHET. As part of its deliberations, the NPHET considered previous advice from HIQA, the detailed epidemiological situation in children, international guidance, international practice, the evidence in relation to the use of face coverings in children, and the potential benefits and harms from any recommendations. The NPHET recognised the very significant impacts previous social and economic restrictions have had on families and children to date and also reiterated that a core priority of the NPHET throughout the pandemic has been to protect the continued operation of the education and childcare sector, recognising its importance to the health and development of children. Given the very high incidence in children the NPHET advised that measures should be taken to interrupt chains of transmission to protect those core priorities. For that reason, the NPHET agreed advice, including the recommendation in relation to mask wearing, to support families and young children in staying safe over the coming period with a view to reducing risk of disease transmission.
HIQA’s advice on ‘Reducing the minimum age for mask wearing requirements and recommendations in COVID-19’ can be found online: www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/health-technology-assessment/reducing-minimum-age-mask-wearing
487. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the identity and qualifications in ventilation of the members of an organisation (details supplied) who advised against the need for HEPA filtration in classrooms; if he will publish the precise scientific basis on which that advice was given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59857/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE's Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control Division (AMRIC) was established in early 2019, under the Office of the Chief Clinical Officer. It is led by the AMRIC National Clinical Lead and consists of a core multidisciplinary team with expertise across a range of relevant clinical domains. These include microbiology, infectious diseases, general practice, nursing, surveillance, pharmacy, public health, and other areas. The role of the AMRIC Team includes providing multidisciplinary organisational leadership relating to antimicrobial resistance and infection control. In particular, there is a focus on provision of guidance, education and training and technical advice. The team also supports health and social care service colleagues to address and improve infection prevention and control in the planning and delivery of health and social care services, including the COVID-19 response.
AMRIC provides expert advice on the practical and safe implementation and application of recommendations in health and social care settings. In addition, the HSE has advised that all HSE AMRIC guidance promotes adequate ventilation as one of a number of measures to reduce the risk of transmission of SAR-CoV-2.
The Department of Education has provided detailed information on ventilation within schools, including in relation to air cleaning devices. This is available at www.gov.ie/en/publication/ad236-guidance-on-ventilation-in-schools/
488. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the plans to introduce a drug (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59858/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is participating in a Procurement Exercise being operated by the European Commission on behalf of Member States to procure suitable, safe and effective vaccines, in sufficient quantities, to combat COVID-19. Ireland has entered into seven Advance Purchase Agreements (APAs), subject to regulatory approval, for the purchase of Covid-19 vaccine from a range of manufacturers including Valneva.
Four vaccines have been authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to date; Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech), Spikevax (Moderna), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) and Janssen.
The Valneva vaccine has yet to receive regulatory authorisation and is currently under rolling review by the EMA. When medicines are under rolling review, EMA’s human medicines committee CHMP evaluates clinical data as soon as these become available until it decides there is enough evidence for the manufacturer to apply for market authorisation.
489. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health the measures in place to support persons with long Covid; the extent of the prevalence of same; and if cover such as medical card cover can be extended on a temporary basis. [59865/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCOVID-19 is a new disease so information on it, its features, incidence and its course are still emerging. The natural history, clinical course and consequences of COVID-19 are still not completely understood. It is recognised that most patients with COVID-19 return to baseline after acute infection with SARS-CoV-2, but a proportion report ongoing health issues.
The number of people that are affected with longer term sequelae after acute COVID-19 remains unknown, but published reports indicate that approximately 10– 20% of COVID-19 patients experience lingering symptoms for weeks to months following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Several organisations and societies have proposed different definitions based upon the constellation of symptoms that affect people after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. To aid recognition and management of those affected, the WHO has recently through a global consensus process proposed a working clinical case definition of Post COVID-19 syndrome occurring 3 months from the onset of COVID-19, with symptoms that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction and others which generally have an impact on everyday functioning. Symptoms may be new onset, following initial recovery from an acute COVID19 episode, or persist from the initial illness. Symptoms may also fluctuate or relapse over time. However, the WHO notes that this definition may change as new evidence emerges and our understanding of the consequences of COVID-19 continues to evolve.
Patients with persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection may be followed up by their GP or in hospital settings as clinically appropriate. People in the community who are concerned about persistent symptoms following Covid-19 should contact their GP in the first instance. Treatment is currently focused on management of specific symptoms.
Specific guidance on the treatment of 'Long COVID' is presently under development both here and internationally. The HSE is currently assessing need and the best way to care for those impacted by Long COVID to ensure the appropriate supports are in place. As part of this work on post-COVID care, the HSE is examining how it can model the possible numbers that will be affected, noting that this will take time as more evidence emerges. I understand that the HSE has also been in touch with a group of people who are suffering post-COVID symptoms to inform understanding. You may wish to note, that a Programme Manager/Implementation Lead and Clinical Leads have been identified within the HSE who will be key stakeholders in driving this programme of work.
The Department of Health will continue to develop an understanding of the implications of Long Covid to inform policy as appropriate.
Under the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is based primarily on means. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without undue hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure. The issue of granting medical cards based on having a particular disease or illness was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
However, every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income threshold where they face difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from, the social and medical impacts of an illness.
490. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the way his Department and the HSE plans to help decrease the continuously growing number of persons on the neurology outpatient waiting list in Ireland; if a plan can be put in place to employ additional specialist nurses who would liaise with patients and assist them without the requirement of having to attend outpatient departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59868/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last twenty months as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While significant progress was made in reducing waiting times from June 2020 onwards, the surge in Covid-19 cases in the first quarter of 2021 and the associated curtailment of acute hospital services, coupled with the ransomware attack of May 2021, has impacted waiting times.
The current surge in Covid-19 cases has put increasing pressures on hospitals and ICUs. As part of the response to this the HSE advised all Hospital Groups on 18th November, to take a series of immediate actions which include a 14 day period of prioritising unscheduled care, COVID care and time sensitive work in particular in Model 4 hospitals. The situation is to be reviewed after that period.
On the 7th October I published the Acute Waiting List Action Plan. This plan, to run until December 2021, has a series of targeted measures that are designed to address the growth in waiting lists caused by Covid-19 and the cyber-attack. 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.
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.
Additionally, the NTPF have advised my department that they have also approved 9 outpatient neurology initiatives for funding, which will facilitate treatment for 3,620 patients on neurology outpatient waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, concerning: if a plan can be put in place to employ additional specialist nurses who would liaise with patients and assist them without the requirement of having to attend outpatient departments, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
491. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if the Government has considered allocating a higher level of funding in the health budget to increase the number of specialist nurses for a variety of different diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and other neurological conditions to ensure that patients have access to the specialist support that they need without the necessity to attend outpatient department in hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59869/21]
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.
492. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health his plans to review the eligibility criteria for the long-term illness scheme to include neuropathies such as the conditions Charcot Marie tooth and spinal muscular atrophy, as recommended in a pre-budget submission (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59870/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Long Term Illness (LTI) scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme. These conditions are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.
Under the LTI scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. The LTI scheme will be included as part of a review of the current eligibility framework, including the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.
In the meantime, for people who are not eligible for the LTI scheme, there are other arrangements which protect them from excessive medicine costs.
Under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS), no individual or family pays more than €114 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The maximum payable under the DPS will be further reduced to €100 per month from 1 January 2022. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. In addition, where an applicant is over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
Persons may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
493. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the level of participation that Irish officials had in the recent Conference of the Parties to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59871/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 9th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control took place virtually from 8 to 12 November 2021.
As with previous COPs, a common EU position on the various agenda items was developed in advance of the meeting. Officials from the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Unit in my Department participated in EU meetings to develop these positions during September and October, and attended the conference from 8 to 12 November.
494. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the lessons learned at the recent Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control; the way the outcome of the conference will inform Ireland's approach to tobacco control legislation in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59872/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 9th Conference to the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was a very different type of conference to previous COPs given its virtual nature. There was very limited opportunity for substantive discussion of issues of concern to the tobacco control community with decision-making on these issues largely postponed to COP10 in 2023.
One of the main decisions taken at COP9 was the approval of the creation of an investment fund to provide an alternative source of regular funding for the implementation of the FCTC and global tobacco control efforts. The meeting also adopted the Declaration on WHO FCTC and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic . We supported the Declaration which stresses both the need to protect public health policy from the commercial and vested interests of the tobacco industry and that tobacco control measures should be an integral part in pandemic recovery efforts.
The ongoing implementation of the FCTC remains a tobacco control priority. Measures proposed for the Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill are fully in line with the FCTC. These include the development of a licensing system for the retail sale of tobacco products; prohibiting the sale of tobacco products from self-service vending machines and mobile units/containers, and at events/ locations primarily intended for children. As with all areas of public health policy relating to tobacco control policy, we will remain vigilant in protecting this legislation from interference by the tobacco industry.
495. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the key issues facing the Government in terms of tobacco control over the next two years ahead of the next Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2023; the issues for consideration at the conference in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59873/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur work in tobacco control is and will continue to be guided by the recommendations contained in Tobacco Free Ireland, the national tobacco control policy. It is underpinned by two key principles: the denormalisation of smoking in society and the protection of children from the harms of tobacco smoke.
The implementation of the recommendations of Tobacco Free Ireland, which are fully in line with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) continues to be a priority. The Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill will provide for a number of recommendations contained in Tobacco Free Ireland ; these include the development of a licensing system for the retail sale of tobacco products and prohibiting the sale of tobacco products from self-service vending machines and at events/ locations primarily intended for children. My Department and our colleagues in the HSE will use all of the tools available to us – legislative, budgetary, cessation supports and enforcement – in our efforts to prevent smoking initiation and support people who smoke to stop smoking.
At the international level, decision-making on substantive tobacco control issues was limited at the recent FCTC Conference of the Parties (COP9). Among the issues deferred to COP10, which will take place in 2023, were: development of an FCTC Implementation Review Mechanism and discussion of matters relating to the regulation of contents and disclosure of tobacco products and novel and emerging tobacco products. As always, Ireland will actively participate in discussions to develop EU common positions in advance of COP10.
496. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the directive the HSE gives its medical consultants for prescribing insulin pumps for children diagnosed with diabetes type 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59875/21]
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.
497. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is an 18 month wait for insulin pumps for children over five years of age who have type 1 diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59876/21]
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.
498. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the number of children currently awaiting an assessment of need in north County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59877/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra499. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health when the children's disability services in north County Dublin will offer appointments to children on their waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59878/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 498 and 499 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
500. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the reason some hospitals across the State do not provide a post-mortem service at weekends and bank holidays; and if his attention has been drawn to the distress that this practice can cause to bereaved families and the serious challenges for some families in terms of adherence to their religion and faith. [59888/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
501. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the total number of accident and emergency department attendances at Beaumont, the Mater, St. Vincent's and Tallaght Hospitals per week from 1 September 2021 to date by complete attendances at accident and emergency department and by an ambulance or walk-in, respectively; the daily and weekly patient numbers admitted overnight as in-patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59891/21]
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.
502. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health if international surrogacy will be excluded from the upcoming Assisted Human Reproduction Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59892/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra503. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health when a clear timeline for legislation recognising international surrogacy alongside retrospective declaration of parentage will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59893/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra504. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health if an organisation (details supplied) and its community will be invited to participate in future international surrogacy legislation in order to have positive input into the draft legislation to ensure no child is left behind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59894/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 502 to 504, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, drafting of a bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research is ongoing by officials in my Department, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General. This legislation encompasses the regulation for the first time of a wide range of practices undertaken in this jurisdiction, including domestic altruistic surrogacy.
Publication of the AHR Bill is a priority for my Department and the Government, and a commitment to enact this legislation is included in the Programme for Government, “Our Shared Future”. This Department will continue to engage intensively with the Office of the Attorney General in the coming weeks in order to finalise this complex legislation.
The draft Bill does not contain provisions to regulate surrogacy arrangements undertaken in other jurisdictions. Issues which arise from the undertaking of surrogacy arrangements and the assignment of retrospective parentage in other jurisdictions concern areas of law that intersect across the remits of several Government Departments and require detailed examination. My Department is continuing to engage with the Department of Justice and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in respect of these matters.
It should be noted that on September 30th last, relevant senior officials from the Department met with a number of representatives from the group to which you refer. Colleagues from the Department of Justice and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth also attended this meeting. My officials have also separately engaged with representatives from that group on other occasions, as well as with other relevant stakeholders.
