Written Answers Nos. 549-570
549. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of children born either addicted to or severely affected by alcohol or drugs in each of the past ten years and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60083/21]
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 Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a requested buggy will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60084/21]
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.
551. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the case of a child (details supplied) who has been on the waiting list for a first appointment to see the early intervention team and children's disability service for over two and half years; if a timeline will be provided to their family in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60085/21]
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.
552. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the options available in circumstances in which a person who is medically unable to receive a particular vaccine (details supplied) for their booster programme; if other previously approved vaccines will be made available in circumstances in which a person cannot receive the only vaccines available as part of the booster programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60086/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The Committee makes recommendations to my Department are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practices in relation to immunisation.
Following the recommendation for use of vaccines against COVID-19 by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and authorisation for use by the European Commission, the NIAC develops guidance for their use in Ireland which is contained in the Immunisation Guidelines.
The NIAC has recommended that a booster of an mRNA vaccine be offered to all persons aged 16 years and older. The Immunisation Guidelines advise that if a booster mRNA vaccine is contraindicated, consideration can be given to boosting with an authorised non mRNA vaccine following an individual benefit-risk assessment.
553. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene in a work permit issue in the case of a person (details supplied). [60092/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Immigration Service has responsibility for the issuing of visas including employment and work visas; it would not be appropriate for me to intervene on any particular case.
554. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if his Department or the HSE has carried out an internal review or investigation into the impact of the three-day waiting period provision within the existing abortion legislation. [60095/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 12 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 provides that a termination of pregnancy may be carried out by a medical practitioner who, having examined the pregnant woman, is of the reasonable opinion formed in good faith that the pregnancy concerned has not exceeded 12 weeks of pregnancy. A three-day period must elapse between certification and the procedure being carried out.
Where a medical practitioner has formed the reasonable opinion in good faith that a woman’s pregnancy has not exceeded 12 weeks and certified that opinion, and the woman has fulfilled the three-day period, a second medical practitioner may carry out the procedure without a further three-day period where he/she has formed the reasonable opinion in good faith that the pregnancy has not exceeded 12 weeks and has certified that opinion.
I assume the Deputy is asking his question in the context of the review of the operation of the Act, required under section 7 and noted in the Programme for Government, which is being progressed this year. The review clause was included in the Act in order to facilitate monitoring of the impact, operation, and effectiveness of the legislation in practice, as well as of the delivery of services in the area.
It is too early at this stage to speculate as to the recommendations or areas for action which the review report may identify.
555. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the name of the groups and persons that have requested to meet him regarding the three-year review of the Health (Regulation of the Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018; the groups and persons that his Department has initiated a meeting with; the requests that were granted to groups or persons since January 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60096/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra580. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when he will publish the terms of reference of the review to be established by the end of the month under Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018; if he will seek the opinion of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health on draft terms of reference; the timeline for the completion of the review; the membership of the review group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60273/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 555 and 580 together.
The Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 was signed into law on 20 December 2018 and commenced on 1 January 2019. Under section 7 of the Act, a review of the operation of the Act must be initiated within three years of the commencement of the Act, i.e., before January 2022.
The review of the operation of the Act is being progressed this year, in line with statutory and Government commitments, and will conclude in 2022.
As I have stated previously, an independent Chair will be appointed to lead the review, which will comprise a three-part approach to appraise the operation of the Act, with strands focusing on service users, service providers and a public consultation. Independent research commissioned to inform the service user and service provider strands will form key elements of the review. An opportunity will be provided for interested groups, organisations, and members of the public to provide their views to inform the review.
Upon completion, a full report with any necessary recommendations will be submitted to me, as Minister, for consideration.
556. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason new guidelines state that antigen tests will be accepted for travel into Ireland only from those who are fully vaccinated and exclude those who hold an EU Digital COVID Certificate as a result of recovery from Covid-19; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the State’s own guidance on travel to Ireland, published on www.gov.ie, acknowledges that it may sometimes not be possible to present a negative RT-PCR result due to a persistently positive RT-PCR test following recovery; the reason, when the HSE’s guidance accepts that those who have recovered may not be able to receive a negative PCR, a negative antigen test cannot be accepted from those who have recovered and hold an EU Digital COVID Certificate; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that antigen tests have been accepted across Europe for all passengers, including vaccinated, unvaccinated and recovered; the reason the Government is subjecting the recovered to the extra expense of a PCR test when an antigen test would be more accurate in their case; the reason, when the HSE accepts that the recovered are immune for a period of nine months and hold an EU Digital COVID Certificate for a period of six months, they cannot be treated in the same manner as the vaccinated and allowed to take antigen tests for travel into Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60097/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe requirements for travel are kept under regular review based on the evolving international epidemiological situation. At present, and as part of our response to the emergence of the Omicron variant, passengers travelling to Ireland require a valid test result (subject to limited exemptions). Full details on international travel policy and the types of tests accepted are published at www.gov.ie/travel.
It is understood that some travellers may not be able to present evidence of a negative/not-detected RT-PCR test prior to travel due to persistently positive RT-PCR test after recovery. To enable such persons to travel to Ireland, it is permissible under the legislation to present a positive RT-PCR result dated more than 11 days and less than 180 days prior to the date on which the person arrives in the State. From 5 December, such individuals will also be asked to present a negative antigen test result upon arrival as part of the public health measures.
557. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the actions that can be taken to expedite an appointment for a speech and language therapist for a person (details supplied) whose current date to been seen is October 2024. [60105/21]
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.
558. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the way in which a person who has availed of two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine in two different countries can avail of the EU Digital COVID Certificate, the first dose having been received in an EU country and the second in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60109/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Digital COVID Certificate is a document issued to help facilitate the safe and free international movement of people across the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation allows for the issuing of certificates based on vaccination to citizens vaccinated in a third country provided that the issuing Member State has been provided with reliable proof of vaccination.
Ireland has developed an EU Digital COVID Certificate Third Country portal which is currently accessible to all eligible Irish passport holders vaccinated partially or completely outside of the EU. This portal is available at www.covidcertificateportal.gov.ie
This portal will accept applications from individuals 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.
559. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health the strategies he plans to put in place to implement the World Health Organization recommendation that all countries assess the burden of stillbirths and neonatal deaths at a national level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60120/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Women & Infants Health Programme has been established within the HSE to lead the management, organisation and delivery of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services. I am therefore referring this enquiry to the HSE for direct reply to you, as soon as possible.
560. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health when he will implement the recommendation of the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre to establish an inquiry for stillbirth and neonatal death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60121/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre (NPEC) is based in Cork University Maternity Hospital. The overall objective of the centre is to collaborate with Irish maternity services to translate clinical audit data and epidemiological evidence into improved maternity care for families in Ireland. The NPEC works with the National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) and the National Office of Clinical Audit (NOCA).
Perinatal mortality is an important measure of obstetric and neonatal care. Regular audit of perinatal mortality can identify modifiable risk factors which decrease the risk of perinatal death and also inform clinical practice. The NPEC has provided an annual national assessment of Perinatal Mortality in Ireland, from a clinical viewpoint, since 2008.
The NPEC Perinatal Mortality in Ireland Biennial Report 2018/2019 was published in October 2021. The NPEC Perinatal Mortality Advisory Group makes recommendations in the Report, including that the establishment of an enquiry for stillbirth and neonatal deaths should be considered in order to enhance the lessons which may improve care.
The Department of Health have been advised that this recommendation is presently under consideration by NPEC, the NWIHP and the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (IOG) and they are seeking to formulate an agreed position to progress this recommendation.
561. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health if a mandate on the vaccination of healthcare workers against Covid-19 will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60136/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe option to avail of Covid-19 vaccination is open to anyone for whom it is deemed clinically safe and who wishes to receive a vaccination. Ireland has among the highest vaccination rates in the EU, with more than 92% of the eligible population having received a vaccine dose and in excess of 91% having received a full primary vaccination regimen.
I am aware of the planned introduction of mandatory vaccination in other countries, and that the issue of mandatory vaccination of healthcare workers has been the subject of preliminary discussion by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). Noting the complexities surrounding the practice, relevant ethical, legal, and practical issues will require thorough examination before any action is considered.
562. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the current level of genome sequencing in Ireland with regard to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60137/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra563. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the efforts being made to increase genome sequencing of Covid-19 in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60138/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 562 and 563 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
564. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the status of the Women’s Health Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60139/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving women’s health outcomes is a key priority for me and this Government. We made a strong commitment to 'Promoting Women’s Health' in the Programme for Government and are fully committed to improving health outcomes for all women. We will continue the development and improvement of women’s health services and work with women and girls to improve their health across the whole life cycle.
This commitment has been reflected within Budget 2022, in the allocation of €31 million for new development funding to specifically support women’s health. This additional funding supplements both the ongoing work of the Department in key areas for women and a specific dedicated allocation for innovative approaches to women’s health services nationwide, through the Women’s Health Taskforce ‘Women’s Health Fund’.
The Women’s Health Fund will support the delivery of the Women’s Health Action Plan 2022. The Women's Health Action Plan 2022 is anticipated to be published in December. Informed by the available evidence and engagement with women across the country, key stakeholders, clinicians, and advocates for women’s health, the Action Plan will outline measures needed to tackle a wide range of issues impacting all women’s health outcomes in Ireland.
565. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the measures being considered to ensure that marginalised women receive adequate levels of healthcare services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60140/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving women’s health outcomes is a key priority for me and this Government. We made a strong commitment to Promoting Women’s Health in the Programme for Government and are fully committed to improving health outcomes for all women. We will continue the development and improvement of Women’s Health services and work with women and girls to improve their health across the whole life cycle.
Underscoring the government’s commitment to Women’s Health has been the establishment of the Women’s Health Taskforce in September 2019 to improve both health outcomes and experiences of healthcare for women and girls.
This commitment has been reflected within Budget 2022, in the allocation of €31 million for new development funding to specifically support women’s health. This additional funding supplements both the ongoing work of the Department in key areas for women and a specific dedicated allocation for innovative approaches to women’s health services nationwide, through the Women’s Health Taskforce ‘Women’s Health Fund’.
The Women’s Health Fund will support the delivery of the Women’s Health Action Plan 2022, which will be published in mid/late December. Informed by the available evidence and engagement with women across the country, key stakeholders, clinicians, and advocates for women’s health, the Action Plan will outline measures needed to tackle a wide range of issues impacting women’s health outcomes in Ireland. The health needs of marginalised women is recognised as an area of importance within the plan. Alongside the significant activity already in place within the Department of Health and the HSE for the health needs of marginalised groups, the Women's Health Taskforce will look to further opportunities to drive progress for these women in 2022. This consideration will be informed by the recent National Women's Council 'Radical Listening' report.
In relation to ongoing activity, the Department of Health has oversight responsibility for the health policy for vulnerable groups such as people who are homeless, applicants for international protection, Roma and Travellers and other socially excluded groups. Responsibility for the provision of health service falls under the HSE’s National Office for Social Inclusion, which works to improve access to mainstream health services, as well as providing targeted measures.
Migrants, refugees and international protection applicants receive a range of services to address their health needs. International protection applicants in Direct Provision are, in the main, eligible for a medical card, which gives them access to a range of health and community services.
In addition, NGOs, funded by the HSE, offer support to migrants by raising awareness of the services which are available to them. They also provide information on how to avail of the services they may require.
The HSE’s Second National Intercultural Health Strategy 2018-2023 aims to provide an integrated approach to addressing the support needs experienced by service users of diverse ethnic and cultural and religious backgrounds nationally. The goals and strategic objectives of the Strategy include enhanced accessibility of services, provision of high-quality, culturally responsive services to service users from diverse ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds.
The National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2017 – 2021 contains actions for implementation by the Department of Health and the HSE, which aims to improve health outcomes for Travellers and Roma. The HSE’s Second National Intercultural Health Strategy 2018-2023 references the DSGBV Action plan and outlines further relevant actions in relation to service users from diverse ethnic and cultural groups.
The Department will continue working to ensure that a range of health-related services and supports are operational for women affected by social exclusion, including those who are homeless, members of minority communities including Travellers or Roma, members of the LGBTI+ community, and international protection applicants.
The Women’s Health Taskforce will continue to work with the National Women’s Council of Ireland to prioritise different issues each year with the aim of improving women’s health outcomes and experiences of healthcare.
The National Women’s Council is a key partner in ensuring women’s voices are represented throughout the work of the Women’s Health Taskforce and representatives from the Council participate as members of the Taskforce. I look forward to continued collaboration with the National Women’s Council going forward and this report will help inform the work of the Women’s Health Taskforce as they launch their Action Plan for 2022.
566. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 833 of 19 October 2021, the reason he has not approved funding for the four unfilled epilepsy nurse specialist posts agreed in 2018 for the implementation of the Pregnancy Prevention Programme (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60141/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE recently submitted a request to the Department for four epilepsy nurse specialist posts to assist in the implementation of the Pregnancy Prevention Programme related to the use of sodium valproate in women of child-bearing age. Department officials will consider this request to determine whether funding can be made available in 2022; however, it is also open to the HSE to consider funding these posts from within existing resources.
567. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the future of a centre (details supplied) in County Louth; the reason this essential respite centre has not reopened while other services have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60168/21]
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.
568. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health when antigen test kits will be provided free of charge to front-line homecare supports staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60171/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTesting and contact tracing continues to be a key component of the Irish Government’s response to the pandemic. Currently, PCR testing is the gold standard for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and it is essential that people who have symptoms of Covid-19 continue to be advised to self-isolate and seek a PCR test from the HSE.
Rapid testing also has a role to play as another valuable tool in Ireland’s battle against COVID-19, and I have been very clear in supporting its wider use.
Antigen tests are already widely in use in Ireland, supported by the health service, in appropriate settings and contexts:
- In the health sector, the HSE has deployed rapid antigen tests for use for specific indications in the acute hospital setting, and as part of the response to outbreaks in community settings, supported by appropriate clinical governance and operational arrangements.
- In the agriculture sector, the HSE has supported the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine in implementing an antigen testing programme in food processing facilities, supplementing the existing PCR serial testing programme.
- In the education sector, rapid testing pilot schemes have been underway in a number of universities, and also in other education and childcare settings,
- The HSE is also operating a pilot antigen detection testing programme for staff in a number of Residential Care Facilities for Older Persons across the country.
- Asymptomatic fully vaccinated close contacts of a person that tested positive for COVID-19 can now test themselves at home using free antigen tests sent to them by the HSE
- Antigen tests are now provided for primary school children who are identified as close contacts as part of a pod in which there was a confirmed case of COVID-19.
A comprehensive, cross-Government communications campaign on the appropriate use of antigen tests, to ensure there is clear message to the general public on when and how they should be used has also been launched and guidance material has been published on the HSE website and on gov.ie. The HPSC has also published rapid antigen testing programme guidance.
There is ongoing consideration of the use of antigen testing in other settings and in other scenarios. 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.
569. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health his response to a recommendation made by a representative body (details supplied) that day services and respite services for adults with an intellectual disability be reinstated to pre-pandemic levels. [60190/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy office received a letter from the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland on 13 November, regarding the ongoing delivery of disability services during the COVID-19 pandemic. A response was issued on 1st December to the College.
Throughout the pandemic the Government has always regarded disability services as essential to maintaining a response to people with disabilities in Ireland, and significant work has been undertaken to reopen and maintain services to the greatest extent possible.
Adult Disability Services:
In line with the Government’s Resilience & Recovery Framework (2020 – 2021) and NPHET advice on public health, disability services remained open and are deemed essential. All disability services must follow public health guidance in this area, including the prevention and management of COVID related infection.
It must be noted that it may not be possible to provide services in exactly the same way as they operated before COVID-19, because of the unpredictable nature of COVID-19 and the need to continue to protect people from infection risk. Infection prevention and control measures that have been introduced to support the safe delivery of adult disability services since the onset of COVID 19 remain in place.
Adult Day Services:
Adult day services across the country reopened at full capacity on October 22nd, in line with the government's COVID 19 response ‘Reframing the Challenge’ roadmap for the lifting of restrictions.
The quantum of day service supports have increased steadily since day services reopened in Autumn 2020. 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.
Disability Respite Services:
The delivery of Respite Services continued to operate during the pandemic, albeit at a reduced capacity. Some centres remained open, while others were temporarily re-purposed as isolation facilities. The number of respite overnights operated at just over 50% of the HSE’s National Service Plan target for 2020; while the number of day only sessions operated at 62% of 2020 target. This was mainly due to necessary precautions to maintain physical distancing and to adhere to infection prevention and control requirements.
Throughout the pandemic, staff and resources associated with closed or curtailed services were redeployed where possible to support residential provision and to provide for targeted in-home, community and tele-/online supports for service users and families based on prioritised needs. The use of targeted 1:1 Home Support Hours are being offered in lieu of respite in certain circumstances, subject to appropriate risk assessment and in line with prevailing Infection, Prevention and Control guidelines.
The need for increased respite facilities is acknowledged, with €5 million in funding provided for the development of 9 new centre-based respite services in 2021.
PA and Home Support:
The number of people in receipt of PA and Home Support services remained steady throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The HSE’s priority is to continue to deliver high quality PA and Home Support Services to 10,000 people with disabilities including 1.71 million PA hours and over 3 million Home Support Hours. This includes the allocation of an additional 40,000 PA hours under Budget 2021.
570. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the funding that is available to citizens of Ireland who travelled to the United States of America for cancer treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60230/21]
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.
