Written Answers Nos. 1380-1397
1380. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if a commitment will be given that the terms of reference for the civil society grouping will be drawn up in consultation with the National Oversight Committee community and voluntary representatives and will be brought to the full National Oversight Committee meeting for agreement. [63048/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1498. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the terms of reference for the proposed civil society grouping; if he will consider drawing it up in consultation with the national oversight committee community and voluntary representatives and then bringing it back to the full national oversight committee meeting for agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63407/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1500. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he is considering whether the terms of reference for the civil society grouping will be drawn up in consultation with the national oversight committee community and voluntary representatives before bringing it back to the full national oversight committee meeting for agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63409/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1380, 1498 and 1500 together.
The Department of Health completed and published the mid-term review of the actions in the national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery on 17 November, 2021. Based on the learning from the mid-term review, six strategic priorities for the national drugs strategy for 2021-2025 were identified. These priorities strengthen the health-led approach, reflect commitments in the Programme for Government and align with the EU drugs strategy and action plan 2021-2025.
The oversight structures have been revised to drive the implementation of the strategic priorities for 2021-2025. Strategic implementation groups (SIGs) were established to support the delivery of the strategic priorities and to reinforce cross-agency collaboration. The National Oversight Committee is being streamlined and includes the chairs of the newly established SIGs. The inter-agency approach involving a partnership between statutory, community and voluntary bodies remains central to the strategy, as does strengthening the resilience of communities to respond to the drug problem. I believe that the new structures will strengthen the partnership approach and give a stronger voice to civil society in developing national policy. I am also providing independent leadership to ensure the accountability of all stakeholders and involving service users to provide insights from the lived experience of drug and alcohol addiction.
Partnership is central to the national drugs strategy and the new oversight structures are intended to strengthen the partnership approach and give a stronger voice to civil society in developing national policy. The Department's intention is to broaden, widen and deepen the involvement of community and voluntary groups in the implementation of the strategy. The proposal for the establishment of a civil society group on drugs is one component of this, which is under discussion with the sector. The terms of reference, when completed, will be submitted to the NOC.
1382. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the length of time the Covid-19 booster will provide immunity for in view of the announcement that boosters will be delivered three months after the second jab. [63054/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary aim of the vaccination programme is to protect against severe Covid-19 hospitalisation and death. Secondary aims include reduction of risk of infection and transmission in the population, to maintain healthcare capacity and to help minimise disruption to society and the economy.
To date the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has recommended administration of Covid-19 booster vaccination to everyone over the age of 16 years, to be administered in order of priority and to be given at an interval of at least 5 months since primary vaccination.
Priority for booster vaccines must be given to those at highest risk of severe Covid-19 breakthrough infection i.e., those in the older age cohorts and those with underlying conditions. Booster vaccines should be offered to those in previously recommended groups before progression to the younger age cohorts.
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On 13 December 2021, NIAC updated the advice to the CMO regarding the interval between primary vaccination and the booster dose and advised that this should be shortened to three months. This is in line with recent guidance from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). NIAC noted that Ireland is experiencing a high rate of SARS COV-2 infections and the emergence of the Omicron variant gives cause for concern. NIAC considered available evidence regarding the benefit of shortening the interval between primary course and booster vaccination and the benefit of a booster (fourth dose) for those with immunocompromise. Preliminary data indicate that unvaccinated individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection have a three times higher risk of reinfection with the Omicron variant than with other variants. Thus it is important that they are fully vaccinated. Age and immune status remain the dominant risk factors for severe Covid-19 disease. Recent data shows that primary Covid-19 vaccine protection against the Omicron variant is not as robust as that against the Delta variant. Neutralising antibodies against the Omicron variant, can be significantly increased by booster vaccination.
A recent Rapid risk assessment from ECDC in relation to the Omicron variant of concern (VOC) states that vaccination remains a key component of the multi-layered approach needed to reduce the impact of the Omicron VOC, while also addressing the ongoing circulation of the Delta VOC. ECDC recommends that efforts should continue to increase full vaccination uptake in individuals who are currently unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. ECDC states that booster doses will increase protection against severe outcomes from the Delta VOC, and preliminary evaluations also suggest boosters could increase protection against the Omicron VOC. The population impact is expected to be higher if a booster dose is administered to most of the adult population and if this booster dose is given as early as possible, although not before three months after completion of the full vaccination course.
Administration of booster vaccination to those aged 16 years and older in Israel has had a very significant beneficial effect. The rate of confirmed infection in those aged 16 to 49 years in the booster group was at least 10 times less than those who had not been boosted, although follow up was less than three months.
Wider booster vaccination in reducing the risk of breakthrough infection and transmission could help to curb future surges of infection. The duration of protection after booster vaccination is uncertain. However, given the high levels of antibodies achieved and based on experience with other vaccines, it may extend longer than the after a primary vaccination course.
1383. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health when the EU Digital COVID Certificate will be updated to include the third dose of a vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63058/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1384. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health the way the booster vaccinations status will be dealt with and registered in relation to the EU Digital COVID Certificate; when it is anticipated that this will be done; the way travel will be facilitated for those who are waiting for booster vaccinations who need to travel to countries such as France which refused to accept the EU Digital COVID Certificate as proof of vaccination after 15 December 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63063/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1414. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health the measures he is taking to ensure that provision to show information regarding a third vaccine dose is shown on the EU Digital COVID Certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63164/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1542. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the date by which Covid-19 booster vaccines will be displayed in the EU Digital COVID Certificates in view of the fact that some European Union countries require evidence of a booster vaccine to travel and avail of hospitality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63528/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1588. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health when the EU Digital COVID Certificates will be updated to reflect the booster vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1046/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1600. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the measures that are in place to ensure the updating of the EU Digital COVID Certificate to accommodate the booster vaccine given many persons will be unable to access vital services in some European Union member states in the absence of such a certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1080/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1614. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health the plans for updating EU Digital COVID Certificates to show that a person has had the booster vaccination (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1099/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1617. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if he will consider including booster vaccination details on EU Digital COVID Certificates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1102/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1625. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if booster shots will be added to EU Digital COVID Certificates; and the way persons can prove having received booster shots. [1120/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1630. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health the way in which and when EU Digital COVID Certificates will be updated to record receipt of the booster vaccination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1143/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1383, 1384, 1414, 1542, 1588, 1600, 1614, 1617, 1625 and 1630 together.
Following the rollout of the EU Digital Covid Certificate in Ireland, and the successful Covid Booster Vaccination Programme, updated Digital Covid Certificates are now issuing to those who have received an additional vaccine dose.
Over 2.2 million additional doses have already been administered in Ireland, and recipients of these vaccines started to receive their Digital Covid Certificate recording their additional dose from 6 January.
This service is available ahead of the new EU rules which will come into effect from 1 February 2022, with a new 9-month maximum validity period for travel purposes for EU Digital Covid Certificates based on a completed primary vaccination regime.
If eligible people have not received their updated certificate, they can use the online self-service portal at www.covidcertificateportal.gov.ie
1385. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will consider establishing a national ICT infrastructure that enables electronic health record availability to assist with the shared care of children with diabetes between hospitals and regional diabetes paediatric services across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63067/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe eHealth Strategy for Ireland and Sláintecare both recommend the establishment of electronic health records for everyone using health services in Ireland. This is a long-term programme of work that requires a sustained commitment in terms of funding and resources for eHealth in Ireland.
It is not envisioned that specialty specific or indeed patient cohort specific electronic health records will be separately developed, as to do so would result in multiple different electronic health record systems which would then not cater well for people with multiple health conditions.
There are also plans to develop shared care records which will be of particular benefit to people who need to avail of health services across multiple health locations and these may well be suited for those children highlighted by the Deputy. Children's Hospital Ireland are especially focused on how best to share information on children that receive care from them but also rely on services offered throughout the rest of the country.
1386. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his plans to assist with the lack of resources in secondary care paediatric and adult diabetes services across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63068/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPaediatric Diabetes services are currently provided in 19 sites across the country. In the majority of sites, care is led by a consultant with specialist training in paediatric diabetes. In four centres, care is led by consultant general paediatricians who care for patients with type 1 diabetes as part of their general paediatric role. The majority of centres have Clinical Nurse Specialists or Advanced Nurse Practitioners, or both, trained in paediatric diabetes, while three smaller centres rely on Clinical Nurse Specialist staff from the adult diabetes services to deliver care to children with diabetes.
The National Clinical Programme (NCP) for Diabetes carried out a comprehensive survey of staffing in hospitals providing outpatient diabetes care in 2018. This survey acknowledged deficits in staffing across all related professions. Significant workforce recruitment has been undertaken to support the provision of hospital diabetes services.
The NCP for Diabetes have advised of approval granted for a total of 54 recent diabetes services related appointments, comprising of Consultant Community Diabetologists, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Dietitians and Podiatrists to HSE hospitals. These posts are linked to the HSE Enhanced Community Care (ECC) Programme, to fill gaps in acute services to enable hospital teams support Specialist Diabetes teams based in Ambulatory Care Hubs in the community setting.
The strategy that the NCP for Diabetes is taking to develop adult secondary care Diabetes services and address the deficit in insulin pump therapy skills in acute hospitals is as follows:
- Update the 2018 Audit of Diabetes Care Staffing in Acute Hospitals with a focus on the ability of individual teams to support insulin pump users;
- Continue to increase the number of Centres delivering the DAFNE Self-Management Education programme in Ireland;
- In hospitals not currently supporting insulin pump therapy, once staff are trained in delivering the DAFNE programme, explore capacity and training requirements to support insulin pump therapy.
The 2021 National Service Plan recognised the need for an unprecedented expansion of the permanent health workforce through permanent appointments. Funding was provided for an increase to approximately 135,655 WTE across the health service by December 2021, an increase of 15,838 WTE over 2020 funded levels. Work will continue with the 2022 National Service Plan to meet recruitment needs.
1387. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his plans to assist with the staffing shortages in Temple Street Hospital Diabetes Paediatric Services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63069/21]
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.
1388. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the details of all service providers providing home support services in Galway city and county in tabular form; the number of home support hours contracted to each service provider in Galway city and county in each month in 2020 and 2021, in tabular form; the number of home support hours delivered by each service provider in Galway city and county in each month in 2020 and 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63070/21]
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.
1389. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in addressing delays in progressing paperwork for a drug (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that these delays are causing for persons with chronic migraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63093/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1390. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the number of children in each county within CHO2 who are waiting for an assessment of needs including waiting times in tabular form; and when the HSE proposes that these assessment of needs will be resolved in the interests of children who require timely assessment and corresponding service intervention to address their needs. [63094/21]
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.
1391. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health when he intends amending the EU Digital COVID Certificate to include proof of a third booster vaccine shot as some countries require evidence of this, for example, Austria which currently requires proof that a person’s most recent vaccine must not be more than 270 days old as well as further restrictions for other cohorts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63095/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra1392. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of elective surgeries carried out in each of the past five years by type of surgery and diagnosis as was presented in Parliamentary Question No. 672 of 11 May 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63097/21]
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.
1393. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting palliative care homecare hours by CHO area and by the length of time they are waiting for same in tabular form showing the number of patients awaiting allocation of actual delivery of homecare in increments of six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63103/21]
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.
1394. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a homecare package and homecare hours by CHO area by the length of time they are waiting for same in tabular form, showing the number of patients awaiting an allocation of actual delivery of homecare in increments of six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63104/21]
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.
1395. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting respite care by CHO area by the length of time they are waiting for same in tabular form showing the number of patients awaiting an allocation of actual respite care in increments of six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63105/21]
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.
1396. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health the level of specialist services available for patients presenting to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for ocular emergencies at weekends; if patients with eye-related emergencies who present to the hospital at late hours or at weekends are seen and treated immediately by a specialist ophthalmologist or a member of the ophthalmology team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63107/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe RCSI Hospital Group, which covers Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda, advises that patients presenting in Drogheda with ocular emergencies are treated, stabilised and transferred by the Emergency Department Team to the Mater Hospital Ophthalmology service, which operates a 24/7 on call service.
1397. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the status of a surgery appointment for a person (details supplied); the steps that will be taken to ensure that this emergency surgery will be prioritised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63119/21]
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.
