Written Answers Nos. 693-712
693. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of children's network disability teams which have been established; the staffing component of each, that is, vacancies and filled posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11166/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to an operational issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
694. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he and-or his officials have reviewed the health insurance levy with a view to reforming the way in which it is applied; and the amount paid to insurance companies from the risk equalisation premium credit annually since it was introduced. [11171/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy’s query relates to the stamp duty on health insurance contracts and the credits which are paid from the Risk Equalisation Scheme.
The Risk Equalisation Scheme undergoes a review annually by the Health Insurance Authority and any proposed changes are incorporated into the Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill. The Health Insurance Authority submits an annual review of the market which provides the Minister for Health with a recommendation as to the risk equalisation credits to be applied each year based on market trends. In the Health Insurance (Amendment) Act 2021, the amount of stamp duty on health insurance contracts was reduced as a surplus of €100 million had built up in the Risk Equalisation Fund due to lower hospital utilisation during the Covid-19 pandemic. It should be noted that the stamp duty on health insurance contracts does not accrue to the Exchequer but is prospectively calculated so that it will all be paid out as risk equalisation credits.
The operation of the Risk Equalisation Scheme is carefully considered by officials in my Department, and is approved as part of a negotiation process with the European Commission. As such, the parameters of the Risk Equalisation Scheme including the stamp duty and risk equalisation credits are kept under constant review.
I hope this information has answered the Deputy's query.
696. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the measures that are currently in place to verify an accurate gestational age of a woman seeking an abortion under current temporary telemedicine provisions to ensure she is within the gestational limit set out in the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11178/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy’s question relates to a service area, I have referred this question to the HSE for direct response.
697. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the way he plans to address the risks posed to privacy and informed consent by the provision of abortion by telemedicine; the way he has been assured that a doctor can verify that a woman is not being coerced into having an abortion in these situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11179/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to protect public health and limit the spread of Covid-19, the Department of Health and the HSE worked together in 2020 to put arrangements in place to allow termination of pregnancy services in early pregnancy to be provided remotely.
For the duration of the Covid-19 public health emergency, where the need for social distancing, reducing personal contacts and reducing the burden on medical practitioners are paramount, it became possible for a woman to access a termination under section 12 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 (i.e., before 12 weeks) from her medical practitioner by telephone or video conference consultation.
There is ongoing engagement between the Department of Health and the HSE to monitor service provision, facilitate the smooth-running of the service and resolve any issues that may arise. However, as restrictions are beginning to ease, the Department is currently reviewing whether remote consultation as part of a blended approach to termination of pregnancy care should be continued post the COVID-19 public health emergency period. A decision is expected in the coming weeks.
698. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to expand services at Monasterevin daycare centre; the status of physical infrastructure expansion plans in the capital planning process; when funding will be released for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11180/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
699. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health when an updated Covid certificate will issue to a person (details supplied) in view of numerous requests to the HSE. [11189/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra764. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; if assistance will be provided in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11560/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 699 and 764 together.
Digital COVID Certificates for booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered in Ireland and recovery certificates for those who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 180 days are currently being issued.
Any persons who continue to wish to update their Digital COVID Certificate may contact the DCC helpline directly for urgent assistance. The DCC Service Centre can be contacted on 1800 807 008 or +353 1 903 6437 from outside Ireland. The helpline opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6:30pm.
The details of the individuals in question have been forwarded to confirm that all the necessary details are available to issue a Digital COVID Certificate. If any further details are required for the certificate, the HSE may contact the person directly.
700. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the €19 million package announced for paediatric orthopaedic services; if he will provide the specific new measures and relevant cost for each location they apply to (details supplied); the amount of funding which is recurring revenue or capital; the amount of funding which is one-off revenue or capital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11191/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI sincerely regret that children can experience a long waiting time for orthopaedic treatment, and I remain conscious of the burden that this places on them and their families. One of the central priorities for me as Minister for Health is that waiting times for hospital appointments and procedures are improved, and that children receive the care that they need and deserve in a timely and appropriate fashion. In particular, a special area of focus for me and my Department is that of paediatric orthopaedics.
In January I asked the HSE to develop a dedicated plan to tackle scoliosis waiting lists this year. Earlier this month I met with senior officials of Children’s Heath Ireland (CHI) and the HSE, as well as senior orthopaedic clinicians from Temple Street, Crumlin and Cappagh, to discuss the finalisation of the proposals to increase orthopaedic activity at CHI. The plan proposes ambitious additional activity levels which will work to reduce the number of children waiting for spinal orthopaedic procedures (scoliosis and spina bifida) by year end.
This latest initiative is further evidence of this Government’s commitment to address the issues facing these children. Both current and capital funding has been provided to a value of €19 million in 2022 to support this initiative.
More specifically, €3.4 million has been committed to support additional activity at Cappagh Orthopaedic hospital. This is the full year requirement associated with the €1.65 million that was provided from the Access to Care Fund in 2021 to support CHI paediatric orthopaedic activity at Cappagh. Furthermore, €4.7 million has been provided on a recurring basis since 2021 to fund an additional 24 beds at Crumlin and Temple street, and 2 high dependency unit beds at Crumlin. These beds will facilitate the increase in activity needed to reduce paediatric orthopaedic waiting times. A further €4 million has been committed for a theatre expansion programme across CHI sites to focus on paediatric orthopaedics. Capital funding of €4 million has been designated to support this initiative, which is included within the 2022 Capital Plan due to be approved shortly. Finally, €2 million has been provided for outsourcing initiatives for both inpatient and daycase procedures, as well as to meet radiology needs. Plans are currently being finalised by CHI in this regard.
Further details of the breakdown of these funds are provided for the Deputy in the attached document. Some of these figures are initial estimates and as such are subject to final review, agreement and potential revision on receipt of the detailed operational plan for delivery of this important initiative.
701. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the total patient throughput across HSE acute services for outpatient, diagnostics, and inpatient appointments in each of the years 2018 to 2021, in tabular form. [11192/22]
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.
702. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of public patients who were treated privately outside a public hospital for outpatient, diagnostics and inpatient appointments in each of the years 2018 to 2021, in tabular form, relative to public hospital patient throughput; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11193/22]
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.
703. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with an urgent CAMHS assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11194/22]
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.
704. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health when intervention and support services will commence for a child (detail supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11195/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to an operational issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
705. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health when children in the 12 to 15 age category who are considered high risk but not immunocompromised will become eligible for the Covid booster vaccination. [11204/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's COVID-19 vaccination programme is based on the principles of safety, effectiveness and fairness, with the objective of reducing severe illness, hospitalisations and deaths from COVID-19 infection.
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The NIAC makes recommendations on vaccination policy to the Department of Health 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 for Ireland. These guidelines are continuously updated and include guidance on all new vaccines as they are approved for use in Ireland.
You can view the updated guidelines here: hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/guidelines/covid19.pdf.
On February 22nd the NIAC recommended that:
- a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine be offered to all children and young people aged 12-15 years.
- A booster dose of the mRNA vaccine Comirnaty, the vaccine manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech, should be given at an interval of six months or longer since completion of the primary vaccine series.
- For those children and young people aged 12 – 15 years who have experienced a breakthrough infection, the booster dose should be deferred for at least six months following the onset of infection.
The Minister has accepted these recommendations and the HSE are now working to operationalise these updates.
The NIAC will continue to examine emerging evidence regarding booster vaccines for others in the population where there is evidence of waning immunity and reduced effectiveness and will make further recommendations if required.
706. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if the new plan to clear the children’s waiting list for orthopaedic surgery will be fulfilled by the end of 2022 in view of the €19 million allocation. [11205/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI sincerely regret that children can experience a long waiting time for orthopaedic treatment, and I remain conscious of the burden that this places on them and their families. One of the central priorities for me as Minister for Health is that waiting times for hospital appointments and procedures are improved, and that children receive the care that they need and deserve in a timely and appropriate fashion. In particular, a special area of focus for me and my Department is that of paediatric orthopaedics.
In January I asked the HSE to develop a dedicated plan to tackle scoliosis waiting lists this year. Earlier this month I met with senior officials of Children’s Heath Ireland (CHI) and the HSE, as well as senior orthopaedic clinicians from Temple Street, Crumlin and Cappagh, to discuss the finalisation of the proposals to increase orthopaedic activity at CHI. The plan proposes ambitious additional activity levels which will work to reduce the number of children waiting for spinal orthopaedic procedures (scoliosis and spina bifida) by year end.
This latest initiative is further evidence of this Government’s commitment to address the issues facing these children. Both current and capital funding has been provided to a value of €19 million in 2022 to support this initiative. The targets are challenging and ambitious, but there is a real determination to drive this initiative forward by the committed clinicians and wider health staff within CHI.
707. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he proposes to overhaul CAMHS with a view to ensuring high quality early diagnosis, elimination of confusion which might suggest an alternative diagnosis; the steps in hand or to be taken to ensure the roll-out of a nationwide, high-quality CAMHS service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11206/22]
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.
708. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention and that of the Chief Medical Officer has been drawn to proposals to expand a refinery in Limerick (details supplied). [11209/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra709. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention and that of the Chief Medical Officer has been drawn to a report (details supplied) regarding human health in Askeaton, County Limerick. [11210/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 708 and 709 together.
My Department is aware of the proposed expansion plan to the Aughinish Alumina’s bauxite refinery, however, my Department has no direct role in matters relating to planning. The HSE has advised my Department that it has been formally consulted by the EPA regarding the license review of Aughinish Alumina’s bauxite refinery - the HSE will consider the request and provide a submission as appropriate. To date, the HSE has not been consulted by any planning authority on the planning application. Ultimately, any decision on the planning application in this matter is for An Bord Pleanála.
My Department has only recently become aware of the report by Dr. Walters which the Deputy refers to.
710. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a transfer to an alternative health care facility will be accommodated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11212/22]
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.
711. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health the categories of health workers on the front line who will receive the €1,000 bonus beyond those within the public service; and if those working during the pandemic caring for the clients of an organisation (details supplied) will receive the payment. [11214/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January last, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021.
Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites. The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices (eg: nursing homes and hospices that are private, public, section 39, voluntary etc.) that were affected by Covid-19.
The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.
There are many, many other individuals and organisations in our country who did so much during the pandemic. It is tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the exceptional risks which these frontline healthcare workers faced.
