Written Answers Nos. 1004-1026
1004. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to difficulties in accessing speech and language therapy and occupational therapy in CHO area 7; and the actions his Department is undertaking to improve resourcing of these therapies in CHO7. [14669/22]
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.
1005. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if progress has been made in implementing a diagnostic centre to service CHO area 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14670/22]
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.
1006. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health when he expects HIQA to complete its health technology assessment of the HPV vaccine catch-up programme for secondary school students who were previously eligible but missed or turned down the vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14685/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1007. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the scope of the HIQA health technology assessment of the HPV vaccine catch-up programme for students who were previously eligible but missed or turned down the vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14686/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1006 and 1007 together.
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department. The NIAC continues to revise recommendations to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. Therefore, the immunisation schedule will continue to be amended over time.
In 2009, the NIAC recommended HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination for all 12 to 13 year old girls to reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer when they are adults. In September 2010, the HPV vaccination programme was introduced for all girls in first year of secondary school.
In June 2017, on foot of the NIAC’s recommendation that the HPV vaccine should also be given to boys, my Department asked the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to undertake a health technology assessment (HTA) to establish the clinical and cost-effectiveness of extending the immunisation programme to include boys in the first year of secondary school.
The HIQA completed the HTA in December 2018, recommending that the HPV immunisation programme be extended to include boys. A policy decision was made to extend the HPV immunisation programme to include boys, starting in September 2019, with the introduction of a 9-valent HPV vaccine.
The ages at which vaccines are recommended in the immunisation schedule are chosen by the NIAC in order to give each child the best possible protection against vaccine preventable diseases. As the HPV vaccine is preventative it is intended to be administered, if possible, before a person becomes sexually active, that is, before a person is first exposed to HPV infection.
Therefore, the gender-neutral HPV vaccination programme targets all girls and boys in first year of secondary school to provide maximum coverage. All vaccines administered through the School Immunisation Programme are provided free of charge.
My Department will continue to be guided by NIAC's recommendations on any emerging evidence on this issue in the future.
Anyone not in 1st year of secondary school or age equivalent in special schools or home schooled during the 2020/2021 school year who wishes to get the HPV vaccine, must go to their GP or sexual health clinic and pay privately for the vaccine and its administration. This applies to everyone whether or not they have a medical card/GP visit card, as it is outside of the HPV immunisation programme.
The programme for the academic year 2020/2021 was paused during the first few months of 2021 due to school closures and redeployment of staff to the COVID-19 immunisation programme. The inputting of uptake information for the schools-based programme was also delayed due to redeployment of administrative staff. The HSE has advised that the Schools Immunisation Programme 2020/2021 (of which the HPV programme is included) has been completed across the country. This means that all those who were eligible to receive the HPV vaccine have now been offered it.
The current recorded uptake rate for the first dose of the HPV vaccine, in the 2020/2021 academic year, is 76%. The current recorded uptake rate for the second dose of the HPV vaccine in this academic year is 65%. It should be noted that some areas are yet to input some, or all, of their data for both dose 1 and 2 so these figures are expected to increase.
My Department has asked the National Immunisation Advisory Committee to consider the clinical effectiveness of providing the HPV vaccine to:
- girls and boys in secondary school who were eligible to receive HPV vaccine in 1st year but who did not receive it; and
- women up to the age of 25 years who have left secondary school and who did not receive the vaccine when eligible.
If NIAC conclude that there is sufficient evidence to support providing the HPV vaccine to one or both groups, HIQA will undertake a cost-effectiveness assessment on that basis.
1008. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the latest HPV vaccine uptake rates for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14687/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter for the HSE, I have referred the question to the HSE for a direct reply.
1009. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the services that are in place and that are planned for persons who attended the Admire clinic in Cherry Orchard, Dublin for ADHD when they turn 18 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14688/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Heath Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1010. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the lack of specialists in Huntington’s disease services in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14689/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1011. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the waiting time persons in Limerick are experiencing for cataract operations in University Hospital Limerick forcing them to travel to the north of Ireland for this procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14691/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. While significant work continues to positively impact on waiting times and improve pathways to elective care, acute hospitals have been impacted by operational challenges arising from surges in cases related to the Delta and Omicron variants.
The HSE has confirmed to the Department that patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
The Department of Health continues to work with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to identify ways to improve access to care, including through increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services, providing virtual clinics, and increasing capacity in the public hospital system.
In recent years, my Department has worked with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to improve access for patients waiting for high volume procedures, including cataracts. Ophthalmology services are provided throughout all hospital groups in the country, with cataract removal one of the key procedures carried out as part of this specialty.
A key development in improving access to Ophthalmology services was the opening of a stand-alone high-volume consultant-led cataract theatre by the University of Limerick Hospital Group in Nenagh Hospital in 2018, with the intention that it would facilitate patients from surrounding geographical areas to avail of their treatment there. The impact of such initiatives can be seen in the reduction in the waiting times to access cataract procedures since 2018. At the end of February 2022 there were 5,043 patients waiting for a cataract procedure compared to 6,276 in February 2019.
The 2022 Waiting List Action Plan, which was launched on the 26th of February, allocates €350 million to the HSE and NTPF to reduce waiting lists. Under this plan the Department, HSE, and NTPF will deliver urgent additional capacity for the treatment of patients, as well as investing in longer term reforms to bring sustained reductions in waiting lists.
The plan builds on the successes of the short-term 2021 plan that ran from September to December last year. The 2021 plan was developed by the Department of Health, the HSE and the NTPF and was driven and overseen by a senior governance group co-chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Health and the CEO of the HSE and met fortnightly.
This rigorous level of governance and scrutiny of waiting lists has continued into this year with the oversight group evolving into the Waiting List Task Force. The Task Force will meet regularly to drive progress of the 2022 plan.
This is the first stage of an ambitious multi-annual waiting list plan, which is currently under development in the Department of Health. Between them, these plans will work to support short, medium, and long term initiatives to reduce waiting times and provide the activity needed in years to come.
The NTPF have advised that they have provided funding for a number of insourcing initiatives to reduce Ophthalmology waiting lists at the University of Limerick Hospital Group in 2022 and to date in 2022, 2,500 patients have been approved for treatment through these initiatives.
1012. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the inordinate waiting times for assessments at the National Gender Service and the alternative, costly routes transgender persons are having to take as a result (details supplied); his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14693/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1013. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Health if a reply will issue to a transgender person (details supplied) regarding the temporal cost of waiting for hormone therapy here and the consequent financial cost of their seeking of alternative routes for same from the UK; the actions he will take on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14694/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1012 and 1013 together.
The Department of Health is committed to the development by the HSE of a well-governed and patient-centred health care service for adults and children in the transgender community, in line with the Programme for Government.
It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. While significant work continues to positively impact on waiting times and improve pathways to elective care, acute hospitals have been impacted by operational challenges arising from surges in cases related to the Delta and Omicron variants.
At present the acute hospital system is prioritising unscheduled Covid-19 care and urgent time-sensitive work. The HSE has confirmed to the Department that patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
The Department of Health continues to work with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to identify ways to improve access to care, including through increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services, providing virtual clinics, and increasing capacity in the public hospital system.
In addition, the Department of Health, 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 the Department of Health and includes representatives from the HSE and NTPF.
The PQ has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy for a specific response on the waiting list for the National Gender Service as a service delivery issue.
1014. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the funding streams and core funding that are open for recovery colleges. [14695/22]
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.
1015. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the supports that are in place per CHO for peer educators in mental health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14696/22]
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.
1016. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the supports that are in place in CHO9 for peer educators in mental health; the way that it can access funding and resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14697/22]
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.
1017. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons aged 75 plus and under 75 who were waiting greater than 24 hours at an emergency department in February 2022 and to date in March 2022; the total number of each and the sum of both, in tabular form; the total number waiting greater than 24 hours for admission via an emergency department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14700/22]
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.
1018. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can be moved to the Peamount Hospital St. Brid's unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14701/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1019. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the cost of increasing each of the income limits for the general practitioner visit card by €5 and €10; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14702/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEligibility for a Medical Card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn a week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances.
With regard to the estimated cost of increasing the weekly income thresholds for GP visit cards, this information is not readily available at this time. I wish to assure the Deputy that the current medical card income thresholds are kept under regular review and any changes are considered in the context of Government policy, the annual budgetary estimates process and other issues which may be relevant.
1020. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of removing paediatric outpatient charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14703/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPatient charges are a key element of the overall funding envelope of the Irish health system and are taken into account when agreeing the Annual Estimates and the subsequent preparation of the HSE’s annual National Service Plan.
The operational detail of this question is a matter for the HSE and I have asked them to respond to you directly in relation to that detail.
1021. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of removing adult inpatient and outpatient charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14704/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPatient charges are a key element of the overall funding envelope of the Irish health system and are taken into account when agreeing the Annual Estimates and the subsequent preparation of the HSE’s annual National Service Plan.
The operational detail of this question is a matter for the HSE and I have asked them to respond to you directly in relation to that detail.
1022. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health if his Department will produce a roadmap for supporting all persons arriving in Ireland from Ukraine in conjunction with other Government Departments and State agencies. [14713/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to delivering a humanitarian response to welcome people fleeing the war in Ukraine and seeking protection in Ireland as part of the EU response.
Very significant planning and preparatory work is taking place across Government to provide accommodation and other essential supports to those who have arrived here already, as well as the large numbers of further people expected to arrive. This work is taking place with the support of the Irish Red Cross and NGOs and charities across the country.
A webpage on the whole-of-Government response is available at www.gov.ie/ukraine and includes information on supports and services available to people arriving from Ukraine. This webpage will be supplemented and updated on an ongoing basis with the support of the relevant Departments.
The Department of Health is liaising with other Government departments and agencies to provide humanitarian support for Ukrainian refugees. It is a priority for the Department and the HSE to ensure that Ukrainian refugees are provided with appropriate health and social care services.
Refugees from the Ukraine will be granted temporary protection status. Under this measure, refugees will be considered ordinarily resident in Ireland for a limited time period and therefore will be entitled to access health care services, in line with other refugee groups and Irish citizens.
A one-stop-shop is being provided in Dublin airport and other locations for Ukrainian refugees. This includes application for temporary protection status, PPSN and welfare payment, emergency accommodation and information on health services, including a medical card.
My Department is collaborating with the HSE to ensure that refugees have access to the same range of health care services as Irish and EU citizens.
Refugees holding temporary protection status will be entitled to apply for a medical card order to access primary care services for each adult and child dependents. A process will be implemented to facilitate timely access to a medical card, based on the Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) provided by the Department of Social Protection.
Health care services will include primary health care services for adults, children and older people, ongoing care of priority medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illness, services for psychological stress and mental health, and social care services for people with special needs. It is the intention to provide these services in a culturally appropriate manner and to take into account language and other factors.
1023. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of neurology nurse specialists that are assigned to the Mater Hospital, Dublin; the number recommended given the catchment area; his plans to increase this number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14720/22]
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.
1024. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding funding for ceiling hoists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14726/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for older persons and for people with disabilities which will empower them to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and to plan and live independent lives. There are a range of services in place to protect individuals and families from excessive costs for their medical and surgical needs.
Applications to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for a wide range of aids and appliances - including beds, wheelchairs, hoists, respiratory equipment etc - are made on foot of prescriptions from relevant health care professionals and based on an applicant's eligibility under General Medical Services and community schemes. These applications are considered by Resource Allocation Groups within each Community Health Organisation and a determination is made regarding approval based on clinical priority and the funding available within local budgets. These products and services play a key role in assisting and supporting people to maintain every day functioning and to remain living in their homes and local community.
Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 prohibits the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability assist people to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. These works can include making it wheelchair-accessible, extending it to create more space, adding a ground-floor bathroom or toilet or a stairlift. The scheme is administered by local authorities and more information can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/
In late 2020, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage offered guidance to local authorities that ceiling hoists should not be included in the Housing Adaptation Grant. Since then, most local authorities no longer provide funding for the provision of the hoist itself, although they may fund the structural works needed to place hoist tracks in ceilings.
There is engagement ongoing between the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to this matter.
1025. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health if he will consider extending the pandemic bonus to front-line workers at Cancer Care West; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14751/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
The Government announced a COVID-19 recognition payment for front-line 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.
This payment will be made to those eligible public sector front-line healthcare staff (inclusive of agency staff working for the HSE) who worked in clinical settings (e.g. – and noting this list is not exhaustive: those Doctors / Nurses / Health Care Assistants / Porters / Cleaners etc. that work in clinical settings. The measure encompasses Health Care Support Assistants (also known as Home Carers / Home Help) employed by or carrying out duties contracted to the HSE.
The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices that were affected by Covid-19.
The Department of Health appreciates the levels of interest this announcement has generated. We are working together with the HSE to provide additional details on this measure including full eligibility criteria, particulars and terms and conditions that apply. This will be published as soon as possible.
It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.
1026. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an outline of the proposed terms and conditions differences between the Sláintecare public-only contract and an existing type a consultant contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14752/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sláintecare Consultant Contract is currently the subject of engagement between my officials, the HSE, and the representative bodies for hospital consultants. As this process has not concluded, it would not be appropriate to make public details about the talks at this time, save to say that I remain committed to introducing a new contract as soon as practicable.
