Written Answers Nos. 199-214
199. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will review correspondence (details supplied); the mechanism or procedure being put in place for same; the way that staff might be contacted if eligible for this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15271/22]
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 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. A pro-rata arrangement will be put in place for eligible part-time staff.
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, 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. It also encompasses those eligible working on site in long term residential care facilities for people with disabilities (inclusive of those facilities whether HSE or section 39).
Separately, the measure also extends to those equivalent healthcare workers in private nursing homes and hospices. Arrangements for this sector encompassed by this measure are currently being progressed by the Department of Health.
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, communications, and terms and conditions that apply. Upon conclusion of ongoing consultations with the relevant trade unions, full details of the application process, FAQs and other particulars shall be published by the HSE. While the details will be finalised once this consultation has concluded, and the Department is not in a position to comment on individual cases, I trust that further clarity on the implementation of this measure will be publicly available in the very near future.
200. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will review correspondence (details supplied); if this is a matter his Department is reviewing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15278/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
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.
201. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the date on which the Medical Cannabis Access Programme clinical review will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15393/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the end of 2021, the Department commenced preparatory work on a review of clinical data that supports the prescribing of cannabis products for conditions that would be included in the Medical Cannabis Access Programme. Officials in my Department are currently continuing this preparatory work and it is envisaged it will be completed in 2022.
202. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of contracts that his Department has with a company (details supplied); the location, nature, value and type of contract in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15410/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no contracts with the company detailed.
203. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans to engage with a group (details supplied) to discuss future services and improvements for patients; if consideration has been given to proposals in the letter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15418/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department are currently reviewing the correspondence received from MS Ireland and a response will issue in due course.
204. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions for the assessment panel in relation to the Covid recognition payment scheme will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15421/22]
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 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, 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.
It also encompasses those eligible working on site in long term residential care facilities for people with disabilities (inclusive of those facilities whether HSE or section 39).
The measure also extends to those equivalent healthcare workers in private nursing homes and hospices. Arrangements for this sector encompassed by this measure are currently being progressed by the Department of Health.
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.
Additionally, the Department and the HSE are currently consulting with health sector trade unions on this matter. This consultation is part of the Department and HSE’s objective to finalise the application of this measure fairly.
Upon conclusion of consultations with the trade unions, full details of the application process, FAQs and other particulars shall be published by the HSE. Noting that the details will be finalised once this consultation has concluded, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this point.
205. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if section 39 and section 10 front-line homeless network staff who continue to operate Covid-19 specific infection prevention and control measures in congregated, clinical and healthcare settings will receive the Covid-19 recognition payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15422/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
To recognise their unique role during the pandemic, the Government announced a COVID-19 recognition payment for front-line public sector healthcare workers, 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 front-line 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 measure also encompasses those eligible working on site in long term residential care facilities for people with disabilities (inclusive of those facilities whether HSE or section 39). Arrangements for this sector encompassed by this measure are currently being progressed by the Department of Health and HSE.
I am also mindful of other workers who played their own part during this difficult period in sustaining services other than healthcare. It is tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the risks which front-line healthcare workers faced. In recognition of the efforts of all workers, volunteers, and the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government announced a public holiday which took place on 18 March 2022. From February next year there will also be a new permanent public holiday established to mark Imbolc/St Brigid’s Day.
206. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health when the €1,000 Covid recognition payment will be paid to front-line workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15426/22]
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 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, 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.
It also encompasses those eligible working on site in long term residential care facilities for people with disabilities (inclusive of those facilities whether HSE or section 39).
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. Additionally, the Department and the HSE are currently consulting with health sector trade unions on this matter. This consultation is part of the Department and HSE’s objective to finalise the application of this measure fairly.
Upon conclusion of consultations with the trade unions, further details of the application process, FAQs, likely timeframes, and other particulars shall be published by the HSE. It is intended that payments will be instructed this month. Noting that the details will be finalised once this consultation has concluded, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this point.
Separately, the measure also extends to those equivalent healthcare workers in private nursing homes and hospices. Arrangements for this sector encompassed by this measure are currently being progressed by the Department of Health.
207. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for the ENT hospital in Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15427/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars 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.
In 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.
208. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the Covid-19 safety protocols that are still in place to protect people with disabilities; if he plans to introduce measures specifically to ensure the safety of people with disabilities; and if his Department will consider contributing to the additional expenses incurred by people with disabilities for protective measures throughout the pandemic. [15429/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question regards operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
In respect of the Deputy’s query regarding funding, the Department of Health has supported the disability sector throughout the pandemic with additional funding to help support service delivery , including an additional €10m in once-off COVID-19 funding in Budget 2022.
209. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if he will examine a request regarding funding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15441/22]
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.
210. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health if he will carry out a review into the travel expenses of public health nurses and community RGNs as a matter of urgency given the increases in fuel costs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15442/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMotor travel rates are set for civil and public servants by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. I understand that a review of rates is underway by that Department, however the Deputy will need to engage directly with Minister McGrath for any further detail on the matter.
211. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1055 of 31 March 2021, the entire duration in weeks experienced by the CHO4 staff member referred to in the response from the submission of their grievance prior to a stage 1 hearing until they received feedback from their stage 2 hearing which took place subsequent to the HSE's response to Parliamentary Question No. 1055; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15501/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
212. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the funding and supports available in each CHO to support home births; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15502/22]
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.
213. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if he will provide his response to the recommendations in a report (details supplied) concerning progressing disability services for children and young people. [15503/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI acknowledge the publication of the recent report by Inclusion Ireland (PDS Services Report 2022), the issues highlighted and the recommendations contained within same.
I am acutely aware of the issues that concern families with regard to children’s disability services and have engaged extensively with advocate groups and individual parents. The issues highlighted by Inclusion Ireland reflect those raised by parents and advocate groups, which primarily focus on waiting times, appropriate levels of communication and the quality of service provided for children.
The establishment of the Children’s Disability Network Teams across the country and the additional funding provided to enhance their respective staffing capacities is expected to address some of the issues identified in Inclusion Ireland’s report. As Minster of State for Disabilities, I am actively engaged with the HSE, as the relevant service provider for children’s disability services, with a view to progressing solutions on the range of challenges identified across the services, in order to ensure that children and their families have access to timely and suitable therapy interventions.
I recognise the importance of ensuring all stakeholder views are represented in the context of improving and enhancing services and I would be happy to meet with Inclusion Ireland to discuss the content of their report.
214. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if national community care network carers will be entitled to the healthcare workers bonus payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15510/22]
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 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. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff.
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, 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. It also encompasses those eligible working on site in long term residential care facilities for people with disabilities (inclusive of those facilities whether HSE or section 39).
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 consulting with health sector trade unions on this matter. This consultation is part of the Department and HSE’s objective to finalise the application of this measure fairly. Upon conclusion of consultations with the trade unions, full details of the application process, FAQs and other particulars shall be published by the HSE.
