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Tuesday, 5 Apr 2022

Written Answers Nos. 804-823

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (804)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

804. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of times he communicates with the Chief Medical Officer on matters related to Covid-19 since the disbandment of NPHET; the form of communication for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17908/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy is advised that an appropriate COVID-19 monitoring structure is currently under consideration.  

My Department, through the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, together with colleagues in the HSE and the National Virus Reference Laboratory, continues to monitor the epidemiological profile of COVID-19 carefully. 

The Office of the Chief Medication Officer continues to keep me apprised of the situation and provide advice. In the interests of transparency, my Department has published recent briefings provided to me by the Chief Medical Officer:  

gov.ie (www.gov.ie)

Irish Blood Transfusion Service

Ceisteanna (805, 806)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

805. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the rationale for not implementing a recommendation to remove oral sex as a reason for differing gay men, bisexual men, transgender men and men who have sex with men from blood donation as recommended by the Social Behaviours Review Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17935/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

806. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to introduce an individualised risk assessment for blood donation; the timescale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17936/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 805 and 806 together.

The remit of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is to provide a safe, reliable and robust blood service to the Irish health system.  A major objective of the IBTS is to ensure that it always has the necessary programmes and procedures in place to protect both the recipients and the donors of blood and blood products.

Following a review of existing donor deferral policy by an independent expert group last year, the IBTS announced a range of changes to their existing deferral policies, including those concerning Men who have Sex with Men (MSM).

The objective of these policy changes is to move towards an individual assessment process for donors, making blood donation more inclusive. As a prerequisite to this, the existing paper-based Health and Lifestyle Questionnaire (HLQ) will be replaced with an electronic Self-Assessment Health History (SAHH) questionnaire.

The IBTS announced that the first phase of these policy changes to began on March 28th of this year. This initial phase reduced the existing 12-month deferral period for MSM to 4 months. This next phase involving the replacement of the HLQ with the SAHH is expected to take place in Q3 of this year, with the individual assessment system to follow later in the year once the SAHH is established.

The IBTS has advised that the 4 month deferral period is an interim measure to be kept in place until the Individualised Donor Risk Assessment can be carried out on all donors.The IBTS has determined that oral sex between MSM is one of a number of sexual behaviours which will be taken into consideration in this assessment,  and that this approach was previously taken by the UK Blood Services with the introduction of the FAIR system of individual assessment.

Disability Services

Ceisteanna (807)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

807. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he has further information for a group (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17995/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On November 3rd 2021, I met with the Kildare Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland to discuss a number of their programmes for adults with disabilities, including a programme called Latch On, and a horticultural training programme, and the funding of these programmes. My colleague the Minister of State with responsibility for Skills and Further Education also attended this meeting.

Day services for adults with a disability are developed in line with the New Directions policy. The ambitious change envisaged by New Directions is strongly linked to the implementation of the policy of mainstreaming that was a core part of the National Disability Strategy and is now a core part of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy.

The purpose of mainstreaming is to move from segregation to inclusion, by ensuring that persons with disabilities can take their place in mainstream society, that mainstream public services include people with disabilities and that mainstream public policies take into consideration their impact on people with disabilities. In terms of service provision, mainstreaming means that services for people with disabilities should be the responsibility of whichever Government department has responsibility for such services in general.

The New Directions approach to adult day services embodies the policy of mainstreaming, and supports service users to access mainstream public services such as further education and training, rather than this type of content being part of the day service itself.

Improved access to mainstream services is essential to let adults with disabilities participate fully as members of communities, and access to further education is key to enabling people to continue to learn throughout their lives.

The twelve supports outlined by New Directions include support to access a number of services that are the remit of several government departments and agencies, including the Department for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), Solas, and the Education and Training Boards (ETBs).

I am continuing to engage with the HSE on this matter. I have also arranged for my officials to contact Minister Collins’ office at DFHERIS to send on all information Kildare Down Syndrome Ireland had provided to me at the meeting, for appropriate attention within his Department as DFHERIS’ ‘Adult Literacy for Life’ 10 year adult literacy strategy, as it may also be possible to progress programmes such as Latch On as part of this Strategy’s work.

Health Service Executive

Ceisteanna (808)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

808. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans for Baggot Street Hospital; if the HSE still intends to sell the site and lease it back for a primary care centre; if he will commit to retaining the site in public ownership and to the full utilisation of the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18000/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.

Disability Diagnoses

Ceisteanna (809)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

809. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if, at any point prior to the commencement of the assessment of need standard operating procedure in 2020, he, the Secretary General or any assistant or deputy secretary in his Department approved or otherwise had sight of the HSE standard operating procedure for assessments of need; the office or officer in his Department with responsibility for clearing such a policy from the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18001/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I wish to advise the Deputy that as an operational matter, the Standard Operating Procedure for Assessment of Need was developed by the HSE as service providers and the agency with clinical expertise on the issue, and was subject to a consultation process, an independent clinical review, a legal review by way of Senior Counsel opinion as well as an IR process.

The purpose of the Standard Operating Procedure was to introduce consistency in standards and approach to service delivery across the county in addition to providing timely access to assessment in accordance with the timelines set out in the Disability Act (2005). This approach helps to reduce geographical variation and ensure that children and young people have the same access to high quality community services regardless of where they live in the country.

The HSE process involved appropriate engagement with senior officials from the Department of Health Disability Services Unit and subsequently the Minister was advised in January 2020 that the HSE was to introduce a revised standard operating procedure for the Assessment of Need Process and that the purpose of this procedure was to ensure children with disabilities and their families, access appropriate assessment and intervention as quickly as possible.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (810)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

810. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a date for their hip operation in Galway University Hospital taking into account the exceptional circumstances in this case and the severity of their condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18075/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under 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.

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (811)

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

811. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health if he will consider additional remuneration packages for consultants in order to entice them to move to more peripheral regions in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18058/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I and my officials are conscious that different geographical locations within the health service experience different recruitment challenges in relation to filling consultant posts.

Consultants' pay and terms and conditions are currently the subject of engagement between my officials, the HSE, and the representative bodies for hospital consultants, over the proposed Sláintecare Consultant Contract. 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 and that recruitment is an issue to be considered in the process.

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Ceisteanna (812)

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

812. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health the capital investment proposals at Letterkenny University Hospital in order to enlarge the footprint to support new and increased services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18059/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As 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.

Departmental Reviews

Ceisteanna (813)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

813. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 669 of 29 March 2022, if he will publish the review the HSE conducted of the Revised Model of Care for Termination of Pregnancy at the request of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18060/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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, with restrictions eased, 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.

At the request of the Department, the HSE conducted a review of the Revised Model of Care for Termination of Pregnancy. The findings of this review are currently being examined as part of a deliberative process. The consideration of appropriate next steps will form part of this process. 

Health Services

Ceisteanna (814)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

814. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to develop a care pathway for persons diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; his plans to recruit specialists or specialist multidisciplinary teams to deal with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18061/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this PQ relates to service and staffing matters, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for a direct reply.

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (815)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

815. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the types of contracts offered and taken up to consultants in public health medicine in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18067/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (816)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

816. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the staff grade level breakdown of the additional 255 staff allocated to public health; the number of posts filled and remaining to be filled in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18068/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (817)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

817. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of doctors that have registered with the Medical Council for the first time in each year since and including 2014, in tabular form; the number of doctors that qualified in Ireland; the number that qualified outside of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18069/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware the Medical Council is the independent statutory body which regulates medical practitioners in Ireland. Its primary purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct, education, training and competence among doctors. One of the Council's key responsibilities is the registration of medical practitioners. Doctors register in one of five Divisions of the register, depending on the training they have completed, or are currently undertaking, and this should be commensurate with their status within the workforce. The Medical Council’s register is a valid and complete list of doctors who are permitted under Irish law to practice medicine in the State and therefore is a comprehensive source of medical workforce intelligence.

The table below sets out the number of doctors registered for the first time by the Medical Council each year from 2014 to 2021 according to the location in which they obtained their Basic Medical Qualification (BMQ).

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Total

Irish BMQ

1,087

799

895

908

771

827

1,021

888

7,196

International BMQ

871

1,777

1,819

1,685

1,419

1,454

1,017

1,717

11,759

Total No. First Registered

1,958

2,576

2,714

2,593

2,190

2,281

2,038

2,605

18,955

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (818)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

818. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of new medical interns who were taken on in each year since and including 2014, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18070/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (819)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

819. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of non-consultant hospital doctors by grade level who were recruited in each year since and including 2014, in tabular form; the number in each cohort who were undergoing basic or higher specialist training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18071/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (820)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

820. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of consultants estimated to be required for a consultant provided health service by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18072/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

Departmental Reports

Ceisteanna (821)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

821. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the detail of the expert review bodies established by his Department since 2016; the name of the reports published by each body; the expert review bodies currently standing or planned to be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18073/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The information requested by the Deputy is not immediately available. I will survey the Department and the collated replies will be prepared into a full response to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Health Strategies

Ceisteanna (822, 823)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

822. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the date of each of the initial meetings of the strategic implementation groups developed for the next phase of the National Drugs Strategy. [18076/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

823. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the membership of each of the strategic implementation groups developed for the next phase of the National Drugs Strategy by group in tabular form. [18077/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 822 and 823 together.

Strategic implementation groups (SIGs) are being established to support the implementation of the strategic priorities for 2021-2025 under the national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery. 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 new structures will reflect the partnership approach and give a stronger voice to civil society by broadening and deepening the involvement of community and voluntary groups in the implementation of the strategy.

Each group has an independent chair and a membership comprised of representatives from Government departments and agencies, drug and alcohol taskforces and civil society. The Department is finalising the membership of each group, including representatives of civil society, following a call for  expressions of interest. Once the membership is finalised, the chairs of each group will convene the first meeting. 

I am committed to the partnership approach and a stronger voice to civil society organisations in developing national policy.

Question No. 823 answered with Question No. 822.
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