Thomas Gould
Ceist:1684. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the dates of meetings of the working group formed to analyse the implementation of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018. [20581/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLegislative Measures
Ceisteanna (1684)
Freagraí scríofa
The Public Health Alcohol Research Group (PHARG) is charged with ensuring that the measures implemented under the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 are evaluated to assess their effectiveness in meeting the policy objectives of the legislation.
To date, the PHARG has met on the following 5 occasions: 23 January 2020; 16 July 2020; 29 October 2020; 13 April 2021; 4 November 2021. The PHARG is chaired by Professor Joe Barry, Professor of Population Health Medicine, Trinity College Dublin and its membership includes parties involved in the monitoring of similar regulatory measures in Scotland.
Legislative Measures
Ceisteanna (1685)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:1685. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the intended timeline for the implementation of sections 12, 13 and 18 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018. [20582/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Sections 12 and 13 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 empower the Minister for Health to make Regulations on the labelling of alcohol products and the content of advertising respectively.
Work on commencement of these sections of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act was suspended throughout 2020 and much of 2021 due to resources being diverted to COVID-19 related areas; that work has now restarted.
Draft regulations under section 12 of the Act have been developed and are currently with the Office of the Attorney General for settling. Draft regulations under section 13 are currently being developed.
In relation to section 12 of the Act, Ireland is required to notify the draft regulations to the European Commission under the Food Information to Consumers Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011. This Regulation establishes the general principles, requirements and responsibilities governing food information and in particular food labelling.
On receipt of the notification, the Commission shall consult the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health if it considers such consultation to be useful or if a Member State so requests. The Member State notifying the draft regulations may take the envisaged measures only 3 months after the notification, provided that it has not received a negative opinion from the Commission. However, if the Commission’s opinion is negative, and before the expiry of the 3 month period, the Commission shall initiate an examination procedure in order to determine whether the envisaged measures may be implemented subject, if necessary, to the appropriate modifications.
In relation to section 13 of the Act, Ireland is required to notify the draft regulations to the European Commission under the Single Market Transparency Directive (EU) 2015/1535. Once notified, a 3-month standstill period is triggered during which the Commission and other Member States assess the draft regulations in the context of Single Market principles.
This Directive enables the Commission, EU Member States and participating countries to react to any potential barriers to the free movement of products and the provision of information society services; reactions can take one of the following forms:
- The Commission, the EU Member States and the other participating countries can issue ‘comments’ to be taken into account by the country that has notified a draft rule or rules, if the notified draft needs to be adjusted.
- The Commission and EU Member States can also send the notifying Member State a ‘detailed opinion’ if a serious concern is identified. This extends the standstill period and opens a dialogue phase with the notifying country. The potential barrier identified can thus be effectively addressed.
- If an EU proposal in the same area is in the pipeline, the Commission can take a ‘blocking decision’ to postpone the adoption of the national measure.
The commencement of Section 18 which addresses alcohol advertisements in publications is subject to the commencement of all advertising sections of the Act.
Question No. 1686 answered with Question No. 1625.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1687)
John McGuinness
Ceist:1687. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason that a person (details supplied) has not been given an in-person appointment with CAMHS, Kilkenny, as requested by the person's general practitioner who outlined how urgent and serious the case is; if he will insist on an early appointment being arranged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20601/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (1688)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:1688. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if front-line section 39 homelessness healthcare workers will be included in the Covid-19 pandemic bonus payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20618/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Firstly 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 frontline public sector healthcare workers. Eligibility guidelines for this payment, as applies in HSE and Section 38 organisations, were published by the HSE on 19th April and are available at www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html
Separately, the Department of Health shall shortly publish information for those other certain healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. This shall cover eligible staff in:
- Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
- Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
- Agency roles working in the HSE;
- Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help/home care/home support) contracted to the HSE;
- Redeployed members of Department of Defence to work in the HSE;
- Paramedics employed by the Department of Local Government, Housing and Heritage
I am also mindful of other workers who played their own part during this difficult period in sustaining other services. It is tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the risks which the above frontline 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.
Outside of the above recognition measures, the Government also notes that some private sector healthcare employers have recognised the work of their employees during the pandemic. The Government would encourage private sector healthcare employers that have not already done so to consider appropriate measures to recognise their own frontline workers for their work during this most trying period.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (1689)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:1689. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of consultations between his Department, the HSE and health sector trade unions regarding the Covid-19 pandemic bonus payment; when he expects the details of this payment, including the full eligibility criteria, to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20619/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
Following several weeks of engagement and consultation between my officials, the HSE, and health sector unions, details on the pandemic recognition payment were published by the HSE on 19th April, as relates to HSE and Section 38 employees, at www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html
Separately, the Department of Health shall shortly publish information for those other certain healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. This shall cover eligible staff in:
- Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
- Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
- Agency roles working in the HSE;
- Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
- Redeployed members of Department of Defence to work in the HSE;
- Paramedics employed by the Department of Local Government, Housing and Heritage.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (1690)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:1690. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the details of the appeals process for the Covid-19 pandemic bonus payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20620/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this operational matter is being addressed by the HSE, I have referred this question to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Question No. 1691 answered with Question No. 1625.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (1692)
David Cullinane
Ceist:1692. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of staff at grade level currently employed in each of the 91 children’s disability network teams; the number of posts assigned to each children’s disability network team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20631/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Question No. 1693 answered with Question No. 1625.
Question No. 1694 answered with Question No. 1386.
Question No. 1695 answered with Question No. 1357.
Emergency Departments
Ceisteanna (1696)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:1696. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting 12 hours or more at the University Hospital Limerick in each of the years 2011 to 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20662/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly with the requested information.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (1697)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:1697. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if patients are represented on the new Covid-19 advisory group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20678/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy is advised that on 8 April 2022, the Minster for Health announced the establishment of the COVID-19 Advisory Group. The COVID-19 Advisory Group will be responsible for advising the Minister for Health and Government on how best to maximise Ireland’s medium to long-term preparedness against COVID-19. The Group will:
- note the evolving epidemiological assessment of COVID-19, provided by the monitoring processes in place through the Office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
- monitor new and emerging evidence with regard to existing technologies, practices and interventions for the detection and control of SARS-CoV-2.
- undertake horizon scanning, including internationally, such that new technologies, practices and interventions may be appropriately integrated into the public health response to any emerging SARS-CoV-2 threat.
- advise the Minister and Government on experiences in other countries and jurisdictions in relation to SARS-CoV-2, where there are implications and/or potential learnings or actions for Ireland.
- advise the Minister and Government on medium and long-term responses that may become necessary as part of the response to COVID-19.
The Group’s membership was agreed by the Minister for Health and is available here: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/9ee67-ministers-for-health-establish-the-covid-19-advisory-group/
Health Services
Ceisteanna (1698, 1699, 1700)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:1698. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the costs of ensuring equitable access to cardiac rehabilitation across all regions of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20679/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLouise O'Reilly
Ceist:1699. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the costs to develop phase four community based cardiac rehabilitation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20680/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLouise O'Reilly
Ceist:1700. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he will provide information on the waiting lists for cardiac rehabilitation in each hospital site providing the service; the funding that would be required to shorten the waiting lists following the impacts of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20681/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1698 to 1700, inclusive, together.
Changing Cardiovascular Health 2010 -2019 highlighted the importance of Cardiac Rehabilitation.
Cardiac Rehabilitation is an internationally recognised standard of care for cardiac patients recovering from a cardiac event. Cardiac rehabilitation is considered an essential component of secondary prevention for patients with cardiovascular disease due to the rigorous and extensive evidence base supporting its clinical effectiveness and is of importance for patients with coronary heart disease and heart failure.
Cardiac Rehabilitation is specifically tailored for those with established CVD, and patient outcomes are highly dependent on the quality of CR service delivered. Cardiac Rehabilitation is delivered through four phases, from the initial cardiac event in hospital to phase four in the community. The number of patients (5,063) accessing CR in 2019 increased by 25% from 2010. There are also ever-increasing referrals of more complex, older and frail patients with multiple comorbidities to cardiac rehabilitation programmes which, while bringing additional challenges, can result in tremendous individual gains in health and wellbeing for those patients.
Recent Irish Heart Attack Audit data suggest a 71% referral rate to cardiac rehabilitation programmes. There are at least 36 centres in Ireland providing cardiac rehabilitation services nationally. Recommendations from “Changing Cardiovascular Health National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019” recognised a need to establish or redirect services to address effectively the common rehabilitation goals of all cardiovascular patients. Increasing participation in chronic disease self-management programmes is central to Sláintecare.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 under the Chairmanship of Professor Phillip Nolan and a Steering Group formed from nominations of interested stakeholders representing medical, professional/technical staff, nursing and patient representatives.
The aim of the Cardiac Services Review is to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive, by establishing the need for an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service. This aligns with the Sláintecare reform programme and includes cardiac rehabilitation services in its work.
The Steering Group is currently working on the development of the proposed recommendations of the draft Report with the next meeting planned for May 2022 The implementation process for the National Cardiac Services Review is also being developed as part of the process to finalise the Report. Decisions on further service developments and any associated costs will await the final Report and recommendations of the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services
Question No. 1699 answered with Question No. 1698.
Question No. 1700 answered with Question No. 1698.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (1701)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1701. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of the appointments for a person (details supplied) with an organisation; the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20686/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1702)
Mark Ward
Ceist:1702. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting on dietician appointments; the average wait time for the eight community mental health teams under Linn Dara CAMHS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20689/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Departmental Correspondence
Ceisteanna (1703)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1703. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will review correspondence (details supplied); the amount that an organisation gave to this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20695/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.