Written Answers Nos. 659-680
659. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of times that a community response plan has been invoked by county or other geographic breakdown during each of the calendar years from 2010 to 2021, in tabular form [24229/22]
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.
660. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1554 of 26 April 2022, if he will provide a breakdown of staffing vacancies within CDNTs in CHO 3 and CHO 5 based on professional disciplines. [24234/22]
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.
661. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the plans there are to extend the Covid-19 recognition scheme to those homeless sector front-line workers who meet all the criteria publicly announced and who work in identical clinical and residential settings to sections 38 and 39 organisations already included in the recognition payment scheme; if he will acknowledge that the Government and HSE have recognised homeless staff as front-line healthcare workers who were prioritised in sequential vaccination groups 1 and 2 and who to this day continue to operate in Covid-19 infection prevention and control environments, identical to nursing homes and residential disability services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24245/22]
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. 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 in Covid-19 exposed front-line settings;
- 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 front-line 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.
662. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans to add Osteoarthritis to the list of illnesses covered by the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24247/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Long Term Illness (LTI) scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme. These are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.
Under the scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
There are currently no plans to extend the list of illnesses covered by the scheme. However, a review of the current eligibility framework, including the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, is to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.
In the meantime, for people who are not eligible for the LTI scheme, there are other arrangements which protect them from excessive medicine costs.
Under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS), no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. The HSE afford applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting documentation to determine whether undue hardship exists and to fully take account of all relevant circumstances that may benefit them in assessment, including medical evidence of costs and certain expenses.
In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses. This includes medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
663. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of applications that were received by his Department from bidders in response to the e-Tender to carry out the research into the views of abortion providers prior to the eventual award being made. [24254/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra664. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the amount in remunerations that will be paid to the recently announced awardee (details supplied) of the eTender to carry out research into the views of abortion providers. [24255/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 663 and 664 together.
The Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 was signed into law on 20 December 2018 and commenced on 1 January 2019. Under section 7 of the Act, a review of the operation of the Act must be initiated within three years of the commencement of the Act, i.e., before January 2022.
The Review is being led by an independent Chair and comprises of 2 main phases. As part of the first phase of the Review, information and evidence on the operation of the Act will be collected. There are 3 elements within the first phase of the Review; service user research, service provider research and public consultation.
The second phase of the Review is being led by an independent Chair who will assess the extent to which the objectives of the 2018 Act have been achieved, analysing in that regard the findings of the three strands of information. The Minister for Health appointed Ms Marie O’Shea B.L. as the independent Chair of the Review.
A request for tender to carry out the research into the views of service providers was published on eTenders. A total of five responses were received and evaluated. The evaluation process has now concluded, and I am pleased to announce that the contract for this important research has been awarded to Manchester Metropolitan University. A budget of up to approximately €60,000 is available for Manchester Metropolitan University to carry out this research. The objective of this research is to capture the views and experiences of service providers and will be a key input to the Review of the operation of the 2018 Act.
665. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of retail outlets registered to sell tobacco on the National Register of Tobacco retailers in 2021 to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24260/22]
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.
666. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated revenue that would be raised annually if an annual €500 tobacco retailer license fee per retail outlet was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24261/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra669. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated revenue that would be raised annually if an annual €50 electronic cigarette retailer license fee per retail outlet was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24265/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 666 and 669 together.
The current General Scheme for a Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill provides for the introduction of a licensing system for the retail sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products (including electronic cigarettes). Under the proposed system, an annual licence will be required for each outlet where tobacco products or nicotine inhaling products are sold. Separate licenses will be required for the retail sale of tobacco products and for the retail sale of nicotine inhaling products. The proposed annual fees are yet to be determined.
It is not possible to estimate the number of retail outlets that would opt to sell or continue to sell tobacco products or nicotine inhaling products following the introduction of a requirement for an annual licence and fee.
667. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the level of funding provided for tobacco cessation services from 2011 to 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24262/22]
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.
668. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated annual cost of smoking to the State; if his Department will be conducting an updated 2022 report assessing the economic cost of smoking following on from a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24263/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe most recent study conducted on behalf of my Department on the economic cost of smoking in Ireland, "A detailed assessment of the economic cost of smoking in Ireland" was carried out in 2016 by ICF International (UK) in association with DKM Economic Consultants (Ireland)
The study estimated the total cost of smoking to be €10.6 billion per year which included:
- Estimated healthcare costs of €506 million
- Estimated lost productivity costs of €1,071 million
- Estimated smoking related fires costs of €6 million.
- Estimated smoking related litter costs of €69 million.
There are currently no plans to conduct an updated report in 2022.
670. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health if a medical card holder (details supplied) should have to pay for an implant to replace a broken tooth when the issue is caused by delays to her position on the orthodontic treatment waiting list. [24295/22]
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.
671. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the way that his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit meet their obligations for reasonable accommodation under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015. [24309/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department uses the services of the Public Appointments Service (PAS) when recruiting new staff. As part of that process, PAS engage with candidates on any reasonable accommodations they may require and this information is provided to the Department when the candidate is assigned as an employee.
My Department's Strategic HR Unit engages directly with individual employees (whether new recruits or existing staff) about any reasonable accommodation needs they may require. The HR team adopts a positive, facilitative and constructive approach to ensure that all accommodations that can reasonably be put in place are met. This ensures that the individual employee can engage with their work and carry out their duties effectively and efficiently. Accommodations can take many different forms, including the use of assistive or adapted technology, a change in a working pattern or attendance arrangement, the provision of equipment including specialist ergonomically designed furniture or other aids.
The Department has a Disability Liaison Officer and a Disability Access Officer who are available to and engage regularly with employees with a disability. The Department also avails of the Occupational Health services provided by the Chief Medical Officer for the Civil Service who advises on these matters.
The results of these engagements can be seen in the number of staff within my Department who have declared a disability which is well in excess of the target for the employment of people with a disability of 6%.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to their workforce. Information for other agencies under the aegis of my Department is being collated and will be provided directly once available.
672. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the number of United States trained physiotherapists who have applied to CORU for recognition in the past five years; the number of these who were accepted in the first instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24330/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCORU is Ireland's multi-profession health regulator for regulating health and social care professionals. CORU’s role is to protect the public by regulating the health and social care professions designated under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended), including setting the standards that health and social care professionals must meet to be eligible for registration and maintaining registers of persons who meet those standards
There are two forms of application to CORU; applications for the recognition of qualifications received outside the State and applications for registration. Professional qualifications awarded outside the State are assessed through a process of “recognition” which involves expert assessment of a qualification’s alignment with the standards of proficiency required in Ireland, and assessment of professional experience and lifelong learning where required.
Where a health and social care professional qualifies outside the State and applies to register in Ireland, they must apply for the recognition of their qualification. EU/EEA applicants have the right to have their qualifications assessed in accordance with the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 and Directive 2005/36/EC on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications and the European Union (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) Regulations 2017 (SI No 8 of 2017). CORU applies the processes available to EU/EEA applicants universally in the interests of equal treatment of all applicants.
To date, from 1 January 2018, 14 physiotherapists holding qualifications awarded in the United State of America have been assessed by the Physiotherapists Registration Board. Of these 14, 9 have now had their qualifications recognised by CORU and a further 5 have been assigned compensation measures which have not yet been completed.
I trust that this information is of assistance to you.
673. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the details of his efforts to develop a model of care and general health policies for trans people in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24334/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to create and implement a general health policy for Trans people, based on a best-practice model for care, in line with the World Professional Association of Transgender Healthcare (WPATH) and deliver a framework for the development of national gender clinics and multidisciplinary teams for children and adults.
The HSE is committed to developing services for the transgender community in accordance with international best practice across a number of programmes including mental health, acute hospitals and primary care. This includes a robust and agreed care pathway for young people with gender dysphoria, in line with international best practice.
I am advised that a proposed model of care for transgender children, adolescents and adults has been developed by the HSE Quality Improvement Division. The model recommends a comprehensive multidisciplinary psychosocial assessment prior to commencement of hormone therapy by endocrinology services, and also outlines the framework for the development of National Gender Clinics and MDTs for children and adults.
While there are definite challenges in responding to the needs of this population, there have been many positive developments: -
- embedded clinical services, with expertise, in certain parts of the country,
- constructive advocacy groups in place with both individual and family experience of this issue,
- funding for a number of posts exists, and
- a proposed model of care in place .
The challenges mainly centre around operational and governance issues which reflect the fact that the health services are delivered by a range of voluntary and statutory services and have grown up along with demand and clinician-led responses.
I am 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.
674. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health his views on the considerations that his Department is giving to further vaccinations for Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24340/22]
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: www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/guidelines/covid19.pdf
The NIAC has recommended that to maintain high levels of immunity in those most at risk of severe disease, a second booster dose of an mRNA vaccine is to be offered to those aged 65 years and older & those aged 12 years and older with immunocompromise associated with a sub optimal response to vaccines. The second booster vaccine is recommended at least six months after the first booster. A minimum interval of four months may be used for operational reasons.
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.
675. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question 557 of 4 May 2022, when a person (details supplied) will be provided with specialised equipment. [24345/22]
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.
676. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the maternity hospitals, units which currently conduct medical procedures as outlined under the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018; the maternity hospitals, units which do not provide these services; the actions he is taking to ensure all hospitals, units provide these services, including in emergency situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24346/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 Act, services for termination of pregnancy are available in this country in both hospital and community settings. Terminations up to 9 weeks of pregnancy are provided in the community setting. Terminations up to 12 weeks of pregnancy are currently available in 11 of the 19 maternity hospitals/units. The hospitals in question are listed on the HSE’s website: www2.hse.ie/conditions/abortion/how-to-get/in-hospital/
The HSE has advised that all 19 maternity hospitals/units also offer a range of support services in relation to termination of pregnancy, including:
- Supporting women with any post termination complications;
- Provision of ultrasound scanning, where required; and
- Management of Fatal Foetal Anomaly cases.
It is Government policy that termination of pregnancy services, under the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, should be provided in all 19 maternity hospitals/units. In that regard, the Department of Health continues to engage with the HSE in relation to plans for the further rollout of termination services in additional maternity hospitals/units. It is envisaged that termination in early pregnancy will commence in a number of other maternity hospitals/units in 2022.
677. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if officials in the Department of Health or HSE have been tasked with conducting social media monitoring or providing reports on social media coverage that are critical of the plans concerning the National Maternity Hospital; the number of staff involved; their respective grades, and estimated working hours committed to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24347/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThank you for your question, Deputy. I can confirm that officials in my department or in the HSE have not been tasked with conducting social media monitoring or providing reports on social media coverage that are critical of the plans concerning the National Maternity Hospital.
The Department’s Press Office creates a media clippings document every morning that is shared with all members of staff. The clippings include coverage of all health-related topics in daily broadcast and print media, regardless of sentiment.
This work is undertaken by an Executive Officer and takes approximately ten minutes each day.
678. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if he has engaged companies, individuals external to his Department to conduct social media monitoring or provide reports on social media coverage that are critical of the plans concerning the National Maternity Hospital; the cost of same; and the name of the social media platforms being monitored. [24348/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThank you for your question Deputy. I can confirm that neither myself, nor my Department have engaged external companies or individuals to conduct social media monitoring or provide reports on social media coverage that are critical of the plans concerning the National Maternity Hospital.
679. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health when day services in community hospitals across County Donegal will commence for the elderly who have had no services since early 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24355/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
680. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the reason that general practice nurses are being excluded from the pandemic special recognition payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24356/22]
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. 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 in Covid-19 exposed front-line settings;
- 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 front-line 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.
