Tuesday, 14 Jun 2022

Written Answers Nos. 1905-1931

Eating Disorders

Ceisteanna (1906)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

1906. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health when the new eating disorder unit at Mount Carmel will be opened; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30773/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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

Question No. 1907 answered with Question No. 1401.

Disability Services

Ceisteanna (1908, 1909)

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

1908. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if children who received a preliminary team assessment or an assessment of need prior to the 15 January 2020 will require reassessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30788/22]

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

1909. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if assessment of needs have been frozen in any CHO; if so, if he will provide details of the particular CHOs; if waiting lists have been frozen to reflect this; if not, if children are being called for appointments and then being removed and having to reapply as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30789/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1908 and 1909 together.

As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Question No. 1909 answered with Question No. 1908.

Disability Services

Ceisteanna (1910)

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

1910. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the projected date of an appointment for a child (details supplied) with the children’s disability network team; if this date will be expedited due to the nature of the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30790/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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

Departmental Priorities

Ceisteanna (1911)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

1911. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health his views on the report by an organisation (details supplied); the actions that have been taken and will be taken by his Department as a result of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30808/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I welcome the recent publication by Safeguarding Ireland of this comprehensive and well-argued report, which is an important contribution to the ongoing debate on how best we can enhance adult safeguarding frameworks in Ireland across and within all sectors, including the health and social care sector.

Adult safeguarding is an important matter for all of society, agencies and Government Departments. While every sector has specific safeguarding responsibilities for adults at risk within their remit, currently no one Department has an assigned lead or coordinating cross-sectoral role, and I note that Safeguarding Ireland’s report suggests a central role in this regard for the Department of Justice and supportive roles for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, my Department and the Departments of Social Protection, Finance, and Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

I and my Department take the risk of abuse of vulnerable adults in healthcare and social care contexts very seriously. In the health and social care sector, various structures and processes, including legislative and policy measures, are available to protect against abuse and ensure prompt action, including legislative and policy measures. My Department will carefully examine Safeguarding Ireland’s important report with a view to identifying and considering its potential implications for agencies and services within the remit of my Department. I will ask relevant officials of my Department to meet representatives of Safeguarding Ireland to discuss these implications in greater detail, with a view to informing my Department’s ongoing work to develop a national policy and related underpinning legislation on adult safeguarding in the health and social care sector, building on the robust structures already in place. This policy development work is at a very advanced stage, with details of a public consultation to be announced in the near future.

Separately, the Law Reform Commission is preparing a major report on A Regulatory Framework for Adult Safeguarding across all sectors, which is also expected to inform future policy and legislation on adult safeguarding. Upon completion of the Commission’s report, all relevant Departments will consider any recommendations the Commission may make regarding legislation relevant to their Departments’ functions.

Question No. 1912 answered with Question No. 1443.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Ceisteanna (1913)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

1913. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to reimburse international normalised ratio test strips and machines for warfarin patients (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30820/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As the Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical items, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Departmental Correspondence

Ceisteanna (1914)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

1914. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied); the plans, if any, that the HSE has to address the problems outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30831/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised me that there are a number of complex, contributory factors which are challenging the resumption normal services at the Regional Orthopaedic Unit at Our Lady’s Hospital Navan (OLHN).

The HSE has noted that the national guidelines on infection prevention and control of COVID 19 specifies a two-stream system at the Emergency Department (ED) and inpatient setting in order to reduce the risk of infection, including patient to patient spread. In addition, similar to many other hospitals, significant numbers of staff have not been available due to COVID illness.

The HSE has advised me that, compounding the above, there was a fire outbreak in the Hospital’s CIRRUS unit on 27th December 2021 which caused serious damage to that premises. This has significantly reduced options to stream COVID and non-COVID patients. It is expected that this Unit will reopen in August which should help provide some relief to the current situation.

The HSE has further advised that the presence of a 24 hour ED at the hospital impacts on its control over the number of acute patients presenting to the hospital.

The HSE has assured me that the hospital is making every effort to resume levels of services in the orthopaedic unit and to ensure the safe delivery of care required to those patients presenting to the Emergency Department.

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy with any further updates on the matters raised.

Departmental Policies

Ceisteanna (1915)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

1915. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health his Department’s position on the European Health Data Space; the engagement that his Department has had with the European Commission regarding its proposal; the preparations underway to ensure that patients in Ireland can benefit from the EHDS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30833/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I welcome the development of a European Health Data Space and the very real benefits it can bring to patient care and treatment, research and innovation and policy making.

My department is currently engaging in the development of the European Health Data Space at the EU level by contributing in an informed and positive way to discussion of the proposed Regulation by the EU Council Working Party on Public Health.

Consideration is also being given to the implementation of the proposed Regulation nationally and this will continue as developments evolve at EU level.

Departmental Strategies

Ceisteanna (1916)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

1916. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the plans that are in place to ensure consultation and engagement with all stakeholders in the preparation of the national genetics and genomics strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30834/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Department of Health is currently working with the HSE on Steering Group tasked with the delivery a National Genetics and Genomic Strategy. This Steering Group is still in its initial phase of development. Membership on the Steering Group and its subgroups include clinicians, academics, state agency representatives, and patient advocates. The group also has representation from international experts working in the field.

Further consultation and engagement with key stakeholders will take place as the Strategy is being developed.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1917)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1917. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a follow-up appointment for a person (details supplied) who was supposed to be recalled within two weeks following his appointment on 3 May 2022 for cataract surgery is pending or forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30846/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this refers to an individual case, I have referred this matter to the HSE for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Substance Misuse

Ceisteanna (1918)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

1918. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the way he intends on dealing with the exponential increase in cocaine use and addiction in younger people that has been outlined in the latest Health Research Report (details supplied); if he will outline specifically his plans to deal with the reported 170% increase in cocaine abuse in younger people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30848/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Health Research Board recently published an overview entitled ‘Alcohol and other drug use among children and young people in Ireland’. Using multiple information sources, this publication outlines the prevalence of alcohol and other drug use among young people in Ireland. With this data, it examines the risk and protective factors that may encourage or discourage young people to begin using such substances, which may lead to problematic use, it also examines the consequences of drug and alcohol use, such as hospitalisations, death and crime.

This important research provides valuable insights into drug and alcohol use amongst our children and young people. An understanding about the alcohol and drug use among this cohort is key to providing evidence-based prevention and education to young people at this critical juncture in their lives.

The misuse of drugs and alcohol by all across society is concerning, but particularly so by young people of those of school going age. The National Drugs Strategy, Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery, promotes prevention initiatives regarding our young people and the misuse of drugs and alcohol. It recognises that substance misuse prevention strategies need to be evidence based and target families, schools, and communities in order to be an effective way of promoting health and well-being among the general population. 

The consequences of drug use can affect our young people’s health, undermine academic engagement and, sadly, may result in serious injury and death. We know that young people are the most likely to experiment with drugs, and therefore it is important that we collectively address these issues.

It is a strategic priority for the remaining period of the National Drugs Strategy to strengthen the prevention of drug and alcohol use and the associated harms among children and young people. An implementation group has been established to focus on the progression of this priority, under the auspices of the national oversight committee.

The Department of Health is developing a Prevention and Education Funding Programme which will support evidence-based prevention measures. Education and awareness programmes that are delivered alongside other measures, and which build life skills and confidence, are far more likely to be effective in encouraging protective and healthy behaviour than stand-alone measures.

I am committed to expanding prevention and education initiatives which support young people to lead healthy and fulfilling lives and protect them from the dangers of drug and alcohol use.

Nursing Homes

Ceisteanna (1919)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Ceist:

1919. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health if he will provide support for an application for the fair deal scheme (details supplied); the estimated timeline for completion of the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30850/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1920)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1920. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a hospital appointment for a child (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30854/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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.

Medicinal Products

Ceisteanna (1921)

Joe Carey

Ceist:

1921. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health the reason that he did not agree to meet with representatives of an organisation (details supplied) in relation to the use of kaftrio for 35 children who are awaiting critical access to same further to this Deputy’s request on 1 June 2022 in Dáil Éireann given that kaftrio is already in use in the exact same manner for all persons of the same genotype aged 12 years and over and for 140 children of different genotypes aged between 6 to 11 years; if he will re-examine his position and facilitate a meeting with the organisation as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30859/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Since I was appointed Minister for Health, I have at all times prioritised the needs of patients and I have at every opportunity, made myself available to meet with patients and patient groups.

Kaftrio has been a life changing drug for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers, and I want to see it made available to everyone who needs it.

I am advised that commercial discussions between the HSE and the manufacturer on extending the availability of the drug to these children are at a very sensitive stage, and that it would be inappropriate for me to engage with CF Ireland while those discussions are ongoing.

I certainly would not want to jeopardise those negotiations, which I hope can be brought to a satisfactory conclusion for everyone in the next few weeks.

I will be more than happy to meet with Cystic Fibrosis Ireland as soon as it is appropriate for me to do so.

Question No. 1922 answered with Question No. 1401.

Departmental Correspondence

Ceisteanna (1923)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

1923. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to neurology nurses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30866/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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

Ceisteanna (1924)

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

1924. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health if a woman attending a midwifery led unit can be discharged from the unit’s care due to having a positive test for group b streptococcus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30867/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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

Hospital Equipment

Ceisteanna (1925)

James O'Connor

Ceist:

1925. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the reason that insulin pump upgrades have been paused in Cork University Hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30869/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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

Medical Aids and Appliances

Ceisteanna (1926)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Ceist:

1926. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health if any consideration has been given by his Department to the provision of devices (details supplied) and self-test strips free of charge for persons who require long-term anticoagulant therapy with warfarin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30899/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As the Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical items, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Question No. 1927 answered with Question No. 1443.

Health Service Executive

Ceisteanna (1928)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

1928. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the reason that many HSE teams, specifically in the primary healthcare settings are required to complete their administrative work in paper format as opposed to digitally given the extra burden this puts on staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30950/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (1929)

Danny Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1929. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a matter (details supplied) regarding a service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30952/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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

Hospital Procedures

Ceisteanna (1930)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

1930. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for a procedure; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30953/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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.

Hospital Staff

Ceisteanna (1931)

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

1931. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health when the vacant cognitive behavioural therapy position in Mallow General Hospital will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30957/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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