Written Answers Nos. 1470-1490
1470. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice the current status of an application by a person (details supplied) to transfer to an Irish prison under the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Act 1995; and if she will provide assurance that advices from her Department will be submitted at the next related hearing in October given the developments regarding the application. [44155/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the case referred to is currently before the courts, and in those circumstances it would not be appropriate to make any comment on the details of this case.
1471. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Justice if she will report on the work of the Garda vetting review group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44164/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that Garda Vetting Review Group was established in April 2021 and meets regularly to discuss proposals regarding potential amendments to vetting legislation.
This group includes members of the National Vetting Bureau in An Garda Síochána and officials from my Department, Tusla and other relevant parties. The primary focus of the Group is to deliberate on and, if necessary, formulate recommendations to strengthen the vetting legislation in an effective manner.
The Group is due to report by the end of this year. Issues to be considered by the group include any changes which may be possible around the matter of re-vetting individuals.
The Deputy may wish to know that there are currently no delays or backlogs in the Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNVB). The current turnaround time for vetting applications is 4 working days for 85% of applications received.
1472. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of patients that have been seen in each post-acute and long-Covid clinic since implementation of the interim model of care for long Covid began, by clinic and by month, in tabular form. [44284/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1483. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the reason that long Covid is not included in the infection metrics, as requested by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41962/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1517. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he plans to examine the ongoing health issues caused by Covid and the response that is required to these issues by his Department and the HSE; if he has considered establishing long Covid clinics to assist in the analysis of the after-effects of Covid; if long Covid will be acknowledged as a disability or, in the case of the HSE, as an occupational injury; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42084/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1598. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the status of the development of long Covid models of care for patients; the way that persons in counties Louth and Meath will be in a position to access long Covid services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42340/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1828. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 737 of 10 May 2022, if he will seek a full update on the planned development of long Covid clinics and models of care for patients; the locations in which they will open (details supplied); the overall budget that has been set aside for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43213/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1472, 1483, 1517, 1598 and 1828 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputies directly.
1473. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health when a homecare package will be delivered for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41936/22]
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.
1474. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of a new hospice in Drogheda following the announcement of €1 million in funding in December 2021 to progress the much needed project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41937/22]
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.
1475. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of assaults recorded against medical, nursing, midwifery and other health and social care professionals across HSE hospitals and community healthcare facilities to date for each month in 2021 and to date in 2022, by hospital in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41941/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
1476. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health the status of a medical card appeal by a person (details supplied). [41947/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1477. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will assist, financially and otherwise, persons who wish to take their sibling out of residential care and bring them to live with them in their home and are refused a local authority grant for building on a bedroom and wet room downstairs (details supplied) on the basis that the sibling is not yet living with them full-time, though they cannot do so due to a stair hazard given that this move to homecare would greatly reduce the a financial burden for State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41956/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities to meet their needs. There are a range of services in place to protect individuals and families from excessive costs for their medical and surgical needs.
The Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability assist people to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. These works can include making it wheelchair-accessible, extending it to create more space, adding a ground-floor bathroom or toilet or a stairlift. The scheme is administered by local authorities and more information can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/.
Applications to the Health Service Executive for a wide range of aids and appliances - including beds, wheelchairs, mobile hoists, respiratory equipment etc - are made on foot of prescriptions from relevant health care professionals and based on an applicant's eligibility under the Health Act 1970 (as amended). These applications are made under the Community Funded Schemes and are considered by Resource Allocation Groups within each Community Health Organisation. A determination is made regarding approval based on clinical priority and the funding available within local budgets. These aids and appliances play a key role in assisting and supporting people to maintain everyday functioning and to remain living in their homes and local community.
The 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 LTI scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
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. Medical card eligibility is primarily based on an assessment of means and is not granted on the basis of any particular condition.
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. 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, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
1478. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if a system exists for the HSE to purchase a modified home from a person with a serious illness and allow them to remain in their home for their lifetime and use the home later for another person with similar needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41957/22]
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.
1479. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if he will explain the stated position of the acting Chief Medical Officers that Covid is endemic; if he will publish the scientific basis for same given that the World Health Organization has stated that Covid is not endemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41958/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCOVID-19 continues to pose significant challenge to population health as well as health and social care services both in Ireland and internationally. While the pandemic is not over, countries including Ireland are transitioning beyond the acute phase of the pandemic to a sustainable and integrated longer-term approach. Although there continues to be uncertainty as to the future trajectory of the disease, it is anticipated that COVID-19 will continue to represent a risk to population health.
The importance of on-going vigilance in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and specifically in relation to the coming autumn/winter period, has also been signalled through international guidance and communications, such as from the World Health Organization and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
The national pandemic response will continue to be monitored and informed by the evolving disease epidemiology and evidence.
1480. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health when the cross-Government living with Covid plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41959/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the course of the Pandemic the Government has published several plans including Resilience & Recovery 2020-21: Plan for Living with COVID-19 which was published in September 2020. All plans are available online at the links below:
- Ireland’s National Action Plan in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), March 2020, available here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/47b727-government-publishes-national-action-plan-on-covid-19/
- Ireland’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, May 2020,available here: assets.gov.ie/73722/ffd17d70fbb64b498fd809dde548f411.pdf
- Resilience & Recovery 2020-21: Plan for Living with COVID-19, September 2020, available here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/e5175-resilience-and-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/
- COVID-19 Resilience & Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead, February 2021, available here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/c4876-covid-19-resilience-and-recovery-2021-the-path-ahead/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/ThePathAhead/
- Reframing the challenge: Continuing our recovery and reconnecting , August 2021, available here: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/f5291-post-cabinet-statement-covid-19-reframing-the-challenge-continuing-our-recovery-and-reconnecting/
The Deputy is advised that the COVID-19 Advisory Group has been convened and is considering how best to maximise Ireland’s medium to long-term preparedness against SARS-CoV-2. This group will provide its recommendations in due course.
1481. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the autumn-winter Covid plan referred to by Cabinet members and media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41960/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is advised that preparations are underway for the Autumn and Winter seasons with respect to COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. My Department is working closely with the HSE with respect to overall health system winter preparedness. Additionally, the COVID-19 Advisory Group has been convened and will provide its recommendations in due course.
1482. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the reason that the Government is not heeding World Health Organization advice on mitigations; if he will publish the scientific basis of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41961/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is advised that the current Government response is informed by expert advice, is proportionate to Ireland’s current epidemiological profile and is informed by international guidance and best practice.
The office of the Chief Medical Officer in conjunction with colleagues in the HSE, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) and the National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL), continue to monitor the epidemiological profile of the disease with due regard for international developments. A weekly update containing the current key public health advice with regard to COVID-19 is published on the Department of Health's website, available here : www.gov.ie/en/collection/6a6db-weekly-report-from-the-chief-medical-officer-to-the-minister-for-health-relating-to-covid-19/
1484. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to any insurance and actuarial implications in relation to Covid infection, reinfection and long Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41963/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1485. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 vaccine doses the Government has purchased broken down by vaccine name - for example, Moderna; and the cost of same. [41966/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to secure an adequate supply of safe and effective vaccines against Covid-19, Ireland participated in an EU led procurement process where the Commission negotiated a range of contractual agreements with various vaccine suppliers on behalf of Member States.
As part of this EU procurement strategy, the Commission leveraged EU Emergency Support Instrument funding to facilitate development and production, as well as securing reasonable per dose costs on behalf of Member States. Ireland has, through its participation in this process, gained access to a broad range of vaccines that it might not otherwise have access to, allowing for the successful roll-out of the largest vaccination campaign in the history of the State and the subsequent reopening of society and the economy.
The attached table provides details of the number of vaccine doses secured by Ireland through the above-mentioned arrangements, broken down by supplier. Per dose costs are commercially sensitive and subject to confidentiality.
1486. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he will provide support to families for the provision of respite in private settings in cases in which no respite service is available through the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41974/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1487. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the number of dentists in Waterford city who offer dental care to medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41975/22]
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.
1488. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the number of dentists in County Waterford who offer dental care to medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41976/22]
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.
1489. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health the details of waiting times for medical card holders of all ages on waiting lists for dental care in Waterford city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41977/22]
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.
1490. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health the details of waiting times for medical card holders of all ages on waiting lists for dental care in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41978/22]
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.
