Thursday, 8 Sep 2022

Written Answers Nos. 1894-1913

Hospital Staff

Ceisteanna (1894)

Martin Browne

Ceist:

1894. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time consultant urologists attached to Nenagh Hospital in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [43506/22]

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (1895)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

1895. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if he will extend the pandemic special recognition payment to general practice nurses in view of their work looking after patients and running Covid vaccine clinics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43824/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.

The Government decision to provide a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers covers the following cohorts of staff:

1. HSE and Section 38 organisations;

2. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);

3. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;

4. Agency roles working in the HSE;

5. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;

6. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;

7. Paramedic staff employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.

The above 7 areas only are covered by this Government Decision and all eligible workers will be paid in accordance with the overarching eligibility criteria in place, which can be viewed here: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html. 

The Government is mindful of other workers who played an important role during this difficult period in sustaining other services. It was very tough to draw a line on this matter. 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.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (1896)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

1896. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the details on the total amounts of moneys awarded to Louth County Council by his Department in each of the years 2016 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; if he will seek details on the total moneys drawn down and spent by Louth County Council over the same years, in tabular form, and, if not spent, the total moneys that were returned to his Department over the same years, respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43522/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

My Department has not awarded any money directly to Louth County Council for the years 2016 - 2022.  

Care of the Elderly

Ceisteanna (1897)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

1897. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health his views on the elder care sector, and, in particular, if he will address the challenges of inflation for operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43535/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

It is a key priority to allow more people to engage in services that allow them to remain independent and live in their own homes with dignity and independence for as long as possible. This makes sense as our ongoing engagement with our older population clearly indicates their preference to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. However, when this is no longer possible, it is important that people can have access to the best residential care available and that they are supported in making this transition.

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as ‘Fair Deal’, is a means-tested system for people who those who have been assessed as needing long-term residential care and require financial support to access that care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means, while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.

I am acutely aware of the specific challenges faced by the Nursing Home sector related to price inflation and increased energy costs. I have met directly with Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI), the representative organisation for private and voluntary nursing homes, and updated them in detail on progress being made in relation to this matter. I have also met with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to request that they consider the matter alongside departmental officials. I have visited a number of Nursing Homes to discuss this issue with management of both public and private/voluntary nursing units. It is imperative that nursing homes manage potential cost pressures in line with their regulatory and contractual responsibilities, maintaining their quality of care so that residents’ lived experience and comfort is not affected.  I will provide an update to sector representatives as soon as possible.

Disability Services

Ceisteanna (1898)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

1898. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that the HSE will provide financial support to a centre (details supplied) that operates a significant service beyond preschool service, including low vision intervention, specialised therapeutic interventions at afternoons and weekends on site and in the home, and a parent support network and training service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43543/22]

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (1899)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

1899. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that cleaning staff who worked in Tallaght hospital through all of the pandemic have been informed that they are not entitled to the pandemic bonus payment as they are contractors; given that they took the same risks as HSE staff if he will ensure that they receive the recognition payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43545/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.

The HSE and the Department have been examining progressing the rollout of the Pandemic Recognition Payment to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. This measure will be ring fenced to staff working ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments. This shall cover eligible staff in:

1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);

2. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;

3. Agency roles working in the HSE;

4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help/home care/home support) contracted to the HSE;

5. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE; 

6. Paramedics employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE. 

Information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/non-Section 38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff.

Once this process is published, the Department is keen that payments to eligible workers will be made as soon as possible thereafter.

Disabilities Assessments

Ceisteanna (1900, 1901)

Martin Browne

Ceist:

1900. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting an appointment with a children’s disability network team in County Tipperary; the number of children on assessment of needs waiting lists, broken down by discipline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43568/22]

Martin Browne

Ceist:

1901. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting a preliminary team assessment and a subsequent multidisciplinary assessment, by age and by children’s disability network team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43569/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1900 and 1901 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. 1901 answered with Question No. 1900.

Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (1902)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

1902. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health when the personalised budget pilot will be reopened for expressions of interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43585/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

An extension to the Personalised Budget pilot was granted on 1 July 2022 by Minister Rabbitte, which will see the project extend to Q3 2023 for onboarding new participants, with the final evaluation due for completion in Q2 2024. The intention to open a further call for expressions of interest was announced along with this extension. HSE advise that the call for expressions of interest is anticipated to be announced in Q4 of this year.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (1903)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

1903. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in genetic testing for confirmation of wild-type or hereditary TTR genotype for transthyretin amyloidosis patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43588/22]

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 (1904)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

1904. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if funding will be made available to speed up the process of genetic testing for confirmation of wild-type or hereditary TTR genotype for transthyretin amyloidosis patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43589/22]

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 Strategies

Ceisteanna (1905)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1905. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 840 of 5 July 2022, when the evaluation of the obesity policy and action plan undertaken by University College Cork will be published; when his Department will respond to the evaluation; when the review of the obesity policy and action plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43596/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Review of the Obesity Policy and Action Plan has been prepared and is currently with the Obesity Policy and Implementation Oversight Group for input. It is expected it will published at the end of September.

The Review includes the evaluation carried out by the School of Public Health, University College Cork.

Health Promotion

Ceisteanna (1906)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1906. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 841 of 5 July 2022, if he will provide an update on the evaluation of the sugar-sweetened drinks tax in Ireland; the current stage of the evaluation; when it will be finished and published; the names of the researchers with whom the Department is working; the resources required for the evaluation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43597/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Sugar-Sweetened Drinks Tax was introduced in 2018 and has now been in operation for more than four years.  The introduction of the tax was an important action in the Obesity Policy and Action Plan, with the aim of combatting obesity through reducing consumption of added sugar in drinks and encouraging reformulation of products by the drinks industry.

Initial indications are that the tax has had a positive impact, particularly in terms of encouraging drinks producers to reduce the sugar content in their products.  A more comprehensive analysis of the effects of the tax is needed, and the Department has commenced an evaluation of the measure.

The first step in this process was to look at existing examples that could inform the methodology to assess the impacts of the tax.  This literature review and data scoping exercise enabled the Department to make an assessment of the potential approaches to evaluate the impact of the tax and the timelines and resources required for the evaluation.  The Department has developed links with researchers who are working on projects relevant to the evaluation topic, which has impacted upon the nature and timeline of the work. Additional data sources are also being considered.  The timelines for completing the evaluation are currently under review.

Healthcare Policy

Ceisteanna (1907)

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

1907. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if web doctors will be excluded from prescribing contraception in the delivery of the proposed new scheme to make contraception freely available to women aged between 17 and 25 years. [43602/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Programme for Government, 2020 commits to providing free contraception for women, starting with the 17-25 age cohort.  My Department has been working with partners, including the HSE, towards ensuring that the scheme will commence in September, 2022. Funding of approximately €9m has been allocated for this in Budget 2022.

The scheme will be open to all 17-25 year-old women ordinarily resident in Ireland and will provide for:

- The cost of prescription contraception;

- The cost of consultations with medical professionals to discuss suitable contraception for individual patients and to enable prescription of same. Consultations will include both initial discussions of suitable contraception for each patient, and necessary check-ups to provide repeat prescriptions;

- The cost of fitting and/or removal of various types of long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) plus any necessary checks, by medical professionals certified to fit/remove same;

- The cost of providing the wide range of contraceptive options currently available to GMS (medical) card holders, which will also be available through this scheme, including contraceptive injections, implants, IUS and IUDs (coils), the contraceptive patch and ring, and various forms of oral contraceptive pill, including emergency contraception.

- The cost of training and certifying additional medical professionals to fit and remove LARCs;

The legal framework for the scheme is provided by the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Act, 2022, which was enacted in July, 2022. It is envisaged that the Act will be commenced, and the scheme launched, once the Regulations setting the terms and conditions relating to the provision of services and fees, etc., are expected to be enacted later this week.  It is envisaged that the scheme will go live next week (the week commencing 12 September 2022).

The Department of Health and the HSE are working with service providers in term of preparations for scheme commencement. It is typically the case that formal agreement with the main medical and pharmacy representative organisations is reached regarding the detail of service provision, prior to engagement with other smaller providers.

I can confirm that officials in the Department have contacted smaller specialist service providers, with a view to discussing possible engagement with the scheme and to discuss any issues they may wish to raise.

With specific regard to telemedicine, it will be necessary to have the provision of prescription contraception in this manner reviewed by clinical experts, prior to inclusion in the scheme. Advice from the relevant clinical experts has been sought in this regard.  If the clinical advice is that it is appropriate in terms of patient safety, etc., for prescriptions for oral contraceptives to be issued through online consultations under a State sponsored scheme (i.e. without the ability to carry out physical checks using calibrated equipment, etc.), amendments will be required to the Regulations that will lay out the terms and conditions of scheme participation for providers, following negotiations with providers to agree these.

Completing these requirements may take a little additional time; therefore it may not be possible to include such providers in the scheme from the outset. However, their inclusion is being actively worked on and we are hoping to include these options as soon as the appropriate clinical and regulatory processes have been completed.  

The design of citizen engagement information and publicity campaigns to support and promote the roll out of the scheme is currently being finalised by officials in the Department’s Press and Communications Team, the HSE’s Communications team and relevant subject matter experts in the Department and HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme.

The campaign will target 17-25 year olds with a broader reach to all adults through an extensive media engagement and outreach programme on broadcast and video on demand services; digital out of home advertising in a variety of locations including third level institutes, retail settings etc; targeted and an organic social media campaign. Digital information regarding the scheme and how to access it will be available through www.sexualwellbeing.ie shortly and contraceptive choices materials will be placed in GP surgeries from later in September.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (1908)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1908. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when the pandemic bonus payment will be issued to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43604/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.

While my Department cannot comment on individual cases, I can advise that the HSE and the Department have been examining progressing the rollout of the Pandemic Recognition Payment to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. This measure will be ring fenced to staff working ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments. This shall cover eligible staff in:

1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);

2. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;

3. Agency roles working in the HSE;

4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;

5. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE; 

6. Paramedics employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.

Information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/non-Section 38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff.

Once this process is published, the Department is keen that payments to eligible workers will be made as soon as possible thereafter.

I would like to remind the Deputy that it is against Department policy to comment on individual cases.

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Ceisteanna (1909)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

1909. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that a site has now been identified for the building of a new elective hospital for Cork; the location of the site; the estimated timeline for the design, applying for planning and building of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43606/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

In December 2021, the Government agreed a new National Elective Ambulatory Care Strategy. This aims to change the way in which day case, scheduled procedures, surgeries, scans and outpatient services can be better arranged and ensure greater capacity in the future. It will also help to address waiting lists on a national level through the provision of dedicated, standalone facilities in Cork, Galway and Dublin.

The development of the elective hospital proposals is following the process outlined in the updated Public Spending Code. This sets out the value for money requirements for the evaluation, planning, and management of large public investment projects. A Programme Preliminary Business Case has been reviewed by my Department and shared with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. A project-level Preliminary Business Case for Cork is now complete and is being reviewed under the newly introduced External Assurance Process. This review is nearing completion and feedback is being incorporated as required. It is expected that the Business Case will be submitted for review by the Department of Public Expenditure’s Major Projects Advisory Group shortly. Once these processes are concluded, a Memorandum will be brought to Government for its consideration/approval, including a recommendation on a site option. 

In parallel, work has also commenced to ensure a smooth transition to next phase of Public Spending Code Gate 2 - Detailed Project Design, Planning and Procurement and to ensure the necessary structures and workstreams can be progressed at pace, including articulating the clinical service and operating model including separation of scheduled and unscheduled care pathways, procurement strategy, design for planning approvals and stakeholder engagement arrangements.

It is not possible to estimate timeline for the design, applying for planning and building of the new facilities; however, based on current plans it is intended that they will be fully operational no later than 2027.

Departmental Staff

Ceisteanna (1910)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

1910. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health his plans to appoint a chief psychiatrist within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43607/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

There are no plans at the present time to establish a post of Chief Psychiatrist in the Department of Health.  My Department is supported by a psychiatrist who works as an integral part of the Mental Health Unit team on a part-time basis as the clinical and policy adviser on these issues for the Department.

Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (1911)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

1911. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that the HSE reinstates the post of director of mental health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43608/22]

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.

Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (1912)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

1912. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that vacant consultant psychiatrist posts are filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43609/22]

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.

Nursing Homes

Ceisteanna (1913)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

1913. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the reason there was a delay in processing an application under the nursing home support scheme for a person (details supplied) who has been in a nursing home since early May 2022 and who was medically assessed in June 2022 but to date is not receiving any financial support under the scheme; if he will confirm that the support will be backdated to the date the person was assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43613/22]

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.