Written Answers Nos. 1914-1933
1914. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the details of the funding allocated by his Department to providers of adult respite services in counties Laois and Offaly from 1 January 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43614/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1915. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that a HPV vaccine will be made available free of charge to a person (details supplied) who was unable to avail of the vaccine when they were in secondary school due to health reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43618/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation.
The ages at which vaccines are recommended in the immunisation schedule are chosen by the NIAC in order to give each child the best possible protection against vaccine preventable diseases. As the HPV vaccine is preventative it is intended to be administered, if possible, before a person becomes exposed to HPV infection.
Therefore, the gender-neutral HPV vaccination programme targets all girls and boys in first year of secondary school to provide maximum coverage.
In October 2021, my Department asked the National Immunisation Advisory Committee to consider the clinical effectiveness of providing the HPV vaccine to:
- girls and boys in secondary school who were eligible to receive HPV vaccine in 1st year but who did not receive it; and
- women up to the age of 25 years who have left secondary school and who did not receive the vaccine when eligible.
I can confirm that the NIAC has submitted its advices in relation to the HPV Vaccination Programme to my Department. As part of its advices, the NIAC noted that HPV vaccination should be prioritised for unvaccinated second level students and females under the age of 25 years.
In line with that advice, I have asked the HSE to provide an opportunity for all boys and girls in secondary schools who were previously eligible to receive the HPV vaccine and who have not yet, for whatever reason, received it, to now be offered the vaccine.
I have also asked the HSE to provide options on how best to introduce a catch-up programme for young women who have now left secondary school and who did not receive the vaccine when they were eligible.
I will be in a position to outline timeframes once the HSE has completed its examination of potential implementation options.
1916. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm when the HPV vaccine will be made available free of charge to all women under 25 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43619/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation.
The ages at which vaccines are recommended in the immunisation schedule are chosen by the NIAC in order to give each child the best possible protection against vaccine preventable diseases. As the HPV vaccine is preventative it is intended to be administered, if possible, before a person becomes exposed to HPV infection.
Therefore, the gender-neutral HPV vaccination programme targets all girls and boys in first year of secondary school to provide maximum coverage.
In October 2021, my Department asked the National Immunisation Advisory Committee to consider the clinical effectiveness of providing the HPV vaccine to:
- girls and boys in secondary school who were eligible to receive HPV vaccine in 1st year but who did not receive it; and
- women up to the age of 25 years who have left secondary school and who did not receive the vaccine when eligible.
I can confirm that the NIAC has submitted its advices in relation to the HPV Vaccination Programme to my Department. As part of its advices, the NIAC noted that HPV vaccination should be prioritised for unvaccinated second level students and females under the age of 25 years.
In line with that advice, I have asked the HSE to provide an opportunity for all boys and girls in secondary schools who were previously eligible to receive the HPV vaccine and who have not yet, for whatever reason, received it, to now be offered the vaccine.
I have also asked the HSE to provide options on how best to introduce a catch-up programme for young women who have now left secondary school and who did not receive the vaccine when they were eligible.
I will be in a position to outline timeframes once the HSE has completed its examination of potential implementation options.
1917. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the way in which, in general, non-patient-facing HSE managers including managers with involvement in the roll-out of the Covid vaccine to patients and front-line staff in their local CHO, were notified of the dates on which they could avail of a first dose vaccine in 2021; if they were notified in writing or by phone as a rule; the exceptions that there would be for these communications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43625/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter for the HSE, I have referred the question to the HSE for a direct reply.
1918. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the reasons that no paper records exist relating to the dates on which non-patient-facing HSE mental health managers in CHO4, including managers with involvement in the roll-out of the Covid vaccine to patients and front-line staff, were themselves offered first dose vaccines in 2021, despite the existence of records relating to the dates that vaccines were offered to patients and front-line staff in the same CHO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43626/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter for the HSE, I have referred the question to the HSE for a direct reply.
1919. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health when an appointment will issue for a person (details supplied). [43630/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
1920. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a transfer of orthodontic treatment can be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43647/22]
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.
1921. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if funding has been made available for those families affected by defective blocks and who need mental healthcare; if so, if he will provide the details of the amount of funding that has been provided; to whom this funding has been given; the services that are being provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43648/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to Government’s commitment to enhanced mental health supports for individuals and families affected by the defective concrete blocks issue, free counselling sessions have been made available to individuals and families in Mayo and Donegal affected by the issue. The Department collaborated with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and modified and expanded an existing scheme under which MyMind offers free counselling sessions to priority groups to include these individuals and families. It should be noted that the scheme is funded by this Department in 2022 on a once-off basis. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in collaboration with the Department of Health, is keeping levels of interest in and need for this service under review. If there is a demonstrated demand for a continuation of the service further arrangements will be made to continue with it.
1922. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for dental treatment by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43651/22]
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.
1923. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the terms in relation to the compensation for the children who were affected by the CAMHS scandal in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43667/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe terms of the scheme were agreed by Government and they’re available online at the following website: www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/south-kerry-camhs-review/terms-of-reference-for-compensation-scheme.pdf
For ease of reference I have also included a link to the frequently asked questions in relation to the scheme
www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/south-kerry-camhs-review/faq-compensation-scheme.pdf
1924. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health when the pandemic bonus payment will issue to employees of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43688/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, 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 front-line 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.
1925. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners working in total in each county in Ireland for each of the past five years. [43715/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGeneral practitioners are private practitioners. No central register exists specifically for GPs working in Ireland, however all doctors in practice in Ireland must be registered with the Medical Council. At present there are 4,472 doctors on the Medical Council's Specialist Register in the specialty of General Practice. However, holding registration does not necessarily mean that a medical practitioner is active in general practice.
As of the start of this month, 2,522 GPs hold a GMS contract and a further 546 GPs hold some other contract with the HSE for the provision of health services. In relation to the number of HSE contracted GPs in each county over the past 5 years, as this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1926. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will address the concerns raised by staff in a facility (details supplied) who are yet to receive the pandemic bonus payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43718/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, 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 front-line 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.
1927. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene in the difficulties faced by a person (details supplied) in seeking funding under the Cross-Border Directive. [43719/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1928. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason that a person (details supplied) remains waiting for an orthopaedic appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43720/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
1929. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide instructions on the way in which general practitioners contracted to the HSE Covid assessment hub in Tallaght and Kildare treating patients with Covid-19 may access the pandemic bonus payment. [43725/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, 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 front-line 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.
1930. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if any changes have arisen in the amount of time allocated for care as part of the home care package in the case of the wife of a person (details supplied) whose hours appear to have been shortened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43735/22]
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.
1931. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm receipt of the pre-Budget 2023 submission of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43747/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe views of Mental Health Reform have been noted and the proposals contained in the submission will be considered as part of the budgetary process. Minister Butler will be engaging with MHR to discuss their prebudget submission shortly.
The Department is engaging in dialogue with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the HSE in relation to the 2023 Estimates. Until these discussions are concluded it would not be appropriate for me to comment on this matter. However, I am committed to ensuring the continued enhancement of mental health services through the allocation of additional funding for mental health in 2023.
The Government’s clear commitment to enhancing mental health services, is shown by significant mental health funding increases in recent years. I would note for the Deputy that 2022 saw a record budget for mental health of €1.149 billion, comprising €24 million for new developments, €10 million for mental health initiatives in response to Covid and €13 million for existing levels of service. An additional once off €10 million was announced on Budget Day to further support the mental health sector.
I am pleased to have secured an unprecedented level of funding, totalling, €1.149 billion, for mental health in this year’s budget. This Budget, which is the largest mental health budget in the history of the state, is supporting the continued implementation of new developments under our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision, including out of hours supports, CAMHS services, crisis resolution team, the national clinical programmes, and specialist mental health services for older people.
Budget Day also saw the addition of once off €10 million for mental health purposes. €1m of this was provided for MyMind to continue to deliver free of charge counselling sessions, to clients impacted negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic. This scheme has been extended to those affected by the Ukrainian crisis and defective concrete blocks in Donegal and Mayo. €1m was also provided to Mental Health Ireland to manage a grant scheme on behalf of the Department for community and voluntary agencies promoting mental health and wellbeing.
Funding allocated to mental health services in recent years has allowed for the continued investment in the mental health national clinical programmes and models of care, which has led to significant service improvements, including the full implementation of specialist perinatal mental health network provided for and the on-going expansion of specialist mental health teams for eating disorders, ADHD in adults, and dual diagnosis.
Importantly, as budgets increase, we need to ensure that we have plans and strategies in place so that those resources are used effectively and efficiently to the benefit of people using our mental health services. All aspects of mental health services are being improved and developed, through Sharing the Vision in the short to longer term. Sharing the Vision aims to enhance the provision of mental health services and supports across a broad continuum, from mental health promotion, prevention, and early intervention to acute and specialist mental health service delivery, during the period 2020-2030.
1932. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he has considered the concerns raised in a review (details supplied) regarding the treatment of children presenting with gender dysphoria at a clinic; if there are plans to open a gender identity development service for children and young persons in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43761/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tavistock Clinic provides psychological assessments for Irish children seeking gender identity services, under the Treatment Abroad Scheme. The TAS enables a public healthcare consultant to refer a patient to the public health service in the EU, UK or Switzerland for treatment not available in Ireland. Once the criteria are met, the HSE is obliged to fund the care. A NHS-commissioned review of the clinic has recommended closure and a move to a local/regional approach to service provision, in line with other paediatric services.
The HSE is reviewing the NHS report and assessing the potential impact for existing pathways of care and service delivery. The HSE national clinical advisory and group lead for mental health meets regularly with Tavistock Clinic to discuss waiting list issues. The HSE has not received any complaints about the services provided by the clinic. The HSE is actively seeking services in other countries to replace the Tavistock Clinic.
The Department received a report on the Cass report from the Office of the National Clinical Director and Lead for Integrated Care in the HSE, which is currently being considered.
The report of the steering committee on the development of HSE transgender services was published in 2020. The report acknowledged the additional funding made available to develop services in recent years. It advised on the development of seamless interfaces between agencies providing gender services and developed a job description for a consultant psychiatrist in child and adolescent psychiatry to lead on the development of a services for those aged under 18 years. Subsequently, this position was advertised twice but has not yet been filled.
Minister Donnelly and Minister Butler recently held a constructive meeting with a number of clinicians from the National Gender Service. They intend to meet with the HSE and other stakeholders to hear their views and proposals.
Minister Donnelly, Minister Butler and I are committed to working with the HSE to provide a gender identify service that meets the health needs of children and young people.
1933. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the status of the CORU registration process for psychotherapists under the Health and Social Care Act 2005: the cost involved in the regulation of CORU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43762/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (the Act) provides for the protection of the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct and professional education, training and competence through the statutory registration of health and social care professions designated under the Act.
Regulations under SI No. 170 of 2018 were made by my predecessor in 2018. The effect of these regulations is to designate the professions of counsellor and psychotherapist under the Act and to establish one registration board for both professions. Members were appointed to the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board in February 2019 and they held their inaugural meeting in May 2019.
The work of a registration board includes consideration of the titles to be protected and the minimum qualifications to be required of existing practitioners and the qualifications that will be required for future graduates. The work of the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board is significantly more challenging than it is for registration boards for some of the more established professions owing to the different and complex pathways into these professions, the variety of titles used, and the variety and number of courses and course providers. This work is ongoing.
The annual financial statements of the Health and Social Care Professionals Council (CORU) are laid before both houses of the Oireachtas and are publicly available from the Oireachtas Library.
I hope that this information is of assistance to you.
