Written Answers Nos. 566-585
566. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice when a person (details supplied) can expect to hear back from the INIS on the processing and completion of their application for the temporary granting of a stamp 4 in advance of their marriage in February 2023. [53569/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for the person referred to by the Deputy has been received by the Domestic Residence and Permissions division of my Department and a decision will issue shortly.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
567. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice if she has taken into consideration the possible impact of the recently enacted Birth and Information Tracing Act 2022 on the entitlement to Irish citizenship by birth in Ireland of persons who were living in another jurisdiction and who were unaware of their birth history until the Act came into force; the possible subsequent impact on children and grandchildren of such persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53591/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhere a person has received documentation or can otherwise support their claim as having been born in Ireland to an Irish citizen parent, that person is entitled to Irish citizenship from birth, whether or not he or she was subsequently adopted.
Additionally, a person born outside the island of Ireland can also become an Irish citizen if one of their parents was an Irish citizen at the time of their birth and that parent was not born on the island of Ireland. In these circumstances, the person can become an Irish citizen through Foreign Birth Registration (FBR). Once a person is entered onto the Foreign Births Register they are an Irish citizen and entitled to apply for an Irish passport. The Foreign Births Register is the responsibility of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Further information at be found on that Department’s website here: www.dfa.ie/citizenship/born-abroad/registering-a-foreign-birth/.
In the situation where a person was adopted, then they will continue to hold rights to Irish citizenship through either their birth parents or their adopted parents, if one was an Irish citizen. Where a person who was adopted by an Irish citizen was not already an Irish citizen from birth, under section 11 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, the adoption will need either to be done by an Irish adoption order or to be recognised and registered as an intercountry adoption with the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI). More information is available here on their website; aai.gov.ie/en/who-we-are/inter-country.html.
An adopted person in this situation may then apply to the Department of Foreign Affairs for an Irish passport.
568. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the status of the staff census and workforce review of community disability network teams 2022, due to have been undertaken on 12 October 2022; the current vacancy rate by discipline and CHO area in tabular form; the CHO2 vacancy rate by region and discipline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53308/22]
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.
569. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied) who has been awaiting cataract surgery at University Hospital Limerick, following their referral three years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52692/22]
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.
570. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason that there is no dedicated Parkinson’s consultant or team available in Cork University Hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52694/22]
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.
571. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will list the international scientific studies which informed his Department's decision to impose compulsory mask-wearing in certain settings during the Covid-19 pandemic, and which have informed his recent advice that the public should wear masks on public transport this winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52705/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra649. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the studies that are informing the evidentiary basis demonstrating conclusively that mask wearing significantly reduces the spread of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53145/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 571 and 649 together.
International expert advice and guidance in relation to face masks continues to be that face masks can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community as a complementary non-pharmaceutical intervention to other measures.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, public health advice has been informed by the epidemiological status of the disease, modelling projections, international advice and guidance, evolving evidence and practice both nationally and internationally, and the overarching priority of limiting the impact on public health and, in particular, protecting the following three core priorities:
- the protection of the most vulnerable;
- the continued provision of non-COVID health and social care services; and
- the need to protect the ongoing delivery of education and childcare.
Our approach has also been guided by core ethical principles: a duty to provide care, equity, solidarity, fairness, minimising harm, proportionality, reciprocity, and privacy. The Department of Health's 'Ethical Framework for Decision Making in a Pandemic' is available to read here.
In providing its public health advice, the NPHET for COVID-19 gave due consideration to face masks throughout the pandemic, specifically on the following dates:
- 11 May, 14 July, 1 October, 17 and 25 November 2020;
- 8 April, 25 August, 18 October, 11 November, 25 November, 2 December 2021; and
- 20 January and 17 February 2022.
The NPHET’s recommendations to the Minister for Health have been published on the Department of Health website: here.
Agendas, minutes, and meeting papers from meetings of the NPHET have also been published on the Department of Health website here.
You will note from the NPHET’s minutes and recommendations that the following publications were considered in particular by NPHET Members in providing their advice to the Minister for Health and Government:
- World Health Organization - Advice on the use of masks in the context of COVID-19: interim guidance, 5 June 2020, available here,
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control - Infection prevention and control for COVID-19 in healthcare settings - first update 12 March 2020, available here
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control - Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: increased transmission in the EU/EEA and the UK – seventh update, 25 March 2020, available here
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control - Using face masks in the community: first update Effectiveness in reducing transmission of COVID-19, 15 February 2021, available here.
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control - Assessing SARS-CoV-2 circulation, variants of concern, non-pharmaceutical interventions, and vaccine rollout on the EU/EEA, 15th Update, 10 June 2021, available here.
- HIQA – Evidence summary for face mask use by healthy people in the community, 21 August 2020, available here.
- HIQA – A rapid evidence update on face mask use by healthy people in the community to reduce SAR-CoV-2 transmission, 25 November 2020, available here.
- HIQA – Advice to the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, 25 November 2020, available here.
- HIQA – Face masks and physical distancing to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2: An International review, 23 June 2021, available here
- HIQA - Advice to the National Public Health Emergency Team: Reduction of the minimum age for the application of mask wearing requirements and recommendations – Updated advice, 24 August 2021, available here.
While all remaining mandatory public health measures were removed from 28th February this year, the critical components of our collective and layered response remain. The current public health advice is published on the Department of Health’s website: here.
At present, mask wearing is advised on public transport and in healthcare settings. Mask wearing is also advised based on individual risk assessment. Anyone who wishes to wear a mask should not be discouraged from doing so. Individuals who are vulnerable to COVID-19 are further advised to be aware of the risk associated with activities they may choose to engage in and to take measures to optimally protect themselves. Vulnerable individuals are advised to consider wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, such as may relate, for example, to social gatherings or other activities and events. This advice continues to be informed by WHO and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) guidance, available at the following links:
-www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-masks
- www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/using-face-masks-community-reducing-covid-19-transmission
- CDC guidance on masks and evidence summary are available at the following links:
- www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/masks.html
- www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/science-briefs/masking-science-sars-cov2.html
We will continue to ensure our response is agile and flexible, with an ability to respond rapidly and appropriately to any emerging threat. The Department of Health, through the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, together with colleagues in the HSE and the National Virus Reference Laboratory, continues to monitor the epidemiological profile of COVID-19 carefully, and will provide evidence-based public health advice to the Minister for Health for consideration in relation to ongoing decision-making processes in respect of the pandemic, as required.
572. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the reason that the health centre in Rearcross, County Tipperary, has not reopened on Tuesdays as it regularly did prior to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52710/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra573. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health when the health centre in Rearcross, County Tipperary will re-open for GP services, given that it has not yet reopened since Covid-19, and that it is a vital and important resource to persons in the local community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52711/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 572 and 573 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
574. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on screening and diagnostic waiting lists for cancer-related appointments, by location and by gender in tabular form; the number as of 10 October 2010, 2020, 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52712/22]
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.
575. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the mean, median and maximum wait time on screening and diagnostic waiting lists for cancer-related appointments, by location and by gender in tabular form; the number as of 1 October 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52713/22]
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.
576. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on radiation, surgical, and medical oncology waiting lists by appointment type, by location, and by gender, in tabular form; the number as of 1 October 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52714/22]
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.
577. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the mean, median, and maximum wait time for radiation, surgical, and medical oncology by appointment type, by location, and by gender in tabular form; the number as of 1 October 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52715/22]
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.
578. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will have his autism spectrum disorder assessment carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52723/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
579. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if the condition that mental illness is only covered by the long-term illness card for those under 16 years has been challenged by the Ombudsman as discriminatory; if it is still being used as grounds for refusal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52727/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra678. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if he will remove the age restriction from the mental illness category of the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53365/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 579 and 678 together.
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.
Statutory Instrument No. 277 of 1971 sets out the following limitation on Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970: "Arrangements for the supply of drugs and medicines to persons suffering from mental illness in pursuance of section 59 (3) of the Act shall be made only in respect of persons under the age of 16 years."
Therefore, the HSE must regard 16 years as the upper age limit in terms of eligibility under the LTI scheme for those with a diagnosis of mental illness. This has not been challenged by the Ombudsman.
It is important to note that the LTI scheme will be included as part of a review of the current eligibility framework, including the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy. However, it is not possible at this juncture to say what the outcome of this review will be.
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. 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.
For those aged between 16 and 25, who had been included on their family's medical card or GP visit card before turning 16, the HSE will send them their own card when they reach the age of 16.
In circumstance where a person over 16 is financially dependent on their parents or guardians, and their parents or guardians have not had a medical card, the person may apply for a medical card if they have a medical condition. Their parents or guardians should also make an application and both applications should be sent to the HSE together. As a dependant, they will qualify if their parents or guardians qualify.
Where the applicant is financially independent, they can still apply if they live with their parents or guardians and are in receipt of their own income.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme, 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.
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%.
580. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 550 of 27 September 2022, if he will provide a breakdown of the waiting times for those currently on the CAMHS waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52738/22]
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.
581. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of children currently awaiting an assessment of need in counties Roscommon and Galway; the length of time that they have been waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52739/22]
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.
582. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting an appointment with children’s psychology services in counties Roscommon and Galway; the length of time they have been on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52740/22]
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.
583. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a full list of Covid-19 testing sites that are HSE-run in Dublin. [52742/22]
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.
584. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the reason that a weight management clinic (details supplied) has been suspended; and when the clinic will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52746/22]
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.
585. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who are currently attending a weight management clinic (details supplied) broken down by CHO in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52747/22]
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.
