Written Answers Nos. 329-342
329. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Health if he intends to expand sugar related taxes to include other goods including a wide range of high sugar quantity confectionary sweets, snacks and other consumable products to help tackle the national obesity pandemic. [12060/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Healthy Weight for Ireland, the Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP), was launched in September 2016 under the auspices of the Healthy Ireland Framework (Healthy Ireland: A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025). It was developed in recognition of the growing need for a co-ordinated policy response to the increasing problem of obesity in Ireland and the increasing burden placed on individuals and society.
OPAP covers a 10-year period up to 2025 and aims to reverse obesity trends, prevent health complications, and reduce the overall burden for individuals, families, the health system, and the wider society and economy. It recognises that obesity is a complex, multifaceted problem and needs a multi-pronged solution, with every sector of society playing its part. Childhood obesity is a key priority under OPAP, as is reducing the inequalities seen in obesity rates, where children (and adults) from lower socioeconomic groups have higher levels of obesity. OPAP is well aligned with the World Health Organisation in terms of the breadth of policy measures that have been introduced or are being considered in order to address the obesity epidemic.
With regard to fiscal measures as a policy option to address obesity, in its “Foundations for the Future” report published in 2022, the Commission on Taxation and Welfare recognised that the taxation system is “one of a number of policy tools that can be used to support better public health” and made recommendations that the Government develop fiscal measures to encourage a reduction in the consumption of ultra-processed foods, support reformulation measures to reduce the harm of such foods and promote healthier eating.
Under OPAP, commitment was given to “develop proposals for a levy on sugar-sweetened drinks”, “develop proposals on the rollout of evidence-based fiscal measures to support healthy eating and lifestyles” and “review the evidence…for fiscal measures on products that are high in fat, sugar and salt.”
Following a proposal developed by this Department in consultation with stakeholders, the Department of Finance introduced the Sugar-Sweetened Drinks Tax (SSDT) in 2018. The SSDT has now been in operation for more than four years. 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 in order to inform any further fiscal policy considerations, and the Department has commenced an evaluation of the measure.
A literature review was carried out by the Department to make an assessment of the potential approaches to evaluate the impact of the tax. The Department has also 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. Further work on the analysis of the impact of the measure is expected to be carried out in the coming months.
The outcome of this analysis will assist the Department of Health in terms of examining and considering any possible further measures, in consultation with the Department of Finance. While the implementation of the Sugar Sweetened Drinks Tax is enacted through the Finance Act, and therefore within the remit of the Department of Finance, any policy decisions around reforming or expanding the tax would be subject to engagement between this Department and the Department of Finance. Furthermore, it is my understanding that the Department of Finance may also need to consider State Aid consultation with the European Commission in relation to any policy decisions around reform or expansion of the tax.
330. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Health the current Government position with regard to target timeframe to achieve a tobacco free Ireland. [12062/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tobacco Free Ireland policy was launched in October 2013. It sets a target to lower Ireland's smoking prevalence to less than 5% of the population by 2025. We are working hard to make progress toward the target and keep the deadline under continuous review.
331. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the total cost of the final report on the protected disclosure into allegations made by a whistle-blower in April regarding the care of patients during Covid-19 at a facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12091/23]
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.
332. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if the HSE refused a request from the investigation team (details supplied) appointed by the HSE to investigate complaints made by protected disclosure into a facility to extend the remit of its investigation to include a letter from this Deputy which gave evidence of minutes of a CHO meeting held on 14 May 2020 , which included an instruction to remove certain emails off the system, the date of which meeting was outside the terms of reference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12092/23]
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.
333. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the reason pain patches (Versatis) for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis are not included on the medical card; and if he will change the regulation to ensure that the medical card does cover this key pain killer. [12094/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
Reimbursement for medicines under the community drugs schemes is for licensed indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).
The following pain relief patches are currently available on the Reimbursement list:
- Durogesic DTrans Transdermal patches
- Fental Matrix Transdermal patches
- Matrifen Transdermal patches
- Fentadur Transdermal patches
- Butrans Transdermal patches
- Versatis plasters (subject to a managed access system, indicated for post-herpetic neuralgia)
Patients prescribed Versatis plasters are reviewed by the Medicines Management Programme (MMP) for reimbursement approval, on foot of an application by the patient’s clinician, through the HSE online system.
In exceptional circumstances, Versatis plasters may be approved for supply for unlicensed uses. If an application is refused, the clinician may make an appeal to the MMP by email, making a clear clinical case for the patient.
This process ensures that post-shingles patients, and other patients as clinically appropriate, can continue to have this specific treatment.
334. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if discussions are expected for workers with long covid that return to work; if long-covid can be recognised as an occupational health injury for their future at work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12119/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have provided for Special Leave with Pay (SLWP) for the recommended isolation period (currently 7 days), for civil and public servants nationally who contract Covid. For certain employees who remain unfit to attend the workplace and are suffering from long-Covid, a temporary Scheme, specific to the public health service was introduced to provide for Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees unfit for work post Covid infection.Employees who met the eligibility criteria for the Scheme will have transferred to the Scheme retrospectively from 1st July 2022.For those who do not meet the criteria for the temporary Scheme but remain unwell, the provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme may be utilised.
Reasonable accommodation in respect of a phased return to the workplace is possible under both schemes.
I am advised by officials from the Department of Social Protection who operate the national Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme, that Covid-19 does not constitute a prescribed disease or illness as set out in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, however my colleague Minister Humphreys is currently reviewing the matter.It is my understanding that an epidemiological survey is planned by the HSE which will provide insight into the prevalence of long-Covid in the Irish population including risk factors for developing long- Covid. The HSE has also commissioned a review by the Health Information and Quality Authority to assess the latest international evidence on Long Covid.I am acutely aware of the issues experienced by public health employees in relation to Long Covid and am committed to providing support. I have asked staff in my Department to look at available options.
335. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health when additional funding announced in Budget 2023 to aid Section 39 organisations in the context of the cost-of-living crisis will be made available; whether, in addition to once-off payments, his Department intends to restore funding to these organisations in order that workers in the sector will see their increments reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12122/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE are currently processing the once off payments to the Section 39 Organisations as part of the Government's measure to ease the cost of living pressures. In relation to an update on the payment timelines, I have referred this PQ to the HSE and requested that they respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
A process of engagement to examine the pay of workers in Community and Voluntary organisations was committed to by the Government in October 2022.
While the Government has committed to a process, it is worth noting that Section 39 organisations are privately owned and run, and the terms and conditions of employment of staff in these organisations are ultimately between the employer and the employee.
The Department notes that this is a cross-sectoral issue and cannot be taken in isolation.
336. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the 173 public health nurses in CHO9; the number that are full-time or part-time; the grades they are on; the annual nursing hours provided in each location; the annual changes on these factors over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12124/23]
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.
337. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the number of public health nurses and the number of vacant public health nurse positions in each location within CHO9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12125/23]
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.
338. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health when all pensioners in the Mid-West region who worked in the health services will receive the public pay increases due; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12134/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an administrative matter for the Health Service Executive, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
339. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12135/23]
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.
340. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health whether a long Covid clinic launched by a person (details supplied) was denied funding, and the reason for same. [12137/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly
341. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the HSE has designated the purpose-built Seven Springs Day Centre in Loughrea, County Galway as part of the community nursing unit in Loughrea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12152/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra342. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he has sanctioned funding for the proposal to refurbish an existing building at the Loughrea Health Campus, Loughrea, County Galway; if so, how much funding has been allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12153/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 341 and 342 together.
As these are operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
