Written Answers Nos. 337-356
337. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his intentions regarding the urgent need for funding for the supported care homes in counties Carlow and Kilkenny to ensure that each one is sustainable into the future; and if a new line of funding will be made available in 2024 to assist these homes with the exceptional running costs being experienced and the cost of compliance with HIQA standards. [51717/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 10 Supported Care Homes in the south-east of the country, including in Carlow and Kilkenny, offer a unique housing option for older people. These services offer choice and bridge the gap between living independently in the community and high dependency long-term nursing home care. The Supported Care Homes sector provides accommodation and support services to older people with low to medium dependency levels.
There is a strong and positive working relationship between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Supported Care Homes sector, with ongoing support and engagement provided by the HSE with regards to financial, governance, and operational management of the services.
I met with Supported Care Homes representatives in July 2023 to discuss the issues affecting the sector and to reaffirm my support for the sector. Subsequent to this meeting, €500,000 was made available in once-off funding to support the provision of services in the Supported Care Homes.
I was very pleased to secure funding of €1.68 million in Budget 2024 for the Supported Care Homes sector, which will contribute to ensuring its financial sustainability in the short-term and into the future. The HSE National Service Plan for 2024 is currently being finalised and more information will emerge in due course.
I remain committed to working closely with the sector over the coming months and years to ensure its continued success and viability.
338. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the availability of tyvense medication, in particular in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51719/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI will address the question regarding the shortage of the medication Tyvense. However, as Minister for Health, I have no role in the clinical decision-making process of a medical practitioner. I will ask the HSE to respond directly on this.
Takeda Pharmaceuticals International AG Ireland Branch has advised of shortages of some strengths of Tyvense (20mg, 40mg and 70mg) due to an unexpected increase in demand and manufacturing challenges. These shortages are affecting multiple EU countries, not just Ireland. The company has informed the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) that resupply of all strengths is expected on 4th December 2023. The company has provided a letter to healthcare professionals detailing this information. To date, there have not been any notifications of shortages of the 30mg, 50mg or 60mg Tyvense capsules.
Unfortunately, there are a multitude of reasons why a medicine may not be available including: shortages of raw materials; manufacturing difficulties; sudden unexpected increase in demand; or product recalls due to potential quality issues. Medicine shortages are, unfortunately, a feature of modern health systems worldwide and a global health problem. Shortages of medicines are not unique to Ireland and there is no evidence that shortages disproportionately impact patients in Ireland compared to other countries.
Ireland has a medicines shortage framework in place which is operated by the HPRA on behalf of the Department of Health. The Medicines Shortages Framework’s aim is to help avert potential shortages from occurring and to reduce the impact of shortages on patients by co-ordinating the management of potential or actual shortages as they arise. The multi-stakeholder framework includes representation from the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare professionals, the HSE, the Department of Health and patients.
The HPRA publishes a list of medicines currently in short supply on its website (Shortages List (hpra.ie) with the reason for the shortage and expected dates for the return of supply. The information is available to assist healthcare professionals in managing medicine shortages when they arise and reduce their impact on patients. The webpage is updated daily as the HPRA receives new information.
Alternative medicines are authorised for the treatment of ADHD. If patients or their carers cannot source their usual medicine at present, they are encouraged to discuss alternatives with their healthcare provider pending the resumption of normal supply.
The Department and HPRA maintains regular contact regarding medicines shortages.
339. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the issues concerning members of the Goulding voluntary medical scheme; and if so, if his Department can assist in any way. [51723/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs per section 14 of the Health Insurance Act 1994, health insurers must be registered on the Register of Health Benefits Undertakings, which is maintained by the Health Insurance Authority. This enables undertakings to carry on the business of health insurance in Ireland. Registration is for a period of 12 months.
The Register contains both open and restricted membership undertakings. Goulding Voluntary Medical Scheme is a restricted membership undertaking and its current registration is valid until July 2024. Registered restricted undertakings provide insurance to individuals who are members of a particular group, for example, employees of a specific organisation.
Registered restricted undertakings are subject to regulatory oversight by the Health Insurance Authority in relation to the Health Insurance Acts. Neither my Department nor the Health Insurance Authority is responsible for the regulation of this body beyond what is provided for in this legislation.
The Health Insurance Authority is available to deal with any queries on the Goulding Voluntary Medical Scheme relating to its regulation under health insurance legislation.
340. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce an RSV vaccine programme for older adults this winter to help minimise the impact of the tripledemic, RSV, Covid and flu; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51727/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra341. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will initiate a health technology assessment for an RSV vaccine for older adults following the recent publication of a NIAC recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51728/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 340 and 341 together.
NIAC has submitted advice to my Department for consideration. It advises that RSV vaccines which have recently received EMA authorisation, for infants and persons over 65yrs, are safe and effective and should be considered for use in Ireland. In its advice NIAC also noted that further analysis of cost effectiveness and programmatic considerations is required to determine the most appropriate use of RSV vaccination in Ireland.In line with this, my Department has asked HIQA to include a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in their workplan to determine firstly, whether infant or adult vaccination would provide the greatest benefit in reducing healthcare utilisation due to RSV infection, and secondly, what the most cost-effective RSV immunisation strategy for Ireland would be.The outcome of this HTA will determine whether or not a change to the National Immunisation Programme will be required.
342. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce a free shingles vaccination scheme for older adults; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51729/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra343. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the policy for increasing the number of vaccines available to adults to prevent against infectious diseases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51730/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra344. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the policy regarding life-course vaccination; his plans to introduce a comprehensive adult vaccination programme in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51731/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 342, 343 and 344 together.
Covid-19, influenza and pneumonia vaccines are currently available to certain groups of adults, who are most vulnerable to a severe outcome from these diseases, as part of the adult immunisation programme.The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC considers the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland as well as international best practice in relation to immunisation when developing its advice.NIAC continues to revise recommendations to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease.Once a recommendation from NIAC has been received and considered by the Chief Medical Officer of my Department, a request can be made to HIQA to carry out a Health Technology Assessment. This assessment looks at the evidence of the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine. The assessment also looks at the value for money, cost, organisational, social and ethical issues of providing a new vaccine.At present HIQA is carrying out two HTAs. The first is on the shingles vaccine and the second HTA is on an enhanced flu vaccine for those aged 65 years and older. The outcome of these HTAs will inform a decision in relation to whether or not these vaccines are included in the programme.Additional information in relation to the current adult vaccination programme is available from the HSE website at www.hse.ie
345. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of posts removed from profile as a result of the memorandums CEO ref 09954 and 10166 of 2023, by grade for Mayo University Hospital, in tabular form; the number of headcount posts and the WTE to which these relate; the number which were new posts and the number which were replacement posts or vacant posts; and the number which were related to absence/leave cover. [51690/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to the HSE for direct reply as soon as possible
346. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of posts removed from profile as a result of the memorandums CEO ref 09954 and 10166 of 2023 by grade for Mayo and CHO 2, in tabular form; the number of headcount posts and the WTE to which these relate; the number which were new posts and the number which were replacement posts or vacant posts; and the number which were related to absence/leave cover [51691/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to the HSE for direct reply as soon as possible
347. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of job offers that have been withdrawn as a result of the memorandums CEO ref 09954 and 10166 of 2023 by grade for Mayo University Hospital, in tabular form; the number of headcount posts; and the WTE to which these relate. [51692/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to the HSE for direct reply as soon as possible
348. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of job offers that have been withdrawn as a result of the memorandums CEO ref 09954 and 10166 of 2023 by grade for Mayo and CHO 2 in tabular form; the number of headcount posts; and the WTE to which these relate. [51693/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to the HSE for direct reply as soon as possible
349. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for a device by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51767/23]
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.
350. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the number of posts removed from profile as a result of the memorandums CEO ref. 09954 and 10166 of 2023, by grade for Letterkenny University Hospital, in tabular form; the number of headcount posts and the WTE to which these relate; the number which were new posts; the number which were replacement posts or vacant posts; and the number which were related to absence/leave cover. [51770/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon.
In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to the HSE for direct reply as soon as possible.
351. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the number of posts removed from profile as a result of the memorandums CEO ref. 09954 and 10166 of 2023, by grade for CHO1, in tabular form; the number of headcount posts and the WTE to which these relate; the number which were new posts; the number which were replacement posts or vacant posts; and the number which were related to absence/leave cover. [51771/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to the HSE for direct reply as soon as possible
352. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the number of job offers which have been withdrawn as a result of the memorandums CEO ref. 09954 and 10166 of 2023, by grade for Letterkenny University Hospital, in tabular form; and the number of headcount posts and the WTE to which these relate. [51772/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to the HSE for direct reply as soon as possible
353. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the number of job offers which have been withdrawn as a result of the memorandums CEO ref. 09954 and 10166 of 2023, by grade for CHO1, in tabular form; and the number of headcount posts and the WTE to which these relate. [51773/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to the HSE for direct reply as soon as possible
354. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of the arrangement between the HSE and an organisation (details supplied) in relation to extra hospital bed capacity; the number of private beds the HSE is currently paying for; the cost of same per day; the timeline for negotiations for a new agreement; the expected duration of that agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51780/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE recently advertised a tender competition seeking bids from individual, or groups of private hospitals for medical beds to help support urgent and emergency care in public hospitals. This use of private capacity is included in the HSE’s Urgent and Emergency Care Operational Plan 2023.
The purpose of the tender competition was to put in place a framework for the provision of private capacity that would replace the current arrangements, whereby approximately 160 beds are being made available to public hospitals.
Under the framework, the HSE will have ongoing access to a similar number of beds, with access to additional surge capacity as required. The framework is due to be in place for four months between November 2023 and February 2024, with the option to extend the term of the arrangement by a maximum of 24 months under the same terms and conditions.
The closing date for receipt of tenders was the 23rd of October. Engagement with each private provider is underway to finalise new contractual arrangements.
This framework agreement is addition to the ongoing engagement on scheduled care between the HSE and the private providers through the 2023 Surgical Services tender, as well as the normal NTPF commissioning.
I have asked the HSE to provide me with the current year costs of these various arrangements and will forward them to the Deputy on receipt.
355. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the impact of the HSE recruitment freeze on the implementation of regional health areas; the status of recruitment of the six regional executive officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51781/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to the HSE for direct reply as soon as possible.
356. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the significant rise in sexually transmitted diseases; if he intends to launch a new public health campaign to highlight this rise and encourage safe sex practises and testing; the status of the new national sexual health strategy; the timeline he is working towards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51789/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Sexual Health Strategy, 2015-2020, (NSHS), was launched in October 2015 and is implemented by the HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme (SHCPP), who oversee sexual health services.
Following stakeholder consultation and an independent review, the Strategy is currently being refreshed; an updated version is currently being drafted and will be published in Q1-2, 2024. The Review of the NSHS, conducted by Crowe Ireland and published in March, 2023, identified 56 Priority Actions, of which 49 were assessed as having been successfully progressed.
STI rates, which are rising both nationally and internationally, will be considered as a priority in redrafting the NSHS as will resourcing for STI prevention, testing, diagnosis and treatment.
Current priority sexual health deliverables include:
• Providing sexually transmitted infection (STI) services, including HIV, through the national network of 23 STI clinics and through expansion of the nationwide free home STI testing scheme;
• HIV prevention, including HIV Fast-Track Cities, the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) programme, research and campaigns to counter stigma. An additional €600,000 to support PrEP services was allocated in Budget 2024;
• Expanding access to free contraception, through the free contraception scheme for women and National Condom Distribution Service (NCDS). The free contraception scheme, currently open to 17-30 year olds, is being expanded to 31 year olds in 2024, following an allocation of €1.3m in Budget 2024;
• Prioritising monitoring, evaluation and research regarding sexual health, including progressing a comprehensive population survey on sexual health;
• Monitoring emerging STIs and changes in pathogenicity and/or transmissibility of existing pathogens;
• Improving sexual health education, training and resources, including schools, higher and further education, through www.sexualwellbeing.ie , in partnership with relevant NGOs, through the HSE Education Support Team in partnership with the DoE, NCCA and PDST and through resources such as Spun Out, Jigsaw, Busy Bodies, Making the Big Talk Many Small Talks, and more;
• Developing a Model of Care for sexual health services.
The free home STI testing scheme was launched on a nationwide basis in October, 2022; the service is available in every county across Ireland. Anyone who is aged 17 or over can order a free STI test to their home or to any other valid postal address in Ireland. Further information on how to access this service can be found at www.sexualwellbeing.ie.
The scheme has been very successful, adding circa 30% of additional STI testing capacity nationally. Those experiencing a reactive result are invited for in-person appointments at one of the 23 public STI clinics for confirmatory testing and treatment, if indicated.
Communication campaigns and information resources regarding STIs are ongoing and include national campaigns such as #Respectprotect for young audiences (18-30 years) and Man2man.ie for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). Comprehensive information on sexual health and wellbeing, contraception and how to access sexual health services is available on www.sexualwellbeing.ie
The #Respectprotect campaign for young adults is supported by a Sexual Wellbeing outreach team who attended college and nightlife events and concerts to promote safer sex messages, promote access to condoms and lubricant and STI/HIV testing.
The Gay Health Network (GHN) and the HSE work in partnership to deliver the man2man.ie national website and online campaigns to raise awareness about HIV/STIs and prevention, including PrEP, PEP, condom use and testing.
Despite huge advances in HIV treatment, there is a continued existence of HIV-related stigma in Irish society, with a significant impact on people living with HIV. A national HIV stigma campaign in early 2020 focused on the fact that someone on effective treatment cannot pass on HIV to partners, referencing the U=U (undetectable = untransmittable) message. This message continues to be promoted through communications campaigns, with an extended stigma campaign with gbMSM is under development, in collaboration with the gbMSM community.
The HSE is involved in several projects that aim to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings, including an intervention mapping approach to reduce HIV-related stigma in a hospital setting (led by NUIG), and the development of a HIV stigma education module (led by RCSI).
HIV and STI rates are monitored by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre; summary annual reports and weekly STI reports are published and available on the HPSC website at www.hpsc.ie/ .
