David Cullinane
Ceist:248. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service inpatient beds in HSE West and North West, by location, in tabular form. [15863/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMental Health Services
Ceisteanna (248)
Freagraí scríofa
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 (249)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:249. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the work of his Department with respect to the WHO International Treaty on Pandemic Preparedness, Response and Recovery (Pandemic Treaty); if he will make available the text of Ireland's suggestions, and amendments to comments proposed by the EU negotiator as part of the EU coordination process run by the EU delegation in Geneva; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15865/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I thank the Deputy for her query in relation to the World Health Organisation Pandemic Agreement (WHO CA+).
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that the global status quo in terms of pandemic preparedness and response is not adequate and requires revision. It also demonstrated the cross-border nature of a pandemic, and that States need to work collaboratively in managing their response to such a threat. As such, Ireland strongly supports a multilateral approach to global health issues with the World Health Organisation (WHO) in a central leadership role.
On 1 December 2021, the members of the World Health Organisation (WHO) reached consensus to begin the process of negotiating a convention, agreement, or other international instrument to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, commonly known as the Pandemic Agreement. Ireland supports this WHO-led process to negotiate a binding legal instrument on pandemic preparedness and response, the aim of which is to protect public health and to help save lives in the event of future pandemics.
An Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) was established and met for the first time on 24th February 2022. The INB has met seven times to date to progress work on the drafting of this agreement with the most recent meeting taking place in March 2024. It is anticipated that the Pandemic Agreement will be adopted in May 2024.
In relation to the Deputy’s query regarding amendments proposed by the European Union (EU) and Ireland, as the WHO CA+ remains subject to negotiation it is not possible, at this time, to provide the text of Ireland's suggestions, or the amendments proposed by EU negotiators on behalf of EU Member States as part of the coordination process facilitated by the EU Delegation to the UN in Geneva.
On 13th March 2024, the INB Bureau circulated a proposal for the ‘Draft Negotiating Text’ of the Agreement, which constitutes the latest draft of the WHO CA+, and is freely accessible through the website of the World Health Organization (A/INB/9/3). A copy of the text can be found at the following link: apps.who.int/gb/inb/pdf_files/inb9/A_inb9_3-en.pdf. While this text currently forms the basis for negotiation, it is subject to change as the negotiations continue.
Officials in my Department continue to lead on Ireland’s position with respect to the negotiation of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, working closely with Ireland’s Permanent Representation to the UN in Geneva, and engaging with the relevant policy units in the Department of Health and other Government Departments and Agencies, as well as EU partners on this matter.
Ireland has been participating in the member-led, consensus-based negotiation process on the WHO Pandemic Agreement as part of the EU bloc of Member States. Ireland is also a member of the Group of Friends of the Treaty whose membership includes EU Member States, the UK, the Republic of Korea, and South Africa among others. Ireland strongly supports an agreement that will foster an all-of-government and all-of-society approach, strengthening national, regional, and global capacities towards resilience to future pandemics.
I trust that the above information is of assistance to you.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (250)
John McGuinness
Ceist:250. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an early date will be arranged for the resumption of eye treatment at WUH for a person (details supplied); and if the matter will be expedited. [15878/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 (251)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:251. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the number of needle exchange facilities, by type and county, in tabular form. [15895/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this refers to a service matter, I have sent this PQ to the HSE for direct response. As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (252)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:252. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the estimated annual cost of a supervised injection facility; and the capital cost for establishing same. [15896/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Health has provided €1.5m to the HSE to cover the annual running costs of the medically supervised injecting facility.
An application for capital funding of €1m, for the refurbishment costs of adapting the premises to house the facility at MQI Ireland, is currently being considered by the HSE under the 2024 HSE capital plan.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (253)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:253. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the proposed staffing levels of a supervised injection facility; and the number WTE of each clinician and staff member required. [15897/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this refers to a service matter, I have sent this PQ to the HSE for direct response. As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (254)
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:254. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health his views on the recruitment process which has taken place in respect of a person in County Cork (details supplied);; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15898/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (255)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:255. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health how many adults with type 1 diabetes attending Letterkenny University Hospital use CGM technology and how many use insulin pump therapy. [15901/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (256)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:256. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health how many patients attending the adult diabetes service in Letterkenny University Hospital declared their interest in commencing insulin pump therapy in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024; how many of those commenced insulin pump therapy in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15902/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.