Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Paediatric Services

Bernard Durkan

1879. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in providing better and more efficient access to paediatric rheumatology for children with special needs; the progress to date in securing additional paediatric rheumatologists within the HSE since the recruitment drive closed in December 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15754/21]

Paediatric Services

Bernard Durkan

1884. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE paediatric pain specialists nationally; his plans to increase same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15788/21]

Parking Charges

Bernard Durkan

194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which consideration has or can be given to the possibility of the abolition of car parking charges for cancer patients while undergoing treatment given that the patient already has sufficient other issues to worry about without having the added complication of being pursued by debt collectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13636/21]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

195. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the steps that can be taken to speed up the processing of applications for medical cards with particular reference to applications and renewals from persons that may have a terminal illness and the fact that any delays can only exacerbate concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13637/21]

Mental Health Services

Bernard Durkan

248. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the shortcomings in the mental health services with particular reference to north County Kildare and the need to provide for those seeking institutional care or specific treatment not currently readily available in Ireland and or local access to psychology services without waiting prolonged periods of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13840/21]

Special Educational Needs

Bernard Durkan

249. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he expects to improve the supports for children with special needs while requiring therapeutic or residential short-term or long-term assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13841/21]

Health Services Reform

Bernard Durkan

250. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the Sláintecare programme is being enacted; the progress to date in this regard; the targets achievable in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13845/21]

Mental Health Services

Bernard Durkan

750. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when an appointment for access to mental health services will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12533/21]

Vaccination Programme

Bernard Durkan

182. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which a timescale and regime has been agreed for Covid-19 vaccinations for undertakers with particular reference to those in the front-line who have direct contact with nursing homes and hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12185/21]

Rape Crisis Network Funding

Bernard Durkan

704. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the funding available for an organisation (details supplied) in County Kildare; if the full extent of the demand has been assessed with a view to meeting the demand in full and in line with provisions and requirements throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10958/21]

Hospital Appointments Status

Bernard Durkan

739. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if further appointments will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11091/21]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

793. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if an application for a medical card already refused will be revisited as a matter of urgency on foot of information in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11305/21]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

282. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a renewed medical card will issue in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10678/21]

Medicinal Products

Bernard Durkan

811. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if patisiran medication will be provided to a person (details supplied); his plans to provide treatment for such patients should patisiran no longer be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9576/21]

Disability Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

842. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when an appropriate residential place with treatment will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9728/21]

Home Care Packages

Bernard Durkan

981. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 831 of 10 February 2021, when a full or an increase in a home care package will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10173/21]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

315. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a medical card renewal will be complete in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9355/21]

Healthcare Policy

Bernard Durkan

674. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which his Department has examined the vaping industry with a view to ensuring the highest possible health standards and the application of regulations deemed necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7971/21]

Home Care Packages

Bernard Durkan

729. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a homecare package will be reinstated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8182/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Bernard Durkan

289. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he and his Department have coordinated the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines; the extent to which the process is smooth and effective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7733/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Bernard Durkan

290. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent of the provision made for the various categories of patient awaiting Covid-19 vaccination; if the vaccination process will be rolled out on time and in sufficient numbers to make a serious impact on the spread of the virus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7734/21]

Health Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

291. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he expects the health services to be in a position to maintain normal services while at the same time meeting the challenge of vaccination throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7735/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Bernard Durkan

292. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the availability of sufficient hospital beds to meet the ongoing challenges of Covid-19 and at the same time meet the normally expected requirements from non-Covid-19 patients and elective procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7736/21]

Health Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

293. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he remains satisfied that non-Covid hospital procedures continue in sufficient scale to meet the demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7737/21]

Health Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

294. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which more than average noticeable waiting lists have built up or are likely to build up arising from Covid-19-related demands and requirements; if backlogs remain manageable; the most apparent disciplines under stress at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7738/21]

Health Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

295. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that the provisions currently in place to deal with non-Covid-19-related health demands are sufficient in every respect; his plans for specific changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7739/21]

Health Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

296. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a particular effort can be made to address pressures for endoscopy, oncology or other treatments given the extent to which the Covid-19 pandemic is impacting the services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7740/21]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

297. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which the issue of medical cards has been streamlined to minimise delays given the extent to which the Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact the health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7741/21]

Health Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

298. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which dental and optical services have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic; if plans are in hand to address any issues arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7742/21]

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Bernard Durkan

299. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which child and adult mental health services can be improved in the short to medium term given the serious shortcomings that have existed for some time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7743/21]

Mental Health Services

Bernard Durkan

300. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health his views on whether a special task force might address the shortcomings in the mental health services, with particular reference to the need to provide for those seeking institutional care or specific treatment not currently readily available in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7744/21]

Diabetes Strategy

Bernard Durkan

301. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which diabetes remains an issue of concern to his Department, with particular reference to the need to co-ordinate and enhance the availability of services throughout the country in addition to educational and informational campaigns to alert the public to the seriousness of the condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7745/21]

Mental Health Services

Bernard Durkan

302. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which provision is being made to cater for mental health patients who may also have an addiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7746/21]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

319. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of an application for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); if a medical card will be considered on discretionary grounds given the health circumstances in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7828/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Bernard Durkan

320. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when all front-line health staff in County Kildare received and will receive the Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7829/21]

Epilepsy Incidence

Bernard Durkan

321. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he can offer support or draw attention to the needs of epilepsy sufferers as set out by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7830/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Bernard Durkan

691. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when the Covid-19 vaccine will be made available to Dublin Fire Brigade paramedics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7827/21]

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Bernard Durkan

755. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when the necessary funds will be released in respect of a fair deal application in the case of a person (details supplied) who has been approved under the scheme but is awaiting release of funds; if this application can be expedited bearing in mind the care requirements of the applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6568/21]

Home Care Packages

Bernard Durkan

831. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a full or an increase in the homecare package will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6876/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Bernard Durkan

975. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive the Covid-19 vaccination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7450/21]

Diabetes Strategy

Bernard Durkan

225. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which ongoing investigation and research continues to take place into diabetes in Ireland; if specific initiatives are in mind to address this health issue in the short to medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6283/21]

Diabetes Strategy

Bernard Durkan

226. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which funding towards research into diabetes and the means to control the disease in Ireland remains available; his plans for particular initiatives in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6284/21]

Diabetes Strategy

Bernard Durkan

227. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which research and innovation is applied within the health services to diabetes with particular reference to public information and prevention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6285/21]

Diabetes Strategy

Bernard Durkan

228. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which his Department continues to examine the threat of diabetes throughout Ireland with particular reference to the need to check its progress and address the most salient issues arising from such investigation; his plans for the future in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6286/21]

Medicinal Products

Bernard Durkan

229. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which his Department continues to address delays in the approval of new or orphan drugs; the average time taken for approval at present given the urgency of the need for drugs to treat new or rare diseases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6287/21]

Medicinal Products

Bernard Durkan

230. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which reduction in the time taken for approval of orphan, new or rare disease drugs has been achieved; if improved levels of reimbursement are being achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6288/21]

Rare Diseases

Bernard Durkan

231. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which a national rare disease strategy is evolving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6289/21]

Vaccination Programme

Bernard Durkan

232. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he expects pharmacists to receive Covid-19 vaccinations in the months ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6290/21]

Diabetes Strategy

Bernard Durkan

775. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which a comprehensive public information campaign will be launched to focus on the incidents and causes of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, the simple procedures that might be followed and the seriousness of the particular condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5568/21]

Diabetes Strategy

Bernard Durkan

776. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the launching of a major campaign to identify and treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes throughout the country with a view to eradication much in the same way tuberculosis was eradicated notwithstanding the stress of Covid-19 on the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5569/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Bernard Durkan

242. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when the Covid-19 vaccine will be administered to a person (details supplied) who is at risk of infection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4661/21]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

683. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a renewed medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3681/21]

Home Help Service

Bernard Durkan

691. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if urgent home help will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied); if this will be arranged as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3699/21]

Home Help Service

Bernard Durkan

743. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when home help will be accommodated and put in place in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3904/21]

Vaccination Programme

Bernard Durkan

836. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive the Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4307/21]

Medicinal Products

Bernard Durkan

851. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of reimbursement applications currently being processed in respect of orphan new drugs; the length of time to deal with individual applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter [4345/21]

Vaccination Programme

Bernard Durkan

471. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if priority is being afforded to family carers as part of the Covid-19 programme given the important role they play is protecting vulnerable members of society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3485/21]

Mental Health Services

Bernard Durkan

476. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health his plans for the improvement of mental health facilities and supports in respect of both adults and children; if the provision of the necessary number of residential places are in hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3526/21]

Disability Support Services

Bernard Durkan

477. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he expects to improve the supports for children with special needs while requiring therapeutic or residential short-term or long-term assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3527/21]

Vaccination Programme

Bernard Durkan

638. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will identify the proposed roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccines to mental health services personnel and institutions given the incidents of a number of outbreaks and the potential for the need to deal with the situation in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2793/21]

Mental Health Services

Bernard Durkan

639. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will take action to resolve any or all of the ongoing personnel disputes at certain levels throughout the mental health services, given the Covid-19 emergency that currently exists and the need to address the impact of Covid-19 on the mental health services in general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2794/21]

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Bernard Durkan

658. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the current position in regard to the provision of the necessary funding for the next phase of the Naas General Hospital development plan; when the project was submitted for his approval; his expectations in respect of a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2868/21]

Health Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

197. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when appropriate treatment and attention will be made available to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1994/21]

Medicinal Products

Bernard Durkan

806. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if the HSE drugs group met in December 2020; if not, if it is scheduled to meet; the drugs being considered for reimbursement, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44880/20]

Medicinal Products

Bernard Durkan

807. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the status of the reimbursement of Onpattro; when the drug will be made available to eligible patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44881/20]

Medicinal Products

Bernard Durkan

808. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the existence of specific antiviral treatment for Covid-19 or any other treatment currently undergoing trials or in respect of which trials have been completed; if it is planned for this medicine to be procured under Ireland’s participation in the European Commission joint procurement agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44886/20]

Home Care Packages

Bernard Durkan

859. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a homecare package will be reinstated as a matter of urgency in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45072/20]

Hospital Appointments Status

Bernard Durkan

863. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a required appointment at the gynae clinic can be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45091/20]

Medicinal Products

Bernard Durkan

864. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health his plans to offer reimbursement for Luxturna which is essential for treatment of rare retinal disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45093/20]

Home Care Packages

Bernard Durkan

868. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a homecare package can be reinstated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45107/20]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

622. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of eligibility for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44614/20]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

623. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of eligibility for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44615/20]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

624. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of eligibility for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44616/20]

Mental Health Services

Bernard Durkan

625. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which it is proposed to augment and provide improved youth mental health services throughout the country, with particular reference to assessment and availability of residential places in respect of individual cases that warrant comprehensive follow-up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44626/20]

Mental Health Services

Bernard Durkan

626. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the steps taken or planned to address the serious deficiencies in child and adult mental health services; when he expects to be in a position to provide serious improvement in such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44627/20]

Mental Health Services

Bernard Durkan

627. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health his plans for improvement in all aspects of mental psychiatric health services, with a view to ensuring availability and access to services throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44628/20]

Mental Health Services

Bernard Durkan

628. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when access to counselling will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44632/20]

Speech and Language Therapy

Bernard Durkan

629. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the position on the restoration of speech and language and other therapies for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44634/20]

Health Services

Bernard Durkan

497. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the clinical grounds on which referral for specialist services abroad has been refused in the case of a person (details supplied); the actions proposed, given that the course of treatment currently in place is not working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42925/20]

Cancer Services

Bernard Durkan

585. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange for a public health nurse to call again to a person (details supplied); if this can be arranged as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43397/20]

Healthcare Policy

Bernard Durkan

106. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the Sláintecare programme is being enacted; the progress to date in this regard; the targets achievable in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42501/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Bernard Durkan

155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he and his Department expect to be able to deal with the backlog of elective procedures which has been caused by the Covid-19 crisis; if this can or will be done under the national treatment purchase scheme in Ireland or otherwise; if the private hospitals can be utilised for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42500/20]

Hospital Services

Bernard Durkan

635. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the details of ongoing plans to provide better and more efficient access to paediatric rheumatology for children with special needs; the progress to date in securing an additional paediatric rheumatologist within the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41457/20]

Medicinal Products

Bernard Durkan

637. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if patisiran medication will be provided to a person (details supplied); his plans to provide treatment for such patients should patisiran no longer be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41460/20]

General Practitioner Services

Bernard Durkan

663. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which GP practices have been acquired by venture capital funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41746/20]

Home Care Packages

Bernard Durkan

664. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of eligibility for a homecare package in the case of a person (details supplied); when same will be finalised given the health circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41749/20]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

669. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the reason the medical card has been removed from a person (details supplied); if the card will be reinstated in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41772/20]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

701. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a review of eligibility for a full medical card will be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied); if EU eligibility was considered as part of the most recent application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41925/20]

Disability Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

352. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if access to early intervention including required occupational therapy and speech and language therapy will be facilitated at an early date in the case of a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40923/20]

Addiction Treatment Services

Bernard Durkan

359. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if urgent detox services can be made available in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40946/20]

Counselling Services

Bernard Durkan

371. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if counselling services can be facilitated once again to the daughter of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41011/20]

Health Services Access

Bernard Durkan

148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if it can be arranged for a public health nurse to call to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40566/20]

Medicinal Products

Bernard Durkan

164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the reason melatonin was previously available to a person (details supplied) and now appears to be no longer available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40628/20]

Electronic Cigarettes

Bernard Durkan

681. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which evidence exists in regard to the safety of vaping as an alternative to tobacco smoking; if the practice is deemed to be a gateway by way of introduction to other abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39841/20]

Electronic Cigarettes

Bernard Durkan

682. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the total number of persons by age group who are known to practising vaping at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39842/20]

Electronic Cigarettes

Bernard Durkan

721. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health his views on whether vaping is habit forming; the consequences of same that have been identified by the health authorities from a public health perspective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40120/20]

Electronic Cigarettes

Bernard Durkan

722. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which vaping is deemed safe or otherwise; if specific safety standards exist in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40121/20]

Electronic Cigarettes

Bernard Durkan

723. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which regulations apply or are likely to be made in relation to vaping with particular reference to maintaining safety standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40122/20]

Electronic Cigarettes

Bernard Durkan

724. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the Healthy Ireland report deals with standards in vaping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40123/20]

Electronic Cigarettes

Bernard Durkan

725. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which vaping is proven to assist in the reduction of tobacco smoking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40124/20]