Written Answers Nos. 451-478
451. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if advice will be provided on a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in relation to vaccination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29108/21]
View answerAs 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 unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
453. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if the case of a child (details supplied) will be expedited in view of the circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29110/21]
View answerAs 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 unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
454. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists who are currently providing services under the medical card scheme; the number of dentists who have withdrawn from providing services under the medical card scheme since February 2020; the steps being taken to increase the number of dentists providing medical card services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29111/21]
View answerThere are approximately 1,200 contracted dentists at present. HSE figures indicate that from the start of the pandemic until the end of April 2021 approximately 213 dentists left the Scheme or notified the HSE of their intent to leave, with 112 applications for new contracts being processed.
Some people are experiencing problems in accessing a service close to their home. However, I have been assured by the HSE that their local services on the ground will assist any persons who are experiencing problems in accessing a service.
I am committed to ensuring the sustainability and viability of the DTSS, which will need to be revised to align it with modern evidence. There was an intention to commence a review of the DTSS contract last year. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, this was not possible. Officials in my Department are currently engaging with the Irish Dental Association to commence this process.
456. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health his views on whether it is acceptable practice across the health service for patients receiving end of life care at a hospital to be moved into a nursing home; if there is an obligation for patients or their families to sign up for the fair deal scheme in order to be moved to a nursing home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29113/21]
View answerAs 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 unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
457. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to easing restrictions on nursing home visits to permit fully vaccinated residents to leave their care homes for walks with visitors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29114/21]
View answerThe Health Protection Surveillance Centre published new visiting guidance on 23rd April, which came into effect on 4th May. The new guidance provides additional opportunities for residents in long-term residential care facilities to receive visits and participate in social and recreational outings. Residents may now be facilitated to receive four routine visits per week. This is possible following two weeks after the full vaccination of approximately 8 out of 10 of all residents in the nursing home. In the absence of a high level of vaccination of residents, two visits per week should be facilitated unless there are critical or compassionate circumstances that require increased frequency of visiting.
Residents in nursing homes may be facilitated to partake in social and recreational outings, subject to risk assessment by the Person in Charge and a high level of vaccination in the nursing home. All outings and activities should continue to fully align and comply with the wider public health measures in place at the given time. In particular, residents and visitors should continue to observe social distancing, practice good hand hygiene and cough etiquette, and wear face coverings in public spaces.
Visiting by the resident to a private home outside of their nursing home is also possible and should comply with public health restrictions that apply to the general public at the time.
Outdoor visiting where safe distance can be maintained is low risk and can be facilitated at all times. Outdoor visits will require suitable facilities; capacity to accommodate and support the visit and the visits will also generally need to be arranged in advance.
At all times, regardless of vaccination status, residents must be accommodated when they have essential business to conduct. This includes a visit to the post office, bank, legal services or critical personal requirements, such as that related to the death of a family member or a visit to a family grave. A copy of the latest guidance can be accessed at www.hpsc.ie
Although the situation in nursing homes has greatly improved, the risk associated with COVID-19 remains very real. There is still a risk of introduction of infection, including the possibility of a new variant of COVID-19, against which the vaccine may be less effective. Therefore, caution remains appropriate. At all times vigilance on the general infection prevention and control measures must be maintained and public health advice must continue to be followed, including when visiting, to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect those living in our communities.
I have written to HIQA and all nursing home providers to emphasise the need to ensure visits take place to the greatest extent possible, in line with the guidance. I have also encouraged providers to communicate frequently and clearly with residents and families in relation to visiting.
The guidance will be kept under continuing review as new evidence and data emerges.
458. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the status of Ireland’s progress on implementing via legislation the WHO Code of Marketing on Breast-milk Substitutes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29115/21]
View answerAs 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 unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
I can confirm however that in May of this year I announced significant investment towards implementing the HSE Breastfeeding Action Plan, with €1.58 million of funding to provide an additional 23.5 lactation consultants across hospital and community settings.
459. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of action item 3.13 of the National Breastfeeding Action Plan which pertains to the WHO Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29116/21]
View answerAs 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 unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
I can confirm however that in May of this year I announced significant investment towards implementing the HSE Breastfeeding Action Plan, with €1.58 million of funding to provide an additional 23.5 lactation consultants across hospital and community settings.
460. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if higher numbers of vaccines will be allocated to local general practitioners in rural areas to facilitate the vaccination of persons who cannot travel to vaccination centres given new data in relation to vaccines (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29137/21]
View answerAs 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 unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
463. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if he plans to meet with his counterpart in Northern Ireland further to his invitation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29169/21]
View answerThere has been, and continues to be, significant engagement and co-operation on public health issues with Minister Swann and between the Departments of Health in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Despite the postponement of the NSMC plenary meeting on 18th June, I went ahead with a planned meeting with Minister Swann on that date, albeit virtually, to discuss matters of common interest.
465. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health the arrangements put in place for persons in their 60s who have refused a vaccine (details supplied) to avail of an alternative vaccine; and when are they due to be called to receive this vaccine. [29171/21]
View answerWhile a person can refuse any offer of vaccination on religious, conscientious or other grounds, provision of one or other authorised COVID-19 vaccine(s) during the immunisation programme will be based on clinical expert guidance, including from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee, to ensure the optimal stewardship of scare resources and equitable access to safe and effective vaccine(s) for a given population.
It is recommended that an individual accept a COVID-19 vaccine when it is offered. It is not intended that a choice of vaccine will be provided.
Further information on COVID-19 vaccines can be found here:
www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/getting-covid-19-vaccine.html
466. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 538 of 17 December 2020, if HSE Community Healthcare West has signed a lease for an alcohol treatment centre in Galway and will begin taking clients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29172/21]
View answerAs 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 unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
467. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if a measure will be introduced to provide equal treatment to patients (details supplied); and if medical cannabis products will be funded at source the same way as those under the CAP. [29173/21]
View answerThe Dutch authorities will not allow the commercial export of oil-based cannabis products to pharmacies or wholesalers. Representations were made to the Dutch authorities about having the products exported to Ireland to facilitate their inclusion in the Access Programme if the producers wished to do so. The Dutch authorities replied that magistral preparations may only be provided directly to patients or their representative on the basis of a prescription, presented for dispensing.
Since April 2020 owing to the travel restrictions and quarantine requirements the Department of Health has been collecting patients prescribed products and delivering them to Irish patient’s homes, collections occur approximately every four weeks. In December 2020 the Minister for Health said this scheme would be made permanent.
Owing to the restrictions the manufacturers of the Dutch products are not in a position to apply to the Health Products Regulatory Authority to have the products included in the Access Programme and treated in the same manner as the products included in the Access Programme.
It is a requirement for patients or their families to pay the dispensing pharmacy in the Netherlands and a reimbursement application can subsequently be made to the Primary Care Reimbursement Service in the HSE.
Pursuant to Section 10B of the Health Act 2004 the Minister for Health shall not give a direction under section 10, or specify a priority or performance target under section 10A, as respects—
(a) any function of the Executive relating to the provision of treatment or a health or personal social service to any particular person,
(b) any function of the Executive relating to a decision concerning—
(i) whether or not a particular person is eligible for a particular health or personal social service (including the payment of a grant or allowance),
(ii) the extent to which and the manner in which a person is eligible for any such service.
I have asked Departmental officials to examine this issue further with the HSE.
468. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of assistant psychologists currently working in a voluntary capacity within HSE services in relation to the recent advertisement for unpaid assistant psychologist roles within HSE services (details supplied); the HSE's position on the recruitment of assistant psychologists in an unpaid capacity by HSE services; if the results of the review regarding this advertisement will be published; if these positions will be readvertised as paid positions; when HSE will make an announcement on whether the current national pilot assistant psychologist programme will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29175/21]
View answerThe role of Assistant Psychologist supports the provision of psychology services in primary care settings, enabling delivery of early and cost-effective interventions for children and adolescents, and is key to delivering a “stepped care” model in which service users receive the level of required support and/or intervention appropriate to their assessed need.
The establishment of 114 paid Assistant Psychologist posts within HSE Psychology Services on a pilot basis was a key action in the HSE's National Service Plan for 2016, with the posts coming on-stream in a phased basis during 2017, and funding of €3.4m being provided for implementation of this important initiative.
The employment of Assistant Psychologists in HSE Primary Care Psychology services is a time-limited pilot project and is being independently evaluated. All Assistant Psychologist posts were due to complete their contracts by the end of July 2020 when the evaluation was originally due to be finalised.
However, due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was necessary for this evaluation process to be paused during 2020 and, as several months of data was not collected, the HSE report that the initiative has been extended to the end of September 2021. After this date, a final report and assessment of the pilot project will be completed, and a decision on the future of the programme will be made.
The elements of this question relating to an advertisement for unpaid Assistant Psychologist posts and number of staff working in a voluntary capacity are operational issues and, as such, are a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
469. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health the new supports that will be forthcoming from his Department in 2021 and 2022 for the 40,000 persons living with epilepsy in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29176/21]
View answerAs 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 unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
472. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if he will consider amending the current legislation to allow outdoor drive-in movies and cinemas to operate at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29179/21]
View answerMy Department has confirmed with the Deputy that this Parliamentary Question was withdrawn.
473. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the options available to a person (details supplied) in need of urgent surgery. [29212/21]
View answerAs 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 unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
474. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which research has been undertaken or can be undertaken expeditiously with a view to availing of high standard air purification equipment which has the ability to remove and destroy viruses in hotel, hospital, nursing home, schools and workplaces in order to facilitate a safer post-virus situation; if this will include the fitting of such equipment in aircraft thereby giving the best all round protection to persons in the course of their work or studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29221/21]
View answerThe Deputy's question relates to the specific role of ventilation as one element of a suite of public health measures used to prevent the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and other air-borne viruses more generally, across a range of settings.
The Expert Group on the Role of Ventilation in Reducing Transmission of COVID-19 provides scientific advice on the role of ventilation and other control measures in mitigating against the risk of long-range (airborne) transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The Group has a wide range of multi-disciplinary expertise in indoor air quality and related areas including, aerosol science, architecture, engineering, regulation, occupational hygiene, exposure science, virology, microbiology, and public health medicine.
The Expert Group on the Role of Ventilation in Reducing Transmission of COVID-19 was initially established as a subgroup of the NPHET with a view to providing expert advice and guidance. Having completed its initial programme of work, and to allow for greater integration and collaboration with relevant Government departments and stakeholders on the further development of sector specific ventilation guidance, the group now works with the Senior Officials Group within the Department of the Taoiseach to further inform sectoral guidance and public information regarding ventilation.
The Expert Group on the Role of Ventilation in Reducing Transmission of COVID-19 submitted two reports to the NPHET. These reports are available on the gov.ie website: www.gov.ie/en/publication/aa43c-expert-group-on-the-role-of-ventilation-in-reducing-transmission-of-covid-19/#reports
The Deputy may also wish to note the work of the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre (HPSC) on ventilation in the context of COVID-19, available on the HPSC website: www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/infectionpreventionandcontrolguidance/buildingsandfacilitiesguidance/Guidance%20on%20non%20HCbuilding%20ventilation%20during%20COVID-19.pdf
The Deputy may wish to note that it is the responsibility of individual Government departments to provide sector-specific COVID-19 advice on ventilation in line with their respective remits. Questions on ventilation within specific sectors are therefore best addressed to the relevant Departments linked to those sectors. However, for the Deputy’s information, some links to existing guidance across a number of sectors are provided below:
- Education:
www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/educationguidance/Guidance%20on%20non%20HCbuilding%20ventilation%20during%20COVID-19.pdf
- www.gov.ie/en/publication/ad236-guidance-on-ventilation-in-schools/
- Workplaces, retails settings and shopping centre:
- enterprise.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Work-Safely-Protocol.pdf
- www.nsai.ie/images/uploads/general/NSAI-COVID19-Retail-Guidelines-13012021.pdf
- www.nsai.ie/images/uploads/general/NSAI-COVID19-Shopping-Centre-Guidelines-13012021.pdf
- There is also additional guidance on Gov.ie and on the HSE website which outlines the importance of ventilation in households, this can be found here:
- www.gov.ie/en/publication/472f64-covid-19-coronavirus-guidance-and-advice/
- www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/how-coronavirus-is-spread.html
476. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the Minister expects to update the mental health services in line with modern requirements having particular regard to ongoing commentary highlighting deficiencies in the services; the steps he plans to take in early date to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29223/21]
View answer480. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when it is expected that the standard, quality and accessibility to mental health services is likely to be improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29227/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 476 and 480 together.
All aspects of mental health services are being improved and developed, through implementation of Sharing the Vision in the short to longer term and the HSE National Service Plan 2021.
Sharing the Vision aims to enhance the provision of mental health services and supports across a broad continuum, from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention to acute and specialist mental health service delivery, during the period 2020-2030.
A whole-of-government National Implementation Monitoring Committee (NIMC) was established in December 2020 to oversee the implementation of the recommendations in the Policy and to monitor progress. The NIMC is made up of the NIMC Steering Committee, which will be supported by an NIMC Reference Group of Service Users and Families and NIMC Specialist Groups.
The NIMC Steering Committee, independently chaired by Mr John Saunders, is driving the implementation of Sharing the Vision, ensuring that appropriate monitoring and oversight processes are put in place. To date, the NIMC Steering Committee has held six monthly business meetings. The next business meeting is scheduled for 9 July 2021. The approved minutes of Steering Committee meetings are available on the Department of Health website. In March, the Steering Committee met over two days, on 11 and 12 March 2021, in order for the Committee to develop an enhanced understanding of its role and function.
In these early stages, the Steering Committee is focusing on developing and establishing the structures and processes crucial to a full and successful implementation of the new Policy.
The Steering Committee is seeking to progress the formation of Specialist Groups for specific areas of work. The Steering Committee has prioritised the following areas for development, some of which may be addressed through specialist group structures as appropriate:
- Women’s mental Health
- Child and youth mental health or CAMHS, including transitioning from CAMHS to adult mental health services
- Acute Inpatient (Approved Centre) bed provision
- Priority Groups (Travellers, Direct Provision/refugees)
- Workforce Planning
Approaches to these priority areas are currently being explored and developed, in order to enable the NIMC Steering Committee to proceed with the formation of Specialist Groups in a structured and strategic manner.
Additionally, the Steering Committee is seeking to progress the establishment of the Reference Group of Service Users and Families. To this end, a subgroup of NIMC Steering Committee members was established to develop an approach, with a draft proposal currently in revision stage.
The HSE has primary responsibility for the implementation of the majority of the Sharing the Vision recommendations. To that end, the HSE Implementation Group (HIG), which will report to the NIMC Steering Committee, has been established and held its first meeting in May 2021. One of the first tasks of the HSE Implementation Group, will be to ascertain ongoing Sharing the Vision aligned tasks and projects, in order to produce a three-year implementation plan.
An implementation monitoring approach to the non-HSE Sharing the Vision recommendations is currently being progressed by the NIMC Secretariat on behalf of the Steering Committee, through interdepartmental and intradepartmental engagement. There is work ongoing across Government that aligns to the recommendations of Sharing the Vision.
I am satisfied that the Committee is progressing well in this initial stage of its work, by building on the following initiatives already underway:
- Many significant recent developments in online mental health service provision and positive mental health promotion have been expedited in response to the ongoing pandemic. These initiatives exemplify the holistic, whole-of-population approach to mental health service development that Sharing the Vision will be promoting and seeking to advance, in parallel with the development of specialist supports.
- Sharing the Vision recommends the continued phased implementation and evaluation of existing national clinical programmes in mental health, including Dual Diagnosis, Early Intervention in Psychosis, and Eating Disorders. The clinical programmes, which are in various stages of design and implementation, are at the heart of service improvement.
- Sharing the Vision additionally recommends that, in keeping with the evolving understanding of human rights to empower people and improve quality of care in mental healthcare facilities, legislation must be updated and additional supports put in place. This is currently being addressed in the review of the Mental Health Act, 2001, which is undergoing a major overhaul, with draft heads of a new bill expected to be brought to Government for approval before the summer recess and to be published very shortly thereafter.
I am pleased to have secured an additional €50 million for mental health services in 2021, bringing the annual budget to in excess of €1.1 billion. €23 million of this additional funding is dedicated to commencing implementation of many of the short-term recommendations of Sharing the Vision, including enhanced resources for community mental health teams, CAMHS hubs/teams, adult crisis resolution services, increased supports in employment, peer support workers, bereavement co-ordination, and dialectical behaviour therapy. Work is progressing in these areas, including the recruitment of the 153 new mental health staff this year.
The HSE is committed to improving its infrastructure, including new or improved community-based facilities and services for people with more severe and enduring mental health difficulties. Of the additional funding provided in 2021, €7m will fund reconfiguration of mental health facilities, in line with Mental Health Commission Covid risk assessment recommendations. This, plus the recurring €6m in new development funding, means there is €13 million for minor works and refurbishments in 2021.
477. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which projects such as the new children’s hospital, the new national maternity hospital, Naas General Hospital and others such projects throughout the country are progressing satisfactorily and on time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29224/21]
View answerAs 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 unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
478. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the roll-out of vaccines continues at pace in line with expectations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29225/21]
View answerThe vaccination programme continues to make significant progress with over 4 million vaccines administered to date. Over 2.4 million have now received a first dose with approximately 1.6 million fully vaccinated.
The rollout continues at pace despite the HSE cyber-attack, albeit with some impact on data reporting systems. The w/c 21 June saw the programme administer approximately 347,000 vaccinations which represents the highest weekly total to date.
The rollout of the shorter interval of 8 weeks for the AstraZeneca second dose commenced w/c 14th June with the current plan assuming completion by the end of July. This requires re-planning of 450,000 people who will now receive their second dose earlier than originally anticipated, including front line health care workers, medically vulnerable and people aged 60 to 69 years. In the last two weeks over 200,000 second doses of AZ were administered which was in line with targets.
The vaccination roll-out programme continues to demonstrate agility and responsiveness to revisions to the advice on the use of vaccines and changes to vaccine delivery schedules. The continued success of the vaccination programme has led to a marked reduction in levels of hospitalisation and has been a key enabler in the partial reopening of Irish society.
