Written Answers Nos. 738-742
738. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect a decision on their cross-Border application and reimbursement for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61849/21]
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.
739. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the measures taken by his Department to ensure ventilation and clean air quality in public and private nursing homes particularly in relation to the installation of CO2 monitors, ventilation systems and HEPA filters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61850/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra747. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the steps his Department is taking to ensure proper ventilation and air quality regulation in nursing homes due to the threat of the spread of Covid-19 in these facilities; if his Department will provide funding for the installation of CO2 monitors and air purification systems in nursing homes; if the possible allocation of such funds has been costed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61919/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 739 and 747 together.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) of the HSE has developed, published and regularly reviews a comprehensive package of public health and infection prevention and control guidance for long-term residential care facilities. This includes the comprehensive “Public Health & Infection Prevention & Control Guidelines on the Prevention and Management of Cases and Outbreaks of COVID-19, Influenza & other Respiratory Infections in Residential Care Facilities”, most recently updated on 30th November 2021. This guidance also refers to ventilation, providing advice on circumstances where ventilation may be improved. Additionally, there are well established regulations and standards, including HIQA’s National Standards for infection prevention and control (IPC) in community services which provide a comprehensive package of IPC measures.
Regulation 17 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 also requires registered providers to provide premises that conform to specific matters set out in the regulations, which includes “ventilation, heating and lighting suitable for residents in all parts of the designated centre which are used by resident”. As such, registered providers may make a determination on any appropriate interventions having regard to their individual circumstances.
740. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if there have been many recorded serious adverse reactions to any of the Covid-19 vaccines; and if redress is available to persons in such circumstances. [61854/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HPRA provides information and updates related to the regulation of COVID-19 vaccines. The HPRA is publishing regular safety updates which provide an overview of the national reporting experience for COVID-19 vaccines. These updates include an overview of reports of suspected side effects notified to the HPRA safety monitoring system and is provided as an enhanced transparency measure for members of the public and healthcare professionals. Available at: www.hpra.ie/homepage/medicines/covid-19-updates/covid-19-vaccine-communications.
In June 2018, the Government agreed to the establishment of the expert group to review the management of clinical negligence claims. It was chaired by the High Court judge, Mr. Justice Charles Meenan. The expert group examined the system from the perspective of the person who has made the claim to explore if there is a better way to deal effectively, yet more sensitively, with certain cases.
Mr. Justice Meenan submitted the final report on the current system for managing clinical negligence claims to the then Minister for Health and Minister for Justice in January 2020, prior to the onset of the Covid pandemic. The Government subsequently published the Meenan report in December 2020. One of the report's recommendations is that a compensation scheme be established.
On foot of a request from my Department, the Health Research Board, HRB, carried out an evidence review on the vaccine injury redress programme in other jurisdictions, which was completed in March 2019. The expert group's report, in addition to the HRB's evidence review, and consultation with other Departments and relevant State agencies will inform the development of proposals regarding the establishment of a compensation scheme, including the need for primary legislation, and work to advance policy development in this regard is under way in the Department.
742. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health the number of new ventilator units that were allocated to Irish hospitals since 1 January 2021. [61869/21]
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.
