Written Answers Nos. 473-493
473. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons from Ukraine who were staying in Citywest as beneficiaries of temporary protection that have left Citywest since Citywest began to accept refugees from Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40180/24]
View answerThe number of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) from Ukraine who have stayed in Citywest Hotel and subsequently checked out since Citywest Hotel first accepted BOTPs is 7,702.
474. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons from Ukraine who were staying in Citywest as beneficiaries of temporary protection but have left Citywest that are known to be still resident in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40181/24]
View answerMy Department is not always made aware of where Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) go to after they leave the temporary accommodation provided by my Department. Therefore, it is not possible to provide the number of BOTPs who have left Citywest Hotel that are still resident in the State.
475. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons from Ukraine who were staying in Citywest as beneficiaries of temporary protection that are known to have returned to Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40182/24]
View answerMy Department is not always made aware of where Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection go after they leave DCEDIY-supported accommodation. While it is not possible to provide the number of BOTPs who have left Citywest Hotel and returned to Ukraine, where a reason has been provided on departure, approximately 15% of BOTPs who have left DCEDIY-supported accommodation have stated that they intended to return to Ukraine.
476. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons from Ukraine who are currently staying in Citywest as beneficiaries of temporary protection, or who were BOTP, but have left Citywest that are still in receipt of State payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40183/24]
View answerThe number of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) from Ukraine currently staying in Citywest Hotel is 1,426.
My Department does not have access to the information the Deputy has requested in relation to the number of BOTPs who have departed Citywest, and are still in receipt of State payments.
477. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on the pilot programme for supporting parents of children in care. [40199/24]
View answerTusla’s Strategic Plan for Foster Care Services for Children and Young People 2022 – 2025 forms part of Tusla’s overall Alternative Care Strategy across the continuum of care. The implementation plan for this strategy and regular progress updates are shared with my Department.
As you are aware, the strategic plan sets out various recommendations to strengthen support to birth parents of children and young people in care. This includes the recommendation to support and fund independent research into the design and piloting of an advocacy service for parents whose children are in the care of the state.
On the 2nd of October 2024, Tusla provided an update on the pilot programme. This stated that the Parental Advocacy and Information Service, launched in 2022, is a newly established initiative funded by Tusla and delivered by Barnardos with oversight from the Children’s Rights Alliance. Advocates from the service are currently available in two pilot regions: Dublin North City and Waterford/Wexford. The primary goal of the service is to empower parents to actively engage in child protection and court proceedings concerning their children.
Tusla has informed that the service has supported over 200 parents through a variety of activities, such as face-to-face meetings and accompanying them to various appointments and events as follows:
• Child Protection Conferences
• Family Welfare Conferences
• Meetings with their children’s social worker
• GAL meetings
• Child in Care reviews
• Access reviews
• Safety network meetings
• Pre-court and post-court meetings
• Court proceedings
• Pre-birth meetings
• Reunification meetings
Tusla has further informed that the service is provided in close collaboration with Tusla staff, legal professionals, and other organisations. As the service has evolved there has been a significant increase in referrals, and advocacy activities. Notably, more advocates are attending child protection conferences, indicating that parents are referring or being referred to the service earlier in care proceedings.
The Informational component of the service is available through a website, www.barnardos.ie/parental-advocacy-information-service/ , helpline, leaflets, tip sheets, webinars, workshops, and through social media channels.
478. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide a breakdown of the amount expended by his Department on consultancies in 2023 and to date in 2024; the company engaged; and the nature of the work conducted by the consultancy on his Department’s behalf, in tabular form. [40208/24]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has expended the following amounts on consultancies in 2023 and to date in 2024:
|
Consultants |
Purpose |
Value |
|
Anthony Douglas Consultancy Ltd |
Contracted for consultancy services related to the establishment of a Guardian ad litem (GAL) Executive Office. |
€108,800.00 |
|
Mazars |
Review of the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021. |
€66,450.00 |
|
Grainne Healy |
Facilitation of consultations to inform the development of a Successor to the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy. |
€58,770.00 |
|
Catherine Lynch, CL Consulting |
To carry out an independent evaluation of the Traveller and Roma Education Community Development Worker Scheme. |
€16,850.00 |
|
Crowleys DFK |
Provision of Accounting, Audit and Financial Advisory Services |
€157,577.76 |
|
Mazars |
Provision of Accounting, Audit and Financial Advisory Services |
€39,975.00 |
|
Fitzpatrick Associates Economic Consultants |
The purpose of the contract was to conduct a 'mid-term evaluation' of Ireland's Asylum, Migration and Integration ("AMIF") 2021-2027 programme, as required by Article 44 (5) of Regulation (EU) 1060/2021. |
€59,655.00 |
|
Centre for Effective Services |
Review of youth information provision in Ireland |
€59,700.00 |
|
Sector 3 Solutions |
Evaluation of the Targeted Youth Employability Support Initiative 2021-2022 |
€47,295.75 |
|
Bridgecastle Information Management Ltd t/a Castlebridge |
Provision of expert advice in relation to GDPR in particular in relation to SARs on receipt of database and records from the Mother & Baby Home Commission of Inquiry |
€65,103.48 |
|
Trilateral Research Ltd |
Provision of Data Protection Expertise to support the Department's data protection compliance obligations |
€68,757.00 |
|
RGH Consulting Ltd |
Communications advice to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth |
€2,000.00 |
|
Infopulse Europe GMBH |
Business Process Optimisation process for the development of the gender pay gap portal |
€14,179.00 |
|
Deloitte Management Consultants |
Initial purpose was to assist with delivery of DCEDIY’s humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine, at rapid pace and scale, in a resource constrained environment. Deloitte now continues to assist the Ukraine division with continuous process improvements, consolidation, and streamlining of essential operations in addition to providing strategic advisory support. |
€7.6m |
|
Donal O'Keefe Fire Cert Limited |
Fire Safety Consultation, Site Visits, Preparation Risk Assessment, Fire safety drawings, liaison with Fire Authority |
€5,461.20 |
|
A Horan Associates Limited |
March SMT Meeting - Input and Facilitation |
€1,845.00 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
IPA Support Consultations on the establishment of PMO |
€738.00 |
|
Peter Ryan t/a RA Consulting |
June SMT Meeting - Input and Facilitation |
€4,357.00 |
|
Paul Spain Consulting Limited |
MB Away Days Facilitation – ODP Programme 5 –Organisation of the Future |
€12,915.00 |
|
Accenture |
Contracting of Accenture through DAF funding for support of the work of the Barnahus National Agency Steering Committee |
€403,665.00 |
|
Centre for Effective Services |
Engaged in 2023 to conduct a review of the Children and Young People's Services Committee Initiative |
€96,000.00 |
|
Foundations (Formerly Early Intervention Foundation) |
Engaged in 2018 to create an online tool designed to increase access to effective prevention and early intervention programmes. |
€281,221.40 |
|
Maynooth University, Centre for Mental Health and Community Research |
Review of the provision of home visiting in Ireland. This payment constitutes 40% of overall payment for research that was commissioned in 2022. |
€44,085.60 |
|
Amarach Research |
Bi-Annual survey of parents in household with children under 18. This payment constitutes 60% of overall contract for the survey commissioned in June 2024. |
€9,240.00 |
|
Sandra Roe Research |
Research services in relation to consultations with children and young people with experience of informal kinship care. |
€4,500.00 |
|
Penhouse Design Limited |
Design and Branding Services |
€7,503.00 |
|
Javelin Advertising Limited |
Design and Branding Services |
€2,564.55 |
|
Penhouse Design Limited |
Design and Branding Services |
€38,009.60 |
|
Deirdre Fullerton Insights Health and Social Research |
Report Writing |
€5,700.00 |
|
Coyne BMA Enterprises Ltd t/a Coyne Research |
Provision of a survey on awareness of children's rights in Ireland |
€3,136.50 |
|
Tilting the Lens Limited |
Provision of facilitation services for Spotlight initiative |
€9,040.50 |
|
Red Dog Graphics Limited |
Design services for Development of Communications Campaign |
€19,741.50 |
|
Red Dog Graphics Limited |
Design services for Development of Communications Campaign |
€19,741.50 |
|
Isiltur Group - Michael & Jillian Van Turnout |
Jillian Van Turnout is the chair of the Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) for the Care Experiences Project. |
€2,460.00 |
|
Trinity College Dublin |
Provision of a research study to explore the experiences and outcomes of young adults. |
€135,479.21 |
|
Angela Palmer |
Provision of specialist services on the Care Experiences Project. |
€55,947.66 |
|
Angela Palmer |
Specialist research and information consultancy services |
€75,682.88 |
|
Jillian Van Turnout |
Chair Stakeholder Advisory Group |
€3,075.00 |
|
Ernst & Young Business Consultants |
Financial and Governance Advice |
€30,893.00 |
|
Mary O'Donovan |
SRFT Evaluation & Negotiation Advice Contact Centre |
€59,644.93 |
|
Mazars |
Data Security Expertise including Data Protection Support |
€92,840.40 |
|
RSM |
Financial Governance & Expertise |
€41,120.43 |
|
Technology Optimisation Consultants |
Project Management/IT Advice |
€50,481.90 |
|
Ernst & Young |
Business Advisory Services |
€136,366.41 |
|
Ipsos B&A |
Review and investigation of consolidation of two existing indicator sets (Children and Young People's Indicator set and the National Children's Wellbeing Indicators used in SONC) for children's wellbeing. |
€29,380.00 |
|
Quality Matters CLG |
National Centre for Research and Remembrance Initial Consultation |
€31,119.00 |
|
Fitzpatrick Associates |
National Centre for Research and Remembrance Preliminary Business Case |
€61,807.50 |
|
McCann Fitzgerald LLP |
National Centre for Research and Remembrance OPW Legal Advice |
€6,219.86 |
|
Eithne Fitzgerald |
Disability Policy Advisor |
€57,143.26 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
Consultancy Services |
€5,000.00 |
480. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth whether he will reiterate his commitment to sign the optional protocol of the UNCRPD within the lifetime of this Government; and to provide a timeline for doing so. [40237/24]
View answerI am pleased to report that on 8th October 2024 a decision was made by Government to formally accede to the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, delivering on an important Programme for Government commitment.
This decision marks a milestone moment for Ireland, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the continued realisation of the rights and obligations set out in the Convention. It reflects our ongoing drive to improving the lives of persons with disabilities in this country, and is a further step on Ireland’s journey toward a more inclusive and fair society for everyone, and one in which everyone is valued equally. It is our intention to continue to build on the significant progress we have made to date in ensuring that the rights as set out in the Convention are valued, respected and upheld.
On foot on this Government decision, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs will sign an instrument of accession on behalf of the Government, to be deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The Optional Protocol will enter into force with respect to the State on the thirtieth day following the date of deposit.
Accession to the Optional Protocol forms part of Ireland’s broader approach to compliance with the Convention, and ultimately assists in furthering the State’s progressive implementation of the Convention in an important way. In that regard intensive work is ongoing across government to develop Ireland’s next National Disability Strategy, which will form the implementation plan to advance delivery of the rights as set out in the Convention over the coming years.
481. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth whether his attention has been drawn to difficulties experienced by survivors of mother and baby homes in accessing the redress scheme due to the digital format of the application; and the avenues open to those who cannot access the application online or for those with a limited digital literacy. [40240/24]
View answerI can reassure the Deputy that applicants to the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme do not solely need to use the digital application system which is used by the majority of applicants. It is also possible to apply on a paper application form. This is available in libraries and citizen information centres nationwide or can be posted by the Payment Scheme office if requested. Potential applicants just need to call the helpline - see below - to request the form and helpline staff will also help with any questions about how to fill in the form. So too will staff in the Citizen Information Centres. My department has also engaged with other support organisations such as the National Advocacy Service and Vision Ireland so that they can also assist applicants where they can.
All information on the Scheme, and how to apply, can be found at the dedicated Payment Scheme website - gov.ie/paymentscheme. Resources include an information booklet, questions and answers, and short 'how to' videos on the application process. A Helpline is also available at +353 1 522 9992. The application process is very straightforward and applicants will be supported throughout the process with information and advice if they need it. Overall, we have received positive feedback that applicants are finding the application process straightforward and the information line helpful.
482. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an estimate of costs for a survey of the grounds of Bessborough mother and baby home, in order to establish the location of the burial grounds of the children and infants buried on the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40251/24]
View answerI am very aware of the pain felt by survivors and relatives of the deceased who died at the former Mother and Baby Home, Bessborough. One of the most tragic aspects of what happened is the uncertainty regarding the burial place of many children who were resident there.
There is no particular expertise in my Department in relation to estimating the cost of a geophysical survey. I understand that cost may depend on a number of factors including the precise scope of a survey and techniques used.
I consider it important that decisions about the treatment of the site including any possible investigations give adequate consideration to the views of all family members and survivors groups as well as appropriate experts.
483. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to review correspondence (details supplied); to outline any plans to provide such a facility here; if the community locates a facility, what it would need to do to get it up and running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40323/24]
View answerThe availability of high-quality early learning and childcare (which includes school aged childcare) is a key Government priority. Considerable investment has taken place in recent years to improve the resourcing, quality and availability of early learning and childcare. Data available shows that the level of capacity in the sector has risen substantially in recent years. However, I am aware that some parents are having difficulty in finding the type of affordable early learning and care provision that they would like for their children, particularly younger children.
While my Department does not directly provide after school childcare, it does provide a range of supports for anybody that wishes to set up an early learning and childcare or after school childcare service. Any provider interested in establishing an after-school service can get support from their local County Childcare Committee (CCC) for information and support on establishing or hosting an after-school service. Details of the CCCs can be found on www.myccc.ie .
The introduction of Core Funding in 2022 brought a significant increase in investment for the sector, with €259 million of funding paid directly to services in year 1 of the scheme, of which €210.8 million was entirely new funding. Core Funding is a supply-side grant to early learning and childcare providers towards their operating costs. It is designed to deliver sustainability for providers through increased funding to the sector, paid on a consistent and equitable basis.
This funding, which increased by 11% (to €287 million) in year 2, has increased again by a further 15% in year 3 (to €331 million).
In order to increase provision, the Department of Education has also published Procedures on the use of School Buildings outside of School Hours. This document assists schools in considering applications for use of their facilities. To encourage the greater use of such facilities, the Department of Education has committed to provide schools with a guarantee that any income from after-school use of their facilities will not affect their State grants, capitation fees or any other form of departmental funding. Schools may establish such a service themselves, or may provide premises to a Tusla registered provider to deliver after-school care on the school premises. It is important to note that schools are run by their Board of Management and so the decision on whether or not to facilitate school aged childcare on the premises ultimately lies with the Board of Management.
Another important project that I have initiated this year is the development of a forward planning model to develop a better understanding of the nature of supply and how it relates to demand and in order to support the delivery of more early learning and childcare places in the parts of the country where they are needed. The model will identify the quantum and volume of different types of early learning and childcare places across the country, whether or not those places are occupied and how that aligns with the numbers of children in the corresponding age cohorts at local area level.
My Department will also be operating a capital funding scheme next year to support existing services to increase capacity.
It was noted that the correspondent is currently using a childminder. The main route through which parents are subsidised for their early learning and childcare costs is the National Childcare Scheme. The Childcare Support Act 2018, which provides a statutory basis for the National Childcare Scheme, specifies that only Tusla-registered providers are eligible to participate in the Scheme.
The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 (NAPC) commits to extending regulation to all paid, non-relative childminders who work in their own homes. On 30th September the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024, and the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) (Childminding Regulations) 2024 were commenced and Tusla opened their registration service for childminders. The Act removes the exemption to regulation for all paid, non-relative childminders. The Act also amends the legislation underpinning the National Childcare Scheme, to ensure parents who use Tusla-registered childminders are eligible for subsidies under the National Childcare Scheme. All childminders are now able to register with Tusla. Once registered, which is likely to take a number of weeks, childminders will then be able to sign up (through Pobal) to take part in the National Childcare Scheme and offer the same subsidies to parents that they would receive if their children were attending a childcare centre.
From 2 September, the minimum hourly subsidy under the National Childcare Scheme for all children under 15 increased from €1.40 to €2.14 per hour. For families using Tusla-registered early learning and childcare, including childminders, this subsidy increase represents total cost reductions of up to €96.30 weekly per child, or over €5,000 annually. The subsidies progress up to €230 per week depending on the family’s individual circumstances such as household income and the age of the child.
484. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason a child (details supplied) in County Donegal was discharged from CDNT, if a CAMHS report was considered in advance of the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40324/24]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
485. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to the Exchequer of one inpatient rehabilitation bed. [39859/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
486. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health to examine a matter regarding funding for an occupational therapy vocational rehabilitation service (details supplied). [39903/24]
View answer593. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he plans to extend the work-able solutions pilot service, which secured Sláintecare integrated innovation funding in 2022, for a 24-month pilot beyond the pilot sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39991/24]
View answer603. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if it is intended to replace a pilot scheme (details supplied) that operated in certain areas with a nationwide scheme; if so, when this is likely to happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40104/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 486, 593 and 603 together.
The Sláintecare Integration Innovation Fund (SIIF), a ring-fenced multi-annual fund supporting projects with a focus on delivering the Right Care, in the Right Place, at the Right Time by the Right Team, is fostering a culture of innovation to support the delivery of health service reform. Its aim is to test and evaluate projects that serve as a ‘proof of concept’ with a view to mainstreaming and scaling successful projects.
Since 2019, SIIF has funded and tested over 130 projects that serve as a “proof of concept”, for innovative and integrated models of care, which led to the mainstreaming & scaling of successful projects.
The “Work-Able Solutions” project is one of a number of SIIF projects currently being evaluated. Once that evaluation is complete, the decision on the future of the project will be communicated to the Project.
487. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health for an update on a matter regarding the pensions of retired HSE mental health nurses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39623/24]
View answerAs this is an administrative matter for the HSE, the HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.
488. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if his Department has considered the practical impact on retailers for staffing and retail security issues arising from the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill 2024; the regulatory impact assessment carried out on this matter which will affect retailers across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39629/24]
View answerThe Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill is designed to reduce the enormous number of deaths, approximately 90 people per week, and the range of catastrophic illnesses caused by tobacco smoking in our population. It contains a single measure, which is to change the minimum legal age of sale of these lethal products, from 18 to 21. Retailers, who currently must ensure that a customer is aged 18 or over, will have to ensure that the customer is aged 21 or over, with no additional obligations to engender staffing or security considerations. I look forward to enacting this measure as soon as possible.
489. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the length of time the senior audiologist for Westmeath post has been vacant; and when this position will be filled. [39635/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
490. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if consideration is being given to the inclusion of a product on the drugs payment scheme (details supplied) for a wider group of patients; if there has been any engagement with the drug manufacturer in respect of an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39640/24]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
491. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the vaccine that will be on offer as part of the HSE’s autumn/winter vaccination campaign; if it will be a three-in-one vaccine (details supplied); if so, to whom this three-in-one vaccine will be offered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39648/24]
View answerThis Winter, COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines will be delivered to eligible individuals by GPs and pharmacists. In addition, an infant Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunisation Pathfinder Programme will run between September 2024 and February 2025.
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation.
COVID-19 Autumn/Winter Vaccination Programme 2024/2025.
Ireland’s COVID-19 Autumn/Winter 2024 Vaccination programme commenced on September 30th.
A COVID-19 Winter Booster dose will be offered to the following cohorts:
• Those aged 60 years and older
• Those aged 18-59 years living in long term care facilities for older adults
• Those aged 6 months-59 years with: immunocompromise associated with a suboptimal response to vaccination, medical conditions associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation, severe disease or death.
• Healthcare workers
• Pregnant adolescents and adults.
NIAC will continue to examine emerging evidence regarding booster vaccines for others in the population where there is evidence of waning immunity and reduced effectiveness and will make further recommendations if required.
Seasonal Influenza (flu) Vaccination Programme 2024/2025.
The seasonal flu vaccination programme for 2024/2025 will commence in early October.
For the coming flu season the flu vaccine will be offered free of charge to the following eligible groups:
• Adults aged 60 years and over
• Individuals in specified health related at-risk groups
• Children aged 2 to 17 years
• Healthcare workers
The flu vaccine is available free of charge to individuals in these specified eligible groups from local GPs or pharmacies throughout the flu season which runs until late April.
Adults aged 60 – 64 have been included as eligible groups in the flu programme for the 2024/2025 season and future seasons.
RSV Immunisation Programme.
An infant Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunisation Pathfinder Programme will run between September 2024 and February 2025.
All newborn infants born during the programme will be offered immunisation against RSV after birth on site in Irish maternity hospitals. This immunisation will protect newborn infants when they are most vulnerable to the complications of RSV during the winter period when infection rates are at their highest.
As well as protecting newborn infants, this programme will help maintain health service capacity during this coming winter season. This is a temporary programme put in place as an interim measure pending the outcome of a Health Technology Assessment on RSV immunisation currently being undertaken by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).As well as protecting infants against serious illness, this pathfinder programme also offers the HSE an opportunity to establish working mechanisms and to evaluate the programme. It is a strategic initiative designed to explore innovative approaches to improving health outcomes within a community or population. Such programmes often serve as pilots or models that, if successful, can be scaled up and replicated in other settings.
The outcome of the HTA, and learnings from the pathfinder programme once complete, will inform the development of any longer-term programme and future decision making on this matter.
492. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the details of the latest research and evidence informing the current Covid-19 booster vaccine campaign (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39649/24]
View answerThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. These recommendations are then implemented by the HSE through the National Immunisation Office.
The protection COVID-19 vaccines afford wanes gradually over time, increasing the risk for those susceptible to severe disease as time from their last vaccine lapses. The emergence of new variants coupled with time lapse from vaccination may result in gradual waning of protection and the need for booster vaccination to enhance protection.
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. Therefore, the immunisation schedule will continue to be amended over time.
493. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the average patient experience time to admission via an emergency department for all patients for each quarter of each year 2019-2024, inclusive, Statewide and for each location; and the average for all patients and for patients aged 75 or older, in tabular form. [39650/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly.
