Emer Higgins

Fine Gael · Dublin Mid-West

Activity on Health — 435 events (47 lobbying · 342 questions · 67 votes) full profile →

• 2026-04-15
  VOTE
  Organisation of Working Time (Leave for Health Screening Purposes) Bill 2025

  A bill to provide for a period of paid leave in order to enable employees to participate in health screening programmes; for that purpose to amend the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997; to extend the protection against unfair dismissals conferred by the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2015; to provide for the consequential amendment of certain other Acts; and to provide for related matters.

  • ✗ voted against the motion motion failed · 65–83
• 2026-02-10
  LOBBY
  Autism Spectrum Information, Advice and Meeting Point Ltd, Trading as AsIAm Health

  • Meeting Request on Proposed Assessment Of Need Reform
• 2026-01-21
  LOBBY
  Avista Health

  • Minister Emer Higgins and Deputy Emer Currie visit to Avista Clonsilla
• 2026-01-21
  LOBBY
  Home and Community Care Ireland Health

  • Meetings on general home care issues
• 2026-01-21
  LOBBY
  The Asthma Society of Ireland Health

  • AV Room Briefing for World Lung Day
• 2026-01-20
  LOBBY
  Rockwood Consulting ULC Health

  • Sought meetings to brief DPOs on Veonet's service offering and the development of a national eyecare strategy
• 2026-01-20
  LOBBY
  Irish Second-Level Students' Union (ISSU) Health

  • Regarding the bill for endometriosis care
• 2026-01-20
  LOBBY
  Multiple Sclerosis Ireland Health

  • MS Ireland continued campaigning for Pre-Budget asks
• 2026-01-15
  LOBBY
  DEBRA Ireland Health

  • Debra contacted TDs and Senators to attend the launch of a review on the supports and services for Epidermolysis Bullosa and outlined recommendations for enhanced funding to improve supports and services. Copies of the recommendations and Debra 'asks' were provided
• 2026-01-08
  LOBBY
  The Union of Students in Ireland Health

  • Supporting Labour Party Motion for Drug Decriminalisation
• 2026-01-06
  LOBBY
  Sensational Kids CLG Health

  • Emails to seek support for funding to complete the construction of the National Child Development Centre
• 2026-01-06
  LOBBY
  Neurological Alliance of Ireland Health

  • Establishment of a cross-party group to raise awareness of neurological conditions
• 2026-01-06
  LOBBY
  Acquired Brain Injury Ireland Health

  • Implementation of the neuro-rehabilitation strategy/Implementation Framework
• 2026-01-05
  LOBBY
  Parkinson's Ireland Health

  • Wrote to the Minister to request a meeting to discuss a dedicated counselling service for people with Parkinson's Disease
• 2026-01-05
  LOBBY
  FASD Ireland CLG Health

  • Meeting Requests
• 2025-12-17
  VOTE
  Animal Health and Welfare (Ban on Fox Hunting) Bill 2025

  A bill to amend the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 to ban the hunting of a fox or foxes; and to provide for related matters.

  • ✗ voted against the motion motion failed · 24–124
• 2025-12-17
  VOTE
  Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) (Amendment) Bill 2023: Restoration to Order Paper (Resumed)

  • ~ abstained on the motion motion failed · 71–73
• 2025-12-17
  VOTE
  Health (Waiting Lists) Bill 2024

  A bill to amend and extend the Health Act 2004 and for that purpose to provide for the conferral of additional functions on the Minister for Health in relation to setting of priorities and performance targets by that Minister in relation to maximum waiting times for health and personal social services; to amend the National Treatment Purchase Fund Board (Establishment) Order 2004 to provide for additional reporting, revised corporate governance and accountability arrangements; and to provide for related matters.

  • ✗ voted against the motion motion failed · 66–80
• 2025-09-19
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA 2 returns TaxationFinance

  • VAT & Taxation on Farm Inputs
  • Animal Health - Measures to Support Farm Enterprises
• 2025-09-19
  LOBBY
  Irish Medical Organisation Health

  • First National Public Procurement Strategy
• 2025-09-19
  LOBBY
  Abbott Health

  • Deployment of FreeStyle Libre for people with diabetes
• 2025-09-19
  LOBBY
  Irish Cancer Society 2 returns HealthPublic Expenditure and Reform

  • Cancer-related capital programmes
  • Cancer-related capital programmes
• 2025-09-19
  LOBBY
  Premier Lotteries Ireland Designated Activity Company Public Expenditure and Reform

  • Policy and regulatory developments directly impacting on the National Lottery
• 2025-09-19
  LOBBY
  Neurological Alliance of Ireland Health

  • Call for Investment in Budget 2026 to begin to implement the commitments to the development of neurorehabilitation services within the current Programme for Government
• 2025-09-18
  LOBBY
  RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) Health

  • Raising public awareness of brain health and improving sport inclusion for people impacted by brain conditions
• 2025-09-18
  LOBBY
  Multiple Sclerosis Ireland Health

  • Met with various politicians in capacity as NAI Vice Chair
• 2025-09-17
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA Finance

  • Herd Health Plans
• 2025-09-15
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA Finance

  • Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - Animal Health Ireland
• 2025-09-12
  LOBBY
  Creative Retail Distribution Limited Taxation

  • Support for Classification of HHC as a Schedule 1 Controlled Drug
• 2025-09-09
  LOBBY
  Alcohol Action Ireland Health

  • Alcohol health information labelling
• 2025-09-02
  LOBBY
  DHR Consultancy Limited Health

  • Launch of Samaritans Ireland Impact Report and caller research
• 2025-08-18
  LOBBY
  Samaritans Ireland Health

  • Launch of Samaritans Ireland Impact Report and caller research – which included the following asks:
• 2025-07-09
  VOTE
  Mental Health Bill 2024: Report and Final Stages · 3 divisions

  • ✓ voted for the motion motion passed · 86–69
  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 67–86
  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 64–86
• 2025-06-25
  VOTE
  Healthcare (Transparent Payments) Bill 2022

  A bill to require pharmaceutical companies, medical equipment suppliers and their servants or agents, to declare payments, gifts, donations or other transfers of values provided to healthcare professionals or health care organisations on an annual basis.

  • ✓ voted to add an amendment to the bill motion passed · 85–67
• 2025-06-18
  VOTE
  Mental Health Bill 2024 · 3 divisions

  A bill to provide for the admission to, and discharge from, registered acute mental health centres, of adult persons in certain circumstances and, for the involuntary admission of adult persons who meet the criteria for involuntary admission to such centres; to provide for the criteria for, and review of, involuntary admission of adult persons to registered acute mental health centres; and, for those purposes, to provide for the establishment of mental health review boards; to provide for the care and treatment of adult persons in registered acute mental health centres and to provide that treatment, other than in certain limited circumstances, shall not be given to adult persons without consent being given for such treatment; to regulate the application, in certain limited circumstances, of restrictive practices in respect of adult persons who are admitted to registered acute mental health centres; to provide for the admission to and discharge from registered acute mental health centres of children on a voluntary basis and with parental consent; to provide for the involuntary admission to, and discharge from, registered acute mental health centres of children who meet the criteria for involuntary admission of children to registered acute mental health centres by way of application to the District Court; to provide for the criteria for, and review of, involuntary admission of children to registered acute mental health centres; to provide for the treatment of children in registered acute mental health centres and to provide that treatment, other than in certain limited circumstances, shall not be given to children without consent being given for such treatment; to regulate the application, in certain limited circumstances, of restrictive practices in respect of children who are admitted to registered acute mental health centres; to provide for applications to be made to court to provide for the entitlements of persons admitted to registered acute mental health centres; to provide for the continuation in being of the Mental Health Commission and the Inspector of Mental Health Services; to provide for the establishment and maintenance of a register of acute mental health centres, a register of community mental health centres and a register of community mental health services for such centres and services registered under and in accordance with this Act; to provide for the regulation of mental health services including registered acute mental health centres, registered community mental health centres and registered community mental health services; to provide for the monitoring and enforcement of compliance with the provisions of this Act by the Mental Health Commission; to repeal the Mental Health Act 2001 and certain other enactments; to provide for the amendment of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 and certain other enactments; and to provide for related matters.

  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 65–82
  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 65–86
  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 65–86
• 2025-06-11
  VOTE
  Mental Health Bill 2024 · 2 divisions

  A bill to provide for the admission to, and discharge from, registered acute mental health centres, of adult persons in certain circumstances and, for the involuntary admission of adult persons who meet the criteria for involuntary admission to such centres; to provide for the criteria for, and review of, involuntary admission of adult persons to registered acute mental health centres; and, for those purposes, to provide for the establishment of mental health review boards; to provide for the care and treatment of adult persons in registered acute mental health centres and to provide that treatment, other than in certain limited circumstances, shall not be given to adult persons without consent being given for such treatment; to regulate the application, in certain limited circumstances, of restrictive practices in respect of adult persons who are admitted to registered acute mental health centres; to provide for the admission to and discharge from registered acute mental health centres of children on a voluntary basis and with parental consent; to provide for the involuntary admission to, and discharge from, registered acute mental health centres of children who meet the criteria for involuntary admission of children to registered acute mental health centres by way of application to the District Court; to provide for the criteria for, and review of, involuntary admission of children to registered acute mental health centres; to provide for the treatment of children in registered acute mental health centres and to provide that treatment, other than in certain limited circumstances, shall not be given to children without consent being given for such treatment; to regulate the application, in certain limited circumstances, of restrictive practices in respect of children who are admitted to registered acute mental health centres; to provide for applications to be made to court to provide for the entitlements of persons admitted to registered acute mental health centres; to provide for the continuation in being of the Mental Health Commission and the Inspector of Mental Health Services; to provide for the establishment and maintenance of a register of acute mental health centres, a register of community mental health centres and a register of community mental health services for such centres and services registered under and in accordance with this Act; to provide for the regulation of mental health services including registered acute mental health centres, registered community mental health centres and registered community mental health services; to provide for the monitoring and enforcement of compliance with the provisions of this Act by the Mental Health Commission; to repeal the Mental Health Act 2001 and certain other enactments; to provide for the amendment of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 and certain other enactments; and to provide for related matters.

  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 64–85
  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 64–85
• 2025-05-28
  VOTE
  Animal Health and Welfare (Ban on Fox Hunting) Bill 2025

  A bill to amend the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 to ban the hunting of a fox or foxes; and to provide for related matters.

  • ✓ voted for the motion motion passed · 113–49
• 2025-05-21
  LOBBY
  Irish Cancer Society Health

  • Daffodil Day 2025
• 2025-05-20
  LOBBY
  College of Psychiatrists of Ireland Health

  • Mental Health Bill 2024 and concerns re inability to provide treatment to all who will be involuntarily hospitalised due to current iteration.To provide descriptions using video recordings of people who had benefited from treatment under the current Mental Health Act explaining their illnesses and the necessary treatment provided in a timely manner.
• 2025-05-19
  LOBBY
  Nursing Homes Ireland Health

  • Letter issued to new government Ministers and Ministers for State congratulating them on their new appointments and commitment to work collaboratively
• 2025-05-16
  LOBBY
  Sage Advocacy Health

  • services provided by Sage Advocacy to survivors of institutional abuse
• 2025-05-15
  LOBBY
  Rare Diseases Ireland Health

  • Re-launch All Party Group on Rare Diseases. Update on the need for a new National Strategy for Rare Diseases, including background data on rare diseases in Ireland and the challenges that people living with rare diseases face.
• 2025-05-14
  LOBBY
  Cuala Senior Care Limited Health

  • Launch of new brand used to bring attention to home care
• 2025-05-13
  LOBBY
  Cork Chamber Health

  • Cork Chamber meeting with Fine Gael TDs to discuss essential social protection and health policies and how they will positively impact city centre living and urban regeneration
• 2025-04-30
  VOTE
  Unnecessary Hip Surgeries at Children's Health Ireland

  • ✓ voted to add an amendment to the bill motion passed · 85–68
• 2025-04-01
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health for an update on her discussions with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to the rollout of the free HRT scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15614/25]
• 2025-04-01
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if, once the free HRT scheme is in operation, retrospective payments from January of this year will be made to those availing of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15615/25]
• 2025-01-21
  LOBBY
  Epilepsy Ireland Health

  • Contacted listed DPOs in their capacity as General Election Candidates to support EI's advocacy campaigns if elected to the next Dáil
• 2025-01-21
  LOBBY
  Irish Cancer Society Health

  • General Election campaign
• 2025-01-21
  LOBBY
  Rehab Group Public Expenditure and Reform

  • Rehab's Pre Budget Submission
• 2025-01-21
  LOBBY
  National Infertility Support and Information Group Health

  • As part of European Fertility week 2024, NISIG wanted to highlight Ireland’s improvement in its ranking in Fertility Europe’s policy survey. We want to see Ireland increase its standing and strengthen supports regarding policy related to fertility treatment, including commencement of the health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024), widening criteria for publicly funded treatment, workplace support. This will need to be fully funded.
• 2025-01-21
  LOBBY
  Home and Community Care Ireland Health

  • Home care workforce issues
• 2025-01-21
  LOBBY
  Reduced Risk Products Association Company Limited Health

  • The Reduced Risk Products Association conducted analysis of Census 2022 and the results of the Healthy Ireland Survey 2024 to examine the likely implications of proposed restrictions on flavoured vapes for adult vapers including smokers who rely on vapes to quit or reduce their smoking returning to smoking, with consequent impacts on deaths from smoking. This analysis was prepared on a Dail constituency basis and sent to all members of Dáil Eireann.
• 2025-01-20
  LOBBY
  Pieta House Health

  • Requesting statutory support for Pieta's self-harm and suicide intervention programmes and for full implementation of Sharing the Vision
• 2025-01-20
  LOBBY
  The Irish Hospice Foundation Health

  • Highlighting issues that Irish Hospice Foundation would like to have included in the next Programme for Government. These included implementation of the National Adult Palliative Care Policy and development of a register for Advance Healthcare Directives.
• 2025-01-20
  LOBBY
  Alcohol Action Ireland Health

  • Alcohol policy development in relation to a new strategy for alcohol and the establishment of an Alcohol Office
• 2025-01-20
  LOBBY
  The Irish Clinical Oncology Group t/a Cancer Trials Ireland Health

  • Husting on Cancer Clinical Trials
• 2025-01-20
  LOBBY
  Childhood Development Initiative Children and Youth Affairs

  • Manifesto for Programme for Goverment
• 2024-11-21
  LOBBY
  UNICEF Ireland Health

  • Boost breastfeeding support, deliver timely interventions for children with developmental delays, Expand childhood mental health services to meet growing demands
• 2024-10-23
  VOTE
  Public Health Service Staffing · 2 divisions

  • ✓ voted for the motion the motion motion passed · 70–59
  • ✓ voted to add an amendment to the bill motion passed · 70–59
• 2024-07-10
  VOTE
  Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill 2024

  A bill to prohibit the sale by retail of tobacco products to persons under the age of 21 years; and for those and other related purposes, to amend the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 and the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023; and to provide for related matters.

  • ✓ voted to progress the bill whether the bill should proceed (Second Stage) motion passed · 93–45
• 2024-04-09
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on a new primary care centre (details supplied) including completion date; and a timeline for the commencement of the various services that will be offered at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14213/24]
• 2024-04-09
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to provide further details on the current status of the HSE recruitment freeze; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14442/24]
• 2024-03-20
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of whole-time equivalent speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and psychologists employed by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11543/24]
• 2024-03-20
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of therapists that have been recruited by the HSE, Section 38 or Section 39 organisations in the past three years; the measures taken to compensate for the loss of staff while recruiting replacements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11546/24]
• 2024-03-20
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the method used to determine the ratio of therapists to children needing access to a specific therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11547/24]
• 2024-03-20
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the locations that have the greatest deficits for therapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11549/24]
• 2024-03-20
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the decision by the HSE to withdraw funding for the Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD Programme (UMAAP) in 2024 and if his Department has plans for the continuation of this program; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11552/24]
• 2024-03-20
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to clarify the policy on blood tests as part of monitoring a medical condition for patients holding a medical card or GP visit card; the steps that can be taken to ensure that blood tests necessary for diagnosis and monitoring are covered by the medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13069/24]
• 2024-03-05
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the need for a task force to address the care and treatment of children with conditions such as spina bifida and scoliosis; if he can provide an update on the current policies in place to ensure timely treatment for these children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9981/24]
• 2024-03-05
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will include the Mental Health (Amendment) Bill 2023 as priority legislation for the Dáil Éireann Spring 2024 session. [10593/24]
• 2024-02-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of claims under the TLI scheme have been made by people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively. [9470/24]
• 2024-02-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health when he intends to next review the long-term illness scheme with a view to expanding the list of illnesses. [9471/24]
• 2024-02-28
  VOTE
  Mental Health (Amendment) Bill 2023

  A bill to amend the Mental Health Act 2001.

  • ✓ voted to add an amendment to the bill motion _ · 72–60
• 2024-02-21
  VOTE
  Healthcare Provision in Rural Communities

  • ✓ voted to add an amendment to the bill motion passed · 70–60
• 2024-02-20
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health for an update on the implementations on recommendations from the nursing homes support scheme (fair deal); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7812/24]
• 2024-01-24
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the closure of the endoscopy unit in Connolly Hospital and the postponement of the BowelScreen Programme; if his Department plans to mitigate the growing waiting lists as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3327/24]
• 2024-01-24
  VOTE
  Organisation of Working Time (Reproductive Health Related Leave) Bill 2021 [Seanad]

  • ✓ voted to add an amendment to the bill motion passed · 74–54
• 2024-01-18
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the actions that are being taken to ensure public awareness and accessibility of vitamin D supplements in accordance with new recommendations issued by the Department of Health, regarding the extended use of vitamin D supplements by children and adults throughout the winter season up to St. Patrick’s Day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2264/24]
• 2024-01-17
  PQ
  Asked Finance

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide clarification where in the Revenue Commissioners guidance it is stated that uploading health receipts is a prerequisite for availing of a tax reclaim for gluten free foods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56774/23]
• 2024-01-17
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that an existing premises (details supplied) which is planned to be adapted for use as a primary care centre is sufficient in size to provide adequate range and level of services for the large population area it is meant to serve. [56820/23]
• 2024-01-17
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to provide details on a proposed health centre (details supplied). [56822/23]
• 2024-01-17
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to outline the efforts being made by the HSE to reduce and reuse food waste, generated by leftover meals prepared for patients, in both public and voluntary care settings. [57199/23]
• 2024-01-17
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to provide information on the current state of genetic services in Ireland, including the waiting times for genetic testing and the resources available to people living with a rare disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1741/24]
• 2023-12-13
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health why GP card holders are required to pay for visits when renewing their driver's licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55462/23]
• 2023-12-06
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the actions being taken to address the staff shortages impacting paediatric neurology services at Crumlin Hospital, particularly regarding the reduced access to the neurology nurses' phone line, essential for epilepsy care in children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54023/23]
• 2023-12-06
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the main policy achievements of his Department in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54075/23]
• 2023-11-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the reasons behind the discontinuation of funding for a project (details supplied), facilitated by the HSE and the Clondalkin drugs and alcohol task force; what measures are being taken to ensure the continued support of the vulnerable community members previously served by this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51957/23]
• 2023-11-22
  VOTE
  Health Service Recruitment Freeze · 2 divisions

  • ✓ voted for the motion the motion motion passed · 74–58
  • ✓ voted to add an amendment to the bill motion passed · 74–59
• 2023-11-15
  VOTE
  Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2023: Report and Final Stages · 3 divisions

  • ✓ voted for the motion motion passed · 117–10
  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 49–81
  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 47–81
• 2023-11-09
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the status of negotiations between Fórsa and the HSE over industrial action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49011/23]
• 2023-11-09
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to reports of high and unmanageable stress levels amongst CAMHS staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49010/23]
• 2023-11-08
  VOTE
  Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill 2023: Report and Final Stages

  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 49–67
• 2023-11-07
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the steps that are being taken to ensure continued support and services for stroke patients, given the absence of allocated funds in Budget 2024 for national stroke strategy services in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48819/23]
• 2023-10-25
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to clarify if CORU's draft registrations plans will dilute standards from level 9 to level 8 criteria for training and remove vital elements of training such as personal therapy and supervision within training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46928/23]
• 2023-10-25
  VOTE
  Health Service Funding · 2 divisions

  • ✓ voted for the motion the motion motion passed · 75–59
  • ✓ voted to add an amendment to the bill motion passed · 73–58
• 2023-10-18
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of concerns raised regarding the potential implications of CORU draft registration standards for psychotherapy training and if the proposed standards ensure the highest quality of care for clients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45656/23]
• 2023-10-17
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health regarding the recent shift to charge €30 for blood tests in hospitals, the reason for this change; the measures being considered to address the resultant financial burden on patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44732/23]
• 2023-10-17
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if hospitals routinely conduct blood tests for alcohol or drug traces in patients admitted after serious car accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44733/23]
• 2023-10-11
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will engage with the Revenue Commissioners to ensure GMS income declaration can continue to be paid through partnerships, as changing this practice could lead to financial uncertainties, disrupt GP services and contradict Sláinte Care's preferred partnership model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44373/23]
• 2023-10-10
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE no longer helps people find a GP who accepts medical card patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44040/23]
• 2023-10-03
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health for a progress report on the spending of the €110,000 which was allocated in budget 2023 for the development of a diabetes register (details supplied); if he will request the HSE to immediately begin recruiting for this new post; if he can confirm if unused funding from budget 2023 will carry over to 2024, while providing a timeline as to when the HSE recruitment freeze will end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42398/23]
• 2023-10-03
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health for a progress report on the spending of the funding which was allocated in budget 2023 for the development of a national paediatric diabetes audit in conjunction with NOCA, following the publication of a detailed feasibility study (details supplied); if he will request the HSE to immediately begin recruiting for these new posts; if he can confirm if unused funding from budget 2023 will carry over to 2024, while providing a timeline as to when the HSE recruitment freeze will end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42399/23]
• 2023-09-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health when the primary care centre in Clondalkin will be opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41896/23]
• 2023-09-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to confirm the number of occupational therapists based in Rowlagh health centre, Clondalkin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41897/23]
• 2023-09-27
  VOTE
  Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2023: Referral to Select Committee

  • ✓ voted for the motion motion passed · 113–10
• 2023-09-27
  VOTE
  Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2023

  A bill to prohibit persons from engaging in certain conduct in safe access zones, that is to say, in certain areas in and adjacent to certain healthcare premises; to make provision for enforcement in respect of engaging in conduct prohibited in such safe access zones, and to provide for offences in relation to such prohibited conduct; and to provide for matters connected therewith.

  • ✓ voted to progress the bill whether the bill should proceed (Second Stage) motion passed · 111–10
• 2023-09-26
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to provide details on the progress that has been made by his Department since the formation of the Government to develop and fully efficient and modern eHealth and ICT infrastructure. [40969/23]
• 2023-09-26
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to provide details on the progress that has been made by his Department since the formation of the Government to promote women's health. [40970/23]
• 2023-09-20
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will work with the HSE to provide urgent access to CAMHS for a person (details supplied) who cannot be discharged from the CHI nephrology ward until support is secured. [39884/23]
• 2023-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Housing

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to consider drafting a statutory scheme to provide a remedy for householders who are adversely impacted by vegetation from public and private lands, including the obstruction of natural sunlight (details supplied); and to advance a proposed scheme, to be managed by local authorities, in order to provide for certain rights and responsibilities, with the resolution of disputes, enforcement, and appeals in a cost-effective and efficient process that provides for the health and safety of householders including the common law applicability. [37325/23]
• 2023-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health how he will ensure the HSE delivers on its commitment in line with Climate Action Plan 2023 and legally binding commitments under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts 2015-2021. [37691/23]
• 2023-09-11
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to extend audiology services to all adults on a needs basis. [38349/23]
• 2023-07-11
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health whether the National Access Policy is being followed by CAMHS in each CHO; which CHOs are implementing it fully, partially and/or not-at-all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33531/23]
• 2023-07-11
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health whether the National Access Policy is being followed by primary care in each CHO; which CHOs are implementing if fully, partially and not-at-all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33532/23]
• 2023-07-04
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will seek an update on the status of a report (details supplied) which was granted funding by the Health Research Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32240/23]
• 2023-06-27
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he is considering addressing the pay disparity between section 39 workers and their section 38 and HSE colleagues in order to attract more therapists to fill vacant CDNT positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31082/23]
• 2023-06-22
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health when the new increased income threshold for GP-only cards will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30488/23]
• 2023-05-31
  VOTE
  Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) (Amendment) Bill 2023 · 2 divisions

  A bill to amend the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 to provide for abortion on request prior to foetal viability; to abolish the 3 day waiting period for abortion on request; to allow for abortion on grounds of fatal foetal abnormality that are likely to lead to the death of the foetus either before or within a year of birth; to allow for abortion where there is a risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman; and to decriminalise the provision of abortion.

  • ~ abstained whether the bill should proceed (Second Stage) motion passed · 67–64
  • ✓ voted to add an amendment to the bill motion failed · 61–74
• 2023-05-30
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the number of hospitalisations related to the use of a substance such as hallucinogens, cannabinoids, cannabis, cocaine, lysergic acid diethylamide and heroin in each of the years 2018 to 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25755/23]
• 2023-05-23
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the financial supports that are available to patients who are required to carry Epinephrine Injections (EpiPens) on their person in case they experience severe anaphylaxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24784/23]
• 2023-05-16
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to increase the supply of residential care places in the Dublin, south Kildare and west Wicklow areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23109/23]
• 2023-05-16
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of new residential care places that were created in the Dublin, south Kildare and west Wicklow areas in 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23110/23]
• 2023-05-16
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding that has been allocated to the Dublin, south Kildare and west Wicklow areas to deliver new residential care places since 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23111/23]
• 2023-05-10
  VOTE
  Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Bill 2022: Report and Final Stages

  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 50–63
• 2023-04-18
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the steps his Department is taking to improve the resourcing of genetic services in Ireland for the detection and treatment of rare diseases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16081/23]
• 2023-04-18
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to transition the current Covid-19 vaccine roll-out programme from being administered at vaccine centres to being solely administered through pharmacies and GPs in order to best utilise the healthcare budget and staffing resources being used to run current vaccination centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16405/23]
• 2023-04-18
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health what progress is being made with regards to reinstating public health nurse check-ups for infants and children in Newcastle, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16431/23]
• 2023-04-18
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the public health (tobacco and nicotine inhaling products) Bill to prohibit the use of nicotine inhaling products by persons under 18 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16845/23]
• 2023-04-18
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will instruct the national women and infant health programme to provide a reply to a person (details supplied) regarding their correspondence. [17095/23]
• 2023-04-18
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health what care pathways are in place for under 18s requiring gender affirming care as a result of clinical psychologist diagnosed gender dysphoria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17546/23]
• 2023-04-18
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health in the context of a person under 18 years of age who has been diagnosed with gender dysphoria by a clinical psychologist; what to do when they do not have access to a psychiatrist or endocrinologist due to a lack of care pathways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17547/23]
• 2023-03-29
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on plans to introduce publicly funded IVF. [15880/23]
• 2023-03-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if a child who is assessed privately for a speech and language disorder can seek access to HSE supports based on the opinions of a private medical professional; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14931/23]
• 2023-03-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his Department can provide a list or database of private speech and language therapists that are approved by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14932/23]
• 2023-03-21
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if maternity hospitals have a policy in place for dealing with expectant mothers who have previously experienced a late-stage pregnancy loss or still birth; if he will consider the introduction of a sticker system to alert health care staff when the medical file of a patient includes a history of late-stage pregnancy loss or still birth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12597/23]
• 2023-03-21
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will revise the long-term illness scheme to cover persons diagnosed with Crohn's disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13261/23]
• 2023-03-02
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will outline plans for a facility (details supplied). [10618/23]
• 2023-02-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will follow up with the HSE to request that a reply is issued in relation to a representation made to it (details supplied). [9801/23]
• 2023-02-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a change in the model of care for a hospital (details supplied) from a walk-in urgent care clinic for children to an appointment-only service; the feasibility of changing this clinic back to a walk-in service to better meet parent’s and children’s emergency needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9804/23]
• 2023-02-16
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to provide a list of all recipients of Lottery funding in south Dublin, from his Department, from 2011 to 2023, in tabular form. [7817/23]
• 2023-02-16
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to provide a list, of all recipients of Lottery funding in south Dublin, from the HSE, from 2011 to 2023, in tabular form. [7818/23]
• 2023-01-25
  VOTE
  Capacity in the Health Services · 2 divisions

  • ✓ voted for the motion the motion motion passed · 68–59
  • ✓ voted to add an amendment to the bill motion passed · 68–58
• 2023-01-18
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the State investment that was given toward the construction of a facility (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63314/22]
• 2023-01-18
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the State investment that was given toward the renovation of a specialist intellectual disability service at a facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63315/22]
• 2023-01-18
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the progress in delivering the primary care centre in Lucan; the services that may be provided there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1087/23]
• 2023-01-18
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the progress in delivering the primary care centre in Clondalkin; the services that may be provided there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1088/23]
• 2023-01-18
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the progress in delivering the primary care centre in Citywest; the services that may be provided there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1089/23]
• 2022-12-15
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if any progress is being made to make the medication cariban reimbursable when prescribed by a pregnant mother’s GP, as opposed to a pregnant mother’s consultant, as this would make cariban more accessible during early pregnancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62892/22]
• 2022-12-14
  VOTE
  Current Issues Affecting the Health Services · 2 divisions

  • ✓ voted for the motion the motion motion passed · 72–53
  • ✓ voted to add an amendment to the bill motion passed · 72–53
• 2022-12-13
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a request for engagement with a group (details supplied) in light of ongoing negotiations on the World Health Organization's pandemic treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61692/22]
• 2022-12-13
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the steps that he is taking to attract GPs to growing suburban areas such as Clondalkin, Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61861/22]
• 2022-12-08
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the steps his Department is taking to address the long wait times for home care packages in CHO 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61343/22]
• 2022-12-08
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the steps that his Department is taking to address the long wait times for respite services for people with intellectual disabilities in the CHO 7 area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61344/22]
• 2022-12-06
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if extenuating priority consideration can be given to applicants for the one stop shop full grant house BER improvement scheme in cases in which a person is terminally ill and requires their home to be made warmer and more comfortable for health reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60588/22]
• 2022-12-06
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider adapting the living-alone allowance criteria to allow a person to rent a room in their home to an international healthcare worker who has come to Ireland to work, without this impacting on their living alone allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60608/22]
• 2022-11-22
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding that has been allocated to the establishment of the national psychology placement office as recommended in the HSE psychology report of January 2021; when he expects the office to be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57286/22]
• 2022-11-22
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the current policy for the management of urgent cases within children’s disability network teams; if a CNDT can carry out a diagnostic assessment without instruction from the assessment of needs’ division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57288/22]
• 2022-11-22
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if the support of a dietitian is available to persons living in Newcastle, County Dublin and Clondalkin, Dublin 22 who have recently been diagnosed as coeliacs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57970/22]
• 2022-11-22
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the reason that first-year students from a school (details supplied) are being asked to travel to a HSE facility in Cherry Orchard to avail of the HPV vaccine which is normally administered in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57971/22]
• 2022-11-10
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the steps his Department is taking to provide targeted healthcare to those suffering with long-Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55949/22]
• 2022-11-09
  VOTE
  Mental Health (Capacity to Consent to Treatment) Bill 2021

  A bill to amend the Mental Health Act 2001 and for that purpose to provide for the right of minors over the age of 16 to consent to mental health treatment and to provide for related matters.

  • ✗ voted to block the bill whether the bill should proceed (Second Stage) motion failed · 60–75
• 2022-11-08
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the timeline for administering the Covid-19 pandemic recognition payment to healthcare professionals working in private sector nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55168/22]
• 2022-11-08
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the plans in place to address Ireland's excess mortality rate of 16.8% as of August 2022; if his attention has been drawn to the actions that are being taken by the EU countries that recorded excess mortality rates below 5.5% in August 2022 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55580/22]
• 2022-10-13
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the funding that is to be available to counselling trainee psychologists based on Budget 2023; if it will consist of a contribution to fees and a salary and be equal in support to the funding available to clinical psychologists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50998/22]
• 2022-10-13
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the number of wholetime equivalent psychologists for CH09 in CAMHS, the children’s disability network teams, children’s primary care and the National Educational Psychological Service in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51024/22]
• 2022-10-13
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of children’s disability network teams in Dublin west; and their locations. [51025/22]
• 2022-10-13
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the number of staff in each children’s disability network team in Dublin west, including social workers, psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and so on, by full-time equivalent. [51026/22]
• 2022-10-13
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the role of the new children’s multi-disciplinary assessment hub in Castleknock, Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51027/22]
• 2022-10-11
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the proportion of the health budget for 2023 that has been designated towards health promotion and prevention measures for conditions such as obesity, cancer and cardiovascular disease and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50048/22]
• 2022-10-11
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will consider funding a new procurement process and funding stream for private companies to tender to help with recruitment of much needed nurses and doctors from countries such as India given that many nursing homes avail of the services of new companies who specialise in this field and have helped them attract talent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50181/22]
• 2022-10-04
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health in relation to the plan to increase the number of medicine graduates by 200, the way he plans to respond to the increased recruitment in terms of the talent pipeline being created through graduates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48411/22]
• 2022-10-04
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to extending the free cervical screening service to women over 65 years who have previously had an abnormal result from a cervical smear test or who have been recommended to continue getting regular smears by their general practitioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48469/22]
• 2022-09-29
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will consider opening procurement for private companies to tender to help with recruitment of much-needed nurses and doctors from countries such as India (details supplied). [47773/22]
• 2022-09-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that when the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022 is implemented, all assisted human reproduction treatments currently available in Ireland today will continue to be allowed and nothing in the Act will prohibit the use and development of new techniques and treatments in line with international best practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47445/22]
• 2022-09-22
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the optical support schemes that are available for schoolchildren aged between 12 and 18-years-old to provide financial support towards the cost of optical services, glasses, lenses et cetera; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46437/22]
• 2022-09-21
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the progress that is being made with regards to reinstating public health nurse check-ups for infants and children in Lucan, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46164/22]
• 2022-09-14
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the details of all Irish hospitals that currently provide a childcare facility for staff; the hours that each childcare facility is operational in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44390/22]
• 2022-07-26
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the cost of litigation involving the victims of thalidomide to date; the anticipated future costs; the expected completion of this litigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39868/22]
• 2022-07-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work that his Department has undertaken to support increased awareness of the importance of mental health among farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38244/22]
• 2022-07-05
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to developmental checks by public health nurses not being offered to families in Lucan, Co. Dublin; the action that he proposes to take to ensure that babies receive these checks to ensure early intervention where required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36025/22]
• 2022-07-05
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to developmental checks by public health nurses not being offered to families in Lucan, Co. Dublin; the action that he proposes to take to ensure that infants receive these checks to ensure early intervention where required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36022/22]
• 2022-07-05
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to report on progress for a primary care centre in Citywest; the services that may be provided there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36023/22]
• 2022-07-05
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health to outline the health, disability, counselling, addiction and mental health services accessible to persons, including young persons living in Newcastle, Rathcoole, Saggart, Citywest and Brittas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36024/22]
• 2022-07-05
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the way that his Department is supporting children with speech and language communication needs in the classroom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34862/22]
• 2022-06-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if community pharmacists with HSE contracts will be included in the Covid-19 bonus payment for healthcare workers who worked in a clinical environment during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34007/22]
• 2022-06-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his Department’s response to the treatment of long-Covid symptoms; the funding that has been provided to date towards the treatment of long-Covid; and if provision will be made for future funding in the upcoming Budget. [34016/22]
• 2022-06-22
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the strategy for supporting and treating persons with long-Covid. [33035/22]
• 2022-06-21
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Ireland's present National Sexual Health Strategy runs to 2020; if he intends to update the strategy; if he will be consulting on the new strategy; the timeline for the new strategy to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32546/22]
• 2022-06-15
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no general practitioner in Newcastle, County Dublin currently accepting patients with a medical card or general practitioner visit card while other nearby practices including at Rathcoole and Saggart are at full capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31052/22]
• 2022-06-14
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the visiting hours for long-stay patients in a hospital (details supplied); his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29671/22]
• 2022-05-31
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if the HSE speech therapy building on Castleknock Road is currently in use by the HSE; if not, if it is vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27486/22]
• 2022-05-31
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the crisis situation regarding the provision of respite disability services in CHO7; the measures that are being taken to resolve this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27553/22]
• 2022-05-24
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health when the expansion of general practitioner care without charges to children aged six and seven years of age is expected to be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26329/22]
• 2022-05-11
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if supports are in place for persons who are diagnosed with an eating disorder and require dental treatment as a result of their eating disorder but do not have the financial means and do not qualify for a medical card. [23761/22]
• 2022-04-27
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the improvements that his Department is making in the area of healthcare for transgender persons; his views on the current waiting time of over two and a half years to be first seen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21450/22]
• 2022-04-07
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 728 of 1 March 2022, if he will consider re-examining funding options for alternative venues for an exercise class (details supplied) given the positive impact that the classes have had on the health of older people in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18981/22]
• 2022-03-30
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date in reducing smoking rates in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16907/22]
• 2022-03-30
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date to provide a primary care centre to serve the four district areas of Saggart, Rathcoole, Newcastle and Brittas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16908/22]
• 2022-03-29
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if the Covid-19 bonus payment for healthcare workers in a clinical environment throughout the pandemic will be extended to Covid-19 community swabbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15854/22]
• 2022-03-24
  PQ
  Asked Education

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education if she will assign a representative to meet with a teacher (details supplied) in relation to their application for ill health retirement. [15663/22]
• 2022-03-24
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the roll-out of a specific vaccine campaign in the Ukrainian language aimed at offering Covid-19 vaccines to new residents that are being welcomed here for a better, safer life. [15536/22]
• 2022-03-22
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to current shortages in supply of hormone replacement therapy patches and gel for the treatment of severe menopause symptoms; if he is undertaking measures to improve access to these menopause supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14457/22]
• 2022-03-22
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the way that he defined exposed healthcare settings in the context of the Covid €1000 bonus; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Tusla staff working in residential facilities, caring for teenagers, donned full PPE. [14491/22]
• 2022-03-22
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to difficulties in accessing speech and language therapy and occupational therapy in CHO area 7; and the actions his Department is undertaking to improve resourcing of these therapies in CHO7. [14669/22]
• 2022-03-22
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if progress has been made in implementing a diagnostic centre to service CHO area 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14670/22]
• 2022-03-09
  PQ
  Asked Education

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education the progress that has been made to transfer the land for a proposed amenity (details supplied) from her Department to the Department of Health; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13528/22]
• 2022-03-08
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if the Covid-19 bonus payment for healthcare workers in a clinical environment throughout the pandemic will be extended to children's residential service staff of Tusla; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13044/22]
• 2022-03-02
  VOTE
  Healthcare Waiting Lists · 2 divisions

  • ✓ voted for the motion the motion motion passed · 76–57
  • ✓ voted to add an amendment to the bill motion passed · 75–57
• 2022-03-01
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if the new plan to clear the children’s waiting list for orthopaedic surgery will be fulfilled by the end of 2022 in view of the €19 million allocation. [11205/22]
• 2022-03-01
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the reason HSE funding has been withdrawn from an exercise class (details supplied); the reason those attending the class have been asked to move from the free class to a class that will cost €80 per month in their nearest locations in Tallaght or Clondalkin, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11257/22]
• 2022-03-01
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the details of the recent changes to regulations in relation to the frequency of the collection of medical prescriptions; the reason for these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11696/22]
• 2022-02-23
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if an analysis of the total cost of cancer treatment has been calculated; if so, the total annual costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10378/22]
• 2022-02-15
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the work underway to increase the number of frontline nursing and midwifery staff in hospitals to help increase capacity and improve experiences for both staff and patients. [7974/22]
• 2022-02-15
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the issues in accessing general practitioner care in Lucan, County Dublin; the actions that are being taken to improve access to general practitioner care nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7973/22]
• 2022-02-15
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he plans to introduce financial supports for persons receiving IVF treatment in the assisted human reproduction Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8162/22]
• 2022-02-03
  PQ
  Asked Education

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay in transferring the land for a proposed amenity (details supplied) from her Department to the Department of Health; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5703/22]
• 2022-02-02
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the way persons who received their primary course of the Covid-19 vaccine outside the State but received their booster dose in Ireland can obtain an updated EU Digital COVID Certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5240/22]
• 2022-02-02
  VOTE
  Animal Health and Welfare and Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021: Report and Final Stages

  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 54–76
• 2022-02-01
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the qualifying criteria for a medical card if a person is undergoing cancer treatment; his plans to extend the medical card to all patients undergoing cancer treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4340/22]
• 2022-02-01
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if the Covid-19 bonus payment for healthcare workers in a clinical environment throughout the pandemic will be extended to section 39 healthcare workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4347/22]
• 2022-02-01
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if the Covid-19 bonus payment for healthcare workers in a clinical environment throughout the pandemic will be extended to student radiographers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4348/22]
• 2022-02-01
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the reason that children under four years of age that are consistently testing negative for Covid-19 on and antigen test three days in a row and are asymptomatic for a further 48 hours are not permitted to finish restricting their movements as is the case with children over four years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4423/22]
• 2022-01-19
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his Department is considering issuing Digital COVID Certificates or proof of vaccination to those under the age of 18 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1055/22]
• 2022-01-19
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his Department is considering issuing Digital COVID Certificates on the basis of a negative antigen test or recovery following a positive antigen test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1056/22]
• 2022-01-19
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will review the currently available list of pharmacies participating in the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out to ensure it is up to date; the way in which a pharmacy can have its name removed from the list when it is no longer participating in the roll-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2076/22]
• 2021-12-15
  VOTE
  Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) (Foetal Pain Relief) Bill 2021 · 2 divisions

  A bill to provide for pain relief for the foetus in certain cases of termination of pregnancy; and to provide for related matters.

  • ✓ voted for the motion the motion motion passed · 107–36
  • ~ abstained on an amendment to the bill motion passed · 103–37
• 2021-12-14
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he has considered the introduction of an exemption to the need for proof of vaccination to engage in various indoor activities, specifically for those who are medically unable to receive their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine due to a severe adverse reaction to their first dose; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61255/21]
• 2021-12-14
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the expected timeline for the delivery of the three specialist menopause clinics yet to be delivered; if the clinics will be open by the end of 2021 as planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61521/21]
• 2021-12-14
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his plans to amend the nursing home support scheme to exempt rental income from a principal private residence when calculating the income of an applicant. [61973/21]
• 2021-12-08
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to introducing saliva tests for Covid-19 as an alternative testing method for those that struggle with PCR testing such as those with intellectual or mental disabilities. [60826/21]
• 2021-12-08
  VOTE
  Health and Criminal Justice (Covid-19) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2021: Committee and Remaining Stages

  • ✓ voted for the motion motion passed · 87–48
• 2021-12-08
  VOTE
  Health and Criminal Justice (Covid-19) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2021

  A bill to provide for the continuation in operation for a further period, which may be extended in certain circumstances, of certain provisions of the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020, the Criminal Justice (Enforcement Powers) (Covid-19) Act 2020, the Health (Amendment) Act 2020 and the Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2021, in the public interest and having regard to the continuing manifest and grave risk to human life and public health posed by the spread of the disease known as Covid-19 (and variants of the virus that causes that disease) in order to mitigate, where practicable, the effects of the spread of that disease; and to provide for related matters.

  • ✓ voted to progress the bill whether the bill should proceed (Second Stage) motion passed · 87–44
• 2021-12-02
  VOTE
  Health (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2021: Committee and Remaining Stages · 2 divisions

  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 48–60
  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 47–63
• 2021-12-01
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a report on the cancellation and no-show rates for PCR tests. [59392/21]
• 2021-11-30
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to provide a primary health centre for Adamstown; if a site has been agreed for the proposed health centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58432/21]
• 2021-11-25
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a group (details supplied); his plans to meet with the group; the current actions being taken to lessen the waiting times for children awaiting surgery for spina bifida; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58079/21]
• 2021-11-25
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will consider introducing measures to support women with the financial cost of hormone replacement therapy as a treatment for severe symptoms of the menopause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58153/21]
• 2021-11-24
  VOTE
  Education (Health, Relationships and Sex Education) Bill 2021

  A bill to amend the Education Act 1998 and to provide for related matters.

  • ✓ voted to add an amendment to the bill motion passed · 82–46
• 2021-11-23
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health when the details of a Covid-19 booster vaccine will be reflected on a person's EU digital Covid certificate particularly to allow international travel to countries that are requiring proof of booster vaccination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57370/21]
• 2021-11-16
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the amount spent by the HSE in contracting debt collection agencies to pursue unpaid statutory charges in each of the years 2013 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55521/21]
• 2021-11-16
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the costs incurred by each public hospital in contracting external debt collection agencies to pursue unpaid statutory charges in each of the years 2013 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55522/21]
• 2021-11-16
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of inpatients or inpatient day cases with unpaid inpatient charges whose debt was referred to a debt collection or legal agency in each of the years 2013 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55523/21]
• 2021-11-16
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the expenditure by the HSE and public hospitals on referral of statutory charges to external debt collection or legal agencies; the breakdown of expenditure by charge, that is, inpatient charge, outpatient and emergency charge in each of the years 2013 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55524/21]
• 2021-11-03
  VOTE
  Extension of Health (Amendment) Act 2020

  • ✓ voted for the motion motion passed · 82–43
• 2021-11-03
  VOTE
  Extension of Part 3 of the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 · 2 divisions

  • ✓ voted for the motion the motion motion passed · 82–44
  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 59–66
• 2021-11-02
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to delays in obtaining an appointment with the HSE civil registration service for the purpose of acquiring a marriage licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52702/21]
• 2021-10-21
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a campaign (details supplied) to improve the provision of neurology nurse specialists at Tallaght University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51759/21]
• 2021-10-19
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his views on the way that the €31 million women’s health package will be dispersed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50840/21]
• 2021-10-19
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the way the funding will be disbursed to address waiting lists such as the €250 million allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50839/21]
• 2021-10-19
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his views on the operation of pop-up vaccination centres; and the uptake at these centres since the start of the 2021-2022 academic year. [49627/21]
• 2021-10-14
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a list of buildings either owned or managed by his Department in Blanchardstown village, Dublin 15; and if they are currently being used. [50315/21]
• 2021-10-13
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the progress in establishing a Ministerial stakeholder group as agreed in November 2020 to review and strengthen current risk reduction measures around the use of sodium valproate to treat epilepsy in women of child-bearing potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50103/21]
• 2021-10-13
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the progress of recruiting four unfilled epilepsy nurse specialist posts as agreed in 2018 for the implementation of the pregnancy prevention programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50104/21]
• 2021-10-06
  VOTE
  Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2021 · 2 divisions

  • ✓ voted for the motion the motion motion passed · 78–55
  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 59–73
• 2021-10-05
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend the opening hours for the paediatric outpatient and urgent care centre in Blanchardstown Hospital; and if not, the barriers to same. [48209/21]
• 2021-09-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the status of the assisted human reproduction Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45986/21]
• 2021-09-22
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the steps taken by his Department to support the implementation of the national remote work strategy Making Remote Work; the approximate number or percentage of staff within his Department who have access to cloud services for remote videoconferencing and the capacity to work remotely; his plans to increase this percentage; the framework under which procurement for this is managed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45370/21]
• 2021-09-22
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the steps taken by agencies under the remit of his Department to support the implementation of the national remote work strategy Making Remote Work; the approximate number or percentage of staff within these agencies who have access to cloud services for remote videoconferencing and the capacity to work remotely; if there are plans to increase this percentage; the framework under which procurement for this is managed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45387/21]
• 2021-09-21
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the action being taken to improve access to general practitioner care in Lucan, County Dublin, as the population of areas such as Adamstown continue to grow and new communities such as Clonburris are developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45029/21]
• 2021-09-15
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the current waiting time for assessment by the HSE National Gender Service; and the action that is being taken to reduce waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43326/21]
• 2021-07-27
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will report on Ireland’s progress to become tobacco free by 2025; if this target will be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33826/21]
• 2021-07-27
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of recorded smokers aged 19 and under from 1990 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33827/21]
• 2021-07-27
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if a licensed premises or manufacturer who is currently using public roads and footpaths to accommodate outdoor dining can legally display alcohol advertisements on these public roads and footpaths. [34016/21]
• 2021-07-27
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if the temporary assistance payment scheme will be extended to continue supporting nursing homes with infection prevention control, enhanced resident safety and staffing measures for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34748/21]
• 2021-07-27
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the funding allocation to Jigsaw for delivering mental health services to north Clondalkin for 2019, 2020 and 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37508/21]
• 2021-07-27
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number and type of services that Jigsaw has delivered to young persons in Clondalkin in 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37509/21]
• 2021-07-27
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the process for which home vaccinations can be booked through (details supplied). [38882/21]
• 2021-07-27
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will produce daily updates on the EU Digital COVID Certificate roll-out. [40005/21]
• 2021-07-27
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that soup-runs and other voluntary efforts relied on for meals by many homeless persons are not discontinued due to health and safety regulations.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40835/21]
• 2021-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the status of public health lists (details supplied). [32362/21]
• 2021-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the status of the establishment of an inquiry into the historical licensing and prescribing of sodium valproate to treat epilepsy. [32552/21]
• 2021-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the status of the four currently unfilled epilepsy nurse specialist posts approved in 2018 to manage the mandatory patient safety requirements for women who are prescribed sodium valproate. [32553/21]
• 2021-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will work with community groups to publicly identify the location of defibrillators around the country and to establish a publicly accessible list of defibrillator locations. [33099/21]
• 2021-07-14
  VOTE
  Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2021: Committee and Remaining Stages

  • ✓ voted for the motion motion passed · 74–68
• 2021-07-14
  VOTE
  Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2021

  A bill to— A. make, on a temporary basis, exceptional provision, in the public interest and having regard to the manifest and grave risk to human life and public health posed by the spread of the disease known as Covid-19 and variants of that disease and in order to mitigate, where practicable, the effect of the spread of that disease; to amend the Health Act 1947 for that purpose; to provide for the lawful operation of certain indoor premises subject to certain conditions notwithstanding restrictions in place in relation to such premises under that Act; to provide, for those purposes, for a robust and enforceable system of verification of the health status of certain persons, including vaccination or recovery status; to confer a power on the Minister for Health to prescribe matters related to the foregoing; to provide for enforcement; and to provide for related matters; B. amend certain provisions relating to pre-travel requirements in respect of certain persons arriving in the State; to amend the period to be spent by a person in quarantine at a designated facility in certain circumstances; to make provision in relation to the power of the Minister for Health to make regulations in relation to tests that may be taken for the purpose of detecting Covid-19 in the context of the requirement to quarantine at a designated facility and to confer a power on that Minister to prescribe the purpose for which such a test may be taken; to provide that quarantine at a designated facility shall not be required for certain persons arriving in the State in certain circumstances and to confer a power on the Minister for Health to make regulations in relation to those circumstances; for those purposes, and for related purposes, to amend the Health Act 1947; and to provide for related matters.

  • ✓ voted to progress the bill whether the bill should proceed (Second Stage) motion passed · 72–66
• 2021-07-13
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the actions that are being taken to address the current waiting time of 4.5 to 5 years for orthodontic treatment in CHO7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28644/21]
• 2021-07-13
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the actions that are being taken to address the current waiting times for children’s services in CHO7 such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and psychology services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28643/21]
• 2021-07-06
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the status of the proposal for a 24/7 community café for an area (details supplied) proposed under the Vision for Change Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29612/21]
• 2021-07-06
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the status of a crisis centre for an area (details supplied) that is proposed under the Vision for Change Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29613/21]
• 2021-06-24
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he has considered introducing a vaccine bonus for wedding receptions to allow fully vaccinated persons not be included in the guest number limit. [26209/21]
• 2021-06-02
  VOTE
  Health (Amendment) Act 2021

  • ✓ voted for the motion motion passed · 90–50
• 2021-06-02
  VOTE
  Health and Criminal Justice (Covid-19) (Amendment) Bill 2021 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages

  • ✓ voted for the motion motion passed · 73–68
• 2021-06-02
  VOTE
  Health and Criminal Justice (Covid-19) (Amendment) Bill 2021 [Seanad]

  • ✓ voted for the motion motion passed · 77–51
• 2021-05-13
  PQ
  Asked Justice

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice if the citizenship applications of front-line health care workers living in direct provision will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25209/21]
• 2021-05-06
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the position of his Department with regard to the use of selective and price comparison style price lists for tobacco products in retail stores; if his attention has been drawn to recent requests by HSE inspectors to remove these from display in stores; and if there is planned legislation to prevent the use of selective tobacco price lists which are currently used to draw the attention of consumers to certain tobacco products in shops (details supplied). [23556/21]
• 2021-05-05
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the reason those with chronic neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis are no longer part of cohort four for vaccination; and if he will consider including those with a number of underlying health conditions within the high risk and very high risk cohorts for vaccination. [22814/21]
• 2021-04-29
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if antigen testing is being considered as a means for allowing pregnant women to be accompanied by a partner in hospital for the entirety of their labour and birth. [22443/21]
• 2021-04-29
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the location where healthcare workers who are returning from maternity leave and who have not yet been vaccinated such as a person (details supplied) will receive their vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22444/21]
• 2021-04-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he plans to introduce measures to ensure care for women who initiate legal abortions in Ireland but whose abortion fails beyond the 12-week timeline and must travel abroad to receive an abortion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21357/21]
• 2021-04-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the status of his plans to regulate rogue crisis pregnancy agencies that seek to delay and misinform those seeking information on abortion services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21408/21]
• 2021-04-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the status of the plans for a primary care centre in Clondalkin, Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21708/21]
• 2021-04-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the status of the plans for a primary care centre in Lucan, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21709/21]
• 2021-04-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the status of the plans for a service (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21710/21]
• 2021-04-22
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health when the sections of the Health Identifiers Act 2014 which have not been commenced will commence; the current impediments stopping the progress of the sections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20999/21]
• 2021-04-21
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the way in which high risk persons such as those with a BMI over 40 who are under general practitioner care and do not have a hospital team will be contacted for their Covid-19 vaccination. [18118/21]
• 2021-04-21
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if there are training schemes available to general practitioners regarding the care of transgender patients especially following gender confirmation surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19183/21]
• 2021-04-21
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the details of the way in which alternative therapies used to treat speech and language difficulties such as music and equine therapies are certified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19341/21]
• 2021-04-21
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will issue a directive requesting the HSE to ensure that patients from a general optician practice (details supplied) receive their overdue vaccines as soon as possible. [19767/21]
• 2021-04-21
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if a person returning to Ireland from one of the designated mandatory hotel quarantine countries who was receiving essential medical treatment abroad and will require immediate follow-up medical treatment in Ireland upon returning will have to undergo mandatory hotel quarantine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20584/21]
• 2021-03-31
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE staff working from home who have received a vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16501/21]
• 2021-03-31
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the current public health information campaigns available on accessing mental health support. [16569/21]
• 2021-03-31
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will implement a public health campaign on accessing suitable therapy services for mental health treatment. [16570/21]
• 2021-03-31
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will implement a public health campaign on caring for mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic. [16571/21]
• 2021-03-31
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if members of An Garda Síochána will be prioritised for the Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16756/21]
• 2021-03-31
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to address the waiting list for over 3,000 gynaecological appointments in Tallaght University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17250/21]
• 2021-03-31
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that pregnant women can be joined by their partners during prenatal scans and childbirth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17590/21]
• 2021-03-24
  PQ
  Asked Environment

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason the largest circulated newspapers that are delivered free to homes in areas (details supplied) are not receiving Government advertising in the form of Covid-19 public health advertising. [14457/21]
• 2021-03-24
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the current status of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill 2019; the provision being made within the Bill for those receiving income support to access assisted human reproduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14014/21]
• 2021-03-24
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the reason the largest circulated newspapers that are delivered free to homes in areas (details supplied) are not receiving Government advertising in the form of Covid-19 public health advertising. [14455/21]
• 2021-03-24
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will consider outsourcing public dental services to private practices in order to lessen waiting times of over seven years for youth orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14858/21]
• 2021-03-24
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the various Covid-19-related public information campaigns run by his Department to date; and the number that relate specifically on the way to properly wear a face covering and to dispose and wash face masks appropriately. [15764/21]
• 2021-03-24
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of children currently waiting for assessment for speech and language services in CHO7. [15857/21]
• 2021-03-24
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of children who have received assessments for speech and language services and are currently waiting for intervention in CHO7. [15858/21]
• 2021-03-24
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of children who have received sporadic speech and language intervention but require further sessions in CHO7. [15859/21]
• 2021-03-24
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will request the HSE to publish the modal age with regard to Covid-19 cases as part of the daily figures to enable further insights into Covid-19 transmission trends here. [15861/21]
• 2021-03-24
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the payment options available for persons to pay fines, charges or bills issued by his Department; and if there are plans to provide further online payment facilities. [16295/21]
• 2021-03-11
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of CHO7 funding by local team level for psychology services. [13701/21]
• 2021-03-11
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of CHO7 funding by local team level for mental health services. [13702/21]
• 2021-03-11
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of CHO7 funding by local team level for disability services. [13703/21]
• 2021-03-11
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the way that very high risk persons such as those with Down syndrome who are under general practitioner care and do not have a hospital team will be contacted for their vaccination. [13758/21]
• 2021-03-10
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if those who were absent from school on the day of the human papillomavirus, HPV, vaccine administration and the catch-up programme can still receive the HPV vaccine free of charge (details supplied). [12807/21]
• 2021-03-03
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the timeline for approval on the planned primary care centre in Citywest, Saggart, County Dublin. [11304/21]
• 2021-03-03
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if those with Addison’s disease will be prioritised for Covid-19 vaccination given their underlying health condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11312/21]
• 2021-03-03
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will consider allowing couples getting married that are choosing, for health and safety reasons not to have a reception and instead to limit their celebration to their church service, to have ten guests at their service as per funerals. [11349/21]
• 2021-02-25
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will facilitate older persons living within 10 km of Citywest to receive their vaccine there, rather than in the Helix if they cannot be administered to them in their local general practitioner surgery. [10750/21]
• 2021-02-25
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if all pharmacy staff will be considered front-line healthcare workers and be prioritised for vaccination in order to be able to continue looking after patients. [10842/21]
• 2021-02-25
  VOTE
  Health (Amendment) Bill 2021 · 3 divisions

  Bill entitled an Act, to make exceptional provision, in the public interest and having regard to the manifest and grave risk to human life and public health posed by the spread of the disease known as Covid-19 and variants of that disease and in order to mitigate, where practicable, the effect of the spread of that disease; to amend the Health Act 1947 to make further and better provision for the enforcement of regulations under section 31A of that Act; to provide for the mandatory quarantine of persons coming into the State from certain areas from where there is known to be sustained human transmission of Covid-19 or any variant of concern, or from which there is a high risk of importation of infection or contamination with Covid-19 or any variant of concern by travel from that area; to provide for the designation of such areas by the Minister; to provide for the mandatory quarantine of persons coming into the State who fail to comply with certain requirements relating to testing for the disease; to provide for the designation of facilities for such quarantine; to provide for the conveying of persons to those facilities; to provide for the making of service agreements to facilitate such quarantine; to provide for alternatives to such quarantine for persons coming into the State where such persons indicate an intention to apply for international protection or where such persons are children who are not accompanied by an adult; and to provide for related matters.

  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 58–86
  • ✓ voted for the motion motion passed · 125–5
  • ✓ voted for the motion motion passed · 131–11
• 2021-02-24
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will discuss with the national immunisation advisory committee when persons with sickle cell disease should receive their Covid-19 vaccination and to determine if they and other vulnerable groups should be included in category 3. [9589/21]
• 2021-02-17
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will discuss with the national immunisation advisory committee when kidney patients should receive the Covid-19 vaccination and to determine if they and other vulnerable groups should be included in category 3. [8715/21]
• 2021-02-17
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will discuss with the National Immunisation Advisory Committee when childcare staff should receive their Covid-19 vaccination given that they have been attending work during level 5 and cannot social distance from the children they mind. [8716/21]
• 2021-02-17
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE bills for cancer patients outsourced to debt collectors in 2019 and 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8978/21]
• 2021-02-17
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the support available to cancer patients who cannot pay their HSE bills; and if help through MABS is offered. [8979/21]
• 2021-02-11
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if it will be ensured that nuns living in congregated settings are catered for appropriately in the Covid-19 vaccination roll-out plan. [7655/21]
• 2021-02-11
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the position of pharmacists and pharmacy staff under the Covid-19 vaccination roll-out plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7691/21]
• 2021-02-10
  PQ
  Asked Justice

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice if citizenship can be fast-tracked for essential workers in the healthcare system in view of their work on the Covid-19 frontline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6627/21]
• 2021-02-10
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will discuss with the National Immunisation Advisory Committee when persons with cystic fibrosis should receive their vaccination and to determine if they and other vulnerable groups should be included in category 3. [6378/21]
• 2021-02-03
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the details of the contract with a company (details supplied) to provide the aggregated mobile phone data to the CSO to facilitate its staying local indicator; the controls that exist to ensure no personal data are provided; and the contract term and value. [5060/21]
• 2021-02-03
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if a high-concentrate free supply of vitamin D will be provided to categories of persons (details supplied). [5892/21]
• 2021-02-03
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if the Food Safety Authority of Ireland will be instructed to examine whether or not vitamin D supplements in excess of the strength currently recommended for protecting older persons bones are advisable for the entire population in order to build resilience against Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5893/21]
• 2021-02-03
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if an independent expert working group will be convened, which includes specialist expertise in the relevant medical and other clinical specialities, to comprehensively evaluate if vitamin D supplementation at doses greater than those currently recommended to Irish adults for musculoskeletal health is now advisable to the Irish adult population in order to build their resilience against Covid-19 infection and severe Covid-19 disease. [5894/21]
• 2021-02-03
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will appoint an independent expert working group, which includes specialist expertise in medical gerontology and the other relevant medical and clinical specialities, to comprehensively evaluate whether vitamin D supplementation at doses greater than those currently recommended to Irish adults aged over 65 years of age for musculoskeletal health are now advisable to the Irish adult population aged over 65 years of age in order to build their resilience against Covid-19 infection and severe Covid-19 cases. [5895/21]
• 2021-02-03
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if an independent expert working group will be appointed, which includes specialist expertise in medical gerontology and the other relevant medical and clinical specialities, to comprehensively evaluate whether vitamin D supplementation at doses greater than those currently recommended to Irish adults and to Irish adults aged over 65 years of age for musculoskeletal health is now advisable to Irish adults with underlying medical conditions in order to build their resilience against Covid-19 infection and severe Covid-19 disease. [5896/21]
• 2021-01-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health when clarification will be provided to the medically vulnerable as to the category they will be included in under the vaccine roll-out programme. [4745/21]
• 2021-01-27
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the position of veterinarian staff under the Covid-19 vaccination roll-out plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3710/21]
• 2021-01-27
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the reason, further to correspondence from this Deputy over the past three weeks, he has not met or engaged with academics who have a proposal that could reduce Covid-19 ICU admissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3976/21]
• 2021-01-27
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if supports are available to access PPE by persons who are caring for an elderly person or a person with a disability in their home who has contracted Covid-19 in order to protect the carer. [4113/21]
• 2021-01-27
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the vaccination categories that paramedics, ambulance staff and fire brigade staff come under. [4426/21]
• 2021-01-20
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his Department requested the Food Safety Authority of Ireland to fast-track its recommendations on vitamin D supplementation in older adults due to emerging evidence linking low vitamin D levels with increased Covid-19 infection and severity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2842/21]
• 2021-01-20
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his Department asked as to whether vitamin D supplementation in adults rather than just older adults is being considered as advisable in the context of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2843/21]
• 2021-01-14
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his Department will work with the HSE to approve a medical internship for a sixth-year medical student (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1953/21]
• 2021-01-14
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will consider extending the €100 weekly grant payment to student nurses working during Covid-19 to radiography students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2038/21]
• 2021-01-13
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if the task force on the Covid-19 vaccination will be requested to include persons with Down's syndrome in the group of people aged 18 to 64 years with certain medical conditions document by the provisional vaccine allocation group. [44557/20]
• 2021-01-13
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the extent to which vitamin D is being used by the HSE to treat and-or prevent Covid-19 in healthcare settings here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1002/21]
• 2021-01-13
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the status of the ongoing observational studies that are currently evaluating the role of vitamin D in preventing and treating Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1003/21]
• 2021-01-13
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the terms of reference given to the Food Safety Authority ahead of the publication of its vitamin D scientific recommendations for food-based dietary guidelines for older adults in Ireland; if this study was requested to look at vitamin D in the general population in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1004/21]
• 2020-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will instruct the task force on Covid-19 vaccination to include persons with Down's syndrome in the group of persons aged 18 to 64 with certain medical conditions in the provisional vaccine allocation groups document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43671/20]
• 2020-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will consider granting a nominal retention bonus to nurses, midwives and healthcare workers who have worked throughout Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43715/20]
• 2020-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will work with the HSE to secure equitable access to dupilumab for atopic eczema patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43716/20]
• 2020-12-15
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the payment of travel allowances which are owed to student nurses from placements which took place almost one year ago; and if these allowances will be paid without further delay. [42923/20]
• 2020-12-10
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his views on the recent advice given to older persons to take vitamin D daily; if such advice applies to other age groups; if, the supplement will be subsidised for at-risk groups in the context of public health and health promotion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41875/20]
• 2020-12-10
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the progress of the women’s health taskforce which is aiming to improve women’s health outcomes and experiences of healthcare in terms of health promotion and public health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41876/20]
• 2020-12-10
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the procedures and quality checks in place to monitor the care carried out by home help organisations contracted to carry out home caring work in the homes of persons; if there is a feedback mechanism for receivers of this care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42630/20]
• 2020-12-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to develop a successor to the sustainable healthy agri-food research plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41483/20]
• 2020-12-08
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if guidance will be provided to the HSE to safely facilitate both expectant parents to attend scans and ultrasounds in maternity hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41334/20]
• 2020-12-03
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to roll out the Sligo scheme in terms of cataract treatment to other areas of the country; the financial benefits which would apply if this scheme was rolled out; if waiting lists would be reduced; the timescale for such a roll out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40971/20]
• 2020-11-24
  PQ
  Asked Justice

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice if deportation orders have been served on healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic; if so, if her Department will review these orders given the current healthcare staff shortages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38022/20]
• 2020-11-24
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if children under 12 years of age are entitled to an eye examination and voucher to cover the cost of glasses; and if so, how often. [38224/20]
• 2020-11-17
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the funding that has been allocated to hospice foundations in counties Longford and Westmeath to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37003/20]
• 2020-11-11
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if an association (details supplied) will be considered as an essential service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35913/20]
• 2020-11-03
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will integrate additional software to the Covid-19 tracker app that shows daily incidence figures of those who have recovered from Covid-19, which would create some positivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32869/20]
• 2020-10-23
  VOTE
  Health (Amendment) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages

  • ✓ voted for the motion motion passed · 85–53
• 2020-10-23
  VOTE
  Health (Amendment) Bill 2020

  A bill to make further and better provision in relation to the enforcement of regulations under section 31A of the Health Act 1947; for that purpose, to make provision in relation to the prosecution of certain offences consisting of contraventions of those regulations, to provide for the payment of fixed sums by persons alleged to have committed certain such offences in lieu of their being prosecuted for those offences; to provide for the giving of directions by members of the Garda Síochána in certain circumstances; and to provide for matters connected therewith.

  • ✓ voted for the motion motion passed · 93–43
• 2020-10-22
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the current HSE Covid-19 advertising on social media platforms (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32185/20]
• 2020-10-22
  VOTE
  Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act) 2020 - Part 3 · 2 divisions

  • ✓ voted for the motion the motion motion passed · 92–53
  • ✗ voted to reject an amendment to the bill motion failed · 59–86
• 2020-10-20
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to reduce the maximum amount paid monthly on the drug payment scheme from €124 to €114 on 1 November 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31506/20]
• 2020-10-20
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if there are plans for Covid-19 care at Citywest, County Dublin. [31563/20]
• 2020-10-15
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to introduce free GP care for children under 12 years of age; and the timeline for the phased roll out of same. [30853/20]
• 2020-10-14
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if scouts groups can meet in outside pods in the way that GAA players can for training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30475/20]
• 2020-10-13
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if rapid antigen testing 15 minutes will be considered as part of the long-term strategy to live with Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29900/20]
• 2020-10-06
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his plans to upgrade the Covid-19 testing system here by using a new test (details supplied) that only takes 15 minutes to provide results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28307/20]
• 2020-10-06
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his views on a study conducted on levels of vitamin D (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28308/20]
• 2020-09-30
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 812 of 22 September 2020, if other countries such as Denmark are using an app to record the number of close contacts a user has daily; if consideration will be given to changing the app used here in order that the keys that are shared between phones are randomised once a day in the middle of the night to preserve the protection of privacy while allowing the app to record the number of close contacts a user has daily; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27419/20]
• 2020-09-30
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the reason Covid-19 advertisements do not feature hard-hitting messages on the impact of the virus similar to road safety and anti-smoking advertisements; his plans to target hard-hitting ads towards young persons highlighting the potential long-term health consequences to them if they contract Covid-19 and the impact if they infect older members of their family; his plans to copy the successful strategy of road safety advertisements by featuring survivors of Covid-19 and relatives of those that have passed away from the virus in advertisements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27440/20]
• 2020-09-30
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the evidence that demonstrates the impact of anti-smoker advertisements; if the evidence shows that hard-hitting messages are more effective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27441/20]
• 2020-09-29
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if the Covid-19 tracker application will be updated such that when a person is identified as a close contact and takes the necessary action, his or her close contact notification expires in order that he or she is able to receive future notifications. [26433/20]
• 2020-09-29
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the status of guidelines for maternity and prenatal care in Dublin hospitals within Level 3 restrictions; his views on the need to support women and their partners through their care [26434/20]
• 2020-09-29
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his plans to allow mothers to be accompanied by their partners in maternity wards and during prenatal care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26573/20]
• 2020-09-29
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health when a diabetic nurse in the paediatric ward of the Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar, County Westmeath will be appointed (details supplied). [26596/20]
• 2020-09-29
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his plans to deal with the extended waiting list for patients awaiting appointments for ear, nose and throat procedures. [26597/20]
• 2020-09-29
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health when early intervention services for children with Downs syndrome will resume (details supplied). [27023/20]
• 2020-09-22
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if gyms and dance studios will be closed if a county enters phase 3 of the Covid-19 roadmap [25048/20]
• 2020-09-22
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will alter the Covid-19 tracking app to allow users to clearly see the number of close contacts that their app records on a daily basis in order to encourage users to reduce their number of close contacts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25377/20]
• 2020-09-16
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if a 14-day view of Covid-19 cases will be published by electoral division regularly (details supplied) [24262/20]
• 2020-09-16
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the details of all Covid-19 cases for the most recent 14-day period available by South Dublin County Council electoral division [24263/20]
• 2020-09-15
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the system for providing medical cards to persons on palliative care; if a means test applies; the length of time the application process takes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23277/20]
• 2020-09-15
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if dance classes can have more than six participants if they have the space to socially distance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23992/20]
• 2020-09-10
  VOTE
  Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 4) Regulations 2020

  • ✗ voted against the motion motion failed · 15–125
• 2020-09-08
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if organised sports training within indoor facilities can do so in multiple pods of six; if there is a limit of six on the total number of attendees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22517/20]
• 2020-07-28
  PQ
  Asked Business

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if an employer that only provides a member of staff with a laptop due to the fact they are required to work in multiple locations is in breach of health and safety legislation or guidelines by refusing to also provide a monitor to ensure the employee does not suffer from posture difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18953/20]
• 2020-07-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health when his Department plans to have completed gathering evidence on the abuse of nitrous oxide by young persons; the plans he has to create a strategy to tackle this issue on completion of gathering this evidence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18402/20]
• 2020-07-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of cases of nitrous oxide abuse recorded by the national poisons information centre in each year since 2015 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18432/20]
• 2020-07-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health when data from the HSE and Trinity College Dublin on drug trends in summer 2019 at music festivals will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18606/20]
• 2020-07-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of deaths recorded in the HRB’s national drug-related deaths index in which nitrous oxide was implicated; if two recent deaths in Tallaght, County Dublin and in Millstreet, County Cork which the media have reported as being as a result of nitrous oxide abuse will be recorded in the HRB’s national drug-related deaths index; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18607/20]
• 2020-07-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if guidance issued to retailers on the sale of nitrous oxide without breaching the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18608/20]
• 2020-07-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if a report from the HSE and Trinity College Dublin on drug trends in summer 2019 at music festivals due to be published shortly records use of nitrous oxide; if so, the proportion of attendees at music festivals in 2019 who used nitrous oxide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18619/20]
• 2020-07-28
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 738 of 21 July 2020, the details on the number of users who have chosen to register their location in these areas when signing up for the application, in view of the fact the application requests users to provide their location when they register and that the locations in the question are included in the drop-down list from which users select; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18678/20]
• 2020-07-22
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his plan to help persons with Alzheimer's disease; his further plans to increase resources and staff to help those affected; when daycare centres to help persons with dementia will reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17468/20]
• 2020-07-22
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will make lidocaine patches available on the medical card to patients with cancer in need of pain relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17580/20]
• 2020-07-21
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of downloads of the Covid-19 application; the number of persons who tested positive for Covid-19 who have allowed their close contacts to be notified through the application; the number of persons who have been contacted as a result of being a close contact of a confirmed case; the number of these persons who would not otherwise have been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17189/20]
• 2020-07-21
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of downloads of the Covid-19 application in which the user's location was identified as Brittas, Newcastle, Rathcoole, Saggart, Dublin 20 or Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17190/20]
• 2020-07-21
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his views on private nursing homes limiting visits to patients to 30 minutes once a week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17229/20]
• 2020-07-14
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the additional supports that are available to children who have a dual diagnosis of autism and verbal dyspraxia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14671/20]
• 2020-07-14
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 674 of 7 July 2020, if he will provide the specific total amount made available by his Department and the HSE in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16013/20]
• 2020-07-07
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the amount made available by his Department to organisations through national lottery funding in 2010; the amount that will be made available to organisations through national lottery funding in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13775/20]
• 2020-07-07
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the amount made available by the HSE to organisations through national lottery funding in 2010; the amount that will be made available by the HSE to organisations through national lottery funding in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13776/20]
• 2020-07-07
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a matter (details supplied); and the measures he will take to address same. [13874/20]
• 2020-07-07
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his plans to allow medical students to undertake one month summer placements in hospitals in 2020. [13876/20]
• 2020-07-07
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health when the increased thresholds for the over-70s announced in budget 2020 will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14219/20]
• 2020-07-07
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health further to the release of confirmed Covid-19 cases by electoral division up to 12 June 2020, when he will release updated data by electoral division on the number of Covid-19 cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14355/20]
• 2020-07-07
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if the Covid-19 tracking app will work on a smartphone that has Bluetooth turned on and can access Wi-Fi at home but does not have access to a phone network or to internet 3G, 4G and so on over a phone network. [14420/20]
• 2020-06-30
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health when SI No. 181 of 2020, Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Requirements) (Covid-19 Passenger Locator Form) Regulations 2020 expires; his plans to extend it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12737/20]
• 2020-06-30
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his plans to eliminate the wait for cancer patients as a result of the reorientation of the public and private health services during the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12748/20]
• 2020-06-30
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the options available to a public hospital patient to make a complaint; the role of agencies outside the HSE and his Department such as the Ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13291/20]
• 2020-06-30
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health further to his response to the contribution in Dáil Éireann of 11 June 2020 by this Deputy, when the number of days since a positive Covid-19 will be released by county and if possible, by electoral division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13451/20]
• 2020-06-23
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if public houses that serve food can reopen similar to restaurants under phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; if not, the public houses which can reopen similar to restaurants at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11730/20]
• 2020-06-09
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if an exemption will be made to the requirement for passengers to self-isolate for a passenger that has recently tested negative for Covid-19 by the public health authorities in Germany and the purpose of the trip is to see their children for a few days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9856/20]
• 2020-06-09
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the penetration rate of generic medicines in 2010 and in the most recent year for which figures are available; the penetration rate of biosimilar medicines; the amount which would be saved if the penetration rate of biosimilar medicines matched that of generic medicines; his plans to increase the penetration rate of biosimilar medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9951/20]
• 2020-06-09
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the supports available to dentists under financial pressures due to the requirement to restructure their practice due to Covid-19 and additional costs for PPE and the safe disposal of PPE as clinical waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9089/20]
• 2020-06-03
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the circumstances under which a person can acquire cannabis-based products (details supplied); the details of the clinical guidance required; the Department responsible for international controlled drug export licensing requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8463/20]
• 2020-06-03
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he has received advice from the Chief Medical Officer regarding the risk posed by the requirements in the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 that segregates alcohol from other shops due to the requirement to open additional doors to purchase alcohol; if plans to implement this measure will be delayed due to the disruption caused to retailers by Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9083/20]
• 2020-06-03
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if public houses that serve food can reopen similar to restaurants under phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; if not, the public houses which can reopen similar to restaurants at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9085/20]
• 2020-06-03
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend the provision of PPE to dentists that treat patients with sufficient PRSI payments under the treatment benefit scheme; if additional support will be provided to dentists to help with the cost of safely disposing of used PPE as clinical waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9088/20]
• 2020-06-03
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the recourse available to families when a member of the family has symptoms of Covid-19 or has tested positive for Covid-19 but refuses to self-isolate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9093/20]
• 2020-06-03
  PQ
  Asked Health

  Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the protocol in place in a nursing home (details supplied) for the isolation of patients that test positive for Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9094/20]