Frank Feighan
Question:550. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Health if he will consider allowing religious services to resume in June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8480/20]
View answerCovid-19 Pandemic
Questions (550)
Written answers
The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business, published on 1 May 2020, sets out an indicative path to the easing of COVID 19 restrictions and other actions in order to facilitate the reopening Ireland’s society and economy in a phased manner. The Roadmap specifies that decisions in relation to which actions will be taken and which public health measures might be lifted will be made in accordance with the Framework for Future Decision-Making which is as follows:
1. Before each Government consideration of the easing of restrictions, the Department of Health will provide a report to the Government regarding the following on/off trigger criteria:
a. The latest data regarding the progression of the disease,
b. The capacity and resilience of the health service in terms of hospital and ICU occupancy,
c. The capacity of the programme of sampling, testing and contact tracing,
d. The ability to shield and care for at risk groups,
e. An assessment of the risk of secondary morbidity and mortality as a consequence of the restrictions.
2. It will also provide risk-based public health advice on what measures could be modified in the next period.
3. The Government would then consider what restrictions could be lifted, having regard to the advice of the Department of Health as well as other social and economic considerations, e.g. the potential for increased employment, relative benefits for citizens and businesses, improving national morale and wellbeing etc.
4. It is acknowledged that there is also an ongoing possibility that restrictions could be re-imposed and this process will be carried out on an ongoing basis once every 3 weeks.
As is clear from the framework, it is the Government rather than I or my Department that will decide on any modifications to the current public health measures in place and those decisions will be informed by the status of the on/off trigger criteria and the public health advice received at the time that a decision is being made.
Disabilities Assessments
Questions (551)
Paul Murphy
Question:551. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the status of the referral for an assessment of needs for a person (details supplied); and the steps he will take to ensure that the HSE complies with its legal requirement under the Disability Act 2005 to carry out an assessment of need within three months of the referral being accepted by the children's disability services on 7 October 2019. [8490/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Alcohol Sales
Questions (552)
Mattie McGrath
Question:552. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he is considering a delay in the implementation of the enforcement of structural separation within off-licences as part of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018. [8493/20]
View answerWritten answers
I commenced section 22 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act by Order on 1 November 2018. In accordance with that Order and with the provisions of section 22 which provide for a two year lead-in time, the section will come into operation on 12 November this year.
The enforcement of the provisions of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act are a matter for the Health Service Executive. I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy.
Home Care Packages
Questions (553)
Robert Troy
Question:553. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a home care package will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [8494/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff
Questions (554)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:554. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if there are still plans to recruit 1,000 new community healthcare workers by the end of 2020 as was pledged in budget 2020; if so, the number of positions filled to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8505/20]
View answerWritten answers
Budget 2020 included an additional provision of €10 million in 2020 (€60 million in a full year) for the enhancement of community and primary care. I welcomed the advance commitment to €60 million in 2021 as it will enable the recruitment of up to 1,000 therapists, nurses and other professionals in the community on a phased basis during the course of 2020, and will allow for these posts to be fully funded throughout 2021 in order to address the needs identified in the Health Service Capacity Review recommendations. This funding will also facilitate the recruitment of dementia advisers. The planning for these posts is currently ongoing and will need to consider the population needs at a community and regional level. At this point, no posts have yet been put in place but planning is at an advanced stage in order to get the required staff in post by year end.
General Practitioner Services
Questions (555)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:555. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the reopening of a service (details supplied) in County Cork. [8508/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (556)
Jackie Cahill
Question:556. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the advice or instruction available for a retailer aged over 70 years of age who is the only employee in the business as to whether he or she should reopen if the business is included in the list of businesses allowed to open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8516/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business, published on 1 May 2020, sets out an indicative path to the easing of COVID 19 restrictions and other actions in order to facilitate the reopening Ireland’s society and economy in a phased manner. The Roadmap specifies that decisions in relation to which actions will be taken and which public health measures might be lifted will be made in accordance with the Framework for Future Decision-Making which is as follows:
1. Before each Government consideration of the easing of restrictions, the Department of Health will provide a report to the Government regarding the following on/off trigger criteria:
a. The latest data regarding the progression of the disease,
b. The capacity and resilience of the health service in terms of hospital and ICU occupancy,
c. The capacity of the programme of sampling, testing and contact tracing,
d. The ability to shield and care for at risk groups,
e. An assessment of the risk of secondary morbidity and mortality as a consequence of the restrictions.
2. It will also provide risk-based public health advice on what measures could be modified in the next period.
3. The Government would then consider what restrictions could be lifted, having regard to the advice of the Department of Health as well as other social and economic considerations, e.g. the potential for increased employment, relative benefits for citizens and businesses, improving national morale and wellbeing etc.
4. It is acknowledged that there is also an ongoing possibility that restrictions could be re-imposed and this process will be carried out on an ongoing basis once every 3 weeks.
As is clear from the framework, it is the Government rather than I or my Department that will decide on any modifications to the current public health measures in place and those decisions will be informed by the status of the on/off trigger criteria and the public health advice received at the time that a decision is being made.
On 9 May the “Return to Work Safely Protocol - COVID-19 Specific National Protocol for Employers and Workers” was published. It provides clear guidance to employers and to workers on the measures that must be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Protocol was developed through the cooperation of the Health and Safety Authority, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, the HSE and my Department. It is designed to be used by all workplaces to adapt their procedures and practices to provide protection against the threat of COVID-19.
In addition, the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) 'Guidance on cocooning to protect people over 70 years and those extremely medically vulnerable from COVID-19', strongly advises people over 70 years of age and those with serious underlying medical conditions, which put them at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19), to rigorously follow cocooning measures in order to keep themselves safe.
In general, with the exception of public health advice, the responsibility for providing guidance in relation to a particular sector of our economy or on a specific activity remains with the Government Department with responsibility for that sector or activity.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Questions (557)
Chris Andrews
Question:557. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will be given an urgent date for an assessment of needs to be carried out by CAMHS. [8519/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Insurance
Questions (558)
Michael McGrath
Question:558. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that certain private patients who have paid health insurance are not able to have essential surgery carried out by their private consultant in a private hospital at this time; if he is taking steps to resolve the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8521/20]
View answerWritten answers
A major part of the Government's Action Plan in response to Covid-19 was to substantially increase the capacity of public healthcare facilities to cope with the anticipated additional demand. In order to urgently ramp up capacity for acute care facilities, an arrangement was agreed with the private hospitals to use their facilities as part of the public system on a temporary basis, to provide essential services. A Heads of Terms of an Agreement between the HSE and the Private Hospitals was agreed at the end of March 2020 and all 18 of the acute private hospitals signed up to it. Under the arrangement, all patients in the private hospitals are treated as public patients and their treatment is prioritised based on clinical need. Provision was made under the agreement to allow for continuity of care for patients who were in a private hospital or attending for treatment at the time the Heads of Terms of the Agreement were agreed, on the grounds that these patients would be treated as public patients. It is intended that each patient will remain under the care of their existing consultant, where that can be facilitated and if that is not possible, they will be transferred to the care of another consultant as a public patient.
The agreement was reviewed at the end of May and the Government decided that the existing arrangement should not be extended beyond the end of June. It has however mandated the HSE to negotiate a new arrangement with private hospitals which would provide the HSE with full access to private hospital capacity in the event of a surge of Covid-19 and separately with ongoing agreed access, to enable the HSE to meet essential and elective care needs.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity, including outpatient clinics. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for COVID-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the World Health Organisation, the measures set out in the Action Plan in Response to Covid-19 and the recommendation of NPHET. The NPHET has now recommended that steps be taken to resume non-urgent scheduled care in the context of the safe care guidelines set out by its Expert Advisory Group.
Covid-19 Tests
Questions (559)
Danny Healy-Rae
Question:559. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason it is not possible to be referred for a Covid-19 test by the Covid-19 HSE information line which would save time and money; the reason only a general practitioner can refer persons for a Covid-19 test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8539/20]
View answerWritten answers
A GP is the best person to advise a patient if they are concerned that they have symptoms of COVID-19 infection and is best placed to make a clinical judgment as to whether a patient should be referred for a test.
The HSE advises that it now has the capacity to test 15,000 people a day. Turnaround times have continued to improve and the HSE continues to implement measures to further reduce turnaround times so as to its target to complete the testing process from referral to the completion of contact tracing within 3 days or less in 90% cases. The HSE continues to work intensively to further develop processes and turnaround times across the testing and tracing pathway and a range of further improvements will be rolled out in the coming weeks.
Significant progress has been made over recent weeks to scale up Ireland's testing services. Ireland's testing strategy has evolved as testing capacity has grown. A number of changes have been made to the case definition so that anyone presenting with acute respiratory infection comprising the sudden onset of least one of the following symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath) can be referred for testing. Our strategy is to target testing at those groups or populations where the virus is most likely to be and where it’ll do most harm.
Health Services Provision
Questions (560)
Brendan Griffin
Question:560. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided to carry out the necessary upgrade to keep a health centre (details supplied) open in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8543/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (561)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:561. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the phase in the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business which applies to the return to work of speech and language and occupational therapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8547/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Covid-19 Tests
Questions (562)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:562. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if mental health workers in the public, private and community sectors returning to work are being prioritised for Covid-19 testing; and if not, the reason therefor. [8575/20]
View answerWritten answers
A robust and real-time process of testing, isolation and contact tracing is central to our public health strategy for containing and slowing the spread of COVID-19, as advocated by WHO, EC and ECDC.
All healthcare workers meeting the current case definition for COVID-19 are referred for testing in line with current testing criteria. There is extensive guidance in place for healthcare workers and this can be found on the HPSC website: https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/guidanceforhealthcareworkers/. There is also clear guidance in place for the assessment, testing and return to work of healthcare workers. https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/algorithms/Algorithm%20for%20Testing%20and%20Return%20to%20Work%20of%20Symptomatic%20HCWs.pdf.
In addition, current guidance requires the testing of all staff and residents when a new case emerges in a long term residential care facility (including mental health facilities) that has not yet had a case.
As the deputy will be aware, a significant programme of testing across Long Term Residential Care Facilities commenced on 17 April following a NPHET recommendation. Over 100,000 tests have been complete under the residential care facilities mass testing programme. This includes the testing of all staff and residents in facilities that had an outbreak already, and the testing of staff in those facilities that didn't have an outbreak. This testing programme is now complete, and the results and findings will help inform and guide future testing strategy for these facilities. This is being given ongoing consideration by NPHET.
It is important to note that testing is only one element of a comprehensive strategic response to COVID-19. Testing for COVID-19 only provides a point-in-time result. It confers no guarantee that the individual with a 'not detected' result is not incubating the infection or the level of virus is below detectable levels at the time of the test. Therefore, testing should not be used for screening purposes and should only be undertaken based on public health risk assessment.
Targeted, risk-based testing can yield important data to inform control measures, but does not constitute a control measure in and of itself. A comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic must include a strong focus on infection prevention and control and additional measures such as prompt identification and exclusion from work of symptomatic healthcare workers for example.
Medicinal Products
Questions (563)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:563. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing campaign by families of persons with amyloidosis here to be provided with the drug patisiran as is the case in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8576/20]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
Reimbursement is for licenced indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness, potential or actual budget impact and efficacy.
I am advised by the HSE that it has received an application for the reimbursement of Patisiran (Onpattro®) for the treatment of hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (hATTR amyloidosis) in adult patients with stage 1 or stage 2 polyneuropathy.
In January 2019, a full health technology assessment was commissioned by the HSE. This assessment was completed in February 2020 with the NCPE recommending that patisiran (Onpattro®) is not considered for reimbursement unless cost-effectiveness can be improved relative to existing treatments. The HSE will assess this application for reimbursement in line with the 2013 Health Act.
I can confirm that I have received representations in relation to the reimbursement of patisiran (Onpattro®).
Mental Health Tribunals
Questions (564)
Catherine Connolly
Question:564. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons made the subject of an order for detention and isolation to date pursuant to section 38A of the Health Act 1947, as amended, in which such persons have been detained; the length of time they have been detained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7116/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter the question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for answer and direct reply to the Deputy.
Mental Health Tribunals
Questions (565)
Catherine Connolly
Question:565. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of certificates issued pursuant to section 38A(3) of the Health Act 1947, as amended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7117/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter the question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for answer and direct reply to the Deputy.
Mental Health Tribunals
Questions (566)
Catherine Connolly
Question:566. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of reviews requested pursuant to section 38A(5) of the Health Act 1947, as amended; the number of reviews carried out pursuant to section 38A(6); the number of certificates issued pursuant to section 38A(6); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7118/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter the question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for answer and direct reply to the Deputy.
Medicinal Products
Questions (567)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:567. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has received an application for acarizax to be added to the reimbursement list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8581/20]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, if a company would like a medicine to be reimbursed by the HSE, the company must submit an application to the HSE to have the new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
Reimbursement is for licenced indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
I am advised by the HSE that it has received two applications for the reimbursement of House Dust Mite extract (Acarizax®):
1) House Dust Mite Extract (Acarizax®) for Allergic Asthma
In March 2020, the HSE commissioned the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) to complete a rapid review on this medicine. The NCPE recommended a full health technology assessment (HTA) to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of HDM extract (Acarizax ®) for allergic asthma compared with the current standard of care. On 07 May 2020 the HSE commissioned the NCPE to undertake a full pharmacoeconomic assessment for this indication.
2) House Dust Mite Extract (Acarizax®) for Allergic Rhinitis
In March 2020, the HSE commissioned the NCPE to complete a rapid review. The NCPE has recommended that a full HTA is required to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of HDM extract (Acarizax ®) compared with the current standard of care.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (568)
Jackie Cahill
Question:568. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if summer camps will be allowed to take place during the summer in view of the fact they are integral part of summer for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8582/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business, published on 1 May 2020, sets out an indicative path to the easing of COVID 19 restrictions and other actions in order to facilitate the reopening Ireland’s society and economy in a phased manner. The Roadmap specifies that decisions in relation to which actions will be taken and which public health measures might be lifted will be made in accordance with the Framework for Future Decision-Making which is as follows:
1. Before each Government consideration of the easing of restrictions, the Department of Health will provide a report to the Government regarding the following on/off trigger criteria:
a. The latest data regarding the progression of the disease,
b. The capacity and resilience of the health service in terms of hospital and ICU occupancy,
c. The capacity of the programme of sampling, testing and contact tracing,
d. The ability to shield and care for at risk groups,
e. An assessment of the risk of secondary morbidity and mortality as a consequence of the restrictions.
2. It will also provide risk-based public health advice on what measures could be modified in the next period.
3. The Government would then consider what restrictions could be lifted, having regard to the advice of the Department of Health as well as other social and economic considerations, e.g. the potential for increased employment, relative benefits for citizens and businesses, improving national morale and wellbeing etc.
4. It is acknowledged that there is also an ongoing possibility that restrictions could be re-imposed and this process will be carried out on an ongoing basis once every 3 weeks.
As is clear from the framework, it is the Government rather than I or my Department that will decide on any modifications to the current public health measures in place and those decisions will be informed by the status of the on/off trigger criteria and the public health advice received at the time that a decision is being made.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (569)
Pearse Doherty
Question:569. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive an appointment date in the ENT clinic in Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8583/20]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity, including outpatient clinics. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the World Health Organisation, and the National Action Plan published on 16 March. The trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of non-covid care including more routine care. It is envisaged that the private hospitals will play an important role in this regard.
My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to estimate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address any backlog or pent up demand. My Department continues to ensure that the resources available throughout our health system are best utilised at this unique and challenging time.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (570)
Mary Butler
Question:570. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for an operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8584/20]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity, including outpatient clinics. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the World Health Organisation, and the National Action Plan published on 16 March. The trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of non-covid care including more routine care. It is envisaged that the private hospitals will play an important role in this regard.
My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to estimate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address any backlog or pent up demand. My Department continues to ensure that the resources available throughout our health system are best utilised at this unique and challenging time.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (571)
Brendan Griffin
Question:571. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8586/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Temporary Childcare Scheme for Essential Health Workers that Dr Katherine Zappone, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs was to establish regrettably cannot proceed as planned.
The scheme launched on 7 May with a call to childcare services to volunteer to provide childcare for health workers in their homes. Unfortunately, uptake for the scheme among childcare providers has been much lower than was hoped, with only six providers applying.
DCYA advise that the reasons include the availability of insurance cover, concerns about possible virus transmission, difficulties in meeting employer responsibilities in relation to breaks and rest periods, and concerns about a lack of protection for staff working alone.
Minister Zappone and her Department remain strongly focused on developing solutions to the significant challenges posed to a phased reopening of early learning and childcare facilities ahead of a planned 29th June in line with the Government’s Roadmap on Reopening Society and Business.
Departmental Correspondence
Questions (572)
Michael McGrath
Question:572. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) will receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8599/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Dental Services
Questions (573)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:573. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of PPE for dentists (details supplied) who have HSE contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8606/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Nursing Staff
Questions (574)
Michael McGrath
Question:574. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if the service of a qualified practice nurse (details supplied) who responded to the Be on Call for Ireland initiative is required; if the nurse will be contacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8613/20]
View answerWritten answers
The purpose of the 'Be on Call for Ireland' initiative is to create reserve pools of “job ready” new health care professionals for the services to use 'as and when' they are needed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to the person specifically.