Written Answers Nos. 701-724
701. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the underfunding of supports for persons with disabilities as a result of the cuts to funding for not-for-profit disability service providers in January 2020. [9366/20]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives and provide them with greater independence in accessing and choosing the services and supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. Reflecting this commitment, the 2020 budget for disability services of €2,054.5 million represents an increase of more than 7.2 % over the original 2019 provision.
The HSE’s National Service Plan 2020 provides for general efficiencies to support new and existing service costs. The HSE and all of the providers it funds are expected to continually review their cost structures to ensure the best use of resources and a focus on the use of these resources for client care to the greatest extent possible. These efficiencies are to be achieved through the application of a 1% efficiency target to existing budgets across all service areas.
The very significant additional financial resources provided to disability services over the last year, together with the achievement of relatively modest efficiency savings, form part of the financing of the increased service levels set out in the National Service Plan 2020. Against this background, the HSE is required to ensure that the efficiency targets are achieved in a manner that does not impact on the activity levels set out in the National Service Plan.
The unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 outbreak for health and social care services is recognised by my Department and the HSE. As Minister of State with responsibility for disability issues, I wish to commend health and social care providers in the disability sector for what has and continues to be a tremendous effort in supporting our most vulnerable members of society, In relation to disability supports and services, I have been informed that the HSE has confirmed that the budget allocated to each provider funded under Section 38 and Section 39 of the Health Act 2004 by the relevant Community Health Care Organisation (CHO) will remain in place to year end. This is subject to the provisions within the relevant service arrangement and on-going cooperation regarding the utilisation and deployment of resources to meet priority need within each CHO.
The financial implications of measures taken to mitigate COVID-19 infection are matters which the Department will continue to keep under review in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, as the situation evolves.
703. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if he will address the matter raised in a statement from HIQA at the Special Oireachtas Committee on Covid-19 Response on 26 May 2020 in relation to a list of nursing homes sent to his Department which were regarded as high-risk from an infection control perspective; if any action was taken in response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9368/20]
View answerOn 13th March HIQA provided the Department with a list of 19 HSE/HSE funded nursing homes identifying that as these had multi-occupancy rooms this created infection prevention risk. This information was sent by the Department on the same day to the HSE for their attention and the HSE has confirmed on-going risk management of these centres.
On 29th and 30th of March key officials from the Department, HIQA, HPSC and HSE met to discuss nursing homes. It was agreed that representatives from the Department, HIQA, HSE and HSPC would collaborate to prepare a paper, encompassing a framework of necessary information, for consideration by the NPHET at its meeting of 31st March on the specific issues and risks relating to COVID-19 infections in residential healthcare facilities. To inform the development of the paper, HIQA provided an information framework document to the team on March 30th. A variety of potential risks were identified. These included the risk of small providers, access to infection prevention and control (IPC) advice, access to PPE and timely access to testing. Following consideration of the paper referred to at the above NPHET meeting of 31st March, NPHET requested HIQA to risk assess all nursing homes and liaise with relevant national and regional governance structures as necessary in light of mitigating actions. This was part of an overall package of public health measures recommended following this meeting.
At the NPHET meeting 17th April an action was agreed that ‘HIQA publishes and assesses a COVID-19 Quality Assurance Regulatory Framework’. This Framework has been designed to ensure that providers are prepared for, and have contingency plans in place for, an outbreak of COVID-19. As part of the programme HIQA has developed a self-assessment tool for nursing home providers. This self-assessment tool sets out the minimum standard required to effectively respond to an outbreak of COVID-19 in a designated centre. This involves a self-assessment by the registered provider and an onsite assessment by inspectors of social services to verify the provider’s compliance against specified regulations.
If further action is required by the registered provider to ensure compliance with the specified regulations, a compliance plan will be issued to the registered provider by the inspector of social services following the in-site assessment.
704. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the measures that will be implemented to reduce the unacceptable waiting times in relation to assessment of needs in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9398/20]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
705. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the timeline for publishing the Health Services Capacity Review as it relates to intellectual disability services. [9399/20]
View answerIn line with Sláintecare vision it is essential, that over the next number of years, the State moves to a population-based planning approach, based on demographic and geographic considerations, that reflects both the health and social care needs of those within our population, including those who require specialist disability services. This approach provides an opportunity to prioritise and design the health and social care services that need to be developed for each region, so the population can get the right care, in the right place, at the right time in line with HIQA standards and available resources.
The Disability Social Care Demand and Capacity Requirements up to 2032 is a Slaintecare Action Plan deliverable. Its content is even more important in the context of our response to COVID 19 given that we expect to be dealing with it for the coming 12-18 months. The Report is currently being finalised and will be presented to Government for its consideration.
706. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if guidelines have been given to carers that call to person's homes in regard to Covid-19 infections at the home. [9415/20]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
707. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the current primary care transport service schedule for County Wicklow residents travelling to Dublin city hospitals, that is, transport services provided by the HSE in County Wicklow including access to day hospitals and day centres and access to outpatient departments and other hospital services in counties Wicklow and Dublin; when the transport timetable was reduced in previous years; the reason for the reduction in this transport service; his plans to increase the frequency of the transport service during Covid-19 to facilitate patients that may have appointments in the afternoon and do not have access to alternative modes of transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9432/20]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
708. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the supports available for medical staff working in private hospital facilities in circumstances in which they cannot commence work due to the lack of available childcare and all annual leave has been used and the employer is not flexible with regard to working on weekends as an alternative and they cannot afford a pay cut; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9433/20]
View answerIn circumstances where a person is not a public health service employee, the Minister for Health has no role with regards to the matters outlined.
709. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the efforts made to date to include a representative on NPHET with expertise in child psychology and child development to enable a child-centred approach to the transition from Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9434/20]
View answerThe National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) for COVID-19 was established on 27th January 2020 in the Department of Health and is chaired by the Chief Medical Officer.
The NPHET’s membership is multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral in line with best international practice. Membership comprises representatives from across the health and social care service including the Department of Health (DOH), Health Service Executive (HSE), Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) and others with relevant expertise in health and/or other related matters. Given the nature of the work involved, the need for a timely assessment and response and flexibility in terms of the disease progression, the membership of the NPHET has evolved since January to encompass additional experts. This may change further over time in line with the expertise required across the response. The Assistant National Director, Health and Wellbeing: Public Health and Childcare is among the representatives of the HSE.
My Department also liaises closely with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Education and Skills in consideration of the many issues affecting children during this pandemic.
I am advised that officials of my colleagues, the Minister for Education and Skills and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs have produced relevant guidance for parents, teachers and others in managing issues with children and young people which are available on gov.ie in relation to a number of areas including learning, play, and talking to children about Covid-19.
My Department and HSE have collaborated with the National Educational Psychological Service on the production of advice and guidance for Leaving Cert students and plan to continue this collaboration to ensure a holistic approach to supporting the wellbeing and mental health of students returning to school in the next academic year.
710. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the reason the free flu vaccine was not extended to all children between 6 months and two years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9435/20]
View answerThe scope of the winter influenza vaccination programme which is planned for this year arises on foot of a report prepared by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee. That report recommended the use of a Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) delivered via nasal drops for children aged from 2 years. Use of this vaccine has a number of advantages over the intramuscular quadrivalent vaccine otherwise used, including ease of delivery and potentially increased effectiveness. The LAIV is licensed for use in children aged from 2 years.
The planned expansion will also allow children aged from 6 months access to vaccination without charges when those children are in one of the identified at-risk groups.
711. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the protocols in place with regard to PPE in relation to mental health practitioners working with children; the way in which toys are handled and sterilised; the way in which social distancing can be encouraged among children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9436/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible
712. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when arrangements will be made to facilitate medical treatment in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9460/20]
View answerUnder 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.
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.
713. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when patients of private hospitals will be able to attend appointments and undergo procedures postponed due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9461/20]
View answerA 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.
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.
714. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if weddings with guests of 50 or more will be able to go ahead in July and August 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9463/20]
View answerThe 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.
3. 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.
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.
The exact numbers of person which it can be advised can attend events in Phase 5 cannot be determined at the current point in time. As with all other decisions under the Roadmap these will be informed, at the time that the decision is made, by the status of the on/off trigger criteria and the public health advice received.
715. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if there will be guidance given to those that practice alternative complementary therapies in relation to the phasing stages and the use of PPE equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9467/20]
View answerThe 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.
Finally, I would note that alternative complimentary therapies are not regulated professions engaged in the Public Health Service.
716. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 707 of 13 May 2020, the proposals he plans to implement to lower the 59 month waiting list for school age team and 30 month waiting list for early intervention team support for children with special needs in south west Dublin; his views on whether this is inadequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9476/20]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
717. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the refusal by the insurance industry to renew cover Covid-19 liability for small family owned nursing homes; his views on whether this will close many family operated nursing homes in view of the fact they will not be able to compete with the larger private operations that can obtain such cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9481/20]
View answerMy Department is in regular contact with Nursing Homes Ireland on this matter and engagements are actively taking place in this regard. My officials are engaging through the Department of Finance, with Insurance Ireland in relation to this issue and it will be kept under close review.
718. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health the number of appointments that have been cancelled by month in Cork University Hospital and Mercy University Hospital, Cork since February 2020. [9482/20]
View answerMaintaining scheduled care access for all patients is a key priority for hospitals. I fully acknowledge the distress and inconvenience for patients and their families when elective procedures are cancelled, particularly for clinically urgent procedures.
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
In relation to the number of appointments that have been cancelled by month in Cork University Hospital and Mercy University Hospital, Cork since February 2020, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
719. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health the waiting lists for outpatient and inpatient appointments in Cork University Hospital and Mercy University Hospital, Cork. [9483/20]
View answerIn 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.
The data requested by the Deputy is outlined in the attached documents. This information is also available on the NTPF website at: https://www.ntpf.ie/home/nwld.htm
|
Mercy University Hospital IPDC Waiting List - April 2020 |
|
0-3 Mths |
3-6 Mths |
6-9 Mths |
9-12 Mths |
12-15 Mths |
15-18 Mths |
18-24 Mths |
24-36 Mths |
36-48 Mths |
48+ Mths |
Grand Total |
|
540 |
224 |
141 |
80 |
56 |
34 |
41 |
34 |
11 |
1 |
1162 |
|
Mercy University Hospital Outpatient Waiting List - April 2020 |
|
0-3 Months |
3-6 Months |
6-9 Months |
9-12 Months |
12-15 Months |
15-18 Months |
18-21 Months |
21-24 Months |
24-36 Months |
36-48 Months |
48+ Months |
Grand Total |
|
1455 |
980 |
719 |
590 |
580 |
388 |
264 |
192 |
316 |
167 |
22 |
5673 |
|
Cork University Hospital IPDC Waiting List - April 2020 |
|
0-3 Mths |
3-6 Mths |
6-9 Mths |
9-12 Mths |
12-15 Mths |
15-18 Mths |
18-24 Mths |
24-36 Mths |
36-48 Mths |
48+ Mths |
Grand Total |
|
636 |
404 |
182 |
85 |
52 |
33 |
57 |
50 |
26 |
3 |
1528 |
|
Cork University Hospital Outpatient Waiting List - April 2020 |
|
0-3 Months |
3-6 Months |
6-9 Months |
9-12 Months |
12-15 Months |
15-18 Months |
18-21 Months |
21-24 Months |
24-36 Months |
36-48 Months |
48+ Months |
Grand Total |
|
6405 |
5247 |
3803 |
2965 |
2038 |
1377 |
994 |
726 |
1828 |
747 |
37 |
26167 |
720. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health the number of persons employed in May 2018, 2019 and 2020 in community psychiatry, community psychology and community CAMHS areas in County Cork by area; and the positions recruited since October 2019 in County Cork in these sectors. [9484/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible
721. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health if all CHO areas are providing the same advice to home helps in terms of provision of PPE and sanitiser; if all areas have the same access; and his plans to ensure that home helps in CHO areas in counties Cork and Kerry have access to PPE and sanitiser. [9485/20]
View answerAs this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
722. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will consider the provision of face coverings as distinct from medical grade PPE to the public by way of large scale procurement or a scheme to ensure persons on low incomes that desire face coverings may obtain them in view of findings (details supplied) that persons living in poverty that cannot afford face coverings is problematic. [9486/20]
View answerIt is not currently the intention that the HSE will engage in the large-scale procurement or distribution of face coverings, although this will be kept under review and may change in line with public health advice.
Wearing a cloth face covering is recommended in situations where it is difficult to practice social distancing, for example in shops or busy public transport. Such face coverings can be purchased by individuals or can be made at home using items such as scarfs, t-shirts, sweatshirts or towels.
The Department of Health has published guidance in relation to face coverings which can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/aac74c-guidance-on-safe-use-of-face-coverings/ . This guidance includes advice on how to make face coverings.
723. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 85 of 10 October 2019, the progress made with the review; when the review will conclude; if the findings of the review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9490/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
724. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to general practitioner practices local in primary care centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9497/20]
View answerThe development of Primary Care Centres (PCCs) is an important building block in enabling the vision of Sláintecare to become a reality. There are clearly recognised benefits in bringing healthcare professionals together to operate as a multi-disciplinary team, while the centres can also serve as a focal point for local health services and other community initiatives. Significant progress has been made in delivering PCCs in recent years, and there are now 130 centres operating across the country, with further projects at various stages of development. The HSE delivers PCCs under three models – direct build, Public Private Partnership and operational lease.
General Practitioners (GPs) are independent contractors who hold contracts for the provision of services to eligible members of the population for whom the HSE is responsible for making such services available. In keeping with this contract, they are required to provide practice premises and facilities that are fit for purpose, suitable for the delivery of the services and sufficient to meet the needs of patients. The GP also undertakes to work towards meeting and maintaining generally accepted standards in relation to practice premises. Part of the project brief of every PCC is the provision of suitable accommodation for GPs, which the HSE offers at attractive terms.
The Government acknowledges the important role of GPs in the delivery of our health service and is working to ensure patients across the country continue to have access to GP services and that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future. The Agreement reached in 2019 on GP contractual reforms and service developments will see an increase in expenditure on GP services of €210 million annually by 2023, providing significant increases in capitation fees for participating GPs as well as additional supports for rural practices and practices in urban areas of deprivation. New supports have also been introduced to assist GPs during the Covid-19 public health emergency.
