Tuesday, 9 Jun 2020

Hospital Staff

Questions (405)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

405. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the number of persons employed at the cardiology and the orthopaedic departments at Letterkenny University Hospital; the number of vacancies; the estimated full year cost of filling each of the vacant posts by job title in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10239/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service delivery matter, I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply.

Drug Treatment Programmes

Questions (406)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

406. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health when he will reinstate the Keltoi rehabilitation unit, St. Mary's Hospital, Phoenix Park, Dublin 20; and the number of service users that have been adversely affected by its closure, including loss of life. [10244/20]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Catherine Byrne)

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Housing Adaptation Grant

Questions (407)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

407. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the grants available for housing adaption for persons with a disability apart from the grant available through local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10256/20]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Finian McGrath)

The 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.My colleague, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, has policy remit for Housing Adaption Grants, which are I understand are administered by the Local Authorities.

However, as part of the range of supports provided to the 29 Irish survivors of thalidomide, my Department provides ex-gratia grants towards the cost of health and personal social services and to support independent living, including ex-gratia grants towards the cost of housing adaptations.

These supports are provided directly from a dedicated Department of Health subhead 'Payments in respect of disablement caused by Thalidomide' . It is important to note that it is open to any Irish person to apply to the Contergan Foundation for assessment of their injury as being attributable to thalidomide. Any Irish person who establishes that their injury acquired in Ireland is attributable to thalidomide will be offered appropriate supports by the Irish Government, commensurate with those currently provided to Irish thalidomide survivors.

General Practitioner Services

Questions (408)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

408. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health when the contingency plans and protocols in place since 14 March 2020 to allow SouthDoc services respond to the challenges posed by Covid-19 will be reviewed with consideration for resumption of normal service for counties Cork and Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10264/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

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 (409)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

409. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will examine opening up physiotherapy for those with severe conditions and those with a disability that rely on a physiotherapist to administer treatment for managing painful conditions and to mitigate against worsening health in the case, for example, of those with paralysis or degenerative diseases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10266/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) Regulations 2020 (SI No. 121 of 2020) were signed by the Minister for Health on 7 April 2020.

Schedule 2 of the Regulations sets out essential services that are exempted from the restrictions and therefore can continue to be provided. This includes (at 15(b)) physiotherapy and podiatry services as these services are provided by a member of a designated profession within the meaning of section 3 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (No. 27 of 2005).

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (410)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

410. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health when family visits to patients receiving end-of-life care will recommence (details supplied); and if plans are being considered to facilitate this safely. [10270/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Deputy will be aware, during these exceptional times, some of the normal aspirations of people at end of life and of their families have had to be curtailed in the interests of containing the spread of the coronavirus. In particular, restrictions have been placed on visiting hospitals and residential care settings, and the numbers attending funerals have been severely reduced, while the social distancing measures have meant that normal tactile expressions of support and comfort have not been possible. While visiting restrictions are required in a pandemic, local risk assessment and practical management must be considered, ensuring the response is both pragmatic and proportionate. Specific scenarios where a compassionate and practical approach is required include care of the dying. Regarding the specific case mentioned by the Deputy, the person concerned is being cared for in a residential care setting. Interim Public Health and Infection Prevention Control Guidelines on the Prevention and Management of COVID-19 Cases and Outbreaks in Residential Care Facilities published by the HSE on 4 May 2020 state that all but essential visiting by family and friends is suspended in the interests of protecting residents at this time. However, the Guidelines also acknowledge that a compassionate, pragmatic and proportionate approach is required in the care of those who are dying. The presence of a person close to the resident should be facilitated in so far as it is possible, and they should be aware of the potential infection risk. All Covid-19 guidance documents note the need for hand and respiratory hygiene and for the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when required and that relatives are informed of the potential risk of infection to both the patient/resident and visitors. Most hospices have all single room accommodation and are therefore in a better position to facilitate visits to patients at end of life; however, most residential care settings have multi-bedded rooms and need to be particularly cautious in balancing the needs of patients and their families with the protection of the health of visitors, other residents and the staff working in the unit. It is acknowledged by all services that restricted visiting causes significant stress and concern for individuals and families, as well as for the staff who are caring for them. From 15 June, in accordance with guidance published by the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre (HSPSC), there will be a phased commencement of visiting at hospitals, residential healthcare centres and other residential settings where there is no ongoing Covid-19 outbreak, subject to limits on the number of visitors and the length of their visits. Visitors are asked to bear in mind the particular features of types of settings and each individual centre, also considering PPE availability and other protections. It is hoped that the easing of visiting restrictions will be able to facilitate the much needed closer contact between family members and loved ones. In the meantime, as the specific details referred to in the Deputy's question refer to a service matter, this matter has been referred to the HSE for reply.

Health Screening Programmes

Questions (411)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

411. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his plans to continue providing free HIV screening services for high-risk groups; if consideration has been given to distributing rapid HIV test kits to high-risk groups free of charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10274/20]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Catherine Byrne)

Sexual health, and in particular tackling the challenge of HIV, is a priority for my Department, as evidenced by the introduction of a national HIV PrEP prevention programme in November 2019, with funding of €5.4 million allocated to the HSE in Budget 2020 for full national roll-out this year. In addition, last year, Ireland joined the Fast Track Cities Initiative, a global partnership project to drive the response to HIV/AIDS, including action on awareness, outreach and community HIV testing, and stigma reduction.

Last year also saw the expansion of the National Condom Distribution Service with the commencement of condom dispenser services in third level colleges and universities. to provide wider sexual health supports to young people.

Comprehensive and up to date information regarding STIs (including HIV), accessing STI and HIV testing, sex and coronavirus, safer sex, contraception and consent messaging is accessible online via the HSE website www.sexualwellbeing.ie

With regard to the specific matter raised by the Deputy, I have forwarded her question to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply.

Departmental Projects

Questions (412)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

412. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the details of the projects that have received State funding to date under the Sláintecare integration fund; the amount of funding already provided to each project in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10275/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The following table details the Organisations and Projects that have received funding from the Sláintecare Integration Fund. The payment amounts reflect the funding released to each project as of end-May 2020.

Project ID	Organisation Name	Project Title	Org Type	Payment amounts (at end-May 2020)
2	Donore (Community Drugs Team) Co Ltd	Sustain and expand TRY	NGO	€35,000.00
8	HSE	HSE - Child Digital Health	HSE	€536,193.00
9	HSE	HSE - Digital information, signposting and support for people with chronic conditions	HSE	€352,959.30
15	Fatima Groups United FRC	Dublin 8 Social Prescribing Project	NGO	€26,251.05
18	Irish Men's Sheds Association	Sheds for Life	NGO	€42,903.70
21	Laois Sports Partnership CLG	Primetime for Older Adults	Sport Ptn	€24,500.00
23	HAIL Housing Association for Integrated Living	Community Living Mental Health Recovery Co-Ordinator	NGO	€20,594.00
24	RCSI	Linkworkers to support the coordination of health and social care for patients living in disadvantaged communities	NGO	€132,730.85
29	Mercy University Hospital Cork Company Limited by Guarantee	Introduction of Molecular Laboratory in Microbiology	Section 38	€43,495.90
31	Sacred Heart Community & Childcare Project CLG	Expansion of Social Prescribing service in Waterford and mainstreaming of pilot service in Waterford Metropolitan area	NGO	€41,955.90
38	HSE CHO Dublin North City & County (CHO 9)	Consolidating the Implementation of the Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme in CHO Dublin North City & County	HSE	€52,098.20
40	Athlone Institute of Technology	Student Sexual Health Service (Athlone Institute of Technology)	NGO	€18,394.60
41	HSE Community Health Organisation Dublin North City & County (CHO 9)	Develop a Respiratory Integrated Care Programme for COPD in CHO/DNCC Beaumont Hospital (Level 4)	HSE	€91,236.25
48	LGBT Support and Advocacy Network Ireland Company Limited By Guarantee	LGBT Champions Programme	NGO	€16,982.35
56	Our Lady's Hospital, Navan	Arthritis Rehabilitation through the Management of Exercise and Diet (ARMED)	HSE	€18,281.55
57	HSE Sexual Health & Crisis Pregnancy Programme	Integrating online STI testing with public STI services: A pilot to assess feasibility and impact.	HSE	€105,000.00
61	Clinical Design & Innovation – Health Service Executive	Towards Selfcare in Headache	HSE	€206,581.90
73	CHO DNCC (CHO 9)	Individual Placement and Support Adult Community mental health teams	HSE	€78,673.00
78	HSE South East Community Healthcare (SECH)(CHO5)	Delivery of the Stanford Chronic Disease Self Management across SECH	HSE	€71,745.45
79	Clinical Strategy & Programmes HSE & Irish College of Ophthalmologists Community Healthcare Dublin South, Kildare & West Wicklow (CHO7)	Implementation of Integrated Eye Care	HSE	€123,260.55
84	Mater Misericordiae University Hospital	North Dublin Integrated Community STI Service	Section 38	€71,379.35
94	HSE/Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland	Trauma Assessment Clinic	HSE	€70,000.00
98	Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP)	Patient Self-Management of Chronic Disease	NGO	€47,862.50
100	Asthma Society of Ireland	Beating Breathlessness Asthma Society	NGO	€37,215.50
105	HSE Community Healthcare East	Community based Pulmonary Rehab Programme	HSE	€37,481.85
111	Saolta University Healthcare Group	Telemedicine for CF	HSE	€25,200.00
115	Age and Opportunity	Changing Gears	NGO	€23,213.75
121	Croí, the West of Ireland Cardiac Foundation	My Slainte Community Lifestyle Programme	NGO	€65,246.30
123	HSE	Online Citizen Health Guides	HSE	€35,000.00
132	HSE CHO 1	Establishment of Oxygen assessment clinics in Primary Care Donegal	HSE	€27,305.25
133	HSE CHO 1	Development of a Respiratory Team for Co Monaghan	HSE	€62,995.10
134	National Centre for Youth Mental Health (company limited by guarantee t/a Jigsaw)	Jigsaw Online	NGO	€250,040.00
135	The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland	promoting physical activity programmes for people with neurological conditions in the community	NGO	€23,800.00
137	Caredoc CLG	SMILE Supporting Multimorbidity selfcare	NGO	€59,511.90
140	Cork Sports Partnership	WellComm Active Well Communities Connect Project 2	Sport Ptn	€61,336.10
152	Chronic Disease Commissioning Team Primary Care Strategy and Planning	National Diabetes Registry	HSE	€196,838.60
153	HSE(Chronic Disease Commissioning Team)	End to end implementation of the Model of Integrated Care for Type 2 diabetes within 2 CHOs	HSE	€179,550.00
154	HSE(Chronic Disease Commissioning Team)	Development and Implementation of a Digitally Enhanced HSE Type 2 Diabetes Self Management Education Programme	HSE	€71,132.60
155	HSE(Chronic Disease Commissioning Team)	National Self Management Education IT System Implementation and Expansion	HSE	€75,249.65
156	HSE(Chronic Disease Commissioning Team)	Development and Implementation of a National Diabetes Prevention Self-Management Education Programme by 2021	HSE	€97,911.80
159	HSE(Chronic Disease Commissioning Team)	End to End Respiratory Model at 2 Sites	HSE	€251,939.80
161	Central Remedial Clinic	Assistive Technology Mobile Community Service	Section 38	€23,298.45
162	Bray Area Partnership	Adult Social Prescribing for Individual Resilience and Empowerment	NGO	€23,032.10
164	University Hospital Waterford	COPD Integrated Care Project	HSE	€98,617.05
165	University Hospital Waterford	Integrated Ambulatory Care Heart Failure Project	HSE	€101,215.45
167	University Hospital Waterford	Waterford Thrive with Diabetes Project	HSE	€55,886.25
169	Mid West Community Healthcare	Individual Placement and Support	HSE	€59,962.35
171	HSE Community Healthcare West Mental Health	My Home MHCIS	HSE	€57,309.70
173	Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO)Area 1	Integrated Care for Older People Model for falls prevention and management	HSE	€91,000.00
175	HSE CHO 1	Expansion of the Model of Diabetes Integrated Care throughout SligoLeitrimWest Cavan	HSE	€27,242.25
177	CHO 1	Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty for Community Ophthalmic Service Donegal	HSE	€18,401.25
180	Turn2Me eMental Health	Turn2me 360 Online Stepped Care Mental Health Pilot for Young People and Their Families	NGO	€55,356.00
181	St James Hospital and Mater Misericordiae University Hospital	Inclusion Health Specialist Outreach Team	Section 38	€36,393.00
183	HSE CHO 1	Post Diagnostic Support worker for people with dementia Inishowen	HSE	€37,300.99
184	HSE CHO 1	Improving Access to Healthcare : Spread and Scale-up of a HSE Health Passport for individuals with an Intellectual Disability in acute hospital and primary care settings	HSE	€54,744.55
185	HSE Community Healthcare Organisation Area 1	Extension of Stanford Chronic Disease self-mgt to all of CHO 1	HSE	€39,897.38
186	HSE Community Healthcare Organisation Area 1	Donegal Primary Care Optometrist	HSE	€22,131.90
190	Community Healthcare East	Integrated Foot Protection Service for residents of Community Healthcare East	HSE	€170,331.35
199	CHO 1, Primary Care Division Donegal	Initiate Specialist Medical Retina services and intravitreal injections in Community Ophthalmics Service, Co Donegal	HSE	€51,066.40
202	South East Community Healthcare (HSE CHO 5)	Supporting Pregnant Women to Quit and Stay Quit - A Co-design Community Based Integrated Approach	HSE	€56,103.25
203	Saolta University Health Care Group	Urology Pathway- Proof of Concept Project	HSE	€82,337.50
205	West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation	Western Alzheimers Befriending Service	NGO	€21,508.55
216	Community Health Care West Mayo University Hospital	Development of the physiotherapy led Pulmonary Rehab services in primary care Co Mayo	HSE	€42,984.20
219	HSE Community Healthcare West (CHO2)	Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme in CHO 2	HSE	€44,962.05
220	Community Healthcare West (Saolta Hospital Group)	Implement a structured exercise programme for people with Diabetes	HSE	€25,909.10
221	Mayo University Hospital CHO West	Integrated Population based Falls Model for Mayo	HSE	€46,933.95
222	CH02 Saolta Hospital Group	Osteoarthritis Knee Pathway	HSE	€37,840.95
223	HSE Health & Wellbeing Strategy & Planning	Smoke Free Start	HSE	€48,717.90
233	Sports Active Wexford	The Exercise Effect - Integrating Exercise Practitioners into the Irish Mental Health Service	Sport Ptn	€35,265.10
237	Chronic Disease Commissioning Team Primary Care Strategy and Planning	Heart Failure Virtual Consultation Service with clinical nurse specialist support in the community	HSE	€314,376.30
247	HSE CHO Dublin North City and County (CHO 9)	CIT Dublin North City and County Community Oncology Service	HSE	€91,900.55
248	Beaumont Hospital	Development of Community based Integrated Diagnostic and Care Initiative Cardiology	Section 38	€21,652.75
251	Epilepsy Ireland	Developing a Pathway of Community Care Supports for People with Epilepsy in Ireland	NGO	€32,824.75
252	Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland	HealthEIR: A Journey to Improving Health and Wellbeing Through Community-Based Social Self-Care	NGO	€115,103.80
253	National Forum of Family Resource Centres	Cork Kerry Health & Wellbeing Community Referral	NGO	€48,663.30
255	Cork Kerry Community Healthcare	Urgent Ambulatory Care and Virtual Ward for the Older Person	HSE	€69,329.05
263	Third Age Foundation CLG	AgeWell Programme	NGO	€23,837.22
267	Mater Misericordiae & St Francis Hospice	Rehabilitative Palliative Care	Section 38	€41,018.95
269	Ireland East Hospital Group (Regional Hospital Mullingar) in partnership with MLM CHO 8 (Longford/Westmeath)	Mullingar Frailty Intervention Team (MFIT)	HSE	€87,500.00
277A	ALONE	ALONE BConnect; linking healthcare, social care and community care together using technology and services	NGO	€87,500.00
277B	ALONE	ALONE A Coordinated Response, helpline for older persons	NGO	€253,659.70
278	Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland	Facilitating Integration of Childhood Obesity Services in Primary Care Through Education	NGO	€52,500.00
280	National Cancer Control Programme	Skin Cancer Prevention	HSE	€20,362.30
284	CHO 1	Social Prescribing for improved Health and Wellbeing	HSE	€43,302.35
286	Midlands Louth Meath CHO	Integrated psychological care for the older adult in Longford Westmeath	HSE	€32,981.55
287	Midlands Louth Meath CHO	Empowering Communities to support language Development in young children	HSE	€39,878.30
305	Health Service Executive Corporate	Community Based Integrated Respiratory Service	HSE	€79,644.95
308	SMARTlab Creative Technology Innovation Company Limited by Guarantee	HealthSENSEapp	NGO	€19,367.60
311	South Tipperary General Hospital	Integrated Pulmonary Outreach in South Tipperary	HSE	€71,962.45
320	Mental Health Reform	Promoting cultural sensitivity in community mental health services in Ireland	NGO	€19,848.50
322	CHO 7	Inclusion Health Primary Care: Demonstration of an Integrated Care approach into a scalable model	HSE	€23,187.50
323	University Hospital Waterford	Mobile Telemedicine for Rapid GP Access to Specialist Opinion: A “Virtual” elective orthopaedic clinic	HSE	€31,870.30
324	University Hospital Waterford	The Establishment of Novel Clinical Pathways for Orthopaedic Outpatient Referrals, integration of local community services and multidisciplinary triage	HSE	€66,231.20
328	OLH Navan & Primary Care CHO8 (Meath Occupational Therapy Service)	Therapy Led Primary Care Hand Therapy Clinic	HSE	€36,132.60
334	Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland	Stool Bank Ireland	NGO	€119,525.00
338	National College of Ireland	Prevention is better than cure - Community Mothers Programme	NGO	€25,492.25
340 A	Health Service Executive (HSE)	Accelerating Integrated Care for Older Persons	HSE	€127,400.00
340 B	Health Service Executive (HSE)	Accelerating Integrated Care for Older Persons	HSE	€117,033.35
343	HSE	A Podiatry led pathway for timely provision of footwear and orthotics in the community	HSE	€60,253.20
352	Mater Misericordiae University Hospital	StrokeLINK Innovating Stroke Support	Section 38	€63,000.00
364	Naas General Hospital/Dublin South, Kildare & West Wicklow Community Healthcare	Integrated Respiratory Rapid Response Team	HSE	€102,925.20
366	St James Hospital	Keeping people with severe epilepsy independent	Section 38	€52,090.50
370	St James Hospital	The LAMP Project - Social Prescribing Integration in the Acute Care Sector	Section 38	€38,141.25
371	St James Hospital	A pathway to empower patients to engage with antimicrobial stewardship	Section 38	€16,348.85
375	Tallaght University Hospital	Integrated care for patients presenting with leg ulcers in Dublin South, Kildare and West Wicklow	Section 38	€81,449.55
376	Tallaght University Hospital	ANP for development of male LUTs and benign urology	Section 38	€35,675.85
377	Tallaght University Hospital	Heart Failure Service Integrated Care Project	Section 38	€90,988.80
378	Tallaght University Hospital	Integrated Community Chest pain clinic TUH	Section 38	€41,559.00
382	Wexford General Hospital and CHO5	Frailty Programme	HSE	€125,655.95
383	Wexford General Hospital	Development of Respiratory Services for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients in Co. Wexford	HSE	€64,360.10
388	St. Vincent’s University Hospital	Wicklow Frailty First Response Team	Section 38	€64,442.70
392	Beaumont Hospital	Beaumont Hospital/National Ambulance Alternative Care Pathways Project	Section 38	€216,850.20
407	Beaumont Hospital	Smart triage of kidney and lung transplant patients	Section 38	€156,312.10
413	HSE Community Healthcare East	Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme in Community Healthcare East	HSE	€28,677.25
416	Portiuncula University Hospital/Primary Care Galway	Heart Failure Improving Patient Outcomes and Health Service Efficiency by Comprehensive and Innovative Integration of Care Across the Continuum of Healthcare Settings	HSE	€115,942.40
418	Midlands Louth Meath CHO	The roll out Chronic Disease Self Management Programme	HSE	€40,792.85
427	Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore	Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Tissue Viability	HSE	€33,286.05
430	Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise	Cardiology Advance Nurse Practitioner Heart Failure	HSE	€41,949.25
435	Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise	COPD Outreach Service	HSE	€64,841.00
463	Sligo University Hospital	Pain management education programme	HSE	€96,322.45
468	Saolta University Health Care Group	Electronic ordering for GP lab tests	HSE	€43,733.90
469	Galway University Hospital	Galway University Hospital Community Cardiac Diagnostics	HSE	€51,412.20
Total				€9,115,893.74

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (413)

Norma Foley

Question:

413. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Health the definition of small, medium and large-sized gatherings in view of the fact this information is vital to those in the process of planning weddings and other events. [10277/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

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 of Ireland’s society and economy in a phased manner. Phase 1 was introduced on 18 May 2020 and, as the Deputy is aware, the Government confirmed the move to Phase 2 of Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business from Monday, 8 June 2020. Information and advice about the restrictions that have been eased as part of Phase 2 and the measures that are now in place are available on the Government website at http://www.gov.ie/phase2.

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 described above, 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.

The exact numbers of person which can attend events in future phases have not been determined in advance. 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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (414)

Norma Foley

Question:

414. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Health if he will consider increasing the number of persons permitted to attend a funeral mass in view of the fact the current small numbers are adding to the stress and trauma of an already difficult situation for families. [10278/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

Phase 1 was introduced on 18 May 2020 and, as the Deputy is aware, the Government confirmed the move to Phase 2 of Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business from Monday, 8 June 2020. Information and advice about the restrictions that have been eased as part of Phase 2 and the measures that are now in place are available on the Government website at http://www.gov.ie/phase2.

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.

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 the Deputy quite rightly points out bereavement is a difficult time for every family. Adhering to the public health advice makes it even more difficult, but these precautions are in place to protect everyone. From the start of Phase 2 (8 June, 2020) up to 25 people can be in attendance at a funeral service and burial / cremation ceremonies while observing strict social distancing guidance such as keeping 2 metres apart, maintaining hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, as well as the wearing of face coverings.

Funeral Directors and officiators are requested to remind and encourage mourners to comply with public health guidance for the safety of all attending a funeral.

It is also important to note that any indoor events after a funeral must comply with the public health guidance applicable to indoor visits, that is limited to a maximum of 6 persons indoors.

Covid-19 Tests

Questions (415)

Duncan Smith

Question:

415. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the measures being put in place to address waiting lists in the health service for non-Covid-19 related appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10293/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

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.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has approved a number of recommendations relating to protecting and maximising the delivery of essential time-critical non-Covid-19 care alongside Covid-19 care. On 5 May, NPHET agreed that its recommendation of 27 March, in regard to the pausing of all non-essential health services should be replaced, in relation to acute care, with a recommendation that delivery of acute care be determined by appropriate clinical and operational decision making. Application of the essential risk mitigating steps set out in the guidance developed under the auspices of the NPHET Expert Advisory group will have operational implications, which will impact on throughput. The HSE is currently working to assess the impact of these guidelines on activity.

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, with a view to informing activity going forward. As the system continues to deliver Covid-19 and non-Covid 19 care side-by-side over a more prolonged period, my Department and the HSE will continue to work closely together to protect essential non-Covid 19 acute care and progress the provision of more routine non Covid-19 care.

Where possible, hospitals are working to find innovative ways to enable service provision, which include virtual clinics for some out-patient department appointments. The HSE website provides details on services currently available and operational in each hospital on its website. This information is reviewed frequently and provides up-to-date announcements on services available at each site (https://www2.hse.ie/services/hospital-service-disruptions/hospital-service-disruptions-covid19.html).

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (416)

Duncan Smith

Question:

416. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the monthly expected capacity of public hospitals across waiting lists for inpatient, outpatient and endoscopy appointments. [10294/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

Guidance on patient pathways to mitigate the risks associated with the delivery of non-covid care, for patients and healthcare workers, and support safe delivery of care has been developed under the auspices of the Expert Advisory Subgroup of NPHET (EAG) and approved in principle by NPHET. It is recommended that in-patient occupancy levels are maintained at 80% to facilitate the requirement to address surge safely. The measures approved by NPHET will impact a number of areas such as workflow, patient pathways, patient engagement and communication, infrastructure, physical distancing, capacity and resources. The HSE advise that the capacity that will be available under these measures will vary from one site to the next and from one service to the next; currently new patient pathways are being established and tested however full year capacity has not been fully established at this point. Additionally, in order to continue to provide access for patients there has been a considerable growth and investment in virtual outpatient consultations for many specialties across the system. The HSE advise that based on submissions from 36 sites, a total of 80,730 virtual outpatient consultations took place in April. This represents approximately 50% of the overall OPD activity for April. Of the patients seen, 10,379 were new patients and the Did Not Attend (DNA) rates recorded for virtual activity is reported at less than 3%.

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 with a view to informing activity going forward. As the system continues to deliver Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 care side-by-side over a more prolonged period, my Department and the HSE will continue to work closely together to protect essential non-Covid-19 acute care and progress the provision of more routine non-Covid-19 care.

Health Screening Programmes

Questions (417)

Seán Crowe

Question:

417. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health when the cervical smear test screening programme will be resumed; his views on whether other life-saving elements of the health service cannot be neglected during the crisis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10300/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (418)

Michael McGrath

Question:

418. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to the reopening of adult day services; the arrangements being put in place in relation to transport services for persons travelling to and from services during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10339/20]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Finian McGrath)

As part of the overall effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 and in line with public health advice, day service locations have been closed since March. However priority service users have been identified in each CHO, and individualised supports continue to be provided to many people in alternative models particularly for these individuals with higher support needs, through alternative means such as via online support and/or regular telephone contact with families. Health and social care responses to the current public health emergency are under continuing review, including specific measures such as these to support vulnerable people.

The resumption of adult day services is currently being considered by my Department and the HSE as part of broader planning to prepare for the resumption of non-COVID-19 community and social care services in the current environment, and in line with public health guidance. My Department and the HSE has established a Joint Working Group to develop a plan for Community Capacity.

The HSE is finalising plans to re-establish vital non-covid supports and services. This includes very careful and detailed work on the part of the Disability Sector with national guidance and will result in directing how all funded agencies can deliver services on a medium to long-term basis. Community Healthcare Organisations and Section 38/39 agencies continue to work together at a regional level in order to plan and co-ordinate efforts. Considering the very serious nature of this pandemic and the vulnerability of people with disabilities as a care group, any plans to safely commence all disability services and supports must comply with guidance developed by the National Public Surveillance Centre in the HSE.

The HSE has now developed a number of important guidance documents to assist disability services: the Framework for Resumption of Adult Day Services and Reshaping Disability Services From 2020 & Beyond. It is important to note that this guidance is interim and subject to change in line with the overall management of the Covid-19 pandemic and in accordance with contemporary Public Health Guidance.

These documents are now also available on the following website:

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/

In relation to transport services for people travelling to disability services, COVID guidance on social distancing and infection control presents many challenges for the provision of transport to and from day service locations. The HSE is currently in the process of developing protocols for the provision of transport in this regard.

Home Help Service

Questions (419)

Brendan Smith

Question:

419. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase home supports for 2020 in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10342/20]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

Questions (420)

Brendan Smith

Question:

420. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase funding for programmes in 2020 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10343/20]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Catherine Byrne)

Drug and Alcohol Task Forces play a key role in assessing the extent and nature of the drug problem in local communities. They ensure that a coordinated approach is taken across all sectors to address substance misuse based on the identified needs and priorities in their areas.

The Department of Health provide total annual funding of €28m to task forces for local initiatives to tackle drug and alcohol use and misuse, in accordance with the National Drugs Strategy.

The Department of Health provided a total of €927,813 to the North East Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force (NERDATF) in 2019, via the HSE. From this allocation, the task force funded various community drug projects in Cavan, Monaghan, Meath and Louth. These projects provide a range of valuable services to individuals and families affected by drug and alcohol use and misuse in the region.

The Department of Health is providing an additional €190,000 over a three year period for Young People’s Substance Use Support Services in Cavan & Monaghan. This initiative was prioritised by NERDATF to improve access to health services for young people whose lives are affected by problematic alcohol and substance use in the two counties.

In 2019, an additional €20,000 was provided to NERDATF, with €10,000 recurring on a permanent annual basis.

I am committed to working in partnership with NERDATF and the Midlands community healthcare organisation to implement an integrated public health response to substance misuse. I believe that resources should be directed towards interventions and strategies which are most likely to lead to a reduction in problem substance use and an improvement in public health, safety and well-being.

The provision of additional funding for drug and alcohol services is a matter for consideration in the context of the 2021 Budget.

Nursing Staff

Questions (421)

Gary Gannon

Question:

421. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend nurse prescribing to include opioid substitution therapies such as methadone in order to alleviate pressure on services arising from Covid-19; if the issue is being examined as part of the 2021 review of the National Nurse and Midwife Medicinal Product Prescribing Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10348/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

During the COVID-19 crisis, the HSE prioritised the delivery of Opioid Substitution Therapies (OST) so that everybody on the waiting list could commence appropriate treatment. The Executive developed guidance on the commencement and maintenance of treatment and on the safe supply of medicines during COVID-19. This included the delivery of OST to individuals who were in self-isolation or cocooning. In April 2020, an additional 514 people were in receipt of OST compared with January 2020.

In the last quarter of 2019, my Department commenced an evaluation process of the benefits or otherwise of introducing nurse prescribing of OST. A number of stakeholder consultations have taken place. This work was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic and will be resumed as soon as possible.

Any extension of nurse prescribing to include opioid substitutes would require changes to Schedule 8 of The Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 2017 and this process would have to be completed before this extended scope could be considered as part of a review of The National Nurse and Midwife Medicinal Product Prescribing Policy by the HSE.

National Maternity Hospital

Questions (422)

Gary Gannon

Question:

422. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 486, 502 and 519 of 27 May 2020, the action the State plans to take when the 99-year lease for the land on which the new national maternity hospital will be built expires; the plans in place for the continuity of public maternity care at the site after the 99 years have expired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10350/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the specific provisions of the Lease, which has yet to be finalised; however, the position regarding the continuity of maternity care at the site, after the 99 year term of the Lease has expired, has been considered in full.

Health Screening Programmes

Questions (423)

Gary Gannon

Question:

423. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health when cancer screenings will resume. [10360/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Memoranda of Understanding

Questions (424)

Brendan Smith

Question:

424. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the measures being implemented on an all-island basis following the agreement on a memorandum of understanding between his Department and the Department of Health in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10393/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Deputy will know, a Memorandum of Understanding was formally agreed by the Chief Medical Officers of the Department of Health and the Department of Health in Northern Ireland on Tuesday 7 April. The MOU was entered into on my behalf as Minister for Health and on behalf of the Minister of Health in Northern Ireland to strengthen North South co-operation on the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The MOU focuses on facilitating greater co-operation and consistency of approach wherever possible on areas such as public health messaging, programmes of behavioural change, evidence base/ modelling and contact tracing.

I have been in ongoing contact with the Minister of Health in Northern Ireland throughout this pandemic in relation to how each health system is implementing various public health responses. In addition, there has been significant engagement between the CMOs, and officials in both jurisdictions.

Calls are held regularly including at a technical level to facilitate information sharing on topics such as modelling, testing and contact tracing approaches, tracing apps and travel measures.

The administrations are seeking to adopt similar approaches, where it is appropriate to do so on the advice of respective Chief Medical Officers. Discussions have and will continue to take place on respective plans for the gradual and controlled easing of restrictions, given the importance of implementing consistent approaches wherever possible. All parties recognise that in terms of public health measures in both jurisdictions, that it will be important to maintain strong North/South collaborative arrangements.