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Tuesday, 23 Jun 2020

Written Answers Nos. 384-403

Enterprise Ireland

Questions (384)

Pauline Tully

Question:

384. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason for the refusal of Enterprise Ireland to consider hemp-based businesses for online supports; and her views on whether Enterprise Ireland is acting in a discriminatory manner against a legitimate business which is contrary to European law. [12384/20]

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Written answers

I understand that Enterprise Ireland (EI) is currently not in a position to support companies active in the area of cannabis-based products.

EI’s position is based on the fact that, while EU regulations permit a threshold of 0.2% of THC in hemp products, products containing any trace of THC are considered as a controlled drug in Ireland under the Misuse of Drugs Orders. In other words, there is no lower limit of THC permissible under national legislation.

Therefore, products which can contain even minimal levels of THC pose reputational risk to EI as the agency is not in a position to verify which companies, products and extraction methods meet the legal requirement in Ireland to contain 0.00% levels of THC.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (385)

Brendan Smith

Question:

385. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to provide restart grant assistance to marts in view of additional costs that have arisen for such enterprises and the need to have a vibrant mart sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12471/20]

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Written answers

The Restart grant is designed to help small and micro commercial enterprises to re-launch their business and reconnect with their employees and customers. The grant is being paid using the Local Authorities Commercial Rates System as the most efficient means of delivery. The grant is the amount of the 2019 rates assessment subject to a minimum grant of €2,000 and a maximum of €10,000.

To qualify for a grant, an eligible business:

- Must have a turnover of less than €5m and have 50 or less employees.

- Must have suffered a projected 25%+ loss in revenue from 1st April 2020 to 30th June 2020.

- Must commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed.

- Must also declare the intention to retain employees that are benefitting from the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS).

In addition, the grant is aimed at independent and commercially trading enterprises that:

- Are reliant solely on local trading income;

- Are financially independent from any group structure;

- Have suffered significant financial losses;

- Have had to bear ongoing fixed costs or faced costs associated with re-opening the business;

- Provide local paid employment.

The aim is to get these businesses up and running, trading as normally as possible so that they can retain employees.

If a livestock Mart meets the criteria as set out, then it is eligible for the Restart Grant.

Applications for the Restart Grant can be made online directly to local authorities.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (386)

Imelda Munster

Question:

386. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the actions she plans to take to ensure that businesses can continue to meet their rent obligations, in particular those that will not be able to reopen in the long-term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12562/20]

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Written answers

My officials have raised the matter of commercial rents and leases across a number of Government Departments and continue to give it consideration. Interdepartmental discussions have taken place and there has been engagement with a range of stakeholders, including groups representing businesses and landlords, to gain additional insights and gather intelligence to inform any further discussions. I have also asked my officials to look into the different responses from other countries and to identify possible options to address the issues involved.

While different options are being explored, I would point out that any support to business in respect of rents alone would ultimately end up as a support to the landlord. Not only would it be difficult to estimate the costs involved for such a scheme, but the offering of support, or even the perception that such supports will be forthcoming, may affect the market and lessen the impetus for landlords to renegotiate with tenants.

Engagement between the landlords and tenants should be the first route taken. Tenants and landlords are encouraged to engage with each other on this matter and come to some arrangement, as it is in everybody’s interest that terms are amicably agreed. Mixed reports from stakeholders have been received on the extent to which commercial tenants have been able to negotiate with landlords. Many landlords are being constructive at the moment with informal, temporary arrangements being agreed with tenants. There is, understandably, some reluctance by landlords to disclose such arrangements due to commercial sensitivities. However, it appears that other landlords have been less flexible.

The Government is committed to ensuring as many businesses as possible survive this challenging period, and it will continue to look at how we can support businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The Government recognises the issue of ‘out of pocket’ costs for businesses which have to pay ongoing fixed costs such as rents, despite not being able to trade. We have introduced a suite of supports to assist businesses which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low cost loans, deferred tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates. Full details on all supports are available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/

The issue of supporting fixed costs, including commercial rents, was very much to the fore of our minds when the Government recently introduced the Restart Grant which will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with re-opening following COVID-19 closures. he grants will be equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, with a minimum payment of €2,000 and a maximum payment of €10,000.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (387)

Holly Cairns

Question:

387. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if it will be ensured that all grants and supports are accessible by businesses which operate on offshore islands (details supplied). [12655/20]

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Written answers

The unprecedented circumstances of the COVID19 global pandemic has resulted in a swiftly evolving landscape for enterprises. The Government will continue to use all available tools at its disposal to support businesses and ensure their survival. In that context, I will keep the supports provided under review and continue to support enterprises as they work through the challenges facing them. Full details on all supports are available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.

This package is a significant step-up in the supports available for all businesses in all sectors at this very difficult time. The measures have been developed to meet the varying needs of Irish enterprise and they are very specifically targeted by size, sector and need and are targeted at vulnerable but viable companies.

The Restart Grant support is just one part of the wider €12bn package of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, the pandemic unemployment payment for the self-employed, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs.

In terms of off-shore Gaeltacht areas, an additional allocation of €0.6m has been provided by the Department of Communications, Climate and the Environment and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for the trading on-line voucher scheme which will help the move towards online trading. The aim of the scheme is to get more small businesses trading online and as a consequence reaching new markets, growing their business, employing more people and exporting more.

Since 2009 Enterprise Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta have an agreed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in place. The purpose of the MOU is to strengthen the level of collaboration between the two agencies. Under the MOU, both agencies have a close level of collaboration so that clients of Údarás in need of services available from Enterprise Ireland (which are not available from Údarás) and who meet the same eligibility criteria as Enterprise Ireland clients, will be treated by Enterprise Ireland on the same basis as Enterprise Ireland clients. Consequently, Covid 19 business supports and initiatives are available to all Údarás clients.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (388, 390)

Emer Higgins

Question:

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

View answer

Thomas Byrne

Question:

390. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health if clear advice will be provided to pubs on the way to safely reopen with regard to plastic screens, social distancing and other practical arrangements. [11779/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 388 and 390 together.

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 Government also agreed to bring forward actions in the remaining phases of the Roadmap and plan for four phases rather than the five originally indicated. On 19 June 2020, the Taoiseach, on behalf of the Government, announced the restrictions that would be eased and the measures that will be in place when Phase 3 is introduced on 29 June 2020. This will be subject to continued progressive improvements in the health indicators identified in the Framework for Future Decision-Making described in the Roadmap.

The Deputy may wish to note that pubs and hotel bars operating as restaurants are included in these measures. It is important to note that pubs not operating as restaurants can only re-open when it is permitted to do so. All pubs, including those that serve food other than drinks, are required to be registered with the Health Service Executive in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 852/2004. All food businesses must also have a food safety management system in place based on the principles of Hazard (Analysis & Critical Control Point (HACCP) to control the risks in their food business.

Further information on these and other businesses food safety management systems has been published by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and is available at https://www.fsai.ie/faq/coronavirus.html.

The Deputy may also wish to note that in preparing to re-open as per the Government announcement, the hospitality sector, as applicable, should refer to the HPSC COVID-19: Guidance for Food Service Businesses to assist them to carry out a detailed risk assessment and ensure that the communal spaces of venues, amenities and activities operate in line with physical distancing and the mass gatherings restrictions applying in Phase 3 and Phase 4.

Fáilte Ireland has also published updated guidelines for the re-opening of Restaurants and Cafés available at the following link: https://failtecdn.azureedge.net/failteireland/Guidelines-for-Re-opening-Restaurants-and-Cafes.pdf These guidelines are underpinned by advice made available from the HSA, HSE, HPSC, FSAI, World Health Organisation (WHO) and other relevant bodies.

In addition, 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.

Further information on the easing of restrictions as part of Phase 3 is available at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d06271-easing-the-covid-19-restrictions-on-29-june-phase-3/

Early School Leavers

Questions (389)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

389. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the allocation of funding for the establishment of a school leavers disability hub in the Gweedore area of County Donegal; the plans in place to progress such a facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11767/20]

View answer

Written answers

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.

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.

Question No. 390 answered with Question No. 388.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (391)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

391. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health when guidance in respect of small wedding sizes under phase 4 starting 20 July 2020 and larger weddings under phase 5 starting 10 August 2020 will be provided in view of the planning required for a typical wedding and the fact that guidance on increased funeral sizes has already been provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11861/20]

View answer

Written answers

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 Government also agreed to bring forward actions in the remaining phases of the Roadmap and plan for four phases rather than the five originally indicated. On 19 June 2020, the Taoiseach, on behalf of the Government, announced the restrictions that would be eased and the measures that will be in place when Phase 3 is introduced on 29 June 2020. This will be subject to continued progressive improvements in the health indicators identified in the Framework for Future Decision-Making described in the Roadmap.

The Roadmap for Phase 3 and the advice in relation to social gatherings (such as weddings) can be found on the Government website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d06271-easing-the-covid-19-restrictions-on-29-june-phase-3/.

Meat Processing Plants

Questions (392, 393, 434, 441)

Seán Fleming

Question:

392. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to proposals to reduce funding in respect of inspections at meat producing facilities and the implications for the safe production of food (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11901/20]

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Seán Fleming

Question:

393. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a proposal for a reduction of funding through local authorities for facilities that are inspected by their staff and the implications of same for the quality of service being provided (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11902/20]

View answer

Seán Fleming

Question:

434. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the discussions he has had with the Food Safety Authority; if his attention has been drawn to it proposing to reduce its funding for veterinary inspectors (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11900/20]

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Peter Burke

Question:

441. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if his Department will approve additional funding to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland in order that it can adequately fund both its and local authority veterinary services due to the important role both play in local meat plants and abattoirs; his views on proposals from the authority to further cut local authority allocation for 2020 by approximately 13%; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the majority of the service contracts are due to expire on 30 June 2020 and to date there appears to be no agreement on funding to sustain the immediate or long-term future of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11970/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 392, 393, 434 and 441 together.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is the competent authority with overall responsibility for the enforcement of food safety legislation in Ireland. Responsibility for enforcement of food legislation is managed through service contracts between the FSAI and a number of competent authorities, also known as ‘Official Agencies’. These official agencies include the Health Service Executive (HSE); Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM); Local Authorities (LAs); and Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority.

The LAs’ service contract is provided by the Local Authority Veterinary Service (LAVS), which comprises County Veterinary Officers (CVOs) employed by LAs with typically one CVO in the majority of LAs and between two to five in the larger LAs; these are supported by private veterinary practitioners (temporary veterinary inspectors - TVIs) engaged by the LAs. The LAs, acting on behalf of the FSAI, are responsible for food law enforcement required under EU food law at over 500 food businesses (including small meat manufacturing plants, slaughterhouses, cold stores, etc.).

In addition to food safety controls, CVOs also carry out functions for other Government Departments, including overseeing the enforcement of animal health and welfare legislation at slaughterhouses, on-farm emergency slaughter and the verification of competence to slaughter by plant operatives. LAs also have statutory responsibility in relation to dog and horse control, dog licensing and the regulation of dog breeding establishments.

Although the LAVS service contract funding is channelled through the Department of Health to the FSAI, the FSAI is independent in the exercise of its functions. There have been a number of meetings between officials in my Department and the FSAI regarding the FSAI budget and the LAVS service contract with the FSAI.

I am aware that due to financial pressures across the FSAI budget, FSAI had indicated to the LAs in early 2020 that it would not be in a position to provide the same amount this year that it had provided for LAVS in 2019. My Department recently advised the FSAI that it has increased its non-capital funding for 2020 by 7.5% (an additional €1.2m), bringing its total annual non-capital allocation to €17.172m.

In recent weeks, FSAI advised the LAs through the County and City Management Association (CCMA) that it is now able to allocate funding to the LAs (in 2020) closer to the amount it provided in 2019. Furthermore, I have been advised that a three-month extension (until 30th September 2020) has been agreed between the FSAI and the LAs/CCMA on the present LAVS service contracts, which will allow FSAI to fully review the service with the aim of finding a longer-term solution with an appropriately funded and sustainable operational/service model. My Department will also seek engagement with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG), the LAs’ parent Department.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (394)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

394. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health the role played by his Department in delivering a scheme to replace the July provision scheme. [11987/20]

View answer

Written answers

Following extensive engagement between my Department, the Department of Education & Skills and the HSE a cross sectoral summer programme for children with complex needs and children in DEIS schools was announced on 12th June.

The Summer Provision 2020 will involve a number of strands with a range of options available for families and schools. These will include;

- A school based or home based programme provided by teachers and Special Needs Assistants, similar to the normal Department of Education and Skills July Provision Programme but with wider eligibility;

- A summer camp type programme for DEIS schools;

- And a HSE led, activity based respite / summer camp programme for prioritised children with complex needs.

The Department of Education and Skills have invited schools to express their interest in participating in the various programmes. Depending on the availability of school premises and Special Needs Assistants, the HSE and its children’s disability service providers will aim to provide a “summer camp” type programme in each community healthcare network.

Under this programme it is proposed that

- Respite sessions for a child will be limited to 3 hours;

- Each centre will accommodate a maximum of 16 children at any time;

- Each classroom will accommodate a maximum of 4 children at any time;

- Drop off and collection of children would be staggered over a 30-minute period.

It is intended that staff in children’s disability services will provide direction and support for Special Needs Assistants to deliver the programme. The input of these teams will ensure that the activities are tailored to the needs of the children.

The ultimate goals of the Summer Camp Programme are to:

- Provide short respite breaks for families;

- Facilitate children with complex needs to begin the transition from their homes to re-engaging with their communities and schools;

- Provide safe opportunities for children with complex needs to engage with their peers.

I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (395)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

395. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if a person who is coming here for less than two weeks can leave again without having completed 14-day isolation when his or her holiday is completed. [12175/20]

View answer

Written answers

As the number of indigenous cases here declines and Ireland eases some restrictions, the relative importance of the risk of importation of cases from overseas increases.

The Government's position is clear in advising against non-essential travel to or from Ireland.

The public health advice for passengers arriving into the State from overseas is to self-isolate for 14 days. Passengers do not need to remain in the country for 14 days but should follow this public health advice for the time that they are in Ireland.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (396)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

396. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if a person who works in the UK in the offshore wind sector and comes over and back from the UK every four weeks or so would be required to isolate each time that he or she travels. [12348/20]

View answer

Written answers

As the number of indigenous cases here declines and Ireland eases restrictions, the relative importance of the risk of importation of cases from overseas increases.

The public health advice for passengers arriving into the State from overseas is to self-isolate for 14 days. Self-isolation is not a legal requirement of persons arriving to the State from overseas. However, I would ask that all persons arriving into the State follow this advice, and indeed all public health advice, as closely as they can. Persons arriving from Northern Ireland, international transport workers, including airline and maritime workers, and supply chain workers are not asked to self-isolate.

Information for those who are self-isolating and for people living with those who are self-isolating is published by the HSE on www.hse.ie. Information resources on self-isolation are also available on the website of the HSPC, and these have been translated into a number of languages.

My Department engages directly by email with families and businesses who have queries about public health advice.

Drugs Payment Scheme

Questions (397)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

397. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated annual cost of reducing the monthly drugs payment scheme threshold from €124 to €114 from September 2020; the estimated annual cost of a further reduction to €100 per month in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12454/20]

View answer

Written answers

The cost of reducing the Drugs Payment Scheme threshold from €124 to €114 is expected to be €3m from the proposed date 1 September to year end 2020.

The estimated cost of reducing the monthly threshold to €100 from its current amount is approximately €25m in a full year.

Medical Cards

Questions (398, 399)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

398. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated annual cost of providing discretionary medical cards to all cancer patients at the time of their diagnoses until their treatments have finished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12455/20]

View answer

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

399. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated annual cost of providing lifelong medical cards for each person with a terminal diagnosis of cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12456/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 399 together.

Eligibility for a medical card is assessed primarily on the basis of a financial assessment. The HSE's Expert Group on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility examined the issue of awarding medical cards on the basis of illness and concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. The Expert Group also concluded that a person’s means should remain the main qualifier for a medical card.

However every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds his or her income threshold, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness.

It should also be noted that with regard to persons suffering from cancer and other serious medical conditions the HSE has a system in place for the provision of medical cards in response to emergency situations i.e. in circumstances where persons are in need of urgent or on-going medical care that they cannot afford and also for persons who are terminally ill and are receiving end of life treatment. These medical cards are issued within 24 hours of receipt of the required medical report and a completed application form from a healthcare professional. With the exception of terminally ill patients, all medical cards, granted on an emergency basis are valid for 6 months and will be followed up with a full means assessment application within a number of weeks.

In relation to the cost of discretionary medical card provision or lifelong medical cards in the manner sought, the data required to model these scenarios is not readily available and it is therefore not possible to provide an estimate of the annual cost.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (400, 534)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

400. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health if guidance can be provided to cinemas as to when they can officially reopen. [12464/20]

View answer

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

534. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health when cinemas will be allowed to reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12463/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 400 and 534 together.

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 https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/7ae99f-easing-the-covid-19-restrictions-on-june-8-phase-2/

The Government also agreed to bring forward actions in the remaining phases of the Roadmap and plan for four phases rather than the five originally indicated. On 19 June 2020, the Taoiseach, on behalf of the Government, announced the restrictions that would be eased and the measures that will be in place when Phase 3 is introduced on 29 June 2020. This will be subject to continued progressive improvements in the health indicators identified in the Framework for Future Decision-Making described in the Roadmap

The Deputy may wish to note that cinemas are included in these measures and may reopen subject to the Phase 3 and 4 restrictions on numbers for public gatherings and other important public health advice. The specific requirements can be found on the Government website at https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/77452/39d51b02-5633-4e2f-a070-4551a3521081.pdf#page=7.

I would also wish to draw the Deputy's attention to the Return to Work Safely Protocol which was published by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation on Saturday 9 May last. This detailed guidance document was developed to assist employers and employees in the coming period and is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html The Protocol is mandatory, and it applies to all workplaces right across the economy. Specific sectors may need to introduce additional safeguards, but this document sets the standard set of measures required in every workplace.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (401)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

401. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health if he will provide further details on the HSE-led July programme, including when this programme will take place; the timeframe of the programme; and the person or body that will be given priority in the allocation of a place on the programme. [12631/20]

View answer

Written answers

Following extensive engagement between my Department, the Department of Education & Skills and the HSE a cross sectoral summer programme for children with complex needs and children in DEIS schools was announced on 12th June.

The Summer Provision 2020 will involve a number of strands with a range of options available for families and schools. These will include;

- A school based or home based programme provided by teachers and Special Needs Assistants, similar to the normal Department of Education and Skills July Provision Programme but with wider eligibility;

- A summer camp type programme for DEIS schools;

- And a HSE led, activity based respite / summer camp programme for prioritised children with complex needs.

The Department of Education and Skills have invited schools to express their interest in participating in the various programmes. Depending on the availability of school premises and Special Needs Assistants, the HSE and its children’s disability service providers will aim to provide a “summer camp” type programme in each community healthcare network.

Under this programme it is proposed that

- Respite sessions for a child will be limited to 3 hours;

- Each centre will accommodate a maximum of 16 children at any time;

- Each classroom will accommodate a maximum of 4 children at any time;

- Drop off and collection of children would be staggered over a 30-minute period.

It is intended that staff in children’s disability services will provide direction and support for Special Needs Assistants to deliver the programme. The input of these teams will ensure that the activities are tailored to the needs of the children.

The ultimate goals of the Summer Camp Programme are to:

- Provide short respite breaks for families;

- Facilitate children with complex needs to begin the transition from their homes to re-engaging with their communities and schools;

- Provide safe opportunities for children with complex needs to engage with their peers.

I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Medical Cards

Questions (402)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

402. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the status of a medical card application by a person (details supplied). [11647/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

Health Screening Programmes

Questions (403)

Seán Crowe

Question:

403. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health his views on a series of issues highlighted by a society (details supplied) regarding prostate cancer; his further views on whether it is an appropriate time to raise the prospect of a screening programme for prostate cancer; and the medical arguments against the introduction of such a programme for men. [11653/20]

View answer

Written answers

A National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) was established in 2019 and has held two meetings to date. The Committee’s role is to undertake an independent assessment of the evidence for screening for a particular condition against internationally accepted criteria and make recommendations accordingly.

As part of its body of work the Committee will implement an agreed methodology for accepting applications to consider new, or revisions to, existing population-based screening programmes in Ireland.

Ireland, has always evaluated the case for commencing a national screening programme against international accepted criteria – collectively known as the Wilson Jungner criteria. The evidence bar for commencing a screening programme should and must remain high. This ensures that we can be confident that the programme is effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards.

The addition of any new population-based screening programmes will be incorporated as part of the Committee's work programme following a robust, methodologically sound and detailed analysis of the evidence in each and every case against internationally accepted screening criteria.

Updates in relation to screening will be posted on the NSAC website (https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/nsac/)

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