Written Answers Nos. 359-384
360. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if his Department has established a working from home policy for its employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13541/20]
View answerMy Department’s HR policies and practices are governed by Circulars and guidance set centrally by the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform (DPER), including employment terms and conditions, and also Circular 4 of 2003 which promotes e-working in the Civil Service.
During the current Covid-19 pandemic my Department is closely following the guidance that all those who can work from home should do so. As the Country moves through a phased return to work, my Department will continue to implement work practices which are in line with public health and safety, and DPER’s guidelines on ‘Working from Home during COVID-19 – Guidance for Civil Service Organisations’ will also assist my Department as long as necessary to address the health and safety risks of COVID-19.
361. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the options available to an employee if they are of the view their workplace is failing to comply with public health guidelines in relation to reopening; the actions they should take if they are of the view the workplace is not in compliance; the agency and or body they should contact; if a confidential hotline number is available to them; if not, the reason; if a response will be available in terms of assessment and enforcement; if additional staffing resources have been allocated for these purposes; if penalties and sanctions are planned for employers that fail to comply with public health guidelines; his plans to have a public health campaign on these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13655/20]
View answerThe Health and Safety Authority has responsibility for the occupational health and safety of workers and those who may be affected by a work activity. The Authority is the lead agency in relation to the Return to Work Safely Protocol and in encouraging and checking compliance with the Protocol.
In addition, as part of the whole of Government approach and to supplement the efforts of the HSA inspectors, 500 other inspectors from across the system are now monitoring the application of the Protocol as part of their normal inspection duties. These resources are being drawn from the Workplace Relations Commission, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Environmental Health Officers employed by the Health Service Executive (HSE). These additional inspectors are supporting the Health and Safety Authority in carrying out checks on compliance with the Protocol as part of their normal inspections. Furthermore, 7 Staff from my Department have been seconded to the Workplace Contact Unit of the Health and Safety Authority to assist in managing phone and email queries about the Return to Work Safely Protocol
If an employee has concerns about a workplace compliance with the Protocol they can contact the Health and Safety Authority Workplace Contact Unit (WCU) on a confidential basis at 1890 289 389 or by sending an email to wcu@hsa.ie. If following such a complaint, there are serious concerns about a particular workplace, the Health and Safety Authority or another agency or organisation tasked with inspecting workplace compliance with the Protocol, will follow-up as appropriate. Where businesses have not fully complied with the Protocol, any matters that need to be addressed are the subject of the inspection report and are followed up so as to ensure compliance.
It should be noted that Health and Safety Authority carries out inspections and manages complaints on a confidential basis. In order to achieve compliance with the Protocol the Health and Safety Authority can use its full range of powers. Any initial engagement with an employer is with the aim of achieving the required outcomes through consensus and collaborative agreement e.g. advice, Reports of Inspections (ROI). However a failure to comply with a ROI is an offence.
In addition, the Health and Safety Authority has produced checklists and templates to support implementation of the Protocol which have now been downloaded over 130,000 times and feedback on these from a range of employer and employee groups has been very positive. The Health and Safety Authority has noted a high level of compliance with the Return to Work Safely Protocol to date during Phases 1 and 2.
The running of Public Health campaigns would be a matter for the Department of Health which has overall responsibility for public health matters.
362. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of prisoners tested for the Covid-19 virus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13055/20]
View answer363. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of prisoners that refused to be tested for the Covid-19 virus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13056/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 362 and 363 together.
As this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
364. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the location in which samples taken from prisoners for the Covid-19 virus were analysed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13057/20]
View answer365. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if each prisoner tested for the Covid-19 virus was informed of the result of their test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13058/20]
View answer366. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if the consent of prisoners tested for the Covid-19 virus was obtained prior to carrying out the test; the way in which the consent was obtained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13059/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 364 to 366, inclusive, together.
As this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
367. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health when treatment for a person (details supplied) will recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13243/20]
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.
368. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 565 of 23 June 2020, the number of dentists operating the dental treatment services scheme that have been supplied with PPE by the HSE from 1 April to 24 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13711/20]
View answerThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care free of charge to medical card holders aged 16 and over. These services are provided by independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE. Fees paid to dentists under the DTSS are set out in the Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Registered Dentists) Regulations 2009 and the Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Registered Dentists) Regulations 2012.
I understand that there are reports that medical card holders may have been refused access to treatment by a small number of dentists with DTSS contracts. The Chief Dental Officer in my Department is urgently pursuing the matter with the HSE National Oral Health Office to seek to ensure that no patients are left without a service.
I am aware that a number of dental contractors have given notice of their intention to withdraw from the DTSS but I would hope that those dentists would continue to honour their ethical and contractual obligations to patients during the notice withdrawal period to either provide a service or ensure that patients are referred to a neighbouring dentist who will provide a service.
I would also expect due process to be followed in respect of any withdrawal from the terms of a DTSS contract, in particular regarding an appropriate period of notice.
The cost of PPE should not be a key determinant in decisions on the treatment of patients. The Dental Council advises that dentists should take a case by case assessment when deciding if additional PPE is warranted. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has advised that regular PPE, which has always been used, is generally sufficient for routine dentistry.
My understanding is that a small number of dentists had applied to the HSE for PPE until early May when the volume of requests increased. My Department, in conjunction with the HSE, is examining the issue of the provision of PPE across all parts of the health service, including health service contractors. I am not aware of any agreement between the HSE and the Irish Dental Association in this regard.
In order to support small, medium and larger businesses that are negatively impacted by COVID-19 a suite of Government measures is in place. These include a Restart grant for which application can be made online to local authorities and a Return to Work Safely Protocol designed to support employers and workers to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Health and Safety Authority also provides information and advice for employers and employees in this regard.
369. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 565 of 23 June 2020, the PPE agreement, including the costs, between the HSE and an association (details supplied) on 8 May 2020 for dentists operating the dental treatment services scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13716/20]
View answerThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care free of charge to medical card holders aged 16 and over. These services are provided by independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE. Fees paid to dentists under the DTSS are set out in the Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Registered Dentists) Regulations 2009 and the Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Registered Dentists) Regulations 2012.
I understand that there are reports that medical card holders may have been refused access to treatment by a small number of dentists with DTSS contracts. The Chief Dental Officer in my Department is urgently pursuing the matter with the HSE National Oral Health Office to seek to ensure that no patients are left without a service.
I am aware that a number of dental contractors have given notice of their intention to withdraw from the DTSS but I would hope that those dentists would continue to honour their ethical and contractual obligations to patients during the notice withdrawal period to either provide a service or ensure that patients are referred to a neighbouring dentist who will provide a service.
I would also expect due process to be followed in respect of any withdrawal from the terms of a DTSS contract, in particular regarding an appropriate period of notice.
The cost of PPE should not be a key determinant in decisions on the treatment of patients. The Dental Council advises that dentists should take a case by case assessment when deciding if additional PPE is warranted. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has advised that regular PPE, which has always been used, is generally sufficient for routine dentistry.
My understanding is that a small number of dentists had applied to the HSE for PPE until early May when the volume of requests increased. My Department, in conjunction with the HSE, is examining the issue of the provision of PPE across all parts of the health service, including health service contractors. I am not aware of any agreement between the HSE and the Irish Dental Association in this regard.
In order to support small, medium and larger businesses that are negatively impacted by COVID-19 a suite of Government measures is in place. These include a Restart grant for which application can be made online to local authorities and a Return to Work Safely Protocol designed to support employers and workers to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Health and Safety Authority also provides information and advice for employers and employees in this regard.
370. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 565 of 23 June 2020, the plans in place by the HSE to ensure that medical card holders that are no longer being treated by their registered dentist under the dental treatment services scheme can continue to receive treatment in view of the large number of dentists withdrawing from the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13717/20]
View answerThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care free of charge to medical card holders aged 16 and over. These services are provided by independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE. Fees paid to dentists under the DTSS are set out in the Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Registered Dentists) Regulations 2009 and the Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Registered Dentists) Regulations 2012.
I understand that there are reports that medical card holders may have been refused access to treatment by a small number of dentists with DTSS contracts. The Chief Dental Officer in my Department is urgently pursuing the matter with the HSE National Oral Health Office to seek to ensure that no patients are left without a service.
I am aware that a number of dental contractors have given notice of their intention to withdraw from the DTSS but I would hope that those dentists would continue to honour their ethical and contractual obligations to patients during the notice withdrawal period to either provide a service or ensure that patients are referred to a neighbouring dentist who will provide a service.
I would also expect due process to be followed in respect of any withdrawal from the terms of a DTSS contract, in particular regarding an appropriate period of notice.
The cost of PPE should not be a key determinant in decisions on the treatment of patients. The Dental Council advises that dentists should take a case by case assessment when deciding if additional PPE is warranted. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has advised that regular PPE, which has always been used, is generally sufficient for routine dentistry.
My understanding is that a small number of dentists had applied to the HSE for PPE until early May when the volume of requests increased. My Department, in conjunction with the HSE, is examining the issue of the provision of PPE across all parts of the health service, including health service contractors. I am not aware of any agreement between the HSE and the Irish Dental Association in this regard.
In order to support small, medium and larger businesses that are negatively impacted by COVID-19 a suite of Government measures is in place. These include a Restart grant for which application can be made online to local authorities and a Return to Work Safely Protocol designed to support employers and workers to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Health and Safety Authority also provides information and advice for employers and employees in this regard.
371. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 565 of 23 June 2020, his plans to engage with dentists on the dental treatment services scheme contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13718/20]
View answer455. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health his plans to engage with an organisation (details supplied) on a review of the DTSS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13077/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 371 and 455 together.
Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy, which was published in April 2019, provides the groundwork to transform oral health services over the next eight years.
The Policy has two key goals:-
- to provide the supports to enable every individual to achieve their personal best oral health.
- to reduce oral health inequalities across the population, by enabling vulnerable groups to access oral healthcare and improve their oral health.
The Policy includes proposals for the introduction of packages of oral healthcare for adult medical card holders (i.e. over 16 years) at different intervals during their life course. The packages will focus on prevention and will include examinations, advice, and preventive therapies such as scale and polish, fissure sealants, and fluoride therapy as well as one filling. Routine care including additional fillings and complex care will continue to be available in addition to the preventative packages of care.
The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS), which currently provides a range of dental treatments to medical card holders will need to be revised in order to align it with modern evidence on oral health needs and provision of dental services. My Department is committed to reviewing the provision of dental care for those eligible for public services and will engage with the Irish Dental Association in this regard.
372. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if an order tracking history (details supplied) associated with a PPE order will be provided; and when the order will be completed [12689/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
373. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health when day services for persons with intellectual and physical disabilities will be reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12691/20]
View answerAs 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. A national group for the resumption of day services representative of service users and families, service providers and the HSE is working together to prepare for the resumption of day service supports in line with COVID-19 guidance. The Framework for the Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services and Action Plan for resumption of services have been completed. The national group are currently developing guidance to support the day service sector to reopen within the parameters of public health advice.
Community Healthcare Organisations are working with service providers to ascertain the current level of service provision and innovative practises that have developed over the last number of months. The collation and analysis of this data will provide a current national picture which will enable the resumption group to address the challenges of reopening day service locations.
The resumption group plan to have completed the above strands of work shortly, following which a timeframe for the phased reopening of adult day services will be planned in cooperation with HSE disability services and service providers. In the meantime, service providers continue to contact day service users regarding their support needs and are providing those supports in different ways. Some supports continue to be provided in a number of ways, for example by telephone, online communication and responses to address emergency needs.
The HSE and disability service providers, where identified, will continue to communicate with school leavers and their families to plan and organise for a transition to day services in line with public health guidance.
The safety of service users and staff is of critical importance therefore the attendance at locations will be determined by public health guidance, which may result in some reduction of capacity.
An information leaflet for service users and their families was developed by the national group and distributed widely to all stakeholders on June 9th.
It is expected that a clearer picture will emerge shortly as to when day services are likely to be reinstated and how the service will be delivered taking account of Public Health Guidance and COVID-19 restrictions.
The Framework for Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services and the information leaflet “What’s Happening” is available on the New Directions website: www.hse.ie/newdirections
374. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if there has been an inspection at a meat factory (details supplied); if so, if workers were tested for Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12692/20]
View answerAs this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
375. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if a contrasting document will be produced to highlight the differences between the new Sharing the Vision - a Mental Health Policy for Everyone 2020-2030 and A Vision For Change documents [12694/20]
View answerThe national mental health policy, A Vision for Change, ended its ten-year term in 2016, having been the cornerstone of mental health policy in Ireland since its publication in 2006. The Department of Health led the review of this policy, with a view to the development of a successor document which would continue the process of modernising mental health services and effectively promoting mental health.
The terms of reference for the refresh did not assume the need for a whole new policy document or a complete examination of policy from first principles, but rather to build on the good foundations of A Vision for Change, particularly given that many of its principles remained valid in terms of good practice, and simply required updating and extending to reflect the best of current thinking and evolving practices in the sector.
Preparations for a review and update of the policy commenced with the commissioning in February 2017 of an Expert Evidence Review by the Work Research Centre (WRC) to inform the parameters of the planned refresh of mental health policy in Ireland. The approach encompassed a stock-take of recent success in mental health and a review of international developments, innovation, evidence and good practice. The review had a broad brief covering the various dimensions of the mental health terrain that might have relevance for informing the refresh of mental health policy in Ireland.
The key priorities that emerged out of the review were:
- The prioritisation of mental health in Ireland as a major societal issue
- The importance of primary prevention and positive mental health
- A requirement to focus on social inclusion and recovery
- Expansion of mental health services to address the spectrum of conditions and needs
- Development of governance and financing to include research, evaluation and quality assurance
The WRC completed a supplementary paper to build on the work in the External Evidence Review, which identified specific policy changes for which a requirement may have arisen since A Vision for Change was drafted. The review identified policy themes that might require attention in the refresh such as the identification of vulnerable groups and associated actions not mentioned in the previous policy. The report also sought to consider new policy areas including a wider focus on education and prevention, and the wider use of accredited digital health interventions. In addition, the report sought to evaluate each recommendation from the previous policy and to rate progress to date on what actions were implemented, what relevant actions remained and what actions were no longer needed. Both WRC reports assisted in identifying priority areas for the newly formed Oversight Group to consider as they drafted their report for the Department of Health. Both reports will be made available on the Department of Health website.
376. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when an announcement will be made in relation to the timing of the lifting of the quarantine arrangements for those coming here to afford certainty to persons planning to come here for work and pleasure and those intending to go abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12701/20]
View answerAs 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 entering the State from overseas. Since 28 May it is a legal requirement for passengers arriving from overseas to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form. The information on the form may be used to assist our contact tracing teams.
From 9 July it is intended that there will be a gradual opening up of international travel, through a Roadmap for Safe Overseas Access, as announced by the Government. It is intended that reciprocal travel arrangements (air bridges) will be established with a number of countries with broadly comparable epidemiological situations to Ireland’s, based on an agreed EU method for comparing countries. Work on developing the Roadmap is to be taken forward by relevant Government departments, in consultation with stakeholders.
377. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has not had their waiting time backdated [12728/20]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
378. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter in relation to dentists turning away medical card holders due to the additional expenses relating to Covid-19 social distancing guideline management and PPE cost (details supplied); the measures which will be put in place to protect medical card holders in such instances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12729/20]
View answerThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care free of charge to medical card holders aged 16 and over. These services are provided by independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE. Fees paid to dentists under the DTSS are set out in the Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Registered Dentists) Regulations 2009 and the Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Registered Dentists) Regulations 2012.
I understand that there are reports that medical card holders may have been refused access to treatment by a small number of dentists with DTSS contracts. The Chief Dental Officer in my Department is urgently pursuing the matter with the HSE National Oral Health Office to seek to ensure that no patients are left without a service.
I am aware that a number of dental contractors have given notice of their intention to withdraw from the DTSS but I would hope that those dentists would continue to honour their ethical and contractual obligations to patients during the notice withdrawal period to either provide a service or ensure that patients are referred to a neighbouring dentist who will provide a service.
I would also expect due process to be followed in respect of any withdrawal from the terms of a DTSS contract, in particular regarding an appropriate period of notice.
The cost of PPE should not be a key determinant in decisions on the treatment of patients. The Dental Council advises that dentists should take a case by case assessment when deciding if additional PPE is warranted. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has advised that regular PPE, which has always been used, is generally sufficient for routine dentistry.
My understanding is that a small number of dentists had applied to the HSE for PPE until early May when the volume of requests increased. My Department, in conjunction with the HSE, is examining the issue of the provision of PPE across all parts of the health service, including health service contractors. I am not aware of any agreement between the HSE and the Irish Dental Association in this regard.
In order to support small, medium and larger businesses that are negatively impacted by COVID-19 a suite of Government measures is in place. These include a Restart grant for which application can be made online to local authorities and a Return to Work Safely Protocol designed to support employers and workers to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Health and Safety Authority also provides information and advice for employers and employees in this regard.
379. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when regular home help hours curtailed during Covid-19 restrictions will be restored. [12731/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
380. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Health his plans to expand care in the community to provide mobile treatment services for chemotherapy and dialysis as is the practice in the UK and other European countries (details supplied). [12733/20]
View answerChemotherapy, or Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT), is delivered in 26 hospitals across the country. There are also a number of community SACT services, including:
- the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) community oncology nursing programme which trains community nurses to become competent to deliver some aspects of care to oncology patients in the community;
- community infusion clinics providing services for oncology patients such as low-risk infusions, pre-SACT blood tests, nursing assessments and supportive care for patients delivered by Community Intervention Teams (CITs); and
- the provision of SACT directly to patients by third party/private providers under contract with the hospitals/HSE
These community SACT services operate under clear governance structures and the patient remains under the care of their medical oncology or haematology acute hospital team. Policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines (PPPGs ) are in place and include an evaluation process to ensure that the care is delivered safely, and that patients are continuously monitored.
The NCCP advises that enhancing these services and exploring the possibility of using some of the 29 community hubs, for example in oral anticancer medication management, would be a more appropriate option than the use of mobile facilities at this time.
381. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will review a case (details supplied); if the business can reopen on 30 July 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12736/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, 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 in Phase 3. On Thursday 25th June the Government confirmed the move to Phase 3 of Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business from Monday, 29 June 2020. Information and advice about the restrictions that have been eased as part of Phase 3 and the measures that are now in place are available on the Government website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d06271-easing-the-covid-19-restrictions-on-29-june-phase-3/
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. This will be subject to continued progressive improvements in the health indicators identified in the Framework for Future Decision-Making described in the Roadmap
I wish to clarify to the Deputy 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 and specific requirements. The numbers for public gatherings 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/#social. 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 out the standard set of measures required in every workplace.
382. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health when SI No. 181 of 2020, Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Requirements) (Covid-19 Passenger Locator Form) Regulations 2020 expires; his plans to extend it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12737/20]
View answerSI No. 181 of 2020, Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Requirements) (Covid-19 Passenger Locator Form) Regulations 2020 will expire on 9th July.
From 9 July it is intended that there will be a gradual opening up of international travel, through a Roadmap for Safe Overseas Access, as announced by the Government. It is intended that reciprocal travel arrangements (air bridges) will be established with a number of countries with broadly comparable epidemiological situations to Ireland’s, based on an agreed EU method for comparing countries. Work on developing the Roadmap, including considerations on the passenger locator form, is to be taken forward by relevant Government departments, in consultation with stakeholders.
383. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when an appointment to have a MRI will be granted to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12738/20]
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.
384. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health when elective surgery will resume at University Hospital Galway for a person (details supplied) who is currently awaiting a procedure which has time constraints for optimum outcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12742/20]
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.
