Brendan Griffin
Question:1072. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter regarding day care centres (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14961/20]
View answerCare of the Elderly
Questions (1072, 1193)
Danny Healy-Rae
Question:1193. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when day care centres for the elderly will be able to open again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15491/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1072 and 1193 together.
Community services such as day care play an important role in enabling older people to continue living in their communities. My Department and the HSE are undertaking work to determine the current level of service delivery in the community and to set out plans, including associated required capacity, to resume services, including day services, in line with the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business and the ‘Return to work safely’ protocol. This process will take on board the learning of the current period, including the possibility of delivering services in a new way, and the requirement to adhere to public health guidance. This means that services, whilst being delivered in new ways, will gradually be restored to older people.
Legislative Process
Questions (1073)
Gerald Nash
Question:1073. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health the status of the outcome of the 2019 public consultation in respect of regulations to be made under sections 12 and 13 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14964/20]
View answerWritten answers
A public consultation was hosted by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on the regulations to be made on the labelling and advertising of alcohol products under the Public Health (Alcohol) Act. Almost 300 submissions were received by the FSAI and on foot of these a Report was submitted to my Department.
The results of the consultation are forming part of the considerations in the development of the draft regulations. Prior to being finalised those draft regulations will require notification to the European Commission for assessment.
Health Services Staff
Questions (1074)
Bernard Durkan
Question:1074. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be offered alternative employment other than in the ambulance service in view of the fact that the person's health suffered; if, in the circumstances, it might be possible to meet their requirements in another Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14973/20]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
Question No. 1075 answered with Question No. 1047.
HSE Correspondence
Questions (1076)
Matt Shanahan
Question:1076. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the status of a contract negotiated by the HSE with a company (details supplied); if he will liaise with the HSE on the matter as the company cannot get a response from the HSE procurement division in terms of furthering the delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14977/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this question concerns a contractual matter between the HSE and a particular commercial entity, I have referred the question to the agency for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Facilities
Questions (1077)
Matt Shanahan
Question:1077. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the timeline to produce and issue a build tender for planned cath lab at University Hospital Waterford; the planned contract close date, build and completion dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14978/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Estates unit in the Health Service Executive has been tasked with the delivery of additional capacity (infrastructure and equipment) nationwide in the effort for the containment and prevention of the spread of the Coronavirus - COVID-19. This has resulted in delays to some works and schedules.
Funding has been allocated in the Capital Plan for the provision of 2nd Cath Lab at University Hospital Waterford. Planning Permission is in place for this project and applications for fire and disability certification are currently in progress. It is anticipated the project will go to tender in late August / early September – subject to approval. As required by OGP, tender is a 2 stage process for Main and Specialist contractors. This will take approximately 4 months with construction expected to begin thereafter.
Hospital Facilities
Questions (1078)
Matt Shanahan
Question:1078. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the timeline to recommence modifications to the existing cath lab at University Hospital Waterford; the reason no Covid-19 test was offered to foreign engineers to allow them on-site access at any stage up to the lifting of travel restrictions in view of the fact the refit was classed as essential work; the further reason an infection control protocol initiated by hospital management precluded access to the existing cardiac suite to allow modifications to continue in further view of the fact it is at the opposite end of the campus and in further view of the fact only to two Covid-19 patients were being treated in the separately housed Dunmore wing of the hospital; the definitive date the existing lab modifications will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14979/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
Hospital Groups
Questions (1079)
Matt Shanahan
Question:1079. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the reason the seat left vacant on the advisory board of the south west hospital group by the promotion of a person (details supplied) has not been made available to another candidate; if the board is soon to be disbanded, the finish date; if the board is not being disbanded within a period of two months of 14 June 2020, if the other candidate will be appointed to the board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14980/20]
View answerWritten answers
In 2017, the former Minister for Health, Minister Simon Harris, approved a process whereby Hospital Group Board vacancies would be publicly advertised on the State Boards portal (www.stateboards.ie) operated by the Public Appointments Service (PAS), in line with DPER Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards.
Members of the South South West Hospital Group Board were selected through this process.
As you are aware. the Oireachtas Committee on the Future of Healthcare Sláintecare Report (2017) recommended the alignment of hospital and community health and social care services into cohesive geographical regions to facilitate population-based resource allocation and governance to enable integrated care.
The announcement, in 2019, of six new regional health areas is the first step in organising person-centred health and social care services focussed on the needs of populations within specific regions. The Sláintecare Programme Implementation Office is working with all hospital groups and CHOs to inform the development of detailed proposals in this regard.
HSE Waiting Lists
Questions (1080)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:1080. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the waiting time for patients referred to the pain clinic in Galway; the reason the issue of long waiting lists at the clinic has not been addressed; the steps he plans to take to address the long waiting lists for appointments and treatment in view of the suffering delayed pain treatment is causing persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14983/20]
View answerWritten answers
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. 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 National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
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.
Where possible, hospitals are working to find innovative ways to enable service provision, which include virtual clinics for some outpatient 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).
To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 24 June. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. The HSE is currently developing a Service Continuity Roadmap for the resumption of services across the health system.
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.
The data requested concerning waiting list figures for Pain Relief at Galway University Hospital is outlined in the attached document. There are currently no outpatients on the waiting list for Pain Relief at GUH.
In relation to service provision for pain relief at Galway University Hospital, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Question No. 1081 answered with Question No. 1062.
Hospital Facilities
Questions (1082)
Jackie Cahill
Question:1082. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health when the births, deaths and marriages office will reopen at St. Mary’s hospital, Thurles, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14999/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme
Questions (1083)
Michael Ring
Question:1083. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the wait time for funding to be made available for applicants approved for the nursing home support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14994/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
HSE Regional Service Plans
Questions (1084)
Bernard Durkan
Question:1084. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of the awaited development phase of Naas General Hospital, the new national children’s hospital and other similar capital projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15001/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Estates unit in the Health Service Executive has been tasked with the delivery of additional capacity (infrastructure and equipment) nationwide in the effort for the containment and prevention of the spread of the coronavirus - Covid-19. This has resulted in delays to some works and schedules.
The project to provide a new Endoscopy Unit at Naas General Hospital is part of the draft Capital Plan, with funding being provided to go to tender with this project in 2020. At present the draft Capital Plan is being reviewed and revised to take account of the impact of Covid-19 delays on projects and the funding of an emergency Covid-19 programme of works.
The NPHDB has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building and equipping the New Children's Hospital and I have referred this part of your question to the NPHDB for direct reply.
Health Services Provision
Questions (1085)
Bernard Durkan
Question:1085. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which comparable replacement public hospital bed provision has been provided following the closure of St. Brigid’s hospital, Crooksling; the current or proposed use of the premises and lands at Crooksling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15009/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
Hospital Data
Questions (1086)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:1086. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of elective procedures and appointments, for example, smear tests, test results and meeting a consultant, that had to be cancelled or deferred in the mid-west region in counties Clare, Limerick and Tipperary in tabular form. [15011/20]
View answerWritten answers
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. 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 National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 24th June 2020. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. The HSE is currently developing a Service Continuity Roadmap for the resumption of services across the health system. My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to evaluate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address pent up demand.
In relation to the particular query raised concerning the deferral or cancellation of procedures and appointments in counties Clare, Limerick and Tipperary, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Health Services Provision
Questions (1087)
Cathal Crowe
Question:1087. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the status of treatment for a person (details supplied). [15015/20]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. 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 National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with the World Health Organisation, and the National Action Plan. 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.
Medical Cards
Questions (1088)
Malcolm Noonan
Question:1088. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Health if persons who are eligible for a general medical card under the new criteria once enacted will receive a refund for prescription costs incurred from July 2020 (details supplied). [15019/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Bill 2020 was published on 1 July. This Bill provides, amongst other things, for the necessary legislative amendments to increase the weekly gross medical card income limits for those aged 70 and over to €550 per week for a single person (currently €500 per week) and to €1,050 for a couple (currently €900 per week).
The Bill is expected to proceed through the Houses of the Oireachtas in mid-July.
Eligibility for a medical card is granted on the date when a completed application has been assessed and the applicant is awarded eligibility for a medical card under the scheme guidelines. Expenditure incurred prior to qualifying for a medical card is not reimbursable.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1089)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:1089. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15021/20]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. 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 National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with the World Health Organisation, and the National Action Plan. 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.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1090)
Mark Ward
Question:1090. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the budget for mental health provision in 2020; the priority areas to which the funding will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15024/20]
View answerWritten answers
Budget 2020 increased funding to HSE mental health services by €39 million to €1.026 billion. This is an increase of over €315 million since 2012, or 44%, and represents a continued commitment to mental health.
Of the 2020 Budget, €13 million is for the continued roll-out of new developments in 2020, including the new National Forensic Hospital in Portrane, and progression of the recently launched national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision - A Mental Health Policy for Everyone.
€26 million has been allocated for other costs, including pay, which will be used to maintain funding and enhance existing services.
To date, €0.382 million new development funding has been released for the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Connect and a dialectical behaviour therapy training project.
Additionally, the Department of Health and Sláintecare have allocated €2.2 million for a mental health promotion and well-being campaign. This funding is enabling the HSE to provide enhanced online and telephone supports for health professionals and members of the public, for lower level mental health issues, such as stress and anxiety, arising from Covid-19.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (1091)
Malcolm Noonan
Question:1091. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding hospital-acquired infection of Covid-19 by hospital and patient outcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15035/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the information sought is an operational matter this Question has been referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Ministerial Responsibilities
Questions (1092)
Seán Sherlock
Question:1092. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the delegated functions assigned to the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health and older people; and the date those delegated functions come into effect [15054/20]
View answerWritten answers
Deputy Mary Butler has been appointed as Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for mental health and older people. Work has commenced to assign relevant powers and duties to the Minister of State.
Ministerial Responsibilities
Questions (1093)
Seán Sherlock
Question:1093. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the delegated functions assigned to the Minister of State with responsibility for public health, well being and national drugs strategy; and the date those delegated functions come into effect [15055/20]
View answerWritten answers
Deputy Frank Feighan has been appointed as Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and National Drugs Strategy. Work has commenced to assign relevant powers and duties to the Minister of State.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (1094)
Seán Sherlock
Question:1094. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the consideration given to those who are hearing impaired and the challenges facing them with facemasks that prevent lip reading and other facial tics that assist them in understanding interactions [15059/20]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department appreciates the concerns raised around face coverings with regard to those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
I understand that the Irish Deaf Society and Chime, in partnership with the HSE, have prepared resources for use by healthcare workers and deaf or hard of hearing patients and there has been collaboration on guidelines for staff, communication supports and videos in Irish Sign Language. Further information can be found at the following link: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/covid-19-irish-sign-language-isl-resources/covid-19-irish-sign-language-isl-resources.html.
The evidence relating to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the discussion around face coverings, masks and shields is constantly evolving. It is important to note that the public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The Expert Advisory Group (EAG) of the NPHET has also been proactively examining all relevant evidence relating to the virus and the issue of face covering. The EAG has requested the Health Information and Quality Authority to prepare a revised and updated evidence synthesis on face coverings and I have been informed that this paper is expected to be finalised shortly.
Assisted Human Reproduction
Questions (1095)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:1095. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will address a query raised in correspondence regarding assisted human reproduction from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15072/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government approved the drafting of a bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research, based on the published General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill. This comprehensive piece of legislation encompasses the regulation of a range of practices for the first time, including altruistic domestic surrogacy. The General Scheme also provides for the establishment of an independent regulatory authority for AHR.
The provisions relating to surrogacy are outlined in Part 6 of the General Scheme. These provisions outline the specific conditions under which surrogacy in Ireland will be permitted, including a requirement for all surrogacy agreements to be pre-authorised by the AHR Regulatory Authority. The General Scheme also sets out a court-based mechanism through which the parentage of a child born through surrogacy may be transferred from the surrogate (and her husband, if applicable) to the intending parent(s).
In addition, under the surrogacy provisions at least one of the intending parents will have to be genetically related to the child. Surrogacy will be permitted on an altruistic basis where the payment of defined and receiptable reasonable expenses will be allowed. However, commercial surrogacy in Ireland will be prohibited as it raises a number of concerns relating to the welfare and commodification of the children involved as well as the potential risks of coercion and exploitation of financially vulnerable women to act as surrogates.
Drafting of the bill is ongoing in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General. It is not possible at this time to give a definitive timeline for the publication of the Bill and its subsequent passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas. However, the recently-published Programme for Government affirms this Government’s intention to enact this legislation.
Finally, it would be prudent for any individual considering taking part in a surrogacy agreement prior to the relevant legislative and regulatory framework being in place to seek legal advice on the matter.
Question No. 1096 answered with Question No. 1071.