Written Answers Nos. 181-200
181. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he has received information from a crèche (details supplied) regarding the closure of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17516/20]
View answerMy Department has received no communication from the crèche mentioned.
In terms of funding, a key policy priority for my Department is the sustainability of the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) sector and hence it has, and continues to, work intensively to support services to re-open after COVID-19.
On 10 June 2020, my predecessor Minister Zappone announced a major funding package to facilitate the reopening of ELC and SAC services.
The reopening funding aims to support providers to reopen, staff to remain in the sector, parents to resume work, and children to benefit from quality ELC and SAC.
The new funding package contains four significant elements:
1. A once-off reopening support payment for DCYA-funded service providers opening between 29 June and early September.
2. A once-off COVID-19 capital grant for DCYA-funded service providers opening between 29 June and early September.
3. Continued access for eligible providers to the Revenue-operated Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS)
4. Resumption of DCYA ELC and SAC programmes: NCS, CCSP and TEC will be available once again for children attending ELC and SAC services from 29 June.
It is expected that that this funding package will act as a significant sustainability measure for ELC and SAC service providers anticipating to reopen from 29 June until the beginning of the new Programme year on the 24th August.
It should be noted that a number of other supports were available before the COVID-19 pandemic to improve the sustainability of services during normal times, and these remain available now. The Department oversees a Case Management process through which local City/County Childcare Committees (CCCS) and Pobal work together to assess and provide support to early learning and care services. This can include help with completing and interpreting analysis of staff ratios, fee setting and cash flow, as well as more specialised advice and support appropriate to individual circumstances. Financial supports, which are also accessed through Case Management, are available for community services presenting with sustainability issues following a financial assessment by Pobal. Pobal co-ordinate the overall case management process with the CCC administering initial, and ongoing, case management assistance.
The decision by this service to close is ultimately a private business matter which the Department cannot interfere in. However, if any service does wish to remain open and requires support to do so, they should contact their local CCC in the first instance.
The CCCs are also available to support parents and children who may be affected by the closure of a service, and will provide assistance with identifying alternative Early Learning and Care/School-Age Childcare services.
182. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will address concerns raised in recent reports citing major non-compliance issues at a child protection and welfare service in County Cork; the measures being taken to rectify the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17520/20]
View answerAs the Deputy notes, HIQA recently published a report of an inspection into the operation of Tusla's Child Protection Notification System (CPNS) in the Cork area.
The report highlights several areas for improvement.
There were delays in arranging case conferences for children whose cases needed to be considered for inclusion on the CPNS. Social work managers needed to confirm that children on the CPNS saw a social worker as appropriate.
The report also found that some children were listed as receiving a social work service the CPNS for long periods. This was a concern because it meant that the children’s circumstances may not be improving despite the work done to try and keep them safe at home.
HIQA inspection reports had identified that the Cork area had experienced considerable change in staff, and that the area would benefit from a period of full staffing and stability.
My Department, the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive and Tusla have met to discuss and agree a Joint Protocol on the funding of care placements for children in care who have a disability.
Department officials have liaised with the Tusla senior management who have confirmed that all children who were identified in this report as requiring care placements now have a placement.
Tusla senior management in Cork implemented a complex case management group to provide further oversight of the cases of children on the CPNS.
Tusla, HIQA and my Department will continue to work closely in monitoring and addressing issues arising from inspection reports.
183. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied that there are adequate controls and checks at airports and ports on persons travelling here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17667/20]
View answerAn Garda Síochána is responsible for immigration controls at all ports of entry to this State, with the exception of Dublin Airport. Gardaí fulfil immigration control duties at ports which have been approved for the landing of non-nationals and monitor ports which are not approved for entry into the State. The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) provides training, backup and expertise to local Garda District personnel in this respect. The ports specified in the schedule to the Immigration Act 2004 (Approved Ports) Regulations 2004, are prescribed for the purposes of section 6 (2) of the Immigration Act 2004.
The Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department's Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) function is responsible for frontline immigration operations at Dublin Airport on a 24/7 basis. Immigration Officers of the BMU perform their duties in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Act, 2004 and Orders as they relate to entry and refusal of entry to the State.
The Health (Preservation and Protection and Other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020, was enacted on 20 March. The Act gives the Minister for Health the power to make regulations to restrict travel to and from Ireland.
Under Regulations made by the Minister for Health - Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Requirements) (Covid-19 Passenger Locator Form) Regulations 2020, S.I. No. 181/2020 - the completion of a passenger locator form became a mandatory requirement on 28 May 2020.
On behalf of the health authorities, the collection of public health passenger locator forms and the system of spot check follow up calls has been carried out on an administrative basis by officials from the Border Management Unit (BMU) and the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). The BMU operate the scheme at Dublin Airport on behalf of the health authorities, which, at this time, is the principal route through which people are entering the State by air.
While the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) manage the compliance of the passenger locator forms for the other ports, the passenger locator forms are forwarded to the BMU in Dublin Airport, who also carry out the follow-up calls for those ports. The BMU continue to make follow-up calls to passengers arriving into Dublin Airport and other ports of entry to Ireland whilst we await the handover of this process to the Department of Health.
Since the mandatory introduction of the passenger locator form on 28 May 2020, any passengers refusing to complete the mandatory form are referred to GNIB. Section 31(a) of the Health Act 1947 (as amended) provides for powers of arrest for An Garda Síochána.
184. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the terms of the lease of a direct provision centre (details supplied); if the lease will be renewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17480/20]
View answerThe premises referred to by the Deputy is currently under contract with my Department for the provision of accommodation and ancillary services for persons in the international protection process. The contract runs until 30 November 2020.
My Department does not publicly disclose rates agreed with contractors, as to do so could seriously compromise any current or future negotiations with suppliers.
Any decision to continue using the premises past the end of November will be taken closer to the expiry date and will be governed by demand for accommodation places by protection applicants and the capacity to meet that demand from within the existing accommodation portfolio.
Last year, Dr Catherine Day was asked to bring together an expert group with representation from asylum seekers and NGOs to examine best practice in other European States in the provision of services to international protection applicants, to examine likely longer term trends and to set out recommendations and solutions. Any new system for the provision of accommodation and additional supports to international protection applicants will be informed by the Report of this Expert Group. The Group is examining both the reception system for accommodating applicants and the system for processing applications, and is expected to make recommendations for changes in both areas.
A briefing paper on the work of the group, prepared by the Chairperson to inform programme for government talks, was recently circulated to members of both Houses of the Oireachtas by the previous Minister and its interim recommendations cover many of these issues. The work of the group is advancing at pace and their report is expected by the end of September. The intention as stated in the Programme for Government is to publish a White Paper by the end of this year, informed by the recommendations of the Expert Group, which will set out how a replacement to the Direct Provision system will be structured and the steps to achieving it. It will be a matter for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, to progress the matter following the transfer of this function to his Department.
185. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of roads policing units by county. [17482/20]
View answer186. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of roads policing units in County Cork in 2010. [17483/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.
The Deputy will be aware that in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána.
I have requested information from An Garda Síochána on the matter raised and will write directly to the Deputy when it is received.
|
Division |
Number of Roads Policing Units |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
3 |
|
Clare |
2 |
|
Cork City |
1 |
|
Cork North |
3 |
|
Cork West |
2 |
|
DMR East |
2 |
|
DMR North |
1 |
|
DMR North Central |
3 |
|
DMR Roads Policing |
1 |
|
DMR South |
1 |
|
DMR South Central |
1 |
|
DMR West |
1 |
|
Donegal |
3 |
|
Galway |
3 |
|
Kerry |
1 |
|
Kildare |
2 |
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
3 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
2 |
|
Limerick |
3 |
|
Louth |
2 |
|
Mayo |
2 |
|
Meath |
3 |
|
Roscommon/Longford |
2 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
3 |
|
Tipperary |
3 |
|
Waterford |
2 |
|
Westmeath |
3 |
|
Wexford |
3 |
|
Wicklow |
3 |
|
Total |
64 |
187. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide a breakdown of Garda vehicle resources in the Dublin metropolitan region, DMR, over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17565/20]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, it is the function of the Garda Commissioner to manage and control the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. The Commissioner's functions include the allocation of Garda resources is in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for the allocation of Garda vehicles among the various Garda divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure their optimum use.
To assist the Deputy, the Garda authorities have provided me with the attached spreadsheet which sets out the detail of the vehicles allocated to the DMR for the dates requested.
Vehicles assigned to the DMR 2015- June 30 2020
|
At 30 June 2020 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4 x 4 |
*Others |
Total |
|
DMR EAST |
56 |
11 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
69 |
|
DMR NORTH |
87 |
13 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
102 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
54 |
12 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
70 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
56 |
14 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
71 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
64 |
16 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
83 |
|
DMR TRAFFIC |
21 |
2 |
49 |
3 |
0 |
75 |
|
DMR WEST |
76 |
14 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
97 |
|
TOTAL |
414 |
82 |
49 |
10 |
12 |
567 |
|
2019 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4 x 4 |
*Others |
Total |
|
DMR EAST |
50 |
10 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
62 |
|
DMR NORTH |
78 |
12 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
92 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
47 |
11 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
62 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
52 |
13 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
66 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
60 |
16 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
78 |
|
DMR TRAFFIC |
20 |
2 |
44 |
3 |
0 |
69 |
|
DMR WEST |
70 |
14 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
90 |
|
TOTAL |
377 |
78 |
44 |
10 |
10 |
519 |
|
2018 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4x4 |
*Others |
Total |
|
DMR EAST |
41 |
9 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
56 |
|
DMR NORTH |
79 |
25 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
110 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
47 |
12 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
69 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
57 |
17 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
77 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
44 |
15 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
62 |
|
DMR TRAFFIC |
17 |
2 |
31 |
4 |
1 |
55 |
|
DMR WEST |
59 |
13 |
2 |
0 |
8 |
82 |
|
Total |
344 |
93 |
42 |
11 |
21 |
511 |
|
2017 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4x4 |
*Others |
Total |
|
DMR EAST |
43 |
10 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
58 |
|
DMR NORTH |
83 |
27 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
115 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
54 |
10 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
74 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
66 |
17 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
86 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
46 |
16 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
66 |
|
DMR TRAFFIC |
17 |
2 |
31 |
3 |
1 |
54 |
|
DMR WEST |
78 |
18 |
2 |
0 |
7 |
105 |
|
Total |
387 |
100 |
44 |
10 |
17 |
558 |
|
2016 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4x4 |
*Others |
Total |
|
DMR EAST |
40 |
11 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
58 |
|
DMR NORTH |
86 |
33 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
127 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
54 |
10 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
72 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
66 |
16 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
87 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
45 |
16 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
65 |
|
DMR TRAFFIC |
17 |
4 |
31 |
3 |
1 |
56 |
|
DMR WEST |
92 |
19 |
3 |
2 |
7 |
123 |
|
Total |
400 |
109 |
45 |
14 |
20 |
588 |
|
2015 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4x4 |
*Others |
Total |
|
DMR EAST |
39 |
7 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
53 |
|
DMR NORTH |
88 |
29 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
122 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
52 |
11 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
74 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
72 |
13 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
91 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
46 |
12 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
62 |
|
DMR TRAFFIC |
19 |
3 |
12 |
3 |
1 |
38 |
|
DMR WEST |
90 |
17 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
114 |
|
Total |
406 |
92 |
25 |
15 |
16 |
554 |
*The category 'Others' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles
It should be noted that these details relate to the size of Garda fleet in the DMR on the dates requested by the Deputy only; and do not take account of the more than 200 additional community support vehicles recently hired by An Garda Síochána as part of its nationwide response to Covid-19.
Finally, and more broadly, the Deputy may be interested to know that significant capital investment is being made in An Garda Síochána, including a total of €46 million specifically for the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021. This continuing investment is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet and that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime. Of this investment, a total of €9 million was made available for purchase and fit-out of additional Garda vehicles in 2020. In order to protect the ongoing availability of vehicles and in anticipation of impacts of public health restrictions on motor factory or fit-out workplaces, 94 additional vehicles were purchased by the Garda authorities in March 2020 at a cost of €2.4m. The fit-out cost of these vehicles was €600,000. The allocation of these and all other vehicles in the fleet is entirely a matter for the Commissioner and his management team.
188. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of extending parental leave by three weeks; and if primary legislation is required to introduce the extension. [17664/20]
View answerIn recognition of the particular challenges that mothers and parents have faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government is considering a proposal to extend Parent’s Leave from two to five weeks for each parent, to enable every eligible parent of young children to spend additional time with their child. All aspects of the proposal will be examined, including whether primary legislation is required. The Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 includes a provision to extend the period of Parent’s Leave by up to nine weeks, and this will form part of the consideration.
At present, Parent’s Leave entitles each parent to two weeks’ leave during the first year of a child’s life, or in the case of adoption, within one year of the placement of the child with the family.
The Government proposal would mean that eligible parents of children will get an extra three weeks of Parent’s Leave. This includes children born before or during the pandemic. The period in which Parent’s Leave can be taken would also be extended from one year to two years. This, and related costs, will be considered as part of the Budget 2021 process. The support is paid at a rate of €245 per week.
Parental leave is also available, which entitles parents to take unpaid leave from work to spend time looking after their children. Parents can take up to 22 weeks of parental leave for each eligible child before their 12th birthday.
189. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the construction works on the new refurbishment of Limerick Prison. [17695/20]
View answerProvision of safe and secure custody and dignity of care to persons in the penal system in Ireland is a priority for me as Minister and for the Irish Prison Service. Delivery of the Limerick Prison redevelopment project is a key element of ongoing work in relation to the prison estate and is reflected in the Prison Service Strategic Plan 2019-2022.
I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the redevelopment works currently in progress at Limerick Prison include:
- A new accommodation block for male prisoners and all necessary rehabilitative support facilities to assist prisoners to reintegrate into society on release from custody;
- A new stand-alone accommodation unit for female prisoners, including all necessary support facilities;
- A new gate house and vehicle lock and offices for the Prison Service Escort Corps;
- New visit facilities and exercise yards, astro turf pitch; and
- New offices for the Probation Service.
The total project budget is €71.5 million. I understand that the contract for the construction of these works was awarded in February 2019 and that the project is currently scheduled for completion in the last quarter of 2021.
I am informed that, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the project was on time and on budget. However, the Deputy will appreciate that temporary suspension of construction work was necessary earlier this year in light of the pandemic and that it is possible that public health guidelines on safe working may have an impact on work at the site in future. As a result, the precise date for completion of the project is currently the subject of ongoing discussions with the contractor.
I am confident that when the project is completed, it will represent another important milestone in the modernisation of the prison estate, following on from the construction of the new prison facilities in Cork.
190. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the consideration being given to the way in which the pub sector will be treated should a further rise in infections occur. [17507/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, Phase 4 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, due to commence on 20 July has been paused and is now planned to start on 10 August 2020, subject to Government approval. 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/.
As part of Phase 4 it is planned that all remaining pubs, bars, and hotel bars may reopen. Given the current evidence of the spread of infection associated with social gatherings, the reopening of pubs and bars represents an increased risk due to the consumption of alcohol and the challenge that represents when trying to encourage patrons to maintain social distancing and practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) continues to examine all emerging evidence as it arises and on an ongoing basis. NPHET has provided advice to me as Minister relating to concerns about pubs re-opening. The Government decision to delay the start of Phase 4 Reopening was not based on evidence of cases or clusters in pubs or restaurants in this country, as these pubs have not been open for some time. However, the NPHET is aware of significant evidence of such cases and clusters internationally in countries such as South Korea, the United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, the United States and Canada. These outbreaks have all occurred as restrictions were eased. That evidence combined with the data showing the increase in incidence of the transmission of the virus in Ireland and the ages of recently confirmed cases over the past few weeks led to the Government decision, based on NPHET advice, to defer the opening of pubs until at least 10 August.
Pubs and bars operating as restaurants which opened during Phase 3 can remain open once they are fully compliant with the public health guidance. The Deputy may wish to note that that the Return to Work Safely Protocol published by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation provides detailed guidance 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.
The NPHET continues to consider the relevant and appropriate measures that will be necessary to ensure the ongoing response that will be necessary to the ongoing presence of the virus. NPHET continues to monitor and review the epidemiological trends and the impacts of COVID-19 such that any changes in the overall situation will be detected rapidly. This is in order that future advice to Government, and health service measures and responses can be implemented based on the transmission patterns of the disease, the trajectory and velocity of change, and the evolving analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on the population and health system capacity.
NPHET continues to focus on ongoing public health responses, infection prevention and control, surveillance including the prevention and management of outbreaks in different settings including workplaces, residential and other settings, as well as ongoing implementation, monitoring, review and re-calibration of public health measures including regionalised, localised or sector-specific responses, bearing in mind the associated public health risks.
191. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the additional measures which have been put in place to allow for the enforcement of compulsory wearing of face mask rules on public transport and in shops. [17518/20]
View answerThe National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) continues to examine all emerging evidence as it arises and has provided advice relating to face coverings on an ongoing basis.
NPHET advises the wearing of a non-medical face covering in a number of circumstances which include:
- when on public transport
- when in indoor public areas including retail outlets
- by people visiting the homes of those who are cocooning
- by people who are being visited in their homes by those who are cocooning
- all visitors to residential care facilities and
- in indoor work environments where it is difficult to maintain a two-metre distance
Individual judgement or preference should be used to consider the wearing of face coverings in other environments.
It is important to emphasise that the wearing of face coverings is an additional hygiene measure and should not take the place of good hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and other personal protective public health measures. Face coverings should be used properly, in line with the guidance and hands should be washed before putting them on and taking them off.
On 15 June, the Government and the National Transport Authority launched a national communications campaign which outlines best practice for the use of face coverings in retail outlets, on public transport and in other public locations in which it is difficult to maintain social distancing or where this distance cannot be guaranteed, and are communicating to the public about:
- who should wear face coverings
- in what settings, and how to wear and remove face coverings correctly.
Guidance on how to make and safely use face coverings is available on gov.ie/facecoverings and the HSE website.
As the Deputy is aware, on Friday 10 July 2020, having consulted with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister for Justice and Equality, I signed the Health Act (Covid-19) (Face Coverings on Public Transport) Regulations 2020. The regulations provide that, from 13 July 2020, members of the public shall not, without reasonable excuse, travel by public transport without wearing a face covering.
Reasonable excuse includes where a person:
- cannot put one on, wear or remove a face covering because of any physical or mental illness, impairment or disability or without severe distress
- needs to communicate with another person who has difficulties communicating
- removes the face covering to provide emergency assistance or to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person
- removes the face covering to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury
- removes the face covering to take medication
The Regulations do not apply to children under the age of 13 years. It is a matter for the person using the transport service to demonstrate that they have a reasonable excuse.
The Government has now also agreed to the mandatory wearing of face coverings in retail outlets, shops and shopping centres. Retail staff will also be obliged to wear a face covering unless there is a partition between them and members of the public or where there is a distance of 2 metres between them and members of the public. Work on the development of relevant Regulations has commenced and it is likely that similar “reasonable excuse“ provisions will apply.
As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, the evidence relating to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the discussion around face coverings, masks and shields is constantly evolving. I can assure you that the public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the 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 coverings. 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.
The latest public health advice on face coverings is available at the following links and is updated on a regular basis:
https://www.gov.ie/facecoverings
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html
192. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his plans for a downloadable face covering exemption card such as is available in the United Kingdom (details supplied) for persons who are exempt on medical and other grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17585/20]
View answerI wish to assure the Deputy that my Department appreciates the challenges experienced by those with medical difficulties. I would like to thank the Deputy for raising this issue and I have asked my officials to examine the matter further.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) continues to examine all emerging evidence as it arises and has provided advice relating to face coverings on an ongoing basis. NPHET advises the wearing of a non-medical face covering in a number of circumstances which include:
- when on public transport
- when in indoor public areas including retail outlets
- by people visiting the homes of those who are cocooning
- by people who are being visited in their homes by those who are cocooning
- all visitors to residential care facilities and in indoor work environments where it is difficult to maintain a two-metre distance
Individual judgement or preference should be used to consider the wearing of face coverings in other environments.
It is important to emphasise that the wearing of face coverings is an additional hygiene measure and should not take the place of good hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and other personal protective public health measures. Face coverings should be used properly, in line with the guidance and hands should be washed before putting them on and taking them off.
On the 15th June, the Government and the National Transport Authority launched a national communications campaign which outlines best practice for the use of face coverings in retail outlets, on public transport and in other public locations in which it is difficult to maintain social distancing or where this distance cannot be guaranteed, and are communicating to the public about:
- who should wear face coverings
- in what settings, and how to wear and remove face coverings correctly.
Guidance on how to make and safely use face coverings is available on gov.ie/facecoverings and the HSE website.
As the Deputy is aware, on Friday 10 July 2020, having consulted with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister for Justice and Equality, I signed the Health Act (Covid-19) (Face Coverings on Public Transport) Regulations 2020. The regulations provide that, from 13 July 2020, members of the public shall not, without reasonable excuse, travel by public transport without wearing a face covering.
Reasonable excuse includes where a person:
- cannot put one on, wear or remove a face covering because of any physical or mental illness, impairment or disability or without severe distress
- needs to communicate with another person who has difficulties communicating
- removes the face covering to provide emergency assistance or to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person
- removes the face covering to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury
- removes the face covering to take medication
The Regulations do not apply to children under the age of 13 years. It is a matter for the person using the transport service to demonstrate that they have a reasonable excuse. I have no current plans to establish a scheme such as that described in the question. It is a matter for transport operators to consider how best to implement the Regulations and to consider how to do so in a way that is fair and proportionate to all public transport users.
The Government has now also agreed to the mandatory wearing of face coverings in retail outlets, shops and shopping centres. Retail staff will also be obliged to wear a face covering unless there is a partition between them and members of the public or where there is a distance of 2 metres between them and members of the public. Work on the development of relevant Regulations has commenced and it is likely that similar "reasonable excuse" provisions will apply.
As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, the evidence relating to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the discussion around face coverings, masks and shields is constantly evolving. I can assure you that the public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the 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 coverings. 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.
The latest public health advice on face coverings is available at the following links and is updated on a regular basis:
https://www.gov.ie/facecoverings
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html
193. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied). [17453/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is no doubt aware, the extremely medically vulnerable along with those over 70 are at a very high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and are advised to follow cocooning measures in order to keep themselves safe. However, it is important that people who are cocooning feel empowered to exercise their own judgement regarding the extent to which they consider the cocooning guidance is appropriate to their individual circumstances.
Practical guidance and information concerning high risk groups and those cocooning is available from the Government and the HSE at the following links:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/923825-guidance-on-cocooning-to-protect-people-over-70-years-and-those-extr/
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/cocooning.html
I would also like to draw the Deputy's attention to the “Return to Work Safely Protocol - COVID-19 Specific National Protocol for Employers and Workers” which was published on 9 May, 2020. 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. This 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 to provide protection against the threat of COVID-19.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is tasked with providing advice and support to employers and employees on what and how COVID-19 measures are applied in the workplace. If you would like any further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
194. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [17454/20]
View answerIn 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.
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 is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to investigate the matter and provide the Deputy with a direct response.
195. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health when the planned increase in the thresholds for medical cards from €900 to €1,050 will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17456/20]
View answerThe 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 this week.
196. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the funding he is providing to each organisation to provide and fund services for persons with intellectual disabilities, in tabular form. [17462/20]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.
Specialist disability services are provided by a range of organisations. Organisations providing services for people with a disability are funded by the HSE, on a contract for services basis, underpinned by Section 38 and 39 of the Health Act 2004. Service Level Agreements are set out between the HSE and the individual organisations. In some cases, services are delivered directly by the HSE.
As the Deputy's question deals with services funded by the HSE, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
197. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if access under the long-term illness scheme will be expanded to include all persons with type 1 diabetes on the scheme for a monitoring system and associated devices (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17465/20]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
198. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to the sanction and approval of a monitoring system and associated devices (details supplied) to all recipients in receipt of a full medical card with type 1 and type 2 diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17466/20]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
199. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his plan to help persons with Alzheimer's disease; his further plans to increase resources and staff to help those affected; when daycare centres to help persons with dementia will reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17468/20]
View answerA key commitment in the Programme for Government is the implementation of the National Dementia Care Strategy, which aims to improve how we provide care for people living with dementia.
The HSE's National Service Plan 2020 allocates approximately €9 million per annum for intensive home care packages, of which about €7.9 million is earmarked for dementia-specific packages. Since the packages were introduced at the end of 2014, 443 dementia-specific intensive homecare packages have been delivered, with 124 active at the end of May 2020.
The HSE provides in the region of €12 million in annual funding to a range of organisations who deliver dementia-specific respite, home care, day care, cognitive stimulation therapy, social clubs and supports for family carers around the country. The HSE also supports the Dementia Adviser Service which currently spans 12 counties and is operated by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. In line with the Programme for Government, an additional 10 dementia advisors will be recruited this year with support from the Sláintecare Enhanced Community Fund. The recruitment of the advisors will enable the service to be expanded on a nationwide basis.
As the Deputy may be aware, a range of projects are being implemented by the HSE's National Dementia Office through funding of €6.26 million secured from the Dormant Accounts Fund. Funded projects include a national network of memory technology resource rooms, the mapping of dementia-specific community based services, a national rollout of the Dementia Training Programme for HSE homecare staff, a national intellectual disability memory service and a review of the diagnostic process for people with early-onset dementia.
There has been a continued focus on meeting the needs of people living with dementia who were impacted by the suspension of day care services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Dementia Understand Together Campaign developed a range of initiatives and resources to ensure that people living with dementia stayed safe, well and connected during the crisis. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland also played a key role in supporting people living with dementia in the home through the Dementia Advisor Service and other innovative initiatives.
The HSE has recently published a strategic framework document, outlining its overall approach and phased resumption of services, taking into account the COVID-19 environment in which services will need to work. It will affect how services are delivered, as well as service capacity. The intention is that services, while being delivered in new ways, will gradually be restored to older people, including people with dementia.
200. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17470/20]
View answerIn 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 Organization guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
To ensure services are reintroduced 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.
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 is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to investigate the matter and provide you with a direct response.
