David Cullinane
Question:213. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of Sláintecare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17729/20]
View answerSláintecare
Questions (213)
Written answers
Sláintecare is the ten-year all-party Oireachtas policy setting out the vision to deliver a healthcare system for the population of Ireland. Sláintecare is about delivering a health and social care service that meets the needs of our population and attracts and retains the very best healthcare professionals, managers and staff. The plan is to deliver a universal health service that offers the right care, in the right place, at the right time, by the right team with a priority focus on keeping people well, developing primary and community services within a national policy context, and ensuring we have the right hospital capacity for the needs of our citizens.
Key recommendations of the Oireachtas Sláintecare report were to set up a Programme Implementation Office to oversee and enable the implementation of Sláintecare, to develop a detailed implementation plan for the reform programme and devise a detailed implementation programme project plan for each year of the plan, identifying key milestones which can be monitored across sectors. Following the publication of the all-party Oireachtas Sláintecare report, the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy was agreed by Government in August 2018 setting out an initial set of key actions for a three-year period. The Sláintecare Executive Director was appointed in September 2018, a small team was recruited from within the public sector to form the Sláintecare Programme Implementation Office during late 2018 and early 2019.A detailed Action Plan for 2019 was developed for implementation, based on the Implementation Strategy and was published on the 13 March 2019. This 2019 Sláintecare Action Plan set out detailed timeframes for 138 projects that were to be progressed in 2019, as the first full year in the implementation of the Sláintecare vision, and firmly established a programmatic approach to the delivery of the Sláintecare strategy. A progress report on the implementation of the 2019 Sláintecare Action Plan was approved by the Government in April 2020. Of the 138 projects for the period up to December 2019, 112 were on track, 24 have been progressed with minor challenges, and 2 with significant challenge. This work was carried out by many stakeholders, including from the Department of Health, the HSE, the voluntary and community bodies and key partners. It represents a concerted effort to deliver on the all-party vision and provided a strong foundation for moving forward into 2020, and beyond. During 2019, a series of important Sláintecare reform Government decisions were made, including the agreement:
1. on the geographies for the six new regional health areas which is a first major step towards restructuring our health services in line with recommendation in the Oireachtas Committee report, which is informing the development of a detailed business case for consideration by Government;
2. to support the findings of the Independent Review Group established to examine private activity in public hospitals with the decision and announcement that all future consultant appointments, from mid-2020, will be to the new Sláintecare Consultant contract for public only work;
3. on revised GP contractual arrangements in April 2019, which will see a €210 million investment (40% increase) in General Practice over the next four years of which €80 million will be available for the management of chronic diseases, like diabetes and COPD, through family doctors. This is expected to benefit more than 400,000 patients;
4. on the strengthening of the HSE with the formal appointment of the Health Service Executive (HSE) Board in June 2019 and the introduction of a new HSE Chief Executive Officer.The 2019 Action Plan report setting out the progress against all the planned 138 projects can be found on the Department of Health website (link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/4c7594-delivering-slaintecare/#slaintecare-action-plan-year-end-report-2019 ).
The experience of the first full year of implementation of Sláintecare (2019) informed Sláintecare’s ongoing approach. The 2020 Action Plan was drafted by the Sláintecare Programme Implementation Office through the Sláintecare/HSE Joint Action Programme governance, and the Department of Health’s business planning process, in anticipation of a submission to the Minister and the incoming Government following the general election of February 8th, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in major disruptions to routine health services. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a singular and urgent focus on one priority, a highly focussed health and social care workforce, clear public messaging, societal engagement and real-time decision-making that facilitated rapid change and implementation. As has been noted in several quarters, many of the initiatives and changed ways of working that have been successfully and rapidly implemented over the past three months in response to the pandemic have been wholly aligned with the spirit of the Oireachtas Sláintecare Report. The implementation of Sláintecare now operates within a different context, but the principles of Sláintecare are even more relevant at this time.
Key programmes that have progressed during the first half of 2020 include developing a specification for the three elective hospitals in Dublin, Cork and Galway, to be procured as part of the National Development Plan, as well as determining the roll out of the Sláintecare Community Healthcare Networks and Specialist Hubs, to be staffed and geographically dispersed over one quarter of the country during 2021, with a view to covering the whole country by 2023.The draft Programme for Government was published on June 15th, 2020. It reaffirms the commitment to the implementation of Sláintecare and pledges to accelerate the process. A revised Sláintecare Action Plan 2020 – 2021 is being developed factoring in the learnings from COVID-19, the new context within which the health system operates and the agreed Programme for Government.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (214)
David Cullinane
Question:214. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the NPHET advice on the mandatory quarantining of those travelling here. [17733/20]
View answerWritten answers
Recommendations of the NPHET are communicated by letter to the Minister for Health for consideration and these letters are published on www.gov.ie along with the agenda and minute of each NPHET meeting.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (215)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:215. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the guidance provided under public health grounds for staff working in family hubs and in emergency homeless accommodation on the wearing of face masks [17735/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has published a range of guidance documents outlining the infection prevention and control procedures that apply in various residential care settings. This includes the use of various types of personal protective equipment including those that might be described as facemasks. These guidance documents are available on the HPSC website at www.hpsc.ie.
The HPSC has also published specific guidance for homeless and other vulnerable group settings which is available at the following link: https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/vulnerablegroupsguidance/COVID-19-Guidance-for-vulnerable-groups-settings.pdf
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 to wash hands 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 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
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Questions (216)
Mark Ward
Question:216. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health his plans to end the practice of placing children into the care of adult psychiatric hospital and units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17740/20]
View answerWritten answers
A reduction in the numbers of children admitted to adult psychiatric units is a priority for the HSE Mental Health Services and for myself. It is fully accepted that admission to an age-appropriate facility is in the best interest of the child. This is reflected in the Programme for Government which commits to work to end the admission of children to adult psychiatric units by increasing in-patient beds, as well as examining the model of assigning these beds.
Where a child requires admission to an in-patient unit, a bed in a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) unit is sought in the first instance. A decision to admit to an adult unit is made only if a CAMHS admission is not feasible. Where such admissions take place, HSE Standard Operating Procedures apply. An admission to an adult unit must be advised to the Mental Health Commission and is generally to a separate area in the adult unit with appropriate supervision.
The vast majority of child admissions to adult units are for children in the 16-17 age bracket. The HSE advises that admission to an adult unit may often be more appropriate for the individual and to avoid any impact on younger children in CAMHS in-patient units. Children admitted to adult units are provided with special supports by the HSE. The HSE Service Plan allows for some operational flexibility surrounding emergency placements in Adult Units, particularly where very short-term placements take place. Full account is taken of all relevant factors such as the preferences of all those involved, and geographical factors relating to access or visiting. In this context, the HSE continues to closely monitor on a weekly basis all child admissions to adult units with a view to minimising this practice.
Progress in this area has been significant since 2008 when there were 247 such admissions to adult units. This was reduced to 50 HSE admissions in 2019, despite a background of increasing demands overall on CAMHS services. In 2008, 25% of admissions were to CAMHS inpatient beds whereas in 2019 this had increased to 86% such admissions. It is important to note that the number of admissions does not necessarily equate to the actual number of children admitted in any given year, as an individual child may be admitted on more than one occasion.
In 2019, there was a total of 358 HSE CAMHS admissions, of which 308 (86%) were to age-appropriate units and 50 (14%) of admissions of children were to Adult Units. Of the 50 admitted to Adult Approved Centres, 47 or 94% were 16-17 years old, with 48% (24) of these discharged either the same day or within 3 days, and 82% (41) within a week.
In terms of bed days used, 96% of bed days used in 2019 were in CAMHS In-patient Units. Performance generally continues to be in line with the HSE Service Plan target figure of 95%, with the length of stay being kept to a minimum.
The HSE indicates that there were 12 admissions of those under age 18 to adult units for the period from January to end May, 2020.
I recently met with the HSE to review various issues relating to mental health, including CAMHS. Bearing in mind all the circumstances, I am satisfied at present that where children have to be placed short-term in adult mental health units, the HSE makes the necessary arrangements to protect these young people and aid their recovery. I will, however, continue to work with the HSE to continue this decrease in admissions to adult units.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Questions (217)
Mark Ward
Question:217. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of children placed in adult psychiatric hospitals and units to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17741/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Questions (218)
Mark Ward
Question:218. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health his views on matters contained in Sharing the Vision in which it states that a person with an addiction has a right to access relevant mental health supports; his further views on whether this should include access to non-State organisations that receive funding from the State to provide mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17742/20]
View answerWritten answers
Sharing the Vision - A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, stipulates that individuals with co-existing mental health difficulties and addiction to either alcohol or drugs should not be prevented from accessing mental health services. Consequently, it will not be necessary to establish whether a mental health difficulty is ‘primary’ for an individual to access the support of a mental health team. A shared case management approach may be required for particularly complex patients.
On this basis, the policy recommends that a tiered model of integrated service provision for individuals with a dual diagnosis (e.g. substance misuse with mental illness) be developed to ensure that pathways to care are clear.
With regards service provision by NGOs, the policy recognises that the voluntary and community sector organisations are key partners in the design and development of the HSE’s mental health services at national and local level, as well as referral partners for primary mental healthcare. Their services extend to therapeutic and other recovery supports for individuals and FCS and can, therefore, help to reduce the use of inappropriate referrals to specialist mental health services.
The policy recommends that where Voluntary and Community Sector organisations are providing services aligned to the outcomes in this policy, operational governance and funding models should be secure and sustainable. In addition, the policy also contains recommendations to ensure more integrated linkages between HSE mental health services and the VCS sector.
Disease Management
Questions (219)
Cathal Crowe
Question:219. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of patients being treated for chronic kidney disease and end stage kidney disease in University of Limerick hospitals in each of the years 2016 to 2019; and the number of these patients that have diabetes in tabular form [17743/20]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Departmental Correspondence
Questions (220)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:220. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17746/20]
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.
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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (221, 222)
Jackie Cahill
Question:221. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the guidelines for undertakers during funerals in their funeral home, in the church and in the graveyard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17751/20]
View answerJackie Cahill
Question:222. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the person or body responsible in cases in which the guidelines for funerals are broken by the general public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17752/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 222 together.
As the Deputy is aware, on 19 June 2020, the then Taoiseach, on behalf of the Government, announced the restrictions that would be eased and the measures that will be in place in Phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business. On Thursday 25 June the Government confirmed the move to Phase 3 of the Roadmap 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/.
Gatherings of 50 people (indoor) and 200 people (outdoor) are permissible in line with the public health guidance on mass gatherings, which is also available on the Government website at https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/77452/39d51b02-5633-4e2f-a070-4551a3521081.pdf#page=6 . The limits will increase to 100 (indoors) and 500 (outdoors) in phase 4. This will be subject to continued progressive improvements in the health indicators identified in the Framework for Future Decision-Making described in the Roadmap.
As the Deputy will be aware, religious buildings and places of worship may also now be reopened, in line with public health guidelines. The Government has exempted places of worship from the regulations restricting numbers on mass gatherings. The exemption applies to places of worship only and not to any gatherings that may take place after the religious ceremony such as wedding receptions.
Detailed Covid-19 Guidance has been developed for religious services. The Cabinet Committee reviewed the guidance, which state that an assessment should be carried out for each premises to determine how many can attend within the requirements of social distancing.
The Cabinet Committee decided that where the size of the premises allows for a capacity of greater than 50 this may be permitted only where:
- Social distancing guidelines are adhered to
- The premises can be subdivided into distinct sections (cordoned or marked appropriately) of not more than 50 persons in each section
- There is a minimum of 4m between sections
- Each section has its own entrance/exit route
- There are separate arrangements for elements of the service involving close contact, e.g. the distribution of Holy Communion
- Strictly no movement of people between sections before, during or after the service
- The premises is well-ventilated.
Account must also be taken regarding the risk of congregation by people outside before and after any services, having regard to outdoor overall limits on mass gatherings and arrangements for staggered exiting after ceremonies
The use of face coverings is strongly recommended for such indoor settings.
Specific guidance for funeral directors has been developed by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) and is available on the HPSC website at https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/funeraldirectorsguidance/. Specific guidance on religious services including funerals has also been developed by the HPSC and is available on the HPSC website at https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/religioussettingsguidance/
Medical Cards
Questions (223)
Seán Sherlock
Question:223. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the date the new thresholds for the weekly income limit for the medical card for persons over 70 years of age will come into effect [17768/20]
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 this week.
Medical Cards
Questions (224)
Seán Sherlock
Question:224. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if medical cards will be granted for applicants denied under the new threshold without forcing them to start an appeal process again if they qualify under new thresholds [17769/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Departmental Correspondence
Questions (225)
Seán Sherlock
Question:225. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be allocated a date for stage 1 of a spinal cord stimulator [17771/20]
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.
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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (226)
Patrick O'Donovan
Question:226. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding Covid-19 certification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17773/20]
View answerWritten answers
The issues referred to in this question are clinical decisions between a GP and his/her patients. A GP will understand the clinical history and the personal circumstances relating to an individual and can provide the necessary advice and guidance that suit the particular needs of the individual’s circumstances. The Deputy may also wish to know that the certification of any individual as being unable to work is subject to the contractual relationship between employers and employees. In addition, in the case of the certification of an individual for the purposes of statutory schemes operated by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, the provisions are a matter for the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Questions (227)
Seán Canney
Question:227. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if prosthetics used here are being supplied by a UK company; if so, if additional charges will result in relation to prosthetics after Brexit; his plans to change the providers of such prosthetics if Brexit results in additional charges for users here; and if work is being carried on the subject in advance of Brexit [17778/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Questions (228)
Seán Canney
Question:228. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the provisions in place in relation to the provision of prosthetics for amputees; his views on whether the current regime is acceptable; his further views on low income earners whose income is above the medical card threshold being forced to pay for prosthetics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17779/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Prostheses are among the range of aids and appliances prescribed by health professionals and provided by the HSE. Aids and appliances are approved by CHO areas following review of applications and prioritisation on the basis of clinical need and available budget.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Questions (229)
Seán Canney
Question:229. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health his views on the fact that the HSE will fund prosthetics when the repairs necessary to such prosthetics cannot be carried out by the companies involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17781/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Disability Support Services
Questions (230)
Neale Richmond
Question:230. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health his plans to reopen adult disability services to support those with intellectual disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17788/20]
View answerWritten answers
As part of the overall effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 and in line with public health advice, day service locations closed in March. Since then, HSE Disability Services have been working to develop national guidance on the part of the disability sector to direct how all day services can be delivered. The Guidance to support the Framework for the Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services was published by the HSE on 9 July 2020.
In developing the guidance document to guide providers, the HSE worked closely with service providers through representative organisations such as the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers, Disability Federation of Ireland and the Not for Profit Association, in addition to Inclusion Ireland, who represent people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
The guidance document seeks to support the safe return of services in the context of ongoing public health guidance. It also recognises that the impact of public health guidance will result in services being provided at a reduced level and will require changes in how people are supported, increased use of technology where appropriate and more use of outreach supports.
Day services will gradually resume during the month of August. Service providers are already working to get day services ready to reopen safely, and in line with public health guidance. Service providers will be in touch with all families and service users during the month of July to discuss when they may expect the resumption of their service and what that service will consist of.
I want to acknowledge the many challenges experienced by individuals and their families over this difficult time. Families across the country have had their routines upended due to the impact of COVID-19 and I hope that this will be the first step towards returning to some sense of normalcy.
The Guidance to support the Framework for Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services is available on the New Directions website: www.hse.ie/newdirections . The HSE have also issued monthly communications updates for service users and their families, the latest leaflet “Adult Disability Day Services and COVID-19 - What’s Happening? July 2020” is available at the above link.
Disability Support Services
Questions (231)
Neale Richmond
Question:231. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the measures in place to expand the eligibility for adult day services to persons with intellectual disabilities that are excluded from applying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17789/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (232)
Neale Richmond
Question:232. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide extra funding to adult disability services to see them through the Covid-19 crisis and beyond while still supplying a high level of care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17790/20]
View answerWritten answers
Funding allocated in the HSE's National Service Plan 2020 for disability services increased significantly this year to €2,054.5m. This represents an increase of €138.7m or 7.2% more than the 2019 budget of €1915.8m. The additional funding will enhance and expand existing services and enable a range of new service developments this year, including provision for school leavers, more respite services, additional personal assistance hours, more residential places and intensive home support packages.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government has agreed to allocate substantial additional funding to the Health Vote to meet the costs associated with the implementation of the measures outlined in the National Action Plan in response to COVID-19.
The HSE, through the Community Healthcare Organisations (CHOs) is actively engaging with any Section 38 and Section 39 disability service providers who are experiencing financial challenges, including access to cash acceleration, where appropriate, to maintain continuity of service provision.
The HSE has also given Section 38 and Section 39 providers of disability services and supports assurance that budget allocations confirmed to each provider via the relevant CHO, will remain in place to year end, subject to co-operation with the HSE and compliance with the relevant Service Arrangements
The HSE has put in place a structured governance process through which Section 39 organisations experiencing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, can make submissions for financial and non-financial supports, as appropriate.
Other supports provided by CHOs to Section 38 and Section 39 organisations providing disability specialist services between March and May 2020 include:
- PPE and Infection Prevention and Control support, advice and training;
- Public health advice and support with regard to suspected or positive cases;
- Isolation facilities allied to testing, funding for emergency residential placements and;
- Logistics in the form of transport and accommodation.
In addition, COVID response teams have been put in place to assist and support residential service providers during the pandemic. These teams will now oversee and support the reshaping of disability services as a result of COVID 19.
A critical focus at this time is the assurance of value for money in delivering on the required patient services and population health needs to effectively manage COVID-19 infection within the Irish context. Accordingly, the financial implications of measures taken to mitigate impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak are matters which the Department of Health will continue to keep under review in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, as the situation evolves.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (233)
Joe O'Brien
Question:233. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the percentage of devices which have been used to download the Covid-19 tracker application that are able to use the contact tracing functionality of the application by device type in tabular form [17801/20]
View answerWritten answers
This data is not available to the app stores, the HSE or the Department of Health.
Hospital Facilities
Questions (234)
Joe Carey
Question:234. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a report in relation to a project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17810/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.