Tuesday, 28 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 974-993

Home Help Service

Questions (974)

Barry Cowen

Question:

974. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when extra home help hours will be granted to a person (details supplied). [18347/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (975)

Barry Cowen

Question:

975. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect an appointment with the audiology department, Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore, County Offaly. [18348/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Child Abuse

Questions (976)

David Stanton

Question:

976. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the services and supports for victims of abuse following court proceedings; his plans to expand such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18350/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Nursing Home Fees

Questions (977)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

977. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some nursing homes have been charging additional fees outside of the costs covered by the fair deal scheme for items such as mattresses; the measures he plans take to address the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18359/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as A Fair Deal, is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost.The NHSS covers the cost of the standard components of long-term residential care which are:

- Nursing and personal care appropriate to the level of care needs of the person;

- Bed and board;

- Basic aids and appliances necessary to assist a person with the activities of daily living; and

- Laundry service.

A person's eligibility for other schemes, such as the medical card scheme or the drugs payment scheme, is unaffected by participation in the NHSS or residence in a nursing home.  In determining the services covered by the NHSS it was considered very important that the care recipient and the taxpayer would be protected and would not end up paying for the same services twice. For this reason, medications and aids that are already prescribed for individuals under an existing scheme are not included in the services covered by the NHSS, as this would involve effectively paying twice for the same service.

Although the NHSS covers core living expenses, residents can still incur some costs in a nursing home, such as social programmes, newspapers or hairdressing. In recognition of this, anyone in receipt of financial support under the NHSS retains at least 20% of their income. The minimum amount that is retained is the equivalent of 20% of the State Pension (Non-Contributory). An operator should not seek payment from residents for items which are covered by the NHSS, the medical card or any other existing scheme. 

Part 7 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 stipulates that the registered provider of the nursing home must agree a contract in writing with each resident on their admission to the nursing home. This contract must include details of the services to be provided to that resident and the fees to be charged. Residents should never be charged fees which are not set out in the contract. The Department of Health and the HSE are not a party to such contracts which are concluded between each resident and their nursing home.

Registered providers of nursing home care are obliged to provide an accessible and effective complaints procedure.  Concerns about additional charges should in the first instance be taken up with the nursing home provider.  The Office of the Ombudsman can examine complaints about the actions of a range of public bodies and, from 24 August 2015, complaints relating to the administrative actions of private nursing homes. The Office of the Ombudsman normally only deals with a complaint once the individual has already gone through the complaints procedure of the private nursing home concerned.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is an independent statutory body with a dual mandate to enforce competition and consumer protection law in Ireland. CCPC’s mission is to promote competition and enhance consumer welfare. The CCPC has published consumer protection guidelines for contracts of care in long-term residential care services for older people. The guidelines set out the obligations and responsibilities that providers must adhere to under consumer protection law and are aimed at providing greater transparency, clarity and certainty for consumers.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (978)

Gerald Nash

Question:

978. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health the concerns that led to the HSE and RCSI hospital group taking over operational control of a facility (details supplied) in response to the outbreak of Covid-19 at the facility on 17 April 2020; if the HSE will establish the precise criteria that were applied to prompt such a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18393/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Departmental Correspondence

Questions (979)

Gerald Nash

Question:

979. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the correspondence received from the owner and managers of a facility (details supplied) dated 12 April 2020; the response issued to that correspondence; if he will provide a copy of a report on the Covid-19 outbreak at the facility which was created by officials in his Department on 11 April 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18394/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Since 2009 the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, is the statutory independent regulator in place for the nursing home sector, whether a HSE managed or a private nursing home. The Authority, established under the Health Act 2007, has significant and wide-ranging powers up to and including withdrawing the registration of a nursing home facility, which means that it can no longer operate as a service provider.

This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising of Registration Regulations, Care and Welfare Regulations and National Quality Standards.

HIQA in discharging its duties determines, through examination of all information available to it, including site inspections, whether a nursing homes meets the regulations in order to achieve and maintain its registration status.  Should a nursing home be deemed to be non-compliant with the Regulations and the National Quality Standards, it may either fail to achieve or lose its registration status. In addition, the Chief Inspector has wide discretion in deciding whether to impose conditions of Registration on nursing homes.

During the response to COVID-19, nursing homes continue to be regulated by HIQA, who under the Health Act 2007 have the legal authority to examine the operation of any facility under their remit. In relation to this particular nursing home, I have been advised that prior to my appointment the Department received correspondence in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy and forwarded on details to HIQA as the statutory regulator for nursing homes, and the HSE for appropriate action and follow up.

Disability Services Provision

Questions (980)

Carol Nolan

Question:

980. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will address concerns on the delay in reopening day-care services for persons with intellectual and other disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18398/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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 8 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.  

An information portal that will contain the dates on which the 966 disability day service locations will reopen around the country is being developed. After August 4th service users and families will be able to access this information on  www.hse.ie/newdirections.

Substance Misuse

Questions (981, 999, 1000, 1001, 1002)

Emer Higgins

Question:

981. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health when his Department plans to have completed gathering evidence on the abuse of nitrous oxide by young persons; the plans he has to create a strategy to tackle this issue on completion of gathering this evidence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18402/20]

Emer Higgins

Question:

999. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health when data from the HSE and Trinity College Dublin on drug trends in summer 2019 at music festivals will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18606/20]

Emer Higgins

Question:

1000. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of deaths recorded in the HRB’s national drug-related deaths index in which nitrous oxide was implicated; if two recent deaths in Tallaght, County Dublin and in Millstreet, County Cork which the media have reported as being as a result of nitrous oxide abuse will be recorded in the HRB’s national drug-related deaths index; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18607/20]

Emer Higgins

Question:

1001. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if guidance issued to retailers on the sale of nitrous oxide without breaching the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18608/20]

Emer Higgins

Question:

1002. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if a report from the HSE and Trinity College Dublin on drug trends in summer 2019 at music festivals due to be published shortly records use of nitrous oxide; if so, the proportion of attendees at music festivals in 2019 who used nitrous oxide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18619/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 981 and 999 to 1002, inclusive, together.

Government policy in relation to drug and alcohol addiction services is set out in the national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery-a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025.

The survey conducted by the HSE and Trinity College Dublin was aimed at people over the age of 18 who self reported as persons who had used drugs at a festival either in Ireland or abroad. The 1,000 respondents to the survey are not a representative sample of all festival attendees in Ireland. The survey contained a question regarding nitrous oxide.

The HSE has stated that a report on the survey will be submitted to a peer reviewed journal for publication. This process may take some time and at this point a publication date for the full article cannot be provided.

Important elements of the survey will be included in the report of the Working Group on Emerging Trends which will be released in the fourth quarter of this year,

The HSE is gathering evidence on the use of nitrous oxide nationally through HSE Addiction Managers and Drug and Alcohol Task Forces. The HSE is also in contact with An Garda Síochána, hospitals, and have contacted the National Poisons Information Centre in this regard.

The HSE will continue to review these sources in August and September to identify if harms are emerging or if young people are presenting for treatment with problems associated with nitrous oxide. The information obtained and the evidence gathered will inform an appropriate response that may include a range of strategies to increase the awareness of the harms associated with drug use among young people. It must be noted that, to date, there have been no presentations to HSE Adolescent Addiction services for treatment specifically in relation to nitrous oxide.

Nitrous oxide falls under the definition of a psychoactive substance and a solvent. Section 3 of the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances Act) 2010 states that a person who sells a psychoactive substance knowing or being reckless as to whether that substance is being acquired or supplied for human consumption shall be guilty of an offence.

Section 74 of the Child Care Act 1991 states that it shall be an offence for a person to sell, offer or make available a substance to a person under the age of eighteen years or to a person acting on behalf of that person if he knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the substance is, or its fumes are, likely to be inhaled by the person under the age of eighteen years for the purpose of causing intoxication.

Responsibility for these Acts lays with the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, respectively.

Data from 2004 to 2017, which is the latest year for which data is available for dissemination from the National Drug Related Deaths Index, records no poisoning deaths as a specific result of nitrous oxide intake. The Index is based on four data sources (Coronial files, CTL, HIPE and CSO). Any deaths that may be due to nitrous oxide in 2020 will be reported in due course.

I am aware of recent media reports regarding the increased use of nitrous oxide during the lockdown period, which is of grave concern to me. Particular vigilance is required to protect young people from threats to their health and well-being from misuse of substances, including nitrous oxide. The Government is committed to continuing to resource harm reduction and education campaigns aimed at increasing awareness of the risks of drug use.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (982, 1036)

Imelda Munster

Question:

982. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health if the mandatory use of face masks for those who suffer with respiratory illnesses and the deaf community will be waived in favour of plastic face shields. [18407/20]

Cormac Devlin

Question:

1036. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if face shields are considered a sufficient substitute for persons in indoor locations such as shops or on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18859/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 982 and 1036 together.

I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department appreciates the concerns raised around face coverings with regard to those who suffer from respiratory illnesses or are deaf or hard of hearing.

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 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/face coverings 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. 

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. 

In certain circumstances, for example, in situations where facial expressions are essential such as working with those with hearing loss and lip reading is required or for people who have other medical conditions, face shields may be a preferred option. In general, visors are not recommended as there is a concern that lack of an adequate facial seal around the mouth and nose may allow airborne transmission of the virus. 

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. There has also been collaboration on guidelines for staff, communication supports and videos in Irish Sign Language. Further information can be found at the following link: 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. 

 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 National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).

The latest public health advice on face coverings is available at the following links and is updated on a regular basis:

www.gov.ie/facecoverings.

https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html.

Health Services Staff

Questions (983)

David Cullinane

Question:

983. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of workers in the public health system by profession and hospital who have been required to work back-to-back shifts resulting in working for 14 to 24 and 24 plus hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18419/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy concerning this matter.

Substance Misuse

Questions (984)

Emer Higgins

Question:

984. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of cases of nitrous oxide abuse recorded by the national poisons information centre in each year since 2015 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18432/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.

National Drugs Strategy

Questions (985, 986, 1041)

Thomas Gould

Question:

985. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 772 of 21 July 2020, the four of the 50 actions for delivery between 2017 to 2020 in the National Drugs Strategy, Supporting Recovery Reducing Harm, that have been completed. [18438/20]

Thomas Gould

Question:

986. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 772 of 21 July 2020, the 35 of the 50 actions for delivery between 2017 to 2020 in the National Drugs Strategy, Supporting Recovery Reducing Harm, which are in progress. [18439/20]

Thomas Gould

Question:

1041. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the date for the publication of the 2019 end-of-year report on the National Drugs Strategy; and the status of the 50-point action plan 2017-2020. [18886/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 985, 986 and 1041 together.

The national drug strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery sets out government policy on drug and alcohol use in Ireland until 2025. The strategy aims to provide an integrated public health approach to drug and alcohol use, focused on reducing the harms for individuals, families and communities and promoting rehabilitation and recovery. 

The strategy contains 50 actions for delivery between 2017 to 2020. The implementation of these actions is monitored through the national oversight structures, supported by the coordinated system of monitoring, research and evaluation set out in the strategy. 

Further to Parliamentary Question No. 772 of 21 July 2020, I wish to advise that the 4 actions which have been completed are as follows:

Actions 7, 18, 32, 35. 

The 35 actions in progress are as follows: 

Actions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44. 45, 46 and 48. 

The 2019 progress report on the implementation of the actions will be published following its consideration by the National Oversight Committee. 

Health Screening Programmes

Questions (987)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

987. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of patients screened as part of bowel screening in 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [18462/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Health Screening Programmes

Questions (988)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

988. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of patients screened as part of diabetic retina screening in 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [18463/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (989)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

989. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if a review will take place in the case of a person (details supplied); and if a date for treatment will be provided in this case. [18508/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

A major part of the Government's Action Plan in response to Covid-19 was to substantially increase the capacity of public healthcare facilities to cope with the anticipated additional demand. In order to urgently ramp up capacity for acute care facilities, an arrangement was agreed with the private hospitals to use their facilities as part of the public system on a temporary basis, to provide essential services. A Heads of Terms of Agreement between the HSE and the Private Hospitals was agreed at the end of March 2020 and all 18 of the acute private hospitals signed up to it. Under the arrangement, all patients in the private hospitals were to be treated as public patients for the duration of the agreement and their treatment prioritised based on clinical need. Provision was made under the agreement to allow for continuity of care for patients who were in a private hospital or attending for treatment at the time the Heads of Terms of Agreement were agreed, on the grounds that these patients would be treated as public patients.

The agreement was reviewed at the end of May and the Government decided that the existing arrangement should not be extended beyond the end of June. It has however mandated the HSE to negotiate a new arrangement with private hospitals which would provide the HSE with full access to private hospital capacity in the event of a surge of Covid-19 and separately with ongoing agreed access, to enable the HSE to meet essential and elective care needs.

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 trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of non-covid care including more routine care. NPHET has since revised its recommendation on the pausing of all non-essential health services, with a recommendation that the delivery of acute care be determined by appropriate clinical and operational decision making.

In relation to the specific issue raised in your correspondence, the HSE has advised that a patient who is in need of ongoing treatment should contact their Consultant, who is familiar with their circumstances and can best advise them on the process.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (990)

James Browne

Question:

990. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding restrictions on inbound travel here during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18509/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

At present, passengers arriving to Ireland from overseas are required to complete a COVID-19 passenger locator form. The form may be used to assist with contact tracing in the event there is a suspected or confirmed case on board a flight or ferry.

 A Green List of locations with similar or better epidemiological situations to Ireland’s has been published. The Green List ensures that appropriate public health measures are applied to international arrivals based on the country they have travelled from. Persons arriving from these countries will not be advised to restrict their movements on arrival into Ireland. Government travel advice countries on the Green List is to take Normal Precautions.  The list will be reviewed every 2 weeks. If the epidemiological situation in a country deteriorates, that country will be removed from the list.

Passengers arriving to Ireland from non-‘Green List’ countries are advised in the interest of public health to restrict their movements for 14 days. Restricted movement means staying at home and avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible.

Close consideration is being given by Government to policy in relation to overseas travel, including to additional measures being put in place at airports and ports to strengthen existing arrangements. The next steps include an electronic the Passenger Locator Form, which is currently being developed and an increased public health presence and communications at our points of entry.

Medicinal Products

Questions (991)

Seán Haughey

Question:

991. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if Spinraza is available to those in need of the drug; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18518/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.  

On 11 June 2019, the HSE Leadership Team approved access to the drug Nusinersen (Spinraza) for children with Spinal  Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type I, II or III on an exceptional and individualised basis. 

The actual delivery of this medicine to approved patients in a safe and sustainable way requires very specific and quite complex service arrangements to be put in place by Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) across all sites. 

It is estimated that 1-3 new children will be diagnosed with SMA Type 2 in Ireland each year. CHI has confirmed that there are currently 35 patients with SMA aged 18 years or under who are deemed clinically eligible for treatment with Spinraza by the Paediatric Neurologist in CHI. CHI has further confirmed that 19 patients are currently receiving Spinraza.  

However, other patients who are waiting to start treatment have been put on hold due to COVID-19.  CHI is currently working through the remaining patients and how they can be accommodated in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions around social distancing.

CHI has confirmed that they have identified a small number of SMA patients whose cases are extremely complex as they have poor lung function.  The delivery of the drug to these patients will be potentially more complex and technically difficult and will require complex coordination by CHI.

Children’s Health Ireland is in a continuous engagement process with families regarding their child’s individual treatment plan for the administration of Spinraza as well as representatives of the SMA Executive and Advocacy Group.

I wish to advise the Deputy that funding was provided in 2020 to develop the Spinraza service, including the recruitment of additional staff.  A nursing coordinator, who will coordinate the services including communication with families, has been appointed and is commencing the end of July.  

Hospital Funding

Questions (992)

Johnny Mythen

Question:

992. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health if the 22 additional beds funded in Wexford General Hospital will be funded on a permanent basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18519/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, commits to continuing investment in our health care services in line with the recommendations of the Health Service Capacity Review and the commitments in Project Ireland 2040.

In relation to the Deputy's specific question, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Hospital Staff

Questions (993)

Johnny Mythen

Question:

993. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 632 of 3 June 2020, if any of the 18 nurse grade positions have been vacant for longer than three months in Wexford General Hospital; if so, the number and the length of time they have been vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18520/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.