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Thursday, 30 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 1124-1148

Health Services

Questions (1124)

Michael Ring

Question:

1124. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the details of HSE facilities which were block booked for use in County Mayo during the Covid-19 pandemic; the facilities for which contracts were entered into by the HSE for this purpose; the facilities for which contracts were not progressed; the facilities which were used; the purpose for which they were used; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19852/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (1125)

Alan Kelly

Question:

1125. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the occupation of all those that have tested positive for Covid-19, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19853/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

Health Services

Questions (1126)

Alan Kelly

Question:

1126. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the life expectancy and disability free life expectancy of persons by gender in all counties except County Dublin and by traditional postcode area within County Dublin, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19854/20]

View answer

Written answers

On 7 July 2020 the CSO released the ‘Irish Life Tables No. 17 2015-2017’ report (www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/ilt/irishlifetablesno172015-2017/) which provides the latest data on life expectancy in Ireland. The Life Tables are produced every 5 years. They take population figures from the most recent Census, and the number of deaths at each age from the most recent Vital Statistics annual reports. The CSO combines this data to calculate current life expectancy at birth and at age 65 years for men and women. The current Life Tables are for the years 2015-2017.

The Life Tables do not provide life expectancy data at a county level.  However, they do provide life expectancy by sex at NUTS3 region level.  Table One attached provides life expectancy at birth and at age 65 years for males and females by NUTS3 Region based on 2011 and 2016 population data.  In 2016, life expectancy at birth for males ranged from 79.0 years in the Mid-West to 80.3 in the Mid-East and for females from 82.5 in the Mid-West to 84.5 in the West.  Between 2011 and 2016 life expectancy increased in all regions for men and women both at birth and at age 65 years.

The indicator Healthy Life Years (HLY) measures the number of years that a person at birth (or at age 65 years) is still expected to live in a healthy condition. HLY is a health expectancy indicator which combines information on mortality and morbidity.  A healthy condition is defined by the absence of limitations in functioning/disability. The indicator is calculated separately for males and females. It is also called disability-free life expectancy (DFLE). 

This indicator is produced by Eurostat and is only available at a national level for Ireland, not at regional or county level.  The latest data available is for 2018. Table Two attached presents Healthy Life Years by sex at birth and at age 65 years for Ireland in 2018.

Healthy life years in absolute value at birth and at 65 years by sex in Ireland, 2018

-

Healthy life years in absolute value at birth (provisional)

Healthy life years in absolute value at 65 years (provisional)

Males

68.4

12

Females

70.4

13.8

Total

69.4

12.9

Life expectancy by sex, age, NUTS3 region and year

-

At birth

At age 65 years

2011

2016

2011

2016

Males

Border

78.6

79.5

17.6

18.3

Midland

78.7

80

17.7

18.4

West

78.8

79.7

17.9

18.5

Dublin

78.3

80.1

17.8

18.7

Mid-East

79

80.3

17.8

18.6

Mid-West

77.6

79

17.1

18

South-East

78.3

79.3

17.8

18.3

South-West

77.9

79.1

17.5

17.8

Females

Border

82.9

83.5

20.7

21

Midland

82.6

83.2

20.3

20.6

West

83.3

84.5

21.1

21.7

Dublin

82.7

83.4

20.6

21

Mid-East

83

84

20.7

21.3

Mid-West

81.9

82.5

20.2

20.3

South-East

82.5

83.1

20.4

20.7

South-West

82.7

83.2

20.7

20.8

Mental Health Services

Questions (1127)

Alan Kelly

Question:

1127. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the occupations of persons who were admitted for treatment for any form of mental illness in each of the years 2017 to 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19855/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

Health Services Staff

Questions (1128)

Alan Kelly

Question:

1128. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of healthcare workers who were placed on sick leave due to stress or mental illness in each of the years 2015 to 2019 and to date in 2020; the proportion the number represents of the total number of healthcare workers, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19856/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

Health Services Staff

Questions (1129)

Alan Kelly

Question:

1129. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of healthcare workers who died by suicide while still in the employment of the State in each of the years 2015 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19857/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

Obesity Levels

Questions (1130)

Alan Kelly

Question:

1130. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of adults and children by age and gender diagnosed as clinically obese in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19865/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

Obesity Levels

Questions (1131)

Alan Kelly

Question:

1131. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the meetings held by his Departmental officials from assistant principal level upwards with representatives of the food industry in relation to the issue of adult or child obesity in here from 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020; the dates, attendees and matters that were discussed at each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19866/20]

View answer

Written answers

Relevant meetings, including workshops, are included below in tabular form.  The two Food Industry Workshops referred to relate to the work being undertaken by the Reformulation Subgroup of the Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group to prepare a draft Roadmap for the reformulation of unhealthy food and drink, and consultation with industry on same. In addition to the food industry representatives, other stakeholders were also in attendance, including the Chair of the Subgroup, as well as colleagues from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Meeting

Date

Attendees

Matters discussed

Food Industry Workshop 1

20/09/2018

DoH: Ursula O’Dwyer (AP Equivalent, Liam McCormack (AP)

Chair of OPIOG Reformulation Subgroup (Prof Ivan Perry, UCC) and research colleagues

Representatives of the Food Industry, Retail and Advertising 

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Food Reformulation and Roadmap

Food Industry Workshop 2

25/02/2019

DoH: Ursula O’Dwyer (AP Equivalent, Liam McCormack (AP)

Chair of OPIOG Reformulation Subgroup (Prof Ivan Perry, UCC) and research colleagues

Representatives of the Food Industry, Retail   and Advertising 

Food Reformulation and Roadmap

Meeting with representatives from Nestle

30/04/2019

DoH: Ursula O’Dwyer (AP Equivalent), Seamus O’Reilly (AP)

Chair of Reformulation Subgroup: Prof. Ivan   Perry

Representatives from Nestle Ireland and UK

Food Reformulation and Roadmap

 

Public Health England/UK Programme on reformulation

IBEC Prepared Consumer Foods Council

13/09/2019

DoH: Kate O’Flaherty (PO)

Members from IBEC Prepared Consumer Foods Council

By invitation to present overview of progress   on the Obesity Policy and Action Plan

IBEC

01/10/2019

DoH: Seamus O’Reilly (AP)

IBEC: Linda Stuart-Trainor (Director, Prepared Consumer Foods)

Introductory meeting between IBEC and   Seamus O’Reilly as new to role

IBEC/UNESDA

06/11/2019

DoH: Seamus O’Reilly (AP) Ursula O’Dwyer (AP Equivalent)

UNESDA (Soft Drinks Europe): Nicholas Hodac

Beverage Council of Ireland: Colm Jordan

IBEC: Linda Stuart-Trainor

New CEO of UNESDA requested meeting   with the Department of Health to discuss reformulation approach in Ireland.

Dental Services

Questions (1132)

John Brady

Question:

1132. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adults on the dental appointment waiting list in County Wicklow; the average waiting times for appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19869/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

Dental Services

Questions (1133)

John Brady

Question:

1133. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adults on the orthodontic waiting lists in County Wicklow; the average waiting times for appointments; the number waiting more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19870/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Questions (1134)

John Brady

Question:

1134. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting on the CAMHS waiting list in County Wicklow; the average waiting time; the number waiting more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19871/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

Home Care Packages

Questions (1135)

John Brady

Question:

1135. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for home care support in County Wicklow; the number of hours allocated in each of the past 12 months in the county; the average number of hours granted to each successful applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19872/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (1136)

John Brady

Question:

1136. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a colonoscopy in St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin; the number that have been waiting up to 30, 30 to 60, 60 to 90 and more than 90 days, respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19873/20]

View answer

Written 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 Organization 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.

Application of the essential risk mitigating steps set out in the guidance developed under the auspices of the NPHET Expert Advisory group will have operational implications, which will impact on throughput. 

Where possible, hospitals are working to find innovative ways to enable service provision, which include virtual clinics for some outpatient department appointments. The HSE website provides details on services currently available and operational in each hospital on its website. This information is reviewed frequently and provides up-to-date announcements on services available at each site (www2.hse.ie/services/hospital-service-disruptions/hospital-service-disruptions-covid19.html).

To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 24 June.  Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. Further detail regarding the phases of service resumption are contained in the HSE’s ‘A Safe Return to Health Services’ document, published on their website on 22 July.

As the system continues to deliver Covid-19 and non-Covid 19 care side-by-side over a more prolonged period, my Department and the HSE will continue to work closely together to protect essential non-Covid 19 acute care and progress the provision of more routine non Covid-19 care.

In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy concerning colonoscopies, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Staff

Questions (1137)

John Brady

Question:

1137. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies at St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin; the grade of each vacancy; the length of time of the vacancy, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19874/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

Disability Services Data

Questions (1138, 1145)

John Brady

Question:

1138. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a needs assessment in CHO6; the number that have been waiting less than 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19875/20]

View answer

John Brady

Question:

1145. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in County Wicklow waiting for an appointment for early intervention by therapy; the number that are waiting less than 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19883/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1138 and 1145 together.

The recently published Programme for Government document "Our Shared Future" recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.

The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.

As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Speech and Language Therapy

Questions (1139, 1140)

John Brady

Question:

1139. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a speech and language appointment in CHO6; the number waiting less than 3. 3 to 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19876/20]

View answer

John Brady

Question:

1140. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an occupational therapy appointment in CHO6; the number waiting less than 3. 3 to 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19877/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1139 and 1140 together.

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

Respite Care Services

Questions (1141)

John Brady

Question:

1141. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of respite hours provided to families in County Wicklow over each of the past 12 months; the number provided each month since March 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19879/20]

View answer

Written 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

Care of the Elderly

Questions (1142)

John Brady

Question:

1142. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of day care centres in County Wicklow that have reopened; the number that will be reopened by September 2020; if centres will not be in a position to reopen by September 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19880/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

Disability Services Data

Questions (1143)

John Brady

Question:

1143. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of day care centres for persons with intellectual disabilities in County Wicklow which have submitted applications for funding in order to reopen; the amount required; the amount allocated to date; the amount that will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19881/20]

View answer

Written 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 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.

It has been recognised that additional costs may arise for service providers in providing safe services. To date, Government has approved COVID 19 Pandemic Health service funding of €2bn. The aim of this funding is to support investment necessary to address COVID 19, to mitigate risk of the spread of COVID 19 and to facilitate the provision of health and social care services against the backdrop of COVID 19. The HSE is in the process of reviewing and validating business cases from disability services providers for additional funding to support the reopening of services

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. 

Ophthalmology Services

Questions (1144)

John Brady

Question:

1144. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for ophthalmology in County Wicklow; the average waiting time for an appointment, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19882/20]

View answer

Written answers

The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated by officials in my Department and will be provided to the Deputy directly as soon as it becomes available.

Question No. 1145 answered with Question No. 1138.

Nursing Staff

Questions (1146)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

1146. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the number of Parkinson’s disease nurse specialists in view of the shortage here with three in Dublin and none elsewhere in Leinster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19898/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

Health Services

Questions (1147)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

1147. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health his plans to improve access to essential services for those with Parkinson’s disease such as to neurologists, physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and dietetics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19899/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (1148, 1162)

David Cullinane

Question:

1148. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the guidelines that have been put in place for general practitioners and other community medical professionals regarding proof of inability to wear masks on public transport or other spaces that may require masks in view of the stipulation in regulations that proof must be produced upon request by a relevant person; his plans to ensure that the public know their rights and obligations in this regard and to facilitate the production of proof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19908/20]

View answer

Paul Murphy

Question:

1162. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he or his Department have instructed hospital consultants and or general practitioners and or hospital management instructions not to issue certificates permitting certain persons not to wear face masks for medical reasons on foot of reports received that clinical staff at University Hospital Limerick have been told not to issue certificates permitting certain persons not to wear face masks for medical reasons. [19936/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1148 and 1162 together.

I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department appreciates the concerns around face coverings with regard to those who may not be in a position to wear them for medical reasons.

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 including in 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, by visitors to residential care facilities and in indoor work environments where it is difficult to maintain a two-metre distance. I would again 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 with individuals washing their hands before putting them on and taking them off.

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 (S.I. No. 244/2020). The regulations provide that, from 13 July 2020, members of the public (excluding children under the age of 13) 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  

It is not my intention to develop guidelines in relation to the operation of the Regulations. The Regulations provide that a “relevant person”, defined as an officer, employee or agent of a public transport operator or of the National Transport Authority, who is responsible for the implementation of the Regulations and it is, therefore, a matter for the public transport operators and the National Transport Authority to make arrangements for what they consider necessary to ensure that such “relevant persons” are satisfied with the information provided by any individual who is using a public transport service.

As I am sure will be appreciated, the evidence relating to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the discussion around face coverings 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 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. The development of Regulations is this regard is underway and it is likely that similar “reasonable excuse” provisions will be included.

The Deputy may wish to note that 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.

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

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