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Thursday, 30 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 1250-1274

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (1250)

Martin Kenny

Question:

1250. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a colonoscopy in Sligo University Hospital; the number 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. [20351/20]

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 Waiting Lists

Questions (1251)

Martin Kenny

Question:

1251. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an endoscopy in Sligo University Hospital; the number 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. [20352/20]

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 endoscopy services, a national programme was established in mid-2016 to coordinate several activities to improve endoscopy services. The Endoscopy Programme is housed within the Acute Operations Division of the HSE and the programme is overseen by the National Endoscopy Steering Group. The programme team consists of a Clinical Lead, Training Lead, Nurse Lead and Programme Manager. The team are supported by the National Endoscopy Working Group.

The aim of the programme is to improve the delivery of endoscopy services across all Hospital Groups.

The Endoscopy data requested by the Deputy is outlined in the attached document.

Sligo University Hospital GI Scopes Waiting List June 2020

0-1 Mth

135

1-2 Mths

57

2-3Mths

52

+3 Mths

424

Total 

668

Hospital Staff

Questions (1252)

Martin Kenny

Question:

1252. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies at Sligo University Hospital; the grade of each vacancy; the length of time of each vacancy, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20353/20]

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.

Disability Services Data

Questions (1253, 1260)

Martin Kenny

Question:

1253. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a needs assessment in CHO1 and CHO2; 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. [20354/20]

View answer

Martin Kenny

Question:

1260. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in CHO1 and CHO2 that are awaiting 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 [20362/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1253 and 1260 together.

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

Speech and Language Therapy

Questions (1254)

Martin Kenny

Question:

1254. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a speech and language appointment in CHO1 and CHO2; 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. [20355/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

Occupational Therapy

Questions (1255)

Martin Kenny

Question:

1255. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an occupational therapy appointment in CHO1 and CHO2; 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. [20356/20]

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.

Respite Care Services

Questions (1256)

Martin Kenny

Question:

1256. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of respite hours provided to families in CHO1 and CHO2 over each of the past 12 months; the number provided in each month since March 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20358/20]

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.

Disability Services Data

Questions (1257)

Martin Kenny

Question:

1257. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of day care centres in counties Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and Roscommon that have now reopened; the number that will be reopened by September 2020; the number that will not be in a position to reopen by September 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20359/20]

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 8th 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.

As the 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.  

Disability Services Data

Questions (1258)

Martin Kenny

Question:

1258. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of day care centres for persons with intellectual disabilities in CHO1 and CHO2 that have submitted applications for funding in order to reopen; the amount required; the amount allocated to date by his Department; the amount that will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20360/20]

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 8th 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 concerns 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 (1259)

Martin Kenny

Question:

1259. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for ophthalmology in CHO1 and CHO2; the average waiting time for appointment, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20361/20]

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.

Question No. 1260 answered with Question No. 1253.

Disability Services Provision

Questions (1261)

Pauline Tully

Question:

1261. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health his plans for reopening day-care services for persons with disabilities; the timetable for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20369/20]

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 8th 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.

Disability Services Data

Questions (1262)

Pauline Tully

Question:

1262. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who availed of day-care services by county and month in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20370/20]

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

Medical Cards

Questions (1263)

Pauline Tully

Question:

1263. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the cost to fund medical cards for all persons diagnosed with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20373/20]

View answer

Written answers

Eligibility for a medical card remains primarily on the basis of financial assessment. The HSE's Expert Group on Medical Needs and Medical Card Eligibility examined the issue of awarding medical cards on the basis of illness or a disability and concluded that it was not feasible, desirable nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. The Expert Group also concluded that a persons means should remain the main qualifier for a medical card. This remains unchanged.

In relation to the cost of providing a permanent medical card to people with disabilities regardless of their work status, the data required to model this is not readily available and it is therefore not possible to provide an estimate of the cost of the proposal.  

However, it should be noted that since 01 December 2018, the medical card earnings disregard for persons in receipt of Disability Allowance was increased from €120 to €427 per week and applies to the assessment process for both single persons and to family assessments. This measure gave effect to one of the key recommendations of the Make Work Pay for Persons with Disabilities Report. 

National Carers' Strategy

Questions (1264)

Pauline Tully

Question:

1264. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health if a new and updated national carers’ strategy will be published with a dedicated budget and time frame to ensure the implementation of all actions; if so, the time frame for publication of the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20374/20]

View answer

Written answers

My Department is responsible for coordinating the cross-departmental 2012 National Carers’ Strategy, which sets the strategic direction for future policies, services and supports provided by Government Departments and agencies for family carersThe Strategy contains actions to recognise, support and empower carers to manage their physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing across four national goals:

- Recognise the value and contribution of carers and promote their inclusion in decisions relating to the person they are caring for;

- Support carers to manage their physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing;

- Support carers to care with confidence through the provision of adequate information, training, services and supports;

- Empower carers to participate as fully as possible in economic and social life.

My Department is engaging with key stakeholders including other Government Departments and voluntary organisations on ways to improve supports for family carers.  This work will continue in the coming months with a view to supporting carers in the best way possible to continue to sustain their caring journey. I am more than happy to meet with family carer representative organisations as this work progresses.

Home Help Service

Questions (1265)

Pauline Tully

Question:

1265. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the home support waiting list by county and by month in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20375/20]

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.

Respite Care Services

Questions (1266)

Pauline Tully

Question:

1266. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that were provided with respite care by county and month in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020, respectively; if the provision of respite care will be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20376/20]

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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (1267)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1267. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20383/20]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 (1268)

Pa Daly

Question:

1268. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Covid-19 tracker application can only be used by Irish residents with an Irish credit card on the app store despite the fact that the application does not cost money to download or use; if he will consider having the software developers amend this limitation to ensure visitors to Ireland can be required to use the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20386/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Covid Tracker App is free of charge and no credit card is required for free apps. Any notification from Apple/Google stores regarding credit card requirements are unrelated to the COVID Tracker app. The Covid Tracker app is currently available in both the Irish and UK app stores for iPhones and Android smartphones and the HSE is currently in the process of releasing it to app stores in other countries.  This means that the app can be downloaded by people with accounts in other app stores whether they are visitors to or residents in Ireland.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Questions (1269)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

1269. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the CAMHS waiting lists in north County Dublin [20389/20]

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 (1270, 1271)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

1270. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of children on waiting lists for assessments of needs in north County Dublin. [20390/20]

View answer

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

1271. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health : the number of children on waiting lists for speech and language therapy in north County Dublin [20391/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1270 and 1271 together.

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

Occupational Therapy

Questions (1272, 1273)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

1272. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of children on waiting lists for occupational therapy in north County Dublin [20392/20]

View answer

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

1273. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of children on waiting lists for physiotherapy in north County Dublin [20393/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1272 and 1273 together.

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

Dental Services

Questions (1274)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

1274. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adults on the dental appointment waiting list in County Donegal; the average waiting times for appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20415/20]

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.

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