Written Answers Nos. 1275-1298
1275. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health : the number of children and adults on the orthodontic waiting lists in County Donegal; the average waiting times for appointments; the number waiting more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20416/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1276. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the CAMHS waiting list in County Donegal; the average waiting time; the number waiting more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20417/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1277. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who are awaiting homecare support in County Donegal; the number of hours allocated in each of the past 12 months in County Donegal; the average number of hours granted to each successful applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20418/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1278. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a colonoscopy in County Donegal; the number waiting up to 30, 30 to 60, 60 to 90 and more than 90 days, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20419/20]
View answerIn response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
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.
1279. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an endoscopy in County Donegal; the number waiting up to 30, 30 to 60, 60 to 90 and more than 90 days, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20420/20]
View answerThe 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.
1280. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies in County Donegal; 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. [20421/20]
View answerI have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1281. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a needs assessment in County Donegal; the number who 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. [20422/20]
View answerThe 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.
1282. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a speech and language appointment in County Donegal; the number who 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. [20423/20]
View answerThe 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.
1283. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an occupational therapy appointment in County Donegal; 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. [20424/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1284. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of respite hours provided to families in County Donegal over each of the past 12 months; the number that has been provided each month since March 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20426/20]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.
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.
1285. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of day care centres in County Donegal 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. [20427/20]
View answerAs 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 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.
1286. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of day care centres for persons with intellectual disabilities in County Donegal 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. [20428/20]
View answerAs 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.
1287. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for ophthalmology in County Donegal; the average waiting time for appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20429/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1288. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in County Donegal who are awaiting an appointment for early intervention by therapy; the number 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. [20430/20]
View answerThe 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.
1290. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who were provided with respite care by county and month in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020 respectively; if he will increase the provision of respite care by 20%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20458/20]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1291. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the time frame for measures to assist young disabled persons currently housed in residential care homes in relocating to suitable accommodation with the necessary personal support services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20460/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1292. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if the Mental Health Commission spent its full budget in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively [20461/20]
View answerThe Mental Health Commission is an independent statutory body under the aegis of the Department of Health. The agency is fully funded by the Exchequer. The table below sets out the allocation and out-turn for each of the years 2017, 2018 and 2019.
|
Year |
Allocation (m) |
Outturn (m) |
Difference (m) |
|
2017 |
14.274 |
13.000 |
1.274 |
|
2018 |
14.174 |
14.174 |
0 |
|
2019 |
14.400 |
14.400 |
0 |
1293. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when the review of the Mental Health Act 2001 will be published [20465/20]
View answerAn Expert Group Review of the Act was published in 2015 and Government approved the preparation of the General Scheme of a Bill to reflect the Group’s recommendations in revised legislation.
The draft heads of a bill based on the recommendations of the Expert Group Review of the 2001 Act were sent to the Mental Health Commission for its consideration on 2nd July 2019. The Commission returned the bulk of their comments to the Department in early March 2020. The Commission’s Legislative Committee provided its expert legal and clinical input into its submission. The Department is currently preparing a final draft heads of bill, on a Part-by-Part basis, with a view to finalising the draft bill by the end of 2020.
Timely progress of the final draft heads will rely on involving the HSE and the Mental Health Commission in any further necessary consultation, and on the provision of legal advice by internal legal advisors and the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.
1294. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when residential care services will be provided with a sector-specific Covid-19 roadmap in order to enable them to reopen safely. [20468/20]
View answerNursing home providers are ultimately responsible for the safe care of their residents and have a range of legal responsibilities under the regulatory framework, including the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013.
The impact of COVID-19 on society in general and especially those living in nursing homes has been considerable. Residential settings are people’s homes as well as places where health and social care are provided. The introduction of physical distancing, isolation and restricted contact with family and loved ones has changed the usual dynamic of social interaction.
During these times there has been a particular emphasis on retaining a holistic view of the wellbeing of residents, remaining person-centred, being cognisant of their rights as citizens, and being vigilant that in seeking to shield them from infection that these rights are not infringed upon in to an extent, or in a manner, that is disproportionate.
In line with the level of disease in the community, the National Public Health Emergency Team has advised that the gradual reintroduction of usual activities while taking public health precautions should commence. This advice is reflected in the latest Cocooning and visiting guidance, issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. This guidance is under constant review, balancing risks with benefit in line with the disease trajectory in the community. The HSPC has completed its most recent update of visiting guidance. It is now available on the HPSC website and is due to take effect from 29th July.
1295. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to the implications of obesity as a comorbidity for Covid-19; if additional resources are planned to address obesity in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20471/20]
View answerObesity has long been recognised as a risk factor for a number of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. These conditions, as well as obesity itself, have been identified with an increased risk factor for a more severe form of COVID-19 disease.
In recognition of the seriousness of the obesity crisis in Ireland, ‘A Healthy Weight for Ireland’, the Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP), was launched in September 2016 under the auspices of the Healthy Ireland agenda. The OPAP covers a 10-year period up to 2025 and aims to reverse obesity trends, prevent health complications and reduce the overall burden for individuals, families, the health system, and the wider society and economy. The Plan recognises that obesity is a complex, multi-faceted problem and needs a multi-pronged solution, with every sector of society playing its part. Childhood obesity is a key priority under the Policy, as is reducing the inequalities seen in obesity rates, where children (and adults) from lower socioeconomic groups have higher levels of obesity. Evidence-based actions are being progressed under the Plan on a number of fronts, including the preparation of Healthy Eating Guidelines for 1 to 5 year-olds, and the finalisation of a Roadmap in relation to the reformulation of unhealthy food and drink.
Obesity is a priority area for the new Government, and this is clearly reflected in the Programme for Government, "Our Shared Future". It is also a high priority of mine in my capacity as Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy. In terms of the Obesity Policy and Action Plan, work is underway for a meeting of the Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group to be held in the near future, to look at the policy context, including in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, and to prepare to take this work forward in the months to come. The question of additional resources will be examined in this context and in the context of the Estimates process.
1296. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health the status of the development of the new HSE residential care unit for older persons (details supplied) in County Louth; when the project will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20500/20]
View answerThe Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery and management of healthcare infrastructure.
The HSE has advised that the procurement phase of the delivery of a bundle of Community Nursing Units’s (CNU’s) to be delivered by Public Private Partnership (PPP) is still on-going. St. Joseph’s Hospital CNU, Ardee, Co. Louth is part of this bundle of facilities.
It is important to recognise that all capital development proposals must progress through a number of approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established.
The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, which can impact on the timeline for delivery.
1297. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the Covid-19 testing centres that are open nationally by county, in tabular form; the centres that have been closed; the plans for testing per county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20514/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1298. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health when section 39 charities and companies will receive funding allocated to them by Pobal and currently being processed by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20516/20]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his question which I believe refers to the Community & Voluntary COVID19 Stability Scheme.
The Community and Voluntary Sector Covid-19 Stability Fund is intended to be a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups delivering critical front-line services to the most at need in our society and in danger of imminent closure due to lost fund-raised or traded income as a direct result of restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19.
€35 million will be provided through the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF) against criteria aligned with DAF objectives to support:
- The personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged; or
- The educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged; or
- Persons with a disability.
The Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD), in conjunction with Pobal, developed the scheme and the application facility based on parameters agreed with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and by Government. The Stability Fund is administered by the DRCD and Pobal. They have asked Department of Health to assist with validation of applications from organisations operating in the health sector who have been selected for funding. Department of Health officials are now working with DRCD and the HSE to validate applications and to ensure their correctness.
When this process is complete, my officials will notify DRCD. Payment will issue to all successful applicants through Pobal.
