Written Answers Nos. 222-241
222. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no provision of general anaesthetic services for small children accessing dental health services in Dublin North City CHO9; his plans to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31777/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
223. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health if he will publish information in relation to the terms and conditions of persons employed as contact tracers including the rates of pay, the length of the contracts, the number of hours work guaranteed per week, pension entitlements, holiday and sick pay arrangements; if the recruitment and ongoing HR issues are managed by an outsourced firm; if a copy of a template contract or contracts will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31779/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
224. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has not received an appointment in Temple Street; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31782/20]
View answerIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer most scheduled care activity in March, April, and May of this year. 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 the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in accordance with the advice of the World Health Organisation.
The resumption of services from June onwards has allowed for increased activity, with the HSE utilising innovative methods including telemedicine to facilitate patient appointments. Patient safety remains at the forefront of service resumption. To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols which has resulted in reduced capacity and activity
The HSE continues to optimise productivity through alternative work practices such the use of alternative settings including private hospitals, community facilities and alternative outpatient settings.
The National Treatment Purchase Fund has also recommenced arranging treatment in both private and public hospitals for clinically suitable patients who have been waiting for long periods on public hospital waiting lists.
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
225. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the number of optometrists recruited by the HSE for CHO area 5 in each of the years 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form; if there are plans to roll out enhanced eyesight testing for children between 8 and 12 years of age in schools to assist in early diagnosis of any degeneration which may be missed in the absence of such a programme for free especially in low income households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31812/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
226. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the additional theatre capacity that was provided in St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny in each of the years 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form [31813/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
227. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if couples that do not cohabit and live across boundary lines can visit each other during level 3 Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31814/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 was published by the Government on 15 September, 2020. This Plan provides a framework setting out Ireland's approach to managing and living with COVID-19 in a range of areas over the next 6 - 9 months.
The framework sets out five levels of response, each with a number of measures designed to help us all lower COVID-19 transmission and setting out what is permitted at that moment in time. It is framed to account for periods during which there is a low incidence of the disease, with isolated clusters and low community transmission, through to situations where there is a high or rapidly increasing incidence, widespread community transmission and the pandemic is escalating rapidly in Ireland and globally. It recognises the need for society and business to be allowed to continue as normally as possible and is designed so that either national or county level restrictions can be applied.
The Plan reflects a careful consideration of the impact of the introduction of restrictions on employment and livelihoods, keeping as many businesses open as possible at different stages, while acknowledging that some businesses and services are critical. It acknowledges that sports, arts and other social activities are central to our well-being and that sports and arts are also the world of work for our many in our communities.
As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, COVID-19 spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another. COVID-19 is infectious in a person with no symptoms, or for the period of time before they develop symptoms. For this reason, we are all asked to be extra careful when socialising and working with others. For now, we must act like we have the virus to protect those around us from infection.
Ireland has moved from a short-term emergency response approach to a medium-term approach to managing risk and repairing the damage that COVID-19 has inflicted on society. The Government has decided that Ireland will move to level 5 of the framework from midnight Wednesday 21st October. Further information on the public health measures in currently in place in relation to domestic travel can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/.
At Level 5, the public health risk means that you will be asked to stay at home, with certain exceptions.
228. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a resource centre (details supplied) has not received an increase in funding since 2010; and if he will provide pay restoration to 2020 levels for this group [31823/20]
View answerThe agency referred to by the Deputy is funded by the HSE under Section 39 of the Health Act, 2004.
In line with Workforce Relations Commission (WRC) agreement, a process is underway in relation to the pay restoration of approximately 250 Section 39 funded agencies. Meetings took place in July and September led by the WRC on pay restoration. I understand that, despite the ongoing engagement at the WRC, it has not been possible to reach an agreement to date on this issue.
229. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if he will consider a case on compassionate grounds of a person (details supplied) who is awaiting an assessment of needs as they are require intervention and supports [31845/20]
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.
230. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the date on which adult and paediatric audiology services and speech therapy services will resume; and the number of waiting lists as of 15 October 2020 for each of the services by location. [31848/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
231. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the budget that was allocated to Clare County Council for homeless services in 2019; and if this entire budget was spent in 2019. [31861/20]
View answerThe Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is responsible for the provision of a national framework of policy and legislation to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at a local level. In addition, it has responsibility for the provision of funding to local authorities in respect of homeless accommodation services. The funding model for homeless services provides for a devolved allocation-based system of Exchequer funding for the provision of accommodation and related funding to housing authorities.
I am advised that the provision of homeless accommodation and related services is a statutory function of local authorities. Under Section 10 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 local authorities are responsible for the provision of housing supports to households for the purposes of meeting their accommodation needs, including homeless accommodation and related services provided to homeless persons under Section 10 of the Housing Act, 1988. The question of funding allocated to Clare County Council for homeless services might be best addressed to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
232. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the number of physiotherapy appointments provided per year and county for children with a disability under the age of 16 over a five-year period from 2015 to 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31872/20]
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.
233. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the number of speech and language appointments provided for children with a disability under the age of 16 in each of the years 2015 to 2019, by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31874/20]
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.
234. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the number of children with a disability under the age of 16 years registered with the HSE disability services in each of the years 2016 and 2019, by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31875/20]
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.
235. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health when funding will be made available to support the delivery of community action on alcohol from the additional funding announced within Budget 2020 with specific reference to funding for the Alcohol Subgroup of the Canal Communities Regional Drug and the Alcohol Task Force. [31881/20]
View answerThe national drugs, strategy, Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery, provides an integrated public health approach to drugs and alcohol use.
The Department is developing a new education and prevention funding scheme which will be launched towards the end 2020. This scheme will include the use of evidence-based approaches to mobilising community action on alcohol.
Task forces, including the Canal Communities Drug and Alcohol Task Force, will be invited to submit proposals under the scheme.
I want to strengthen the delivery of substance use education across all sectors in order to prevent the use of drugs and alcohol at a young age and to increase awareness of the risks of drug and alcohol use.
236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if prescription drugs ramilo for blood pressure and stugeron for vertigo are covered on a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31884/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
237. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the reason he or his predecessor has not published an independent review of the charge rate negotiation system that was presented in May 2019; if he will immediately publish this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31891/20]
View answerThe Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as 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 Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
The Report of the NHSS Review published in 2015 identified a number of issues for more detailed consideration, including a review of the pricing mechanism used by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF), with a view to:
- Ensuring value for money and economy, with the lowest possible administrative costs for clients and the State and administrative burden for providers;
- Increasing the transparency of the pricing mechanism so that existing and potential investors can make as informed decisions as possible; and
- Ensuring that there is adequate residential capacity for those residents with more complex needs.
A Steering Group was established to oversee and manage the pricing review. The Steering Group is chaired by the NTPF and includes representatives from the Department of Health and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. As part of its work on the review the NTPF sought various inputs including external expertise and stakeholder engagement to inform the review. These inputs were considered in detail. It is recognised that any change to any part of the Scheme must be considered in terms of the short- and long-term impact on the viability of the Scheme and accessibility of long-term residential care in general. It is therefore important that the relevant issues are considered thoroughly.
The NTPF has now completed its report and the Steering Group has completed its consideration of it, the report has been submitted by the NTPF to the Department. The report is currently under consideration by the Department.
However, further progress on this work has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with focus entirely on responding to the challenges presented by COVID-19. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been and continues to be a national and public health priority.
238. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the process of a new capital project in health from end to end, that is, from design to planning to procurement to build; if he will identify the different stages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31893/20]
View answerThe National Development Plan 2018 – 2027 sets out the total health capital funding to 2027 for the development of health infrastructure in line with health policies, strategies and in support of the reforms set out in Sláintecare. The Department engages with DPER in the determination of the annual health capital allocation as part of the annual estimates process and with the HSE to finalise a Capital Plan.
The HSE is responsible for the delivery and management of healthcare infrastructure. The HSE develop a Capital Plan each year guided by national healthcare strategies, policies and Government priorities and having regard to the available funding and the number of large national capital projects currently underway. In drafting this plan, priority must be given to meeting contractual commitments.
The HSE’s National Capital and Property Steering Committee appraises all project submissions to recommend the selection of projects for inclusion in the Capital Plan, subject to funding availability.
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 final decision to proceed with the construction of a project cannot be made until the tender process has been completed and the costings reviewed to ensure that the proposal remains affordable and delivers value for money.
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.
The HSE actively manages the capital programme in order to ensure it has flexibility to progress as many projects as possible within the available funding, particularly in the event of any project not progressing as anticipated.
239. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the possibility of ending unpaid placements for student nurses and midwives in hospitals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31903/20]
View answer240. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in providing student nurses and midwives with travel and accommodation expenses when they are on unpaid placements in hospitals; if this issue will be rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31904/20]
View answer241. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if he will consider providing suitable financial compensation for student nurses and midwives while on mandatory work placement as part of their training in order that students do not have to choose between education and temporary employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31905/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 239 to 241, inclusive, together.
I recognise the importance of student nurses and midwives completing their essential clinical placements in a safe environment. I also recognise the potential hardship that might arise from difficulties in maintaining part time employment in the current environment.
Currently, students are not paid for clinical placements in years 1-3 of their studies. Financial supports for these non intern student nurses and midwives are governed by Circular 9/2004. This provides for an accommodation allowance of up to €59.70 per week to be paid where it is necessary for a student to obtain accommodation away from his/her normal place of residence. Payment is by way of refund on production on certified receipts.
Students are also entitled to a refund of travel expenses based on certified receipts.
In the immediate term, my Department is reviewing the current accommodation and travel allowances that apply to this year’s 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students on clinical placements, taking into account the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on such placements. This review is expected to conclude in the coming days and I look forward to bringing forward proposals shortly thereafter.
