Written Answers Nos. 311-336
311. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if final guidelines have been made regarding maternity hospital visits during the Covid-19 pandemic; if restrictions will be eased to allow partners to attend scans and the labour ward for the duration of the birth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34395/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
312. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the reason neuromuscular therapy services have been deemed not essential at present (details supplied); the basis on which treatment is being denied by such professionals; if the decision will be rescinded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34420/20]
View answerYou will be aware that the situation regarding COVID-19 has been, and continues to be, an evolving situation. COVID-19 is still having a major impact both here in Ireland and elsewhere.
On Tuesday 15 September the Government published ‘Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19’. This Plan outlines our medium-term strategy for COVID-19 and sets out a Framework of 5 Levels which outline the broad measures which will apply depending on the level of the virus at any given time. It will be possible for different regions and counties to be at different levels, depending on prevailing epidemiological situation . The Plan is designed to help everyone – individuals, organisations and sectors – to better understand, anticipate and prepare for the measures that might be introduced to contain transmission of the virus. The intention is that Departments and sectors will provide guidance for specific sectors and activities in line with the 5 level framework.
At Level 5, only essential retail outlets and essential services are allowed to open to the public.
The list of essential services that can remain open during Level 5 includes therapy services provided by a member of a designated profession within the meaning of section 3 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (No. 27 of 2005). There are seventeen professions designated under the 2005 Act, which are encompassed in the list of essential services. These are: Dietitians, Dispensing Opticians, Medical Scientists, Occupational Therapists, Optometrists, Physiotherapists (which includes Physical Therapists), Radiographers, Radiation Therapists, Social Workers, Speech and Language Therapists, Clinical Biochemists, Counsellors, Orthoptists, Podiatrists, Psychologists, Psychotherapists and Social Care Workers.
The public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and it provides advice to Government in line with the current epidemiological position. The latest public health advice on these matters is available at the links below and is updated on a regular basis:
https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-health/
https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/
https://www.gov.ie/en/.
313. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the rising numbers on waiting lists for access to rheumatology resources in view of the Covid-19 pandemic (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34425/20]
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 urgent time-critical 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.
Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
In terms of the current provision of treatment to patients, the HSE has advised the Department that hospitals continue to offer appointments and treatments to patients. The HSE website provides details on services currently available and operational in each hospital. This is frequently updated by the HSE.
The HSE continues to optimise productivity through alternative work practices such as the use of alternative settings including private hospitals, community facilities and alternative outpatient settings. The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) is currently reviewing strategies to maximise activity and benefit for patients, to include, increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services where minor procedures are provided at the same time as outpatient consultations, funding hybrid services where public and private hospitals contribute to the treatment of patients, virtual clinics and clinical validation.
The NTPF have advised my Department that they have approved 8 outpatient rheumatology initiatives for funding in 2020. These initiatives will facilitate treatment for over 3,500 patients on rheumatology waiting lists throughout the country.
314. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if requests by an organisation (details supplied) for the implementation of the National Doctors Training and Planning report recommendations and the National Clinical Programme for Rheumatology Model of Care will receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34426/20]
View answerThe Minister for Health has received correspondence and a reply will issue in due course.
315. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if the findings of a recent Covid-19 survey by an organisation (details supplied) which held that 44% of respondents with inflammatory arthritis had an appointment with their rheumatologist cancelled or postponed during the pandemic will receive a response; his plans to act to tackle Covid-19 related delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34427/20]
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 routine 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.
Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
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.
In addition the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) is currently reviewing strategies to maximise activity and benefit for patients, to include, increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services where minor procedures are provided at the same time as outpatient consultations, funding hybrid services where public and private hospitals contribute to the treatment of patients, virtual clinics and clinical validation.
In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to investigate the matter and respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
316. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the outcome of the meeting of the rare diseases technology review committee in the week commencing 21 September 2020; the status of the assessment of the two medicines referred to the committee; and the specific dates which he expects the committee to meet in 2020 and 2021. [34429/20]
View answerFollowing a request from the HSE Drugs Group the HSE Rare Diseases Medicinal Products Technology Review Committee convened on 24 September to engage with patients and clinicians in the assessment of two drugs. These are:
1. Burosumab (Crysvita®) for the treatment of X-linked hypophosphataemia with radiographic evidence of bone disease in children 1 year of age and older and adolescents with growing skeletons.
2. Patisiran (Onpattro®) for the treatment of hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (hATTR amyloidosis) in adult patients with stage 1 or 2 polyneuropathy.
The Committee reviewed the clinical data previously submitted as part of the established pricing and reimbursement process and also heard from Consultants involved in the specialist management of patients with these illnesses.
The Committee is scheduled to meet on 05 November and is arranging for patients with these conditions and/or their representatives to take part. The aim is to conclude discussion of these drugs and issue a formal response to the Drugs Group as soon as possible after this meeting.
The Rare Diseases Medicinal Products Technology Review Committee meets in response to requests for assessment of new products for rare diseases or expanded indications for existing products for rare diseases. The frequency of subsequent meetings will relate directly to the number of requests received.
317. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 768 of 29 September 2020, if further information will be provided on the estimated number of persons living with disability post stroke; the location the figure cited in the 2008 stroke audit by an organisation (details supplied) came from; if there has been a recent update on the figure in view of decreases in stroke deaths and increases in persons living with the effects of stroke; if research will be undertaken on a recent figure or extrapolation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34430/20]
View answerThis question is further to a Parliamentary Question (No. 768 of September 2020) that was referred to the HSE.
318. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the reason elite athletes such as elite swimmers are not allowed to continue training during the level 5 lockdown restrictions; if he has had any engagement with an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34433/20]
View answerYou will be aware that the situation regarding COVID-19 has been, and continues to be, an evolving situation. COVID-19 is still having a major impact both here in Ireland and elsewhere.
On Tuesday 15 September the Government published ‘Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19’. This Plan outlines our medium-term strategy for COVID-19 and sets out a Framework of 5 Levels which outline the broad measures which will apply depending on the level of the virus at any given time. It will be possible for different regions and counties to be at different levels, depending on prevailing epidemiological situation . The Plan is designed to help everyone – individuals, organisations and sectors – to better understand, anticipate and prepare for the measures that might be introduced to contain transmission of the virus. The intention is that Departments and sectors will provide guidance for specific sectors and activities in line with the 5 level framework. As such, engagement with sporting organisations is more appropriate to Sport Ireland and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
At Level 5, no training or matches should take place, with the following exceptions:
- non-contact training can continue for school aged children, outdoors in pods of 15
- professional, elite sports and senior inter-county Gaelic games, horse-racing and greyhound racing are permitted to continue behind closed doors.
Carded swimmers and those in the high performance programme can therefore continue their training at Level 5.
Sport Ireland issued guidance to all of the National Governing Bodies, including Swim Ireland, on 22 October on participation in sport during Level 5. That guidance outlines the position regarding professional and elite sportspersons, who are permitted to train during Level 5. The guidance is available here: www.sportireland.ie/news/return-to-sport-expert-group-issues-guidance-to-sports-sector.
319. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if the contract secured by a group (details supplied) to hire additional healthcare and administrative staff to deal with the Covid-19 crisis went through the proper tender procedures and process; if not, the reason that is the case; and the way in which the group was chosen [34435/20]
View answerAs this is a matter for the Health Service Executive, I have asked them to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
320. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to concerns raised by those awaiting breast cancer screenings and checks in relation to increased waiting times; the steps he is taking to address these increased waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34439/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
321. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if there is a mechanism to process Covid-19 tests within a matter of hours for family situations in which a relative is close to death and a swift in person visit is crucial on compassionate grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34441/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
322. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when an operation will take place for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34445/20]
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.
Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
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.
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.
323. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the circumstances under which a person cannot exercise within 5 km of their own home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34446/20]
View answerAs the Deputy knows, the Government's medium-term strategy Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19, sets out Ireland's approach to managing and living with COVID-19 in a range of areas over the next 6 - 9 months.
The Plan 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 aims to allow society and businesses to be able to operate as normally as possible, while continuing to suppress the virus. Each level outlines what is permitted for social or family gatherings, work and public transport, bars, hotels and restaurants, exercise activities and religious services.
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 and exercise are central to our well-being and are also the world of work for our many in our communities.
As I'm 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.
You will be aware that in response to the rapidly deteriorating epidemiological situation across the country, Ireland has moved to level 5 of Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19. This means closing many businesses and amenities to reduce the person-to-person contacts which allow the virus to spread.
At level 5 of the Plan, people are asked to stay at home, with certain exceptions. Taking exercise, within 5km of home, is among the exemptions provided for. No matches or other sporting events may be held with the exception of professional elite sports and senior inter-county gaelic games and horse and greyhound racing, which may continue behind closed doors. All other training activities should be individual only. It is possible to meet with 1 other household in an outdoor setting which is not a home or garden, such as a park, including for the purpose of exercise. It is appreciated that these measures are difficult, but they have been put in place to protect public health.
The Government recognises that there are many aspects of normal life that have been altered by the emergence of COVID-19, and the response that has been required. It also recognises that these changes are difficult for many people. However, it is the case at present that many of the things which we have previously taken for granted -such as certain forms of exercise, but also eating out, attending church, travelling abroad freely - are no longer accessible in the same way due to the risks that they pose and the ease with which this virus spreads in particular conditions.
The Government's guidelines for exercise at all levels of the Plan are available at: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/. Level 5 guidance from Sport Ireland is available at: www.sportireland.ie/news/return-to-sport-expert-group-issues-guidance-to-sports-sector.
324. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists that have withdrawn from providing medical card services in 2020; and the number of patients it is impacting. [34448/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
325. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of missions tasked in September and October 2020 to the air ambulance service based at Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34454/20]
View answer326. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the reason a night-time air ambulance service is being tendered out rather than being offered to the Air Corps; if he considered tendering out the day time service and providing the night-time service via the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34455/20]
View answer327. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has sought a €16 million tender to plug gaps in the air ambulance service; when tenders were sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34476/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 325, 326 and 327 together.
I recognise the significant benefits which derive from the close cooperation between the Air Corps and the HSE in the provision of aeromedical services, and my Department and the Department of Defence continue to liaise closely in relation to the delivery of these services.
Some time ago, the Department of Defence advised that, due to specific constraints, the Air Corps was not in a position to provide inter-hospital air ambulance transfer services between the hours of 7pm and 7:30am. In those circumstances, and to avoid the situation where no night time service would be available for Priority 1 paediatric transplant patients, the HSE undertook a procurement process and a private provider was contracted to provide cover during these periods; daytime air transfers continue to be carried out by the Air Corps and the Irish Coast Guard, as appropriate. The contract with the private provider will expire early next year and it is now necessary for the HSE to commence a procurement process in order to ensure that there will be no gap in service provision. In the meantime, my officials continue to engage with officials in the Department of Defence in relation to service provision and the ongoing capacity and availability of the Air Corps to support the HSE.
In relation to the Deputy's specific enquiries I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
328. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an increase is due in relation to a HSE pension for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34485/20]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
329. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the value and nature of the contracts awarded to four companies (details supplied) in respect of the Covid-19 testing and tracing system; the procurement process used; and the controls in place to ensure value for money. [34489/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
330. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on waiting lists and the average waiting times for BreastCheck services by location; the reason for the delays (details supplied); and the work that is being done to reduce the timeframe persons must wait to be assessed. [34495/20]
View answerBased on the details provided, it appears that the concerns raised relate to access to Symptomatic Breast Disease Clinics rather than to breast cancer screening. All Symptomatic Breast Disease (SBD) clinics remained open and accepting referrals during the Covid-19 pandemic. In the light of Covid, clinical priority was given to referrals triaged as urgent. All SBD clinics have had to reduce capacity in line with guidelines on social distancing and infection prevention & control measures. St James’s Hospital (SJH) has a high rate of annual breast referrals. Patient’s categorised as not having a high suspicion of malignancy (based on GP referral data) are classified as non-urgent and the aim is to offer an appointment to these patients within 12 weeks. SBD clinics are struggling to meet the 12 weeks performance indicator in the current environment. Steps being taken to address this include validating the patient lists, additional clinics and streaming some patients into a radiology first pathway in the short-term where appropriate. Funding has been allocated as part of the Winter Plan and Budget 2021 to restore cancer diagnostic and treatment services to 95% of 2019 capacity. The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme continue to monitor performance of SBD clinics on a monthly basis and to work with the clinics to support these services.
Meanwhile, the BreastCheck programme resumed breast screening on 27 October. The focus of the restart is to achieve the maximum screening invitation rate that is compatible with safe and controlled follow-up assessment and treatment capacity.
331. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the data used regarding the decision to close golf courses under level 5 restrictions; the impact of golfing on the R number; the potential reduction in the R number through the application of golf closures; the number of Covid-19 cases linked to golfing; the location of those golf courses by county; and the general data which informed the decision to close down golf courses [34498/20]
View answerFirstly, I would like to say that I fully understand how important exercise and sporting activities, such as golf, are for people's physical and mental health, particularly in the winter months.
The Government's medium-term strategy Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 , sets out Ireland's approach to managing and living with COVID-19 in a range of areas over the next 6 - 9 months.
The Plan 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 aims to allow society and businesses to be able to operate as normally as possible, while continuing to suppress the virus. Each level outlines what is permitted for social or family gatherings, work and public transport, bars, hotels and restaurants, exercise activities and religious services.
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 and exercise are central to our well-being and are also the world of work for our many in our communities.
As I'm sure you 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.
In response to the rapidly deteriorating epidemiological situation across the country, Ireland has moved to level 5 of Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 .
At level 5 of the Plan, people are asked to stay at home, with certain exceptions, and must exercise within 5km of home. Exercise and sporting amenities such as golf courses have been closed in order to reduce the person-to-person contacts which allow the virus to spread. No matches or other sporting events may be held with the exception of professional elite sports and senior inter-county gaelic games and horse and greyhound racing, which may continue behind closed doors. All other training activities should be individual only. It is possible to meet with 1 other household in an outdoor setting which is not a home or garden, such as a park, including for the purpose of exercise.
The Government recognises that there are many aspects of normal life that have been altered by the emergence of COVID-19, and the response that has been required. It also recognises that these changes are difficult for many people. However, it is the case at present that many of the things which we have previously taken for granted -such as playing golf, but also eating out, attending church, travelling abroad freely - are no longer accessible in the same way due to the risks that they pose and the ease with which this virus spreads in particular conditions.
Regarding the impact of the closure of exercise and sporting amenities on the overall R number, I have been advised by the Irish Epidemiology Modelling Advisory Group (IEMAG), that it is not feasible to provide reliable estimates of the impact of very specific interventions. In order to do this, a series of assumptions would need to be made in relation to the number of close contacts that occur in a setting, the number of close contacts that occur in the population as a whole, the relative risk that such close contacts lead to infection, and the effect of mitigating measures such as the use of PPE. Small changes in these assumptions lead to very different outcomes in terms of impact upon the R number.
For your information, technical notes on the approaches used to estimate effective reproduction number (Re) or time-dependent reproduction number (Rt) are published on the Department of Health website https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/dc5711-irish-epidemiology-modelling-advisory-group-to-nphet-technical-notes/
I would also draw your attention to the CSO website for access to a range of data relating to Covid-19 including data on confirmed COVID-19 cases linked to sporting activity/fitness outbreaks. This is available on the CSO Covid-19 Information Hub at www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-covid19/covid-19informationhub/ and, in particular, at www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/br/b-cdc/covid-19deathsandcasesseries14/
A range of data on the epidemiology of Covid-19 in Ireland, including data on county incidence levels and trends in transmission, is also published in the daily report by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) available at: www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/casesinireland/epidemiologyofcovid-19inireland, while a daily report on the last 14 days in cases available at: www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/casesinireland/epidemiologyofcovid-19inireland.
The Government's guidelines for exercise and sporting events at all levels of the Plan are available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/. Level 5 guidance from Sport Ireland is available at: https://www.sportireland.ie/news/return-to-sport-expert-group-issues-guidance-to-sports-sector
332. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if an organisation (details supplied) requested a copy of the Terms of Agreement between the Department of Health, the HSE and the IMO, regarding GP Contractual Reform and Service Development between 1 April and 16 April 2020; if his Department agreed to such a request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34500/20]
View answerIt is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the dates between 1 April and 16 April 2019; please be advised that my Department has not found any request between 1 April and 16 April 2019 from the organisation concerned for a copy of the Terms of Agreement between the Department of Health, the HSE and IMO, regarding the 2019 GP Agreement on Contract Reform and Service Development.
333. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the position granted to an organisation (details supplied) in negotiating with his Department on behalf of its members as a result of the framework agreement between the two parties on 4 June 2014 as opposed to another organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34501/20]
View answerThe agreements which govern the 1972 and 1989 General Medical Service GP contracts were negotiated between the Department of Health and the Irish Medical Organisation. The same agreements prescribe that any amendments to their terms must also be the subject of negotiation and agreement between the same parties.
In 2014 a competition law-compliant Framework Agreement was entered into between the Department of the Health, the HSE and the IMO, setting out in detail the mechanisms which would operate between the parties in relation to current or future publicly-funded GP contracts. Under this Framework Agreement a number of developments have been negotiated, including under-6 GP visit cards, the Diabetes Cycle of Care for adult GMS patients, enhanced supports for rural GPs, and the most recent reforms and modernisations agreed in 2019.
In recent years, another organisation, the National Association of General Practitioners (NAGP) sought to be recognised on the same basis as the Irish Medical Organisations for the purposes of general practitioner contractual negotiations. In 2016, the then Minister for Health determined that the NAGP should be afforded a consultative role and arrangements in this regard were facilitated by the Department and the HSE, largely during 2017.
334. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 256 of 21 October 2020, if healthcare workers and their families can be prioritised for rapid testing and results, including healthcare personnel working in the community to enable staff to return to work in an efficient manner as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34507/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
335. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans in relation to an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34201/20]
View answerHare coursing is regulated under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly by the Irish Coursing Club (ICC), subject to the general control and direction of Rásaíocht Con Éireann. Hare coursing is managed and regulated by the ICC. Hares can only be collected for coursing by clubs affiliated to the ICC, in accordance with the terms of two licences granted by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
My Department is not responsible for licensing or attendance at coursing events. It is a matter for the licensing authority and the Department of Health as to the current arrangements for coursing events and their compliance with public health guidelines.
336. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the likely allocation to Ireland of the €5 billion EU Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34353/20]
View answerI welcome the agreement reached in July on the Multiannual Financial Framework, which included a €5 billion Brexit Adjustment Reserve for Member States and sectors most affected by Brexit. This is a new Reserve, and the particulars of how it will be distributed will be agreed after the Commission has presented its proposals for the Reserve later this month.
It is important to recognise the disproportionate impact that Brexit will have on Ireland, and especially on the Irish agri-food sector. Agri-food trade with or through Great Britain is going to be impacted by new customs and regulatory requirements and associated costs that will apply from 1 January 2021. It is important that all operators understand that these requirements will apply whether there is a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or not. Additionally, there is a serious potential impact from the EU and UK tariff schedules which would be imposed on trade between Ireland and Great Britain if a FTA that provides for zero tariffs and zero quotas is not agreed between the EU and the UK.
My Department has put in place financial and budgetary measures to help the agri-food and fisheries sectors meet the Brexit challenges they have faced to date. The Government's Brexit Readiness Action Plan makes it clear that further measures to support businesses and affected sectors will be considered in the coming months.
The Brexit Adjustment Reserve will be an important additional support for those adjusting to the new reality of trading with the UK as a third country. Every effort will be made to ensure that the agri-food sector gets an allocation from this Reserve that is commensurate with the impact on the sector.
