Tuesday, 24 Nov 2020

Written Answers Nos. 761-777

Garda Deployment

Questions (761)

Denise Mitchell

Question:

761. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice the number of community gardaí attached to Coolock, Raheny and Howth Garda stations, respectively. [38890/20]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. Further, the allocation of Garda resources is made in light of identified operational demands. This includes deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.

I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure their optimum use. I understand that it is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to him or her, having regard to the profile of each area within the Division and its specific needs.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that members attached to Community Policing Units in the stations in question were temporarily re-assigned to the regular units at the commencement of the COVID-19 roster. However, members from the Community Policing Units remain in contact with their contacts throughout the community and have been providing valuable assistance to vulnerable persons throughout the crisis.

It should also be noted that, to date, the official categorisation as a Community Garda has simply referred to those who are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities and civil society including giving talks to schools, community groups and others. However, it is important to note that community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána and that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. Indeed, this has never been more evident than in the work carried out by all members of the Gardaí over the last eight months as we have tackled the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Deputy may wish to note that as of 31 October 2020, there were 239 Garda members assigned to the Coolock District in total. This included 199 Gardaí, 33 Sergeants, 6 Inspectors and 1 Superintendent, of which 118 Garda members were assigned to Coolock Garda station.

As of the same date, there were 167 Garda members assigned to the Raheny District which included 143 Gardaí, 19 Sergeants, 4 Inspectors and 1 Superintendent. Of this total, 35 Garda members were assigned to Howth Garda station and 71 Garda members were assigned to Raheny Garda station.

Health Services

Questions (762)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

762. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37854/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

A Workplace Relations Commission agreement was reached in October 2018 in relation to pay restoration for section 39 organisations. This agreement provided for pay restoration in relation to 50 ‘pilot organisations’ in the first instance. Pay restoration for these bodies commenced in April 2019 with further payments due in 2020 and 2021 as appropriate.

I can confirm that the Kerry Parents & Friends Association is one of the section 39 organisations that is included in the pilot group of 50 bodies whose pay restoration is being advanced as outlined above.

Respite Care Services

Questions (763)

Alan Dillon

Question:

763. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the assessment criteria for respite for school aged children with autism spectrum disorder; the funding allocated for this respite in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38494/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

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

Abortion Services Provision

Questions (764)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

764. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a recent study (details supplied) in which a series of interviews with doctors carrying out abortions in Ireland reveals that babies born alive after failed abortions have been left to die; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38951/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I am aware of the article to which the Deputy refers in his question, on ‘Fetal medicine specialist experience of providing a new service of termination of pregnancy for fatal fetal anomaly: a qualitative study”.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 sets out the parameters in which termination of pregnancy may be lawfully carried out in this country. Section 11 of the Act permits a termination of pregnancy to be carried out in cases where there is a condition present affecting the foetus that is likely to lead to the death of the foetus before or within 28 days of birth.

The purpose of the legislation is not to dictate the practice of obstetrics. Medical practitioners are bound through professional regulatory mechanisms to operate in accordance with best medical practice.

Legislative Reviews

Questions (765)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

765. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health when he proposes to set a date for the mandatory three-year review of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018. [38954/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Deputy will be aware, section 7 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 states that

“The Minister shall, not later than 3 years after the commencement of this section, carry out a review of the operation of this Act.”

The review clause was included in the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 in order to facilitate monitoring of the operation of the legislation in practice, as well as of the delivery of services in the area.

As set out in the Programme for Government Our Shared Future, the Department of Health intends to conduct the review in 2021.

Patient Transfers

Questions (766)

Seán Crowe

Question:

766. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if the protocols for transferring patients from acute beds to nursing homes have been revised since March 2020; if all patients are Covid-19 tested before being transferred to a nursing home; the number of such tests that have been performed; and if single room accommodation is provided for all such patients for at least 14 days after transfer. [37766/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Nursing home providers are ultimately responsible for admissions to their homes. They must ensure that the premises of a designated centre are appropriate to the number and needs of the residents of that centre and in accordance with the statement of purpose. To further assist nursing homes the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has developed substantial public health guidance. The guidance, which is under constant review, is available on the HPSC’s website.

Guidance on resident admissions, transfers and discharges is addressed in the “Interim Public Health, Infection Prevention & Control Guidelines on: Admissions, Transfers to and Discharges from Long Term Residential Care Facilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic V1.1 21.09.2020 and also in the Interim Public Health, Infection Prevention & Control Guidelines on the Prevention and Management of COVID-19 Cases and Outbreaks in Residential Care Facilities V6.1 03/11/2020.”

The guidance sets out the measures that should be adopted in relation to admissions to residential facilities. It notes that over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been significant learning about the role of testing for COVID-19 and its role in determining levels of asymptomatic infection and tracking spread of infection, especially in congregated settings, such as Residential Care Facilities. All transfers or new admissions should have a risk assessment, to ensure sufficient resources are available within the residential care facility (RCF) to support social distancing and patient placement. Testing for COVID-19 should be undertaken for the admission of patients with no diagnosis or clinical suspicion of COVID-19 from acute hospital to an RCF within the 3 days prior to discharge from the acute hospital. In general residents transferred or directly admitted to an RCF should be accommodated in a single room (or room with no other residents) for 14 days after arrival and monitored for new symptoms consistent with COVID-19 during that time. The detailed guidance developed to support providers provides further details and considerations in relation to this matter.

I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the query on the number of tests that have been carried out.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (767)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

767. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for the pain management clinic at Tallaght University Hospital for over one, two, three, four and five years, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37775/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

It 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 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.

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.

The NTPF have advised my Department that as of October 2020 there are 1,156 patients on the Outpatients Pain Relief waiting list at Tallaght University Hospital. This represents an 11% decrease on the December 2019 figure.

The detailed information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the attached document. The NTPF have advised my Department that currently there is no patient waiting more than four years for this service in Tallaght University Hospital.

Patients Waiting list

Vaccination Programme

Questions (768)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

768. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide for a less onerous system to allow doctors to claim payment for administering the flu vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37777/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the reimbursement of GPs and pharmacists for the administration of Influenza vaccine (and other vaccines) to eligible patients is a matter for the HSE Primary Care Eligibility and Reimbursement Service (PERS), I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (769, 833)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

769. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will address the lack of flu vaccines available to doctors and pharmacists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37778/20]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

833. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the reason general practitioner practices in County Kerry are still waiting for the HSE to replenish flu vaccine stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38219/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 769 and 833 together.

This season, 1.95 million doses of influenza vaccine have been purchased, which is double the amount administered last season. The HSE has procured 1.35 million doses of the Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (QIV) for administration to all persons in an at-risk group, as well as 600,000 doses of the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) for all children aged from 2 to 12 years old inclusive.

1.3 million of the 1.35 million doses of flu vaccine available this winter have been distributed to GPs, pharmacists and other vaccination sites. In addition, over 440,000 doses of the LAIV for administration to children aged from 2 to 12 have been distributed. As of 22nd November, over 1 million claims for reimbursement from GPs and pharmacists for the administration of influenza vaccines have been received by PCERS, including approximately 130,000 claims for the administration of nasal LAIV to children aged 2 -12.

Demand for vaccination remains strong at this point and may exceed available QIV supply. It is likely that the full amount procured, 1.35 million doses, will be administered. Given the demand on the international market for influenza vaccine, it is not likely to be possible to procure additional supply.

As a consequence, from the fourth round of deliveries which started on 23 October, GPs and pharmacists have been asked that of remaining patients in at-risk groups, priority should be given to the over-65s and healthcare workers with direct patient contact, in line with WHO advice.

Each year a certain amount of vaccine is “held back” to ensure those in at-risk groups receive vaccines. With the unprecedented demand this year it is important that the HSE manage the distribution of the remaining doses in order to target administration to the at-risk groups who need it the most. The delivery of the final 50,000 QIV doses to sites across the country commenced Monday 23rd November.

The significant increase in uptake among those in the at-risk groups, combined with the addition of vaccination for children aged from 2 to 12, will help reduce the impact of influenza on the community and the health system.

Medical Cards

Questions (770)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

770. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health when the report of the clinical advisory group on medical card eligibility will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37782/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Programme for Government ‘Our Shared Future’ contains a commitment to extend discretionary medical cards to those with a terminal illness. A HSE Clinical Advisory Group (CAG) was established in December 2019 to review eligibility for medical cards in cases of terminal illness. The final Report of the CAG was recently submitted to my Department and has now been published.

The Report notes that there are practical and legal challenges with extending eligibility for medical cards for terminally ill patients within the framework of the current process. However, I wish to assure the Deputy that I am committed to ensuring that terminally ill patients have access to the services they need. In that regard, my Department has devised a work programme which has been initiated and which will look to address the policy and legal findings of the Report and deliver on the Programme for Government commitment.

Ambulance Service

Questions (771)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

771. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the average response time of ambulances in County Kildare; the number of ambulances ordinarily based at each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37783/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Health Services Expenditure

Questions (772)

Carol Nolan

Question:

772. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the names of the manufacturing companies in China from which the Government and or the HSE has purchased Covid-19 related PPE products such as face masks; the amount paid to each company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37789/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Health Services Expenditure

Questions (773)

Carol Nolan

Question:

773. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if his Department has conducted any investigations to ensure that the purchase of PPE equipment or material from China is not being produced by any Chinese company that uses state-imposed Uyghur Muslim labour in its factories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37790/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Public Procurement Contracts

Questions (774)

Carol Nolan

Question:

774. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the details of contracts of €25,000 or more than have been awarded by his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department that were found to be non-compliant with procurement guidelines from 1 January 2019 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37800/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In 2019 there were three contracts to the value of €413,321 included in my Department's annual return in respect of Circular 40/2002 that were not in compliance with procurement guidelines.

€76,646 related to mobile and telephony services where it had been expected that a new competitively tendered agreement would be concluded in 2019. This has since been put in place.

€26,224 related to translation services. A tender competition was undertaken and a contract for this dedicated translation service is now in place.

€310,451 related to electricity services provided in Miesian Plaza. My Department is now signed up under the OGP Framework for the “Supply of electricity to Government Departments and the Security Sector,” such that this area of expenditure is now compliant. This is a shared tenancy expense of which the proportion charged to my department was €182,731. My Department recouped €88,696 from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and €39,024 from the Department of Finance / Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

In respect of 2020, details for non-compliant contracts are not yet available.

In relation to contracts awarded by the HSE, as this is an operational matter, I have forwarded your query to the HSE and asked that they respond directly to you on this.

Details for other bodies under the aegis of my Department are operational matters for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.

Primary Care Centres

Questions (775)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

775. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if a mental health day hospital will be included in the new primary care unit (details supplied) in County Meath ; if so, if it will it be an admissions unit; and when the proposed new primary care centre in Navan will be built. [37820/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (776)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

776. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if persons who are moving house or are in the process of finding and or viewing new accommodation are permitted to travel beyond the 5 km under current level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37823/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Firstly, I would like to assure the Deputy, that the Government is committed to ensuring a balanced and proportionate response to COVID-19 by finding ways to implement public health measures in response to the pandemic in a way that is fair, reasonable and proportionate.

As you will be aware, in response to the rapidly deteriorating epidemiological situation across the country, Ireland has moved to level 5 of the Government’s medium-term strategy for dealing with COVID-19, Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19

This 5 level Framework 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.

Restrictions on domestic travel apply at Levels 3, 4 and 5 of the Plan.

As the Deputy is aware, Ireland is now at Level 5 of the Plan. Under Level 5, people are asked to stay at home and to exercise within 5km of home. A number of exemptions are provided, including travel to move to another residence where, in all the circumstances of the case, such movement is reasonably necessary.

Current regulations and other Statutory Instruments related to the Covid-19 pandemic are available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (777)

Francis Noel Duffy

Question:

777. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Health the arrangements being considered for religious services in places of worship when level 5 is lifted; if he will reconsider Covid-19 restrictions on allowing physical attendance at any type of religious services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37833/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Deputy is aware, 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. The Plan 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. Each level outlines what is permitted for social or family gatherings, work and public transport, bars, hotels and restaurants, exercise activities and religious services.

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.

The number of people allowed to gather in different scenarios in the Government Framework are based on a review of international practice and the judgment of public health experts. It seeks to balance the risks of different types of gatherings against the desire to allow normal activities to proceed in so far as possible.

It is advised to socialise safely and within the capacity limits. These various limits in the Levels are all designed to reduce the number of households mixing with each other and cut down the virus’s chances of spreading into more homes.

The Deputy should note, that the numbers should not be considered a target - they are the maximum recommended number. It’s always safer to meet less people, less often, for less time. If we do this, we have a better chance of keeping to the lower Levels in the Framework, and continuing to keep businesses, schools, and healthcare services open, while also protecting the most vulnerable.

The ‘Framework for Restrictive Measures in Response to COVID-19’ in the Living with Covid Plan provides for restrictions on gatherings of people indoors given the higher risk associated with these types of activities and sets out when it is considered that religious services can take place with protective measures (Levels 1 and 2) and when they must move online (Levels 3,4 and 5). Weddings and funerals are exceptions and can continue at every level with limited numbers.

Churches and other places of worship can remain open for private prayer. It is also important to note that at all levels, Ministers of Religion are permitted to travel to perform a service on-line, to minister to the sick, and conduct a funeral or wedding ceremony. The relevant regulations relating to Level 5 restrictions are S.I. 448 of 2020 (Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (NO. 8) Regulations 2020).

Throughout the pandemic, the Government has sought to implement these measures on the basis of guidance as opposed to regulations wherever possible. It should be noted that holding a religious gathering is not a penal offence.

I and my Cabinet colleagues recognise the immense sacrifices that are being made be people across the country at this difficult time. I know that that includes many people who are affected by their inability to attend church in the way they have been used to. However, there has been significant engagement and solidarity from the Catholic Church and other Faiths at all stages throughout this pandemic to ensure the protection of individuals and communities from COVID-19. Indeed, the Taoiseach has recently met with the leaders of the Catholic Church to consider the range of issues relating this matter.

Finally, the Deputy will wish to note that comprehensive guidelines are in place to ensure that religious services can take place safely when they recommence: https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/religioussettingsguidance/COVID_religious%20settings.pdf