Mark Ward
Question:504. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the plan for adults with disabilities that live alone in the HSE roadmap to reopening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44448/20]
View answerDisability Support Services
Questions (504)
Written answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (505)
Mark Ward
Question:505. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the process to apply for reassignment of pre-Covid-19 supports for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44449/20]
View answerWritten answers
In preparing for and responding to COVID-19 and to fully align with Public Health guidance as recommended via the NPHET, the HSE and its partner service providers put in place a range of measures, which included the prioritisation of vital Residential and Home Support/PA services whilst curtailing or closing certain services such as day services, respite services, and certain clinical & therapeutic supports.
The number of people in receipt of PA and Home Support services has remained steady throughout the pandemic. The number of PA hours provided up to end September 2020 (Q3) has exceeded the expected target as a result of additional PA hours being provided in lieu of other services and is on schedule to deliver National Service Plan (NSP) levels of service by year end. Home Support Services are slightly down on target to date, given the complexity involved in the provision of services due to COVID-19.
In order to support Personal Assistants (PAs) during the pandemic, the HSE Disability Operations Quality Improvement Office developed infection, prevention and control bespoke guidance for PAs. This was developed in collaboration with Leaders, Personal Assistants and Service Providers and was agreed with the Health Surveillance Protection Centre (HSPC) and was published on the Partner Resources Page on the HSE website under the tab ‘HSE Approved Guidance for Disability Services’ at www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Disability Services Provision
Questions (506)
Mark Ward
Question:506. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the person or body being prioritised for home-based supports at the present time; the criteria being applied to determine priority; the way in which this is likely to change over the coming months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44450/20]
View answerWritten answers
The presence and threat of COVID-19 in Ireland has resulted in significant challenges for service providers, families and most importantly, people with disabilities. The Government and the HSE are aware that the changes in service delivery have resulted in significant stressors being placed on families and individuals with disabilities across Ireland.
Whilst the pandemic is ongoing, the Government continues to be committed to working to ensure that People with Disabilities be allowed to live an independent life of their own choosing, the same as any other person, and this is consistent with the disability reform policy - “transforming lives”.
The area of disability services is a priority area for this Government. To support people with a disability, significant resources have been invested by the health sector in disability services, and the Government has ensured that an additional €100 million is being provided for new disability measures next year under Budget 2021. In preparing for and responding to COVID-19 and to fully align with Public Health guidance as recommended via the NPHET, the HSE and its partner service providers put in place a range of measures, which included the prioritisation of vital Residential and Home Support services whilst curtailing or closing certain services such as day services, respite services, and certain clinical & therapeutic supports. The number of people in receipt of PA and Home Support services has remained steady throughout the pandemic. The number of PA hours provided up to end September 2020 (Q3) has exceeded the expected target as a result of additional PA hours being provided in lieu of other services and is on schedule to deliver NSP levels of service by year end. Home Support Services are slightly down on target to date, due to the complexity involved in the provision of services due to COVID-19.
Resource allocation is determined by the needs of the individual, compliance with prioritisation criteria, and the level of resources available. It is important to note that the level of service delivered is varied to ensure that each client’s needs are reflected. PA and Home Support Services are provided either directly by the HSE or through a range of voluntary service providers. The majority of specialised disability provision (80%) is delivered through non-statutory sector service providers.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Disability Services Provision
Questions (507)
Mark Ward
Question:507. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health his plans regarding the resumption of care and support of the person with the disability in order that families can return to work and education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44451/20]
View answerWritten answers
All day service locations with the exception of those being utilised as COVID-19 Isolation or testing centres have reopened since August.
There are currently 7 day service locations nationally that are being used for COVID-19 isolation or testing centres: one in CHO1; two in CHO2; one in CHO3 and three in CHO9.
Service users that usually received their supports from these locations are now either receiving supports at another location or receiving outreach or home-based supports. A further location will resume as a day service location in the coming weeks as an alternative COVID-19 test facility has been procured.
Day services re-opened at 39% capacity throughout August and early September. For the duration of the COVID-19 emergency day service capacity is reduced, this is due to the physical limitations of the buildings available, the lack of mainstream community activities, and the continued restrictions imposed by social distancing guidance. Many people with disabilities have underlying health conditions, and as the threat of COVID-19 remains, unfortunately so too does the need for these restrictions.
In September, Minister Donnelly and I announced that €7.5 million is being made available in 2020 to increase disability day services by one day a week for 14,940 adults. I also secured funding under the Budget to maintain this increase in 2021.
The funding will be used to augment staffing levels so that adults that currently live at home with their families will receive an average of an additional day of service at a day service location over and above what they have been receiving since day services resumed in August. Chief Officers were asked to immediately progress plans with the service provider sector to expedite the recruitment of the staff in this regard.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Speech and Language Therapy
Questions (508)
Mark Ward
Question:508. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the current waiting list time for first and review assessments for speech and language assessment and speech and language therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44452/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.
The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
HSE Staff
Questions (509)
Mark Ward
Question:509. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if all HSE disability services staff that were redeployed to other duties during the lockdown have now fully returned to their own team and are operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44453/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Disability Services Provision
Questions (510)
Mark Ward
Question:510. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if support packages for persons with dementia, acquired brain injuries and or chronic mental health difficulties is included in the brief for HSE disability services; if not, the person or body that are the relevant local managers responsible for these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44454/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Disability Services Provision
Questions (511)
Mark Ward
Question:511. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the way in which the community sector can improve its cooperation with HSE disability services in the best interests of local persons of all ages that have disabilities, their families and those who work with and for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44455/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Disability Support Services
Questions (512)
Réada Cronin
Question:512. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the plans in place to support a community (details supplied) in its work to secure the short-term accommodation of its residents and ensure the earliest possible reopening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44491/20]
View answerWritten answers
I thank the deputy for the question.
It is important in the first instance to note that Camphill Communities of Ireland (CCoI) is not closing the Dunshane Camphill Community. CCoI Dunshane accommodates 26 adults with intellectual disabilities in eight residential buildings. Fire safety issues have been identified in one of the houses in the community, and remedial works will be necessary. CCoI have communicated to the HSE and to HIQA their intention to have these works carried out.
CCoI state that the decision is based on careful consideration of internal and external specialist advice, and has been ratified by their board based on the overwhelming requirement to protect the safety and wellbeing of their residents. There are normally 7 residents in the particular setting. CCoI is liaising with the families of the residents and are putting in place plans to provide alternative accommodation for the residents while the works are being carried out. All residents will be accommodated within CCoI services.
The HSE are working with CCoI in this regard. I will therefore ask the HSE to respond to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.
Ambulance Service
Questions (513)
Johnny Mythen
Question:513. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the fire responder scheme (details supplied) as a secondary standby in the case of an ambulance not being available in the case of an echo. [44516/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (514)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:514. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the HSE guidance on recovery for sufferers of long-term Covid-19 issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44150/20]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to examine the matters raised by the Deputy and to provide her with a response as soon as possible.
Ministerial Meetings
Questions (515)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:515. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he plans to meet with a person (details supplied) to address a matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44156/20]
View answerWritten answers
Due to Minister Donnelly’s full schedule he has asked that my Office get in touch with the Deputy directly in relation to the request. My Office will contact the Deputy in the coming days.
Ophthalmology Services
Questions (516)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:516. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of referrals received by the dedicated cataract clinic in Nenagh, County Tipperary for patients living in west County Cork during 2019 and to date in 2020; if the HSE encouraged medical professionals in counties Cork and Kerry to avail of this service; the approximate time a patient will have to wait for treatments; the measures that have been agreed in the national service plan to improve waiting times for persons requiring eye procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44170/20]
View answerWritten answers
In recent years, my Department has worked with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to improve access for patients waiting for high volume procedures, including cataracts. Ophthalmology services are provided throughout all hospital groups in the country, with cataract removal one of the key procedures carried out as part of this specialty.A key development in improving access to Ophthalmology services was the opening of a stand-alone high-volume consultant-led cataract theatre by the University of Limerick Hospital Group in Nenagh Hospital in 2018, with the intention that it would facilitate patients from surrounding geographical areas to avail of their treatment there. The impact of such initiatives can be seen in the reduction in the waiting times to access cataract procedures since 2018. At the end of November 2020 there were 4,186 patients waiting compared to 6,378 in November 2018.In considering these figures it is important to recognise that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic this year. The HSE had to take measures to defer most routine scheduled care activity in March, April, and May. 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 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.
Budget 2021 provided an additional €240 million for an Access to Care Fund, €210 million of which will be allocated as required to the HSE and €30 million to the NTPF for the provision of treatment in private and public hospitals to address capacity issues and waiting lists.
In relation to the particular queries raised concerning Nenagh Cataract Clinic, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Services
Questions (517, 518, 519)
Martin Browne
Question:517. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the process that was involved in the considerations that were made in order to arrive at the decision to repurpose St. Brigid’s District Hospital, Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary; and if his attention has been drawn to the way that this impacts on the ability of sick family members to remain close to their families or in the community. [44180/20]
View answerMartin Browne
Question:518. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health his views on the importance of persons receiving convalescent or palliative care to remain close to their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44181/20]
View answerMartin Browne
Question:519. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if the two facilities that are to act as alternatives for persons that would otherwise receive convalescent or palliative care at St. Brigid’s, Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary have been identified; if so, if he will provide details of same; if the facilities will be run by private operators; and the projected cost of using same. [44182/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 517, 518 and 519 together.
This Government is committed to the development of improved community and home-based services, shifting care to home and offering greater choice for older people. Our ideal health service is one where people can get the health services they need, with the majority of care delivered in the community and not in acute hospitals.
The HSE took the decision to repurpose St. Brigid’s Hospital in light of current infection prevention and control best practice and in the context of the layout of the St Brigid’s premises. The Department has been advised by the HSE that people in the Carrick-on-Suir area who require convalescent, respite and or palliative care services are being fully supported in alternative settings in the South Tipperary area.
I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the operational matters raised.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (520, 539, 556, 574, 604)
Neale Richmond
Question:520. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if persons with Down's syndrome will be prioritised for the Covid-19 vaccination due to their higher risk from the disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44184/20]
View answer
Róisín Shortall
Question:539. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if persons with special needs and disabilities are included in the grouping of persons in the 18 to 64 age category with underlying health conditions in the provisional vaccine allocation groups document; if not, the category they are in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44261/20]
View answer
Colm Burke
Question:556. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if persons who have contracted Covid-19 in 2020 will be included in priority groups under the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44297/20]
View answer
Joe O'Brien
Question:574. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to amending the provisional vaccine allocation groups to prioritise persons with Down's syndrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44331/20]
View answerRichard Boyd Barrett
Question:604. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the reason vulnerable persons under 70 years of age with underlining conditions such as leukaemia that fall into the HSE defined very high risk from Covid-19 are not in the same group as the over 70s for the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44507/20]
View answerWritten answers
The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional priority list of groups for vaccination once a safe and effective vaccine(s) has received authorisation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and Department of Health, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
The Allocation Framework was developed to consider how to prioritise different groups. It is based on (1) ethical principles and (2) epidemiological considerations, and takes account of the current and evolving understanding of distinctive characteristics of COVID-19 disease, its modes of transmission, the groups and individuals most susceptible to infection and the characteristics of the candidate vaccines. The primary aim of the allocation strategy is focus on the prevention of sickness and mortality, and to preserve the health of people, by prioritising those at highest risk.
The Strategy is a further component to the State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will evolve and adapt with more detailed information on the vaccines and their effectiveness. Sequencing within and/or between cohorts, in line with the Vaccination Allocation Strategy, may be necessary due to the epidemiological situation at any given time, as well as the characteristics of the available vaccine(s), and as new data emerges, including the logistical challenges their distribution poses.
Further information on the Strategy can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (521, 546)
Michael McNamara
Question:521. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health if yoga studios will be allowed reopen with immediate effect in view that dance studios were allowed to reopen with pods of one, up to a maximum of 15 in a room (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44191/20]
View answer
Louise O'Reilly
Question:546. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his Department has been in contact with yoga teachers with regard to the restrictions placed on indoor yoga due to Covid-19; and his plans to engage with them to allow yoga to proceed, in a safe and secure manner under level 3 restrictions. [44272/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 521 and 546 together.
The Government appreciates 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 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 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 a period of 6 – 9 months.
The Plan aims to allow society and businesses to operate as normally as possible, while protecting our key priorities of supporting and maintaining health and social care services, keeping education and childcare services open and protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.
The Plan consists of 5 levels. Each level sets out what is permitted for social or family gatherings, work and public transport, bars, hotels and restaurants, exercise activities and religious services, at that moment in time. Each level contains a “basket” of measures which are intended, collectively, to contribute to lowering the risk of transmission of Covid-19 in alignment with the risk level at that time. The set of measures, individually, do not comprise a list of activities or places which are equally safe. Instead, they are “baskets” of measures which are informed by public health understanding of the disease. The measures in place for each level reflect the prevailing disease situation and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others.
As the Deputies 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. The numbers of people allowed to gather in different scenarios in the Government Plan 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.
As the Deputies are aware, Ireland is currently at level 3 of the Plan. Information in relation to the public health measures in place at all levels of the Plan, including information in relation to indoor gatherings and indoor and exercise classes and is available at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/ad569-level-3/.
Disability Support Services
Questions (522)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:522. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the status of discussions and or meetings and or correspondence he has had with an organisation (details supplied) with regards to its announcement that it will be withdrawing from its disability and mental health services in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44222/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, St John of God Community Services recently served the HSE with 12 months’ notice of its intention to terminate the provision of services under Section 38 of the Health Act 2004 with a view to transferring responsibility of disability and mental health services and supports to the state by 1 October 2021.
The primary concern of the Government at this time is to ensure the continuity of supports and services provided by St John of God Community Services for people with disabilities, those with mental health issues and their families.
The HSE has been engaging with St John of God Community Service in relation to their decision to terminate provision of services. Both parties are committed to continuing engagement and I would encourage the organisations concerned to work collaboratively together in the period ahead to ensure stability and continuity of service provision for those who rely on these vital services.
As the Deputy's question deals with services funded by the HSE, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services
Questions (523)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:523. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the plans he has to ensure that residents that were in a facility (details supplied) are housed appropriately after the closure of the facility on Merrion Road, Dublin 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44223/20]
View answerWritten answers
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 Staff
Questions (524)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:524. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the reason a non-EU national junior doctor does not have the same access to training programmes as EU junior doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44226/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Irish health system provides a wide range of medical postgraduate training programmes, and non-EEA junior doctors are eligible to apply for these programmes.
The guidance for allocating posts outlines how EEA citizens are given the first opportunity to fill the training places, and the remaining places are then allocated to non-EEA applicants. This method of allocating posts supports the policy of achieving national self-sufficiency regarding the training of medical specialists.
The Deputy will be glad to hear that on 6 November 2020 I removed barriers to accessing postgraduate training for non-EEA qualified doctors, when I signed an order commencing Sections 97 and 100 of the Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Act, 2020.
These sections amend the Medical Practitioners Act, 2007 and remove a requirement that doctors who qualified in a non-EEA country, and who wish to commence postgraduate medical training in Ireland, must have completed an internship deemed the equivalent of that completed in Ireland.
Gambling Sector
Questions (525, 526)
Thomas Gould
Question:525. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the funding streams available to support the work of a project (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the extraordinary work it does; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44230/20]
View answerThomas Gould
Question:526. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the funding provided in budget 2021 to support those addressing gambling addiction, education programmes surrounding the dangers of gambling and the importance of accessing support for harmful gambling. [44233/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 525 and 526 together.
The Department of Justice and Equality has responsibility for gambling regulation. In March 2019, the Government published the Inter-Departmental Working Group Report on Future Licensing and Regulation of Gambling. This report refers to the introduction of a modern licensing approach to all gambling activities, including enhanced protection of consumers and vulnerable individuals.
The report addresses the social impact of gambling, including the issue of problem gambling. It notes the social and health impacts of problem gambling and acknowledges that problem gambling can lead to social breakdown, with devastating financial losses and alienation of family and friends. Problem gambling can be associated with a range of harms including higher risk of psychiatric disorders, alcohol and drug misuse, physical and mental health issues, separation and divorce, unemployment and insolvency
The Inter-Departmental Working Group recommended that:
- funding be made available for research, training, and community interventions into treatment of gambling addiction.
- funding of public education and awareness raising programmes and the production of relevant information materials be supported.
- assistance be given in the provision of additional services to treat gambling addiction.
In order to meet these objectives, the Group recommended that a Social Fund, managed by the gambling regulatory authority should be established.
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for the provision of addiction treatment services.
The HSE also provides funding to a number of voluntary sector providers who treat gambling addiction, along with drug and alcohol addictions.
I support the recommendations of the working group report to address the social impact of gambling and to establish a social fund to support treatment services for gambling addiction.