Written Answers Nos. 486-513
486. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the number of stillbirths in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021; the percentage of those still-births in each year within the number of births overall in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26841/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
487. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health the assistance that will be provided to a person (details supplied) in acquiring registration with a general practitioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26692/21]
View answerWhere a GMS patient experiences difficulty in finding a GP to accept him/her as a patient, the person concerned having unsuccessfully applied to at least three GPs in the area can apply to the HSE National Medical Card Unit which has the power to assign that person to a GP's GMS patient list.
People who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis and can make enquiries directly to any GP practice they wish to register with. As private contractors, it is a matter for each individual GP to decide whether to accept additional private patients. Where a GP practice has a full list of patients and cannot take on new patients, patients should contact other GP practices in the surrounding areas.
The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice, including the limited access to GP services in certain areas, and has implemented a number of measures to improve recruitment and retention in general practice.
These measures include an increase in investment in general practice by approximately 40% (€210 million) between 2019 and 2023 under the terms of the 2019 GMS GP Agreement GP. The Agreement provides for increased support for GPs working in rural practices and for those in disadvantaged urban areas, and for improvements to maternity and paternity leave arrangements. In addition, the number of GPs entering training has been increased steadily over the past ten years, rising from 120 in 2009 to 213 in 2020, with a further increase foreseen in 2021. The ICGP noted a record number of applications for the 2021 GP training programme.
These measures will see an increase in the number of GPs working in the State, improving access to GP services for patients throughout the country.
488. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health if the proposed national maternity hospital will be in public ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26701/21]
View answerThe Government is committed to the development of the new National Maternity Hospital (NMH) planned for the St Vincent’s University Hospital Campus at Elm Park, as set out in the Programme for Government. Significant progress has been made on the capital project, with planning permission for the hospital secured in 2017 and, in 2018, the awarding of contract for substantial enabling works.
The ownership and governance arrangements are more complex. The proposed corporate and clinical governance arrangements for the new NMH at Elm Park were set out in the Mulvey Agreement, which was finalised in 2016 following an extensive mediation process between the NMH and the St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group, published thereafter and noted by Government in 2017. The Mulvey Agreement provides for the establishment of a new company - National Maternity Hospital at Elm Park DAC - which will have clinical and operational, as well as financial and budgetary, independence in the provision of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services.
The draft legal framework subsequently developed is designed to copperfasten these arrangements. It provides that the new hospital remains in State ownership and that thus, the State’s significant investment will be protected. The clear legal advice provided to the State is that the draft legal framework ensures that all legally permissible medical services will be provided in the new hospital.
I have been very clear that I will not bring anything to Government unless it provides assurances around all legally permissible services being provided in the new NMH. In addition, the safeguarding of the State’s investment must also be put beyond doubt.
In that context, as I have recently stated, I intend to engage further with both St Vincent’s Healthcare Group and the Religious Sisters of Charity, as we move toward the finalisation of the arrangements.
489. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the position of the HSE on the recruitment of assistant psychologists in an unpaid capacity by HSE services; and the number of assistant psychologists currently working on a voluntary capacity within HSE services. [26726/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
490. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the status of workers who have been transferred without their knowledge from a section 39 status organisation to a section 56 status which has had consequences for those workers earnings and conditions; when and the way in which this change was made; if it is intended to ensure sufficient funding and resources are available for Tusla and section 56 workers to allow for the reversal of FEMPI era cuts that have applied to public sector and section 38 and 39 employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26738/21]
View answerUnder section 39 of the Health Act 2004, the HSE provides financial assistance to organisations by means of a grant. Section 39 legally underpins the provision of services similar or supplementary to a service that the HSE may provide. Staff in these section 39 organisations were not subject to the provisions of FEMPI legislation and therefore did not receive those cuts that were applied to the pay of public servants. They were not and are not party to the Public Service Agreements and are therefore not covered by the pay restoration provided for in these Agreements.
It would be inappropriate of the Minster for Health to comment on Section 56 organisations as they fall beyond his department's remit and are supported by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
491. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure the maintenance of full HSE public dental service provision in CHO9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26755/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
492. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the documents which were collated in relation to the recommendations of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010-2019 that are being used to inform the development of the report of the National Review of Cardiac Services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26766/21]
View answerThe cardiovascular policy, “Changing Cardiovascular Health 2010-2019”, built on the first national cardiovascular health strategy, entitled “Building Healthier Hearts” (Department of Health 1999). The reorganisation of care was reflected in the national cardiovascular strategy in 2010 which proposed the centralisation of cardiovascular services in order to maximise access, expertise and population coverage which formed part of the consideration of the current National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 with Professor Phillip Nolan as Chair of the Steering Group. This Review aims to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive by establishing the need for an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service. This aligns with the Sláintecare reform programme.
While substantial progress has been made on the Review, the COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted on the progress of the review, as the Chair has played a key role in the national COVID-19 response, both as a member of the NPHET and Chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group. However, it is intended that the Review will continue and work is now underway to progress this over the coming months.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services with specific terms of reference is cognisant of recommendations in the Changing Cardiovascular Health 2010 – 2019.
493. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health when a lymphedema clinic running as a pilot programme in Ennis, County Clare will be extended to the CHO8 region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26776/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
494. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of public ambulances available in the Dublin area in 2018, 2019 and 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26802/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
495. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if he will instruct the HSE to engage with an organisation (details supplied) in a meaningful way to resolve the current issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26809/21]
View answerAs Minister for Health, I am aware of the valuable work of the hospice movement in Ireland. I understand that the South Westmeath Hospice Committee aims to provide an appropriate and safe environment within which to deliver the best practice of care and promote dignity in the end stages of life for palliative care patients and their families.
As the matter raised by the Deputy in this instance relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.a
496. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the reason that a degree (details supplied) which is recognised as a level 8 qualification in Britain is not being recognised as a level 8 qualification for the purpose of a nurse applying for a training place as a public health nurse in this State. [26817/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
497. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a second dose vaccine appointment can be expedited for a person (details supplied). [27125/21]
View answerThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The Committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department. The NIAC review all data relating to COVID-19 vaccines on a rolling basis.NIAC has concluded that those of any age (without any previous COVID-19 infection), who have received their first dose of Vaxzevria® should receive their second dose 8-12 weeks later.You can read the guidelines at: www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/guidelines/covid19.pdfa.
The HSE has commenced the implementation of a revised operational plan based on the NIAC recommendations to alter the dose interval from 12 to 8 weeks. It remains safe and effective to receive your second dose 12 weeks after the first and it is important to attend for your second dose when you are invited.
Extensive planning has been required to put in place a revised programme that will now see the remaining, approximately 450,000, people in receipt of the AZ vaccine fully immunised through the administration of their second dose by the middle to end of July.
As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
498. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the vaccination of staff working in essential jobs and services that cannot avoid a high risk of exposure to Covid-19 (details supplied); if he will discuss this matter at the earliest convenience with the National Public Health Emergency Team and the National Immunisation Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27126/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
On the 23rd of February, I announced an update to Ireland’s COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy. In comprising the initial Vaccine Allocation Strategy, the NIAC listed several conditions associated with increased risk of severe disease and death. In the intervening period, national and international evidence has become available which has enabled a more detailed analysis of underlying conditions that may increase the risk of developing severe disease or death.
The NIAC has now been able to more comprehensively identify those medical conditions and to distinguish between those which place a person at very high or high risk of severe disease if they contract the virus. Medical conditions and the magnitude of the risk they pose will continue to be monitored and periodically reviewed.
On the 30th of March, the Government approved a further update to the COVID-19 Vaccination Allocation Strategy. Based on clinical, scientific and ethical frameworks produced by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee and my Department, following the vaccination of those most at risk, future groups will be vaccinated by age, in cohorts of 10 years (i.e., 64-55; 54-45, etc.). The move to an age-based model better supports the programme objectives by:
- protecting those at highest risk of severe disease first, which benefits everyone most;
- facilitating planning and execution of the programme across the entire country;
- improving transparency and fairness.
Further details are available here:www.gov.ie/en/press-release/93f8f-minister-donnelly-announces-update-to-irelands-vaccination-prioritisation-list/.
499. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if there is no requirement for mandatory hotel quarantine and the PCR test before arrival and home isolation in cases in which a person has received the first dose of a vaccine (details supplied) at least four weeks prior to their departure and subsequent arrival here given reports in the media in relation to same. [27127/21]
View answerMandatory hotel quarantine has been introduced as one element of Ireland’s public health measures to combat the transmission of COVID-19 variants of concern.
The Health Act 1947, as amended, provides that all persons arriving in Ireland from a designated state, or having travelled through a designated state in the previous 14 days, are required to undergo mandatory quarantine in a designated facility unless they are an exempted traveller under the Act. All applicable travellers must reserve and pay for a place in mandatory hotel quarantine.
The Act identifies those who are exempt from mandatory hotel quarantine, and a full list of exemptions can be accessed on www.gov.ie/quarantine.
As of 17th April, passengers who are fully vaccinated and have the documents to confirm this are no longer required to complete mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival in Ireland. Dependents, including children, will also be exempted from the requirement to complete mandatory hotel quarantine in this instance.
Please note that the 4 EMA approved vaccines currently accepted have specific definitions for when a person would be considered fully vaccinated.
A person is not considered fully vaccinated until 15 days after they receive their second dose of the Astra Zeneca vaccine.
Passengers who are fully vaccinated and exempt from hotel quarantine are still subject to other travel restrictions, such as the need to provide a negative pre-departure PCR test and complete a period of self-quarantine at home or wherever specified in their passenger locator form.
Neither I as Minister for Health nor my Department have any role in decisions relating to whether individual persons must enter mandatory quarantine or whether individual persons are exempted travellers. All such decisions are to be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
500. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in 2018 in relation to the review of the abortion legislation, his predecessor promised a comprehensive evaluation of the law, data and operations (details supplied); the reason the review being carried out appears to be an internal, Departmental coordinated review with no oversight from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health or an independent chair; the reason for the departure departed from the original commitment; if he will commit to the original plan for an external and independent review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27140/21]
View answerThe Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 was signed into law on 20 December 2018 and commenced on 1 January 2019. Section 7 of the Act 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 is being progressed this year and will be led by an independent expert. It is anticipated that it will take a three-part approach to reviewing the operation of the Act, with strands focusing on service users, service providers and a public consultation. Research to inform the service user and service provider strands will be commissioned and carried out independently, and a public consultation will be held.
Upon completion, a full report, with any necessary recommendations, will be submitted to me, as Minister, for consideration.
I have held a number of meetings with stakeholder groups to discuss the approach for the review; this will be finalised in due course.
501. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will address concerns that substitute or replacement home help care is not being provided in some instances in cases in which the usually assigned home help and or carer takes holiday leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27141/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
502. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if test results will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [27145/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
503. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if surgery will be carried out for a person (details supplied) under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. [27149/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
504. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [27153/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
505. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the percentage of assessments of need completed under the Disability Act 2005 that included a diagnosis of a disability in each of the years 2018 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27155/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
506. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number and percentage of applications by county for assessments of needs under the Disability Act 2005 overdue for completion at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27156/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
507. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the reason assessors are not asked to provide a diagnosis under the new standard operating procedure for assessments of need under the Disability Act 2005 given that the Act requires the nature and extent of the disability to be set out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27157/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
508. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the mean and median time required to complete assessments of need under the Disability Act 2005 in each of the years 2018 to 2020, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27158/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
509. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the HSE report on maternity services that he received on 13 May 2021 will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27166/21]
View answerMaternity services are a core, essential service and must be able to continue to provide 24/7 care during the pandemic. In order to protect women, babies, staff and our maternity service as a whole, it has been necessary to introduce restrictions on attendance at maternity services. This has unfortunately included limitations on access of partners to maternity wards, theatres and appointments. My Department and the HSE have been engaging closely in relation to this matter.
The HSE has advised that in mid-May a review of compliance was conducted in all maternity hospitals/units, based on the HSE-AMRIC national guidance in place. At that time, the HSE confirmed that 14 of the 19 maternity hospitals/units were fully compliant with the guidance. As of last week, the HSE has advised that all 19 maternity hospitals are now fully compliant with that national guidance.
However, it should be noted that this guidance was limited to planned attendances. Accordingly, the HSE's National Women and Infants Health Programme has advised that additional guidance was issued on 23 June to maternity hospitals. This guidance now addresses unplanned attendance, including at the Early Pregnancy Assessment Units, or emergency presentations in late pregnancy. The guidance also addresses attendance for women with at-risk pregnancies. I am advised that the HSE anticipates that a two-week period may be required to ensure all hospitals are able to address local logistical issues that might arise in implementing this additional guidance.
510. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27167/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.”
511. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if an emergency responder will be put in place given the important safeguarding role as it appears that HIQA do not monitor emails or answer telephone calls outside of business hours.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27201/21]
View answerThis Parliamentary Question relates to a service matter, as it concerns operational practices and procedures in addressing emergency safeguarding issues involving health and social care services, therefore it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
Within the health and social care sector, service providers are ultimately responsible for the safe care of their residents. For example, in relation to designated centres for older people, under Regulation 8 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 it is the legal responsibility of each registered provider to take all reasonable measures to protect residents from abuse. The National Standards on Adult Safeguarding applicable to health and social care settings, published in 2019 by the Health Information and Quality Authority and the Mental Health Commission, note that health and social care services have a responsibility to do everything possible to prevent harm as a result of abuse, neglect or exploitation, that services have a responsibility to ensure that if harm occurs or is likely to occur that it is stopped and reported as quickly as possible and that services must respond effectively when harm does occur in order to minimise the impact of harm.
In cases where there is an immediate or serious risk to a person's life or safety the emergency services should be contacted in the first instance. If a case of abuse is suspected to be a criminal matter, it should also be reported to An Garda Síochána for investigation and appropriate action.
The Deputy may also wish to note that my Department is currently finalising the development of an over-arching national policy on adult safeguarding in the health sector, which will be issued for public consultation.
512. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the number of applications for FreeStyle Libre device that were submitted by individual hospitals for persons with diabetes over 21 years of age; the number that were approved and refused in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; if there are proposals to remove the age restriction on the device; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27207/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services.
Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
513. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appointment for a person (details supplied).; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27208/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
