Written Answers Nos. 2622-2640
2622. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if a reply will issue to correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the school immunisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38411/21]
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.
2624. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the number of children and young adults on waiting lists in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; the length of time they are waiting for services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38415/21]
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.
2625. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the progress made on the provision of the primary care centre scheduled for Bangor Erris, County Mayo; the timeline for delivery of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38418/21]
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.
2627. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will immediately address the very serious issues raised by relatives of deceased residents in a nursing home (details supplied) as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38434/21]
View answerThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented challenge across our health services and none more so than in our nursing homes. The pandemic has been a hugely difficult time for all residents, relatives, and staff of nursing homes. While it is undoubtedly important that we learn from our responses to the pandemic, it must be recognised that the pandemic has not concluded. At this time, a priority focus of Government remains the ongoing management of the COVID-19 response.
Although significant progress has been made in relation to the roll-out of the vaccination programme and the current situation in nursing homes is broadly stable, the prevalence of the more transmissible Delta variant is rapidly increasing in Ireland. This poses a significant risk, particularly to those who are not yet fully protected though vaccination, which must be managed.
It is also important to recognise that learning from the early stages of the pandemic has been integral to the Government’s responses as the pandemic has progressed. The COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel considered lessons learned from the initial wave of the pandemic in developing recommendations that focus on immediate, short-term actions required for the response to COVID-19 as well as on long-term actions required to effect the strategic reform of nursing home systems, operation, policy, and legislation.
Continuing the approach of the Expert Panel, the HSE will undertake a detailed analysis of the management and outcomes that occurred during COVID-19 pandemic, with lessons for causal factors and preparedness for infection prevention and control, in line with recommendation theme 6 of the Expert Panel’s report. However, unfortunately, given the nature of this work, it has been impacted by the cyberattack on the health system. This work further builds on the comprehensive joint report, “Analysis of factors associated with outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 in nursing homes in Ireland ”, published by HIQA and the HPSC in May this year.
The blend of operational data from the frontline, voluntary surveys’ findings and key stakeholder feedback also continuously provide insight into the current status of the nursing home sector's response to COVID-19.
The ongoing learning from the pandemic, including consideration of new evidence and information that emerges nationally and internationally, is critical to the Government’s continued response to the pandemic as it evolves.
While we are still dealing with a degree of risk in nursing homes due to COVID-19, we are continuing to look at options which may be available to the State in relation to listening to the voices of those who have lost a loved one.
I am in receipt of the correspondence referred to by the Deputy, and I wish to assure him that I have responded directly to this correspondence on 23 July.
2630. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to further evidence (details supplied) demonstrating the effectiveness of vitamin D in lowering the risk and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection; if NPHET has considered this further evidence; the steps he is taking to ensure that this evidence is reflected in public health measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38443/21]
View answerEvidence concerning the role of vitamin D and vitamin D status in relation to Covid-19, including the research referred to by the Deputy, is maintained under regular review by the Department and has been considered as part of a series of evidence reviews. In response to a request from the NPHET, the most recent evidence review conducted by HIQA of interventions and health related factors that prevent COVID-19 infection or minimise progression to severe disease was submitted to NPHET on 12 May 2021 and published 23 June 2021 on the HIQA website.
This HIQA review confirmed the previous NPHET assessment of January 2021 that there is currently no sufficiently high quality evidence to show that the use of Vitamin D supplementation prevents COVID-19 or reduces the severity of the disease.
The role of vitamin D in bone and muscle health is well understood and individuals are encouraged to follow the Department of Health Guidance accordingly. Existing guidance on vitamin D was updated in November 2020 and advises that adults aged 65 and older should take a 15 microgram (600 IU) daily supplement for bone and muscle health. The NPHET at its meeting on 28th January 2021 agreed that efforts should be made to increase awareness of existing guidance. Adults spending increased time indoors or those who are housebound or in long-term residential care or have dark skin pigmentation are also recommended to take a daily vitamin D supplement. These recommendations for the use of vitamin D have been incorporated into wider messaging, and communicated across the health service, including nursing homes and social care settings, as necessary.
2631. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the name of the two nursing homes concerned and the reasons they were closed by HIQA under section 59 of the Health Act 2007 as mentioned in the HIQA annual report for 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38444/21]
View answerThe Health Information and Quality Authority has advised the Department that in 2020 the Chief Inspector applied to the District Court under Section 59 of the Health Act 2007, as amended, for an order to cancel the registration of two nursing homes:
- Donore Nursing Home in Bray
- Oaklands Nursing Home in Listowel.
In both cases the Chief Inspector had to demonstrate that there was a serious risk to the health and welfare of the residents living in the nursing homes, in contravention of the facilities’ statutory obligations.
2632. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of action Item 3.13 of the National Breastfeeding Action Plan which pertains to the WHO Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38450/21]
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.
Promoting an increase in the number of new mothers breastfeeding is a priority in the Healthy Ireland Strategic Action plan 2021-2025. Infant formula is needed as not all babies are breastfed. 2021 is the year of the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes which is aimed at protecting children and families from inappropriate marketing of breastmilk substitute products. The Code covers infant formula products up to the age of 3 years. I am advised that the HSE are working to strengthen compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes through partnership and cross sectoral working.
2633. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the way his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit are implementing Action 16 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (details supplied). [38545/21]
View answerServices provided by the Department of Health are built with accessibility and universal design principles in all areas where possible, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
The Department of Health's website is hosted on the gov.ie central platform managed by the Office of the Government Chief Information Office (OGCIO) under the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The identification and resolution of compliance issues with web accessibility guidelines on gov.ie is managed by the OGCIO. I have been informed that 'Gov.ie' partially complies with the double-A Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 standards and the 4 principles of accessibility (perceivable, operable, understandable and robust). I am also informed that the OGCIO continuously review and improve the website including for accessibility requirements, engaging with other content owners in appropriate circumstances.
The implementation of Action 16 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 by public bodies under the aegis of the Department of Health is detailed within the Strategy as an area of responsibility for each individual public body and is therefore an operational matter for those bodies concerned.
2634. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the way his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit are implementing Action 32 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (details supplied). [38546/21]
View answerThere is continuous engagement by my Department with disability representatives on policy matters. The Department of Health’s Disability Consultative Committee meets generally three to four times a year. The Health Service Executive holds regular meetings with disability representatives through its Disability Consultative Forum. These meetings are an opportunity to hear from disability representatives on their priorities for services.
These fora are an integral part of a wider consultative process with disability stakeholders which oversees and monitors the implementation of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, including the Department of Health’s commitments under that strategy. Under my chairmanship, the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Committee, comprising disability representatives from the Disability Stakeholder group and departmental officials meets around three times a year. The National Disability Inclusion Strategy in turn was developed following three separate phases of consultation with disability stakeholders.
The Government welcomes the widespread engagement of disability representative organisations in ongoing discussion of policy and resource matters through channels including those listed above, which ensure the voice of people with disabilities is heard in matters affecting them.
2635. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the measures which have been undertaken to empower the Chief Inspector of HIQA to be in a position to take urgent and appropriate action in circumstances in which the safety and privacy of nursing home residents are reported as high risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38567/21]
View answerThe Chief Inspector of Social Services in the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, is the statutory independent regulator in place for the nursing home sector, whether a HSE managed or a private nursing home. The Chief Inspector, established under the Health Act 2007, has significant and wide-ranging powers up to and including withdrawing the registration of a nursing home facility, which means that it can no longer operate as a service provider. This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising of Registration Regulations, Care and Welfare Regulations and National Quality Standards for older people and national standards for infection prevention and control.
The Chief Inspector, in discharging her duties determines, through examination of all information available to her, including site inspections, whether a nursing homes meets the regulations in order to achieve and maintain its registration status. Should a nursing home be deemed to be non-compliant with the Regulations and the National Quality Standards, it may either fail to achieve or lose its registration status. In addition, the Chief Inspector has wide discretion in deciding whether to impose conditions of registration on nursing homes. I understand that the Chief Inspector takes a risk based approach to regulation, prioritising regulatory activities and resources for monitoring, inspection and enforcement, based on the assessment of the risk that the regulated services pose.
It is also important to recognise that learning from the early stages of the pandemic has been integral to the Government’s responses as the pandemic has progressed. The COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel considered lessons learned from the initial wave of the pandemic in developing recommendations that focus on immediate, short-term actions required for the response to COVID-19 as well as on long-term actions required to effect the strategic reform of nursing home systems, operation, policy, and legislation.
In addition, having regard to the NHEP recommendations, learning from the pandemic and HIQA's suggested regulatory enhancements, the Minister for Health and I approved a two-phased approach to examining the legislation with a view to proposing interim enhancements to the primary and secondary legislation governing nursing homes in phase 1, with a primary focus on enforcement, governance, oversight and certain regulatory areas including infection prevention and control. It is expected that, subject to Government approval draft Heads of Bill will be published by the end of the year.
I expect phase 2, which will be a comprehensive review of the regulatory framework to formally commence in the second half of 2022. In the meantime, the Minister for Health and I have commissioned an international evidence review of nursing home regulatory models which will assist and provide evidence to inform the planned comprehensive review.
2636. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the measures that have been taken to date since the publication of the HIQA 2020 annual report (details supplied) to prepare or enact their suggested interim amendments to the Health Act 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38568/21]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2007, HIQA has significant and wide-ranging powers, up to and including the cancellation of registration of a designated centre where it has concerns about the quality of governance and oversight in such a service. Under the Act HIQA’s role is to develop standards, inspect and review health and social care services and support informed decisions on how services are delivered. HIQA is responsible for monitoring, inspecting and registering all nursing homes in Ireland to ensure that residents are safe and receive a high quality of care.
In August 2020, the Nursing Home Expert Panel (NHEP) report was published which contained 86 recommendations, across 15 thematic areas, many of which will require legislative measures to implement. HIQA also submitted a paper outlining a number of suggested amendments to the legislation governing the operation of designated centres for older people.
Having regard to the NHEP recommendations, learning from the pandemic and HIQA's suggested regulatory enhancements, Minister Donnelly and I approved a two-phased approach to examining the legislation with a view to proposing enhancements to the primary and secondary legislation governing nursing homes.
It is envisaged that phase 1 will bring forward interim enhancements to the primary legislative framework to, amongst other things, enhance the governance and oversight of nursing homes and improve the reporting of key operational data to support national planning in an integrated way and improve the information available. In January 2021 the Government approved the inclusion of a Health (Amendment) Bill 2021 on its legislative agenda. It is expected that, subject to Government approval draft Heads of Bill will be published by the end of the year.
In addition, secondary legislation will be drafted to enhance the current regulations in relation to a number of areas including infection prevention and control, governance and management and staffing.
A bilateral project group, established in October 2020 and comprising representatives from the Department and HIQA, is supporting the legislative process. This group, with support of legal expertise is undertaking detailed and focused work on the relative legislative proposals.
A wider review of the regulatory framework, phase 2, will commence in the second half of 2022, taking into account a programme of longer-term strategic reform considerations arising from inter alia pandemic learning with a view to exploring moving towards a service licensing system. HIQA has been requested to undertake an up-to-date international evidence review of nursing home regulatory models to support and inform the wider review. Engagement between the Department and HIQA on the research proposal and methodology is ongoing and it is expected that this research project will commence in 2021.
2637. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the person or body responsible for the creation of the advertisement for unpaid assistant psychologist roles within the HSE services in Dublin north city and County; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38570/21]
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.
2638. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the number of assistant psychologists currently working on a voluntary capacity within the HSE services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38571/21]
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.
2639. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the HSE’s position on the recruitment of assistant psychologist in an unpaid capacity by the HSE services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38572/21]
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.
2640. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if the results of the review into the advertisement for unpaid assistant psychologist roles within the HSE services in Dublin north city and County will be made available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38573/21]
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.
