Thursday, 14 Oct 2021

Written Answers Nos. 142-161

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (142)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

142. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons including children seeking international protection who have been required to quarantine in hotels on arrival in Ireland by month to date in 2021; the number of persons that have been required to quarantine beyond 14 days; if those that receive a negative PCR test no earlier than five days after arrival are permitted to exit quarantine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50258/21]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

In the table below, the Deputy can see the number of persons quarantined on arrival since January, 2021, to date. As requested, this is broken down by month. Similarly, the table sets out the numbers of persons that have quarantined beyond 14 days. The average length of stay for those staying beyond 14 days is 21 days.

New arrivals since Jan 2021

Month of Admission: 2021	No. of Admissions	No. of Participants Quarantined beyond 14 Days
January	199	91
February	115	47
March	181	47
April	146	58
May	211	85
June	277	80
July	340	91
August	517	187
September	639	198
October	265	0
Grand Total	2890	884

While mandatory quarantine arrangements have now been stepped down to a large degree, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS), in consultation with the HSE and Public Health, continues to retain a number of quarantine facilities in the Dublin region. This is a precautionary measure to mitigate against the risk of COVID, and any new variants, entering the National Reception Centre in Balseskin and the wider IPAS accommodation network. In agreement with the HSE and Public Health authorities at the beginning of October, the length of quarantine required for new arrivals to be cleared for transfer to Balseskin has been reduced from 14 days to 5 days, subject to two negative PCR tests on Days 1 and 5 respectively.

Due to capacity issues arising from higher than predicted numbers of new arrivals some residents may still experience delays in their transfer to Balseskin but IPAS officials assure me they are actively working through these issues with the various stakeholders involved.

The services provided by IPAS are of course demand-led and, as demand is currently running higher than predicted, these arrangements are being kept under daily review by my officials to ensure that there is sufficient accommodation to house new arrivals in the State seeking international protection.

Rights of the Child

Questions (143)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

143. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the position regarding adopting the Optional Protocols to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. [50197/21]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child has three Optional Protocols:

- an Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict;

- an Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography; and

- an Optional Protocol on a communications procedure.

Ireland has ratified the first and third protocols in 2002 and 2014 respectively. Ireland signed the Second Optional Protocol on the 7th September 2000 but it has not yet been ratified.

A number of significant pieces of legislation had to be passed to ensure that Ireland is in complete compliance with the obligations of the Second Optional Protocol. The enactment of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 and the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 constituted key steps on the pathway to the ratification of this Optional Protocol.

I am strongly committed to the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. My Department made a comprehensive submission to the Attorney General’s Office in 2019 seeking confirmation as to whether Ireland was in a position to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The advice received from the AGO stated that while Ireland is largely compliant with the terms of the Protocol, there are some outstanding issues that need to be resolved before the State can proceed to ratification. My Department has been liaising closely with the Department of Justice as the outstanding issues identified by the AGO fall within their remit.

The main outstanding issues relate to determining what if any legislative measures may need to be put in place to ensure that the full range of offences covered by the Protocol can be prosecuted on an organised and transnational basis in line with Article 3.1 of the Protocol.

There is close engagement between the Department of Justice and my Department while we await their determination on the legislative requirements. Once the Department of Justice has concluded this process, the next step will involve the development of measures that may be necessary to enable ratification.

Family Resource Centres

Questions (144)

Michael Ring

Question:

144. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if funding will be provided for a family and community resource centre (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50225/21]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Tusla administers the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme which provides funding support to 121 FRCs across the country. My Department allocates core funding for the FRC Programme and since 2019, an additional €1.5m has been provided in funding. This means that funding for 2021 will amount to €18 million.

Organisations that wish to join the Programme are advised to contact Tusla in the first instance, with regard to the potential next steps. Currently, there are no plans to expand the FRC Programme or to establish new funding schemes for the Programme in the immediate future. Any such plans would depend on the availability of additional funding for the Programme, and decisions on the most appropriate use of such funding.

Tusla continues to work with community-based family support organisations, including the seven FRCs in County Mayo, to best meet the needs of vulnerable children, families and communities. Tusla currently provides additional resources to Castlebar FRC for the employment of a community-based outreach family support worker who operates in the Erris area. Tusla continues to actively engage with the Erris area, including the establishment of a new Youth Project.

Assisted Decision-Making

Questions (145)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

145. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason that section 83 of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 has not been commenced; the timeline for the commencement of each section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50244/21]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (the 2015 Act) is a very important piece of legislation that changes the existing law on capacity from the status approach of the wardship system to a flexible functional approach, whereby capacity is assessed on an issue and time-specific basis. It will abolish the wards of court system for adults by repealing the Lunacy Regulation (Ireland) Act 1871. Adults currently in wardship will transition to the new decision-making support arrangements on a phased basis over 3 years from the date of commencement.

Section 83, which is in Part 8 of the Act and refers to the purpose of that Part, refers to the provisions relating to Advance Healthcare Directives(AHDs). Part 8 is principally the responsibility of the Minister for Health, though a single approach is being taken to unified commencements.

The Government made a commitment in the Programme for Government to commence the 2015 Act, recognising the importance of the much needed reform that it represents. We are working towards a date of June 2022 for commencement of the 2015 Act and establishment of the Decision Support Service immediately thereafter. An inter-departmental steering group is meeting regularly to prepare for commencement of the Act.

Amendments are required to the 2015 Act before full commencement can take place. Work is actively taking place on an Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill, which will address a number of issues required to streamline processes and improve safeguards for those who will rely on the provisions of the Act. I expect to be in a position to publish a Bill by year-end, and to see it enacted next year.

Childcare Services

Questions (146)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

146. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 164 of 29 September 2021, the date by which the sustainability and case management team in the early years division’s finance, governance and reform unit’s review of the process for Special Service CCSP Programme funding will be completed. [50269/21]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The process for Special Service CCSP Programme funding 2021/2022 was finalised on Friday 8th October. A communication detailing the application process was issued to the eligible services on Monday the 11th October. The deadline for the submission of documentation is Friday the 13th of November.

Departmental Properties

Questions (147)

Emer Higgins

Question:

147. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a list of buildings either owned or managed by her Department in Blanchardstown village, Dublin 15; and if they are currently being used [50322/21]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

I can advise the Deputy that my Department does not own or manage any buildings in Blanchardstown village, Dublin 15.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (148, 151)

Holly Cairns

Question:

148. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has discussed increasing the number of places for courses in further and higher education institutions related to the hospitality sector to meet the employment needs of the sector. [50354/21]

Holly Cairns

Question:

151. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking to increase the number of places for courses related to the hospitality sector to meet the employment needs of the sector. [50351/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 151 together.

The Further and Higher Education sectors provide a broad range of courses and programmes in Hospitality and Tourism nationwide. My Department is represented on the Fáilte Ireland Career’s Oversight Group and there is ongoing engagement between my officials and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to ensure that education and training provision is meeting the skills needs of the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Specifically, within the higher education sector, there are 19 Springboard+ courses available in the Hospitality sector (Hospitality, Tourism, Food and Beverage) and 7 modular courses, giving a total of 26 courses available in the Hospitality sector providing for 543 places for academic year 2021/2022.

In the Further Education and Training (FET) sector, over 60 relevant courses and programmes are available including full-time and part-time options including evenings and weekends. FET programmes are delivered in a wide variety of settings including Post-Leaving Certificate and Further Education Colleges, Training Centres and adult education centres. FET is also provided through community and voluntary groups, commercial training providers and in workplaces.

There are currently 3 apprenticeships in the hospitality sector; Commis Chef (level 6), Chef de Partie (level 7) and Sous Chef (level 8). A further Executive Chef programme (level 9) and a Bar Manger Apprenticeship (level 7) are in development.

A new initiative under Skills to Advance was launched earlier this year in response to a request from the Irish Hotels Federation to boost the retention and career progression of key talent in the hospitality and tourism sector. Two dedicated programmes have been developed by SOLAS and the Education and Training Boards in consultation with the Irish Hotels Federation, Fáilte Ireland and the Regional Skills Fora. Providing highly subsidised training to upskill team leads and supervisory management staff, these programmes will maximise the ability to deal with the new business environment, its challenges and opportunities.

Departmental Properties

Questions (149)

Emer Higgins

Question:

149. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a list of buildings either owned or managed by his Department in Blanchardstown village, Dublin 15; and if they are currently being used. [50323/21]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The acquisition of Government offices is the responsibility of Property Management Services in the Office of Public Works, which acts as an agent for all Government Departments. I can confirm for the Deputy that my Department does not own or manage any buildings in Blanchardstown village, Dublin 15.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (150)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

150. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if an educational institute (details supplied) is under his Department's remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50345/21]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Marino Institute of Education is a private charitable trust under the co-trusteeship of the European Province of the Congregation of Christian Brothers and Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin offering a range of educational programmes including primary initial teacher education (ITE), early childhood education and further education. The Department of Education currently funds Marino via capitation grants and grants in lieu of tuition fees in respect of approved student numbers on its primary ITE programmes.

The funding and governance remit for Marino Institute of Education is due to be moved to the Department of Higher Education; Research; Innovation and Science, as part of the process of transferring functions following on from the establishment of that Department. This work requires administrative and legislative solutions to address residual issues, and is in train as of now.

I and my Department of officials are currently working on the reform of the Higher Education Authority Act, 1971. The General Scheme of a Bill was published in May this year and I am considering the recommendations from the Pre-Legislative Scrutiny process on the General Scheme which was recently completed. It is anticipated that this Bill will be published shortly and initiated through the Oireachtas.

The Higher Education Authority Act, 1971 is being reformed to ensure that the higher education sector is enabled to meet the vision for an excellent higher education and research system which is innovative, adaptive and inclusive, which has strong engagement with the wider education system and wider society and which creates knowledge and contributes to social, economic and cultural development. This updated legislation is intended to provide the HEA with the necessary authority in relation to revised functions including planning, funding and oversight of the higher education sector and other related matters which more fully reflect its current central role and responsibilities in relation to higher education.

The legislation will provide that the HEA will have oversight of the full higher education sector including teaching training colleges. The legislation includes a designation system which provides that all higher education institutions will become designated as institutions of higher education by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science following a process overseen by the HEA. Once the relevant institutions are designated they will be entitled to use the title “designated institution of higher education”. It is expected that Marino Institute of Education will meet the criteria for designation and will become a designated institution of higher education under this designation process.

The HEA legislation will apply to all designated institutions of higher education. The model informing the proposed legislation is a co-regulation model which recognises the importance of autonomy and agility on the part of higher education institutions (HEIs) with appropriate accountability. This co-regulation model recognises and supports HEIs in their own governance responsibilities. The legislation will also provide the HEA with clarity as to its overall role in planning and managing at the system level but, where required, intervening proportionately to address issues if not appropriately dealt with by institutions.

The legislation will also include a funding framework which will provide that the HEA may provide funding to a wide range of higher education institutions including Marino Institute of Education. This will replace the current system where many HEIs are funded directly through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science or the Department of Education. There will be consultation with the relevant HEIs, including Marino Institute of Education prior to the implementation of these changes.

Question No. 151 answered with Question No. 148.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (152)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

152. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will respond to the points raised in a correspondence (details supplied); if the programme will be restored given its education benefits for younger adults with intellectual disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50439/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

My officials contacted City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB) regarding this matter. From these enquiries I understand that because the Donnycarney group was a pre-existing group, but new to the CDETB service, the first step was for the tutors to meet with the students and carry out an initial assessment. This happened during the week beginning the 27th September. While students were invited to attend as a group for the following two weeks on shorter timetables than usual, I understand that the programme plan and timetable will be circulated to the group shortly. I will confirm the details to the Deputy when available.

International Protection

Questions (153)

Richard Bruton

Question:

153. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider the recommendations of an organisation (details supplied) in respect of the new programme for families in Afghanistan in order that the lessons from previous experiences can be applied. [50341/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

I am very conscious of the plight faced by the Afghan people following the collapse of the former Afghan government and the takeover by the Taliban, that has further fuelled the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Ireland's national response to the current crisis includes opening the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) under Minister O'Gorman's remit to Afghan persons in need of protection and working to ensure that applications received by Afghan nationals under the various State schemes for immigration residence and international protection can be prioritised for speedier processing where possible. These schemes provide avenues for Afghan nationals to seek protection and for eligible family members living in Ireland to seek to have their close family members granted permission to reside in Ireland, where the relevant criteria are met. More than 670 Afghan nationals have already been granted permissions to reside in the State so far this year.

The Government has approved an additional initiative: the special Afghan Admission Programme. The Programme will allow places for up to 500 Afghan family members and each applicant will have an opportunity to nominate up to four family members who are currently residing in Afghanistan or who have fled to neighbouring territories and whom they consider would be especially at risk in terms of their freedom and safety.

The Programme is guided by the previous Syrian Humanitarian Assistance Programme (SHAP) which also provided for the nomination of a limited number of close family members and by the IRPP Humanitarian Assistance Programme (IHAP), which included Afghan nationals.

The Programme, including the detailed eligibility criteria and the application process, will be developed over the coming months, with a view to issuing a call for applications in December. The timescale provided is to ensure that the options considered are as inclusive as possible and that the programme is available to those that most require our help. The intervening time is required to develop the details of the programme, including a guidance document for applicants, application form, decision making criteria and the appeals process. The clearer the application process is made at the outset, the quicker we will be able to process applications in the interests of those concerned.

I believe that these initiatives meet the call from interested NGOs and civil society organisations on the Government to lead in its response to this crisis. The Afghan Admission Programme is unique across the EU and was hailed by UNHCR as a very welcome commitment by the Government that will bring much solace to Afghans who are worried about their relatives abroad.

Naturalisation Applications

Questions (154)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

154. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the status of a naturalisation application in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50303/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

The immigration case of the person referred to by the Deputy was considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), which resulted in a Deportation Order being made in respect of them on 24 February 2020. Notification of that Order was issued by registered post dated 19 August 2020. That communication also advised the person concerned of the requirement that they present to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) on 19 September 2020, to make arrangements for their removal from the State. I am advised that they failed to do so.

A detailed consideration of all aspects of their case will have been carried out before a decision is made to grant permission to remain in the State or to make a Deportation Order. This includes a full consideration of their private and family rights in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights as well as consideration of their work situation, among other issues.

Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) allows an Order to be amended or revoked by making a request to the Minister for Justice. In making a revocation request, a person can raise new or changed circumstances in their case including in relation to their country of origin. I encourage people to be as detailed as possible in their representations to me and my Department so that fully informed decisions can be made at the appropriate time.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility ([e-mail]) which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Deportation Orders

Questions (155)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if she will review a deportation order in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50304/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

The person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order, signed on 29 September 2017, requiring them to remove themselves from the State and remain outside the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is a matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).

As previously advised, representations were received from the person concerned, pursuant to the provisions of Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked and including information regarding their marriage. Following detailed consideration of the information submitted in support of the request, the Deportation Order was affirmed and notified to the person concerned by letter dated 27 November 2018.

While there are no outstanding correspondence or applications on file for this person, it is open to the person concerned to submit further representations requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked, pursuant to Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). However, such an application would require substantial new grounds to be successful.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility ([e-mail]), which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Immigration Status

Questions (156)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

156. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the position in regard to residency and stamp 4 in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50305/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

The person referred to by the Deputy currently holds a Stamp 4 permission, valid until 29 January 2023. If they wish to stay in Ireland past the expiry date of their immigration permission, they can apply online to renew their permission at the appropriate time.

A Stamp 4 immigration permission provides that the holder can reside and work in Ireland for a specified period, subject to conditions. Any period spent on a Stamp 4 permission is considered as reckonable residence when applying for citizenship by way of naturalisation.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at [e-mail], which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Naturalisation Applications

Questions (157)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if the application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) can be urgently considered having regard to the situation and the need to regularise their residency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50306/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

This application for a certificate of naturalisation continues to be processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision in due course.

It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. The nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at [e-mail], which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Departmental Properties

Questions (158)

Emer Higgins

Question:

158. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a list of buildings either owned or managed by her Department in Blanchardstown village, Dublin 15; and if they are currently being used. [50314/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I wish to inform the Deputy that my Department does not own or manage any buildings in Blanchardstown village, Dublin 15.

Primary Care Centres

Questions (159)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

159. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the current status of the proposed east Meath primary care centre which is to be located in Bettystown town centre; when he expects works to commence and any other relevant details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50251/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (160)

David Cullinane

Question:

160. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans to engage with the EU regarding Ireland’s participation in a joint procurement process related to potential Covid-19 treatments; if these potential treatments will be made available after the EMA approval; if Ireland will join in a European Commission-led process on the matter; if Ireland will seek to secure these treatments independently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50166/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Department of Health continues to monitor the supply of COVID-19 therapeutics, in conjunction with the relevant State stakeholders including the HSE. This process involves continued review of EU Joint Procurement Agreement (JPA) proposals, and ongoing engagement with our European partners in this regard.

It is important to note that there exist established National processes which govern the procurement and reimbursement of medicines (including antiviral agents), of which the broader pharmaceutical industry will be aware. These processes provide for the submission by pharmaceutical companies of a pricing application concerning a medicine to the HSE, and the submission of a Rapid Review Document to the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE), in the prescribed manner. The present timeframe for the completion of a rapid review is a few short weeks.

It is worth noting the position of the Beneluxa grouping of Nations (and Ireland is part of the Beneluxa group) concerning the assessment of COVID-19 monoclonal antibodies; the joint Beneluxa statement of 1st October 2021 highlights that it is appropriate at this stage of the pandemic that “these therapies are assessed for value within established national processes, before decisions on reimbursement or procurement are made” (emphasis added).

It is also worth noting that the Nordic countries, via the Nordic Pharmaceutical Forum, are also aligned on this matter (further information can be found at the following link beneluxa.org/news).

Health Services Staff

Questions (161)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

161. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce minimum mandatory staffing levels for nursing homecare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50169/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Safe Staffing Framework is an evidence-based methodology to determine the required nursing workforce based on patient acuity and dependency. The Framework was launched by Minister Harris, on 16 April 2018, on publication of the Final Report and Recommendations of the Taskforce on Staffing and Skill Mix for Nursing, on a Framework for Safe Nurse Staffing and Skill Mix in General and Specialist Medical and Surgical Care Settings in Adult Hospitals (https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2d1198-framework-for-safe-nurse-staffing-and-skill-mix-in-general-and-speci/). To date there have been three phases of the Safe Staffing Framework Development, Phase 3 being the Framework for Safe Nurse Staffing in Community settings, including (a) Long-Term residential care settings for older persons, (b) Community care settings, and (c) Step-down and Rehabilitation settings.

As the Deputy may be aware, my Department is currently conducting the first part of Phase 3 of the Safe Nurse and Skill Mix Framework (SSF).

Phase 3 (a) will develop an evidence-based approach to determining the staffing and skill mix required in a long-term residential care setting. Staffing levels determined by the SSF are directed and implemented based on evidence from patient / resident outcomes as the key indicator of the staffing adjustment needed. This flexibility has proven successful in the previous two phases of the SSF.

The National Taskforce for Phase 3 of the SSF commenced in February 2021 and has undertaken a review of the available international evidence and selected a model for further testing. Following an open call, nine pilot sites have been chosen from across the country to test the model identified. Baseline data collection will commence in Q3 2021, with staffing adjustments expected to be made in the pilot sites in Q1 2022. Based on the evidence Phase 3 (a) will, in line with other phases, be developed into a national policy for broader implementation. This flexible , evidence based approach to nurse staffing and skill mix will enable informed staffing levels based on patient / resident need across the variety of nursing home / residential care settings in Ireland.