Written Answers Nos. 191-210
191. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the funding provided to local drugs and alcohol forums in each of the years 2008 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62097/21]
View answer192. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the funding provided to regional drugs and alcohol forums in each of the years 2008 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62098/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 192 together.
The Department of Health currently provides in the region of €28 million to Drug and Alcohol Task Forces to deliver community-based drug and alcohol services in local communities. Task Forces support over 280 community projects throughout the country to tackle problem drug and alcohol use. The table at the link outlines the funding provided to Drug and Alcohol Task Forces by the Department of Health and the HSE in the period 2011-21.
193. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in relation to the appointment of locum consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62099/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to investigate it and to reply to the Deputy.
194. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if his Department or the HSE has been in contact with dental treatment services scheme dental contractors to confirm whether they are currently providing dental treatment to medical card holders; the number of current dental treatment services scheme contractors that have been contacted if this regard; the dates of those contacts; the number of contractors who have indicated they are not currently providing treatment under the scheme but have not yet given notice to terminate their contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62120/21]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for raising the matter regarding Dental Treatment Services Scheme contractors. My Department has been in discussions with the HSE and my officials will respond directly to the Deputy in due course once further information is received.
195. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the application process for groups to avail of the €10 million once-off funding announced in budget 2022 for mental health; the way mental health services are identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62157/21]
View answer196. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if there is a timeline for when groups that are successful in receiving the once-off €10 million in funding announced in budget 2022 for mental health must spend same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62158/21]
View answer197. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if a charity (details supplied) will distribute the €10 million once-off funding announced in budget 2022 for mental health; if this funding is open for application from groups; if so, the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62159/21]
View answer198. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the role of the HSE in allocating the €10 million once-off funding announced in budget 2022 for mental health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62160/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 195 to 198, inclusive, together.
On Budget Day 2022 an additional €10 million for mental health services and supports was announced by Minister McGrath. The funding was provided as a once-off measure.
To ensure that as many individuals as possible benefit from this funding, over €7 million will be allocated to improve the experiences of people using HSE mental health inpatient units, day centres, community mental health teams and community residences in all nine Community Health Organisations across the country. Funding will be used to improve the physical environments of some centres and enhance the range of social and therapeutic supports available. This funding will be distributed by the HSE.
As part of this funding, €1.8 million will be made available to mental health services for the replacement of fleet with green or hybrid vehicles in every Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO).
To ensure that the fund will impact on particular groups of individuals and specific areas of mental health service delivery, over €1 million has been allocated to enhance services and supports in areas such perinatal mental health, men’s mental health, trauma informed care, ethnic minorities, including the Traveller and Roma communities, eating disorders and dual diagnosis.
Areas of investment at CHO level include, for example, the allocation of €150,000 to improve and enhance acute inpatient mental health care in CHO 5; €500,000 for mental health day services provision in the East Cork area; and €170,000 for the continued operation of the mental health crisis café in Galway.
Almost €3 million will be made available to the community and voluntary sector, including €1 million in funding for the continued delivery of free counselling sessions through MyMind, who deliver support in over 15 different languages to people nationwide. This is particularly important given the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of Ireland’s population.
Funding of €1 million will be distributed by Mental Health Ireland through their extensive network of grassroots mental health organisations in local communities nationwide. A call for applications to avail of such funding will be advertised shortly by Mental Health Ireland.
199. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the assessment that has been carried out to date into the potential impact on COPD patients in Ireland further to a field safety notice (details supplied), particularly in view of the use of these devices in hospitals and community care settings; the actions taken to date in response to the field safety notice and with regard to ensuring that all affected patients are alerted to the notice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62164/21]
View answerThe Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) was informed in June 2021 by the manufacturer Philips Respironics that, as part of a global action, they have issued Field Safety Notices (FSNs) in Ireland advising of two issues related to a number of different devices in the area of sleep and respiratory care. The issues involve the release of particles and chemicals from the sound abatement foam used in the devices and the potentially impacted devices may be used by patients either at home or in healthcare institutions such as hospitals or long-term care facilities.
The HPRA has published a Safety Notice and dedicated webpage to raise awareness of this issue. The HSE has also issued a separate press release on this matter.
Since notification of this issue, the HPRA has extensively engaged with both Philips and the relevant distributors / service providers in Ireland to ensure that all potentially impacted users of these devices are identified and informed of the field safety notices.
The HPRA also remains in active dialog with Philips and other European and international regulators in relation to the roll out of an appropriate corrective action plan to address this issue and an assessment of the potential toxicological risks in relation to any potential long-term health impacts.
The HPRA is participating in a National Incident Management Team (NIMT) led by HSE to assess the impact of this issue for patients in Ireland. The NIMT includes representatives from a range of stakeholder groups including clinicians and representatives from the private healthcare sector. It is important to note that the FSNs advise patients not to stop or change their prescribed therapy without first consulting their doctor. The HSE recommends that all patients and device users continue to use their device as prescribed until a replacement device is supplied or the device can be repaired.
Furthermore, arising out of the NIMT, the HSE and HPRA briefed a number of patient advocacy groups on 24th June and 19th July in relation to the issue, proposed communications and further investigative steps to be taken.
The HSE, under the Office of the Chief Clinical Officer, is progressing the development of appropriate clinical guidance for patients. The HSE is funding the development of a specific paediatric clinical team to prioritise the replacement of devices for children. This includes relevant training for families on the use of the replacement machines.
As set out above, the HSE has undertaken two briefing meetings with patient representative organisations to ensure openness and transparency with all relevant aspects of their approach. A patient representative organisation is also part of the CCO clinical guidance development process.
The HSE has also been engaging with Philips and the three contracted providers since June 2021.All affected HSE patients have been contacted by the three contracted providers.521 replacements of the affected devices have been exchanged so far. The exchange replacements will continue into 2022 as products are provided by Philips.
The HSE is working in collaboration with the HPRA and other EU competent authorities to ensure alignment of their approach and guidance.
The HSE has made relevant and up to date information available on its website at www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/media/pressrel/statement-philips-field-safety-notice.html
200. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health if he will reverse the decision not to renew a contract for the use of the Aviva Stadium, Lansdowne Road as a vaccination centre, given the significant queues and delays for persons seeking a Covid-19 vaccination in southern areas of Dublin city and elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62171/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
201. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if Covid-19 certificates will still be required after February 2022. [62175/21]
View answerThe EU Digital COVID Certificate regulation lays down the framework for the issuance, verification and acceptance of interoperable COVID-19 vaccination, test and recovery certificates to facilitate free movement during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current EU Regulation is in force until the 30 June 2022.
202. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health the reason that the east Meath primary care centre is not expected to be operational until quarter four of 2022 given that the HSE is hopeful that negotiations on the agreement of legal documents can be concluded before year end 2021 to allow works to commence in quarter one of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62187/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
203. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the main policy achievements and initiatives undertaken by his Department during 2021; and his main priorities for 2022. [62197/21]
View answerMy Department is engaged in policy development and implementation across the full spectrum of issues that impact health and wellbeing in Ireland. To support the Deputy, I have listed below the main policy achievements and initiatives undertaken by my Department in the last year which mark significant milestones in the development of health policy for Ireland. Relevant policy documents are available in detail on gov.ie/health. Further details of the main achievements made in 2021 will be documented in the Department of Health Annual Report 2021. This document will detail the achievements of my Department over that time, in particular our achievements as they relate our commitments in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future.
- My Department continues to provide ongoing advice in relation to the overall response to COVID -19.
- In 2021, my Department has driven key legislative work including the preparation of over 50 Statutory Instruments under the Health 1947 Act in order to provide for the public health measures required by Government in response to Covid-19.
- The Sláintecare Implementation Strategy & Action Plan 2021-2023 was approved by Government in May 2021. The new Strategy builds on the progress of Sláintecare reform to date and on the lessons learned from COVID-19. It aims to ensure that people can get timely care as close to their own homes as safely as possible and will focus on prevention initiatives to promote health and well-being. It will also support those requiring more targeted health and social care interventions through a population planning approach and will progress the vision of universal healthcare. A mid-year progress report on implementation of the Strategy & Action Plan was published on 10 September 2021.
- The Waiting List Action Plan was published on 7 October 2021 and is aimed at mitigating the impact of the pandemic and the cyber-attack on scheduled care activity this year.
- The HSE Winter Preparedness Plan for 2021/2022 was published on 15 November. The Plan aims to ensure that the health service is prepared for the challenges of winter 21/22 in the context of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. €77 million is being invested in this year’s winter plan, in addition to the retention of €400 million of last year’s winter plan funding that has been locked into the regular annual funding base for 2022.
- There was a commitment to deliver an additional permanent 1,146 acute beds over the number available on 1st January 2020, by the end 2021. It is expected that 849 of these beds will be open by year end with the remainder to open in 2022
- The opening of the CHI Tallaght Outpatient and Emergency Care Unit on 15 November 2021 is a major milestone in the new children’s hospital project. The new facility will deliver services in a modern, fit for purpose environment and will significantly expand outpatient capacity, providing 17,000 additional outpatient appointments and seeing more than 25,000 Emergency care attendances annually.
- The establishment of two Major Trauma Centres is one of the major commitments of the Trauma System for Ireland. In April Government approved the designation of the Mater Misericordiae Hospital in Dublin as the Major Trauma Centre (MTC) for the Central Trauma Network. Recruitment in 2021 enabled the commencement of phase one of the development of the MTC at the Mater and facilitated the development of Planned Trauma Care in the MTC for the South Trauma Network, Cork University Hospital.
- Significant progress was made in implementing the Strategic Plan for Critical Care, which was brought to government in December 2020. 297 permanent adult critical care beds are now open, an increase of 42 over the 2020 baseline of 255. Funding is in place to increase this to 340 beds by late 2022/early 2023.
- In 2021 the National Ambulance Service (NAS) invested €10m development funding into strategic goals outlined in its five-year strategic plan, Vision 2020. The NAS is currently finalising a new strategic plan to build on the progress made under Vision 2020.
- A Women’s Health Action Plan for 2022 is currently being finalised and is expected to be brought before Government in the coming weeks.
- The revised Implementation Plan for the National Maternity Strategy - Creating a Better Future Together 2016-2026 was published on 19 November 2021. Significant progress has already been made in implementing the Strategy since its launch in 2016, including the development of the Supported Care Pathway, the roll out of community-based midwifery care and implementation of quality and safety frameworks. The revised Implementation Plan sets out in detail the roadmap to ensure the National Maternity Strategy is implemented in full within the timeframe originally intended. It presents clearly all outstanding actions, their status and the timeframe required for each.
- As a result of the significantly increased funding in 2021, implementation of the National Maternity Strategy has been further progressed. Additional WTEs have been added to maternity services in 2021 resulting in further development of community-based midwifery services, increased choice for women and improved access to specialist services, including obstetric, endocrinology, perinatal pathology, neonatology and perineal services.
- On 11th May, funding of €1.58m was announced to provide an additional 24 Lactation Consultants across hospital and community settings, that are required to implement the National Breastfeeding Action Plan and ensure timely skilled assistance for mothers who wish to breastfeed.
- Significant progress has been made in relation to the implementation of the Model of Care for Ambulatory Gynaecology with seven “see and treat” clinics now operating and with the establishment of seven more clinics underway. Similarly, four of the six new Regional Fertility Hubs under Phase One of the Model of Care for Infertility are operational, with the final two due to become operational in 2022.
- Healthy Ireland published the Healthy Ireland Strategic Action Plan in May, 2021, setting out the actions and priorities for the next 5 years of Healthy Ireland implementation. Healthy Ireland also managed the cross-sectoral Keep Well campaign, which provided supports for population resilience in the context of Covid-19, from October 2020 to June, 2021. Healthy Ireland has partnered with Sport Ireland for a citizen engagement campaign called “Let’s Get Back” to encourage people to return to sport and physical activity. Healthy Ireland is also currently running it’s “Let’s Get Set” public engagement campaign. The Healthy Ireland Survey, 2021 was published on 7th December, 2021, providing very valuable data with regard to the health behaviours of people living in Ireland, in the context of Covid-19.
- In 2021, Sláintecare and Healthy Ireland, working with the HSE and local authorities and community agencies, launched the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme to provide increased health and wellbeing services in 19 community areas across Ireland where health and wellbeing risk factors may be particularly concentrated.
- Healthy Ireland’s National Healthy Campus Framework was launched in July 2021. The Framework will help higher education institutions across Ireland to embed health and wellbeing into campus life for staff and students.
- The Healthy Ireland Healthy Workplaces Framework is being published during the week commencing December 13th, 2021. The National Healthy Workplace Framework provides strategic direction and flexible guidance for workplaces to promote health and wellbeing among the Ireland's workforce. The Framework was underpinned by robust evidence and consultation with key stakeholders and aims to improve the health of workers in both public and private sectors.
- The HSE Model of Care for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in children and adults was launched on March 4th, World Obesity Day. This sets out how healthcare for children, young people and adults living with overweight and obesity in Ireland should be organised and resourced now and into the future.
- A Roadmap for Food Product Reformulation in Ireland was launched on 3rd December. This fulfils a key objective of the Obesity Policy and Action Plan by setting targets for the reduction of the levels of saturated fats, sugar and salt in processed foods. The establishment of a Food Reformulation Task Force to implement the Roadmap was also announced with funding being provided by Healthy Ireland to resource the Taskforce in the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
- Tobacco Free Ireland 2020 Annual Report was published on 9 September 201. Tobacco Free Ireland is Ireland’s national tobacco control policy. It sets a target for Ireland to be tobacco free by 2025. A detailed action plan has been developed outlining the time frames and responsibilities for the implementation of actions under the policy. This Report is the latest update on the implementation of actions under the policy.
- Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy (2019) includes developing oral health promotion programmes focussed on improving oral health throughout life. The first of a series of evidence reviews being undertaken on behalf of my Department is nearing completion and will inform future development of programmes, post pandemic.
- Significant progress was made toward operationalising the Medical Cannabis Access Programme and consultants can now register patients with the HSE.
- The National Cancer Strategy Implementation Report and Key Performance Indicators for 2020 was published on 5 May 2021. Progress on implementation of the National Cancer Strategy has continued throughout 2021, with investment of €20m having a significant impact on access to cancer diagnostics, treatment and supports.
- The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) launched the first ‘Annual Call’ for proposals from the public on new population-based screening programmes that may be adopted in Ireland, as well as submissions on proposed changes to existing screening programmes.
- Preparatory work is underway for a new palliative care policy for adults, to update the 2001 policy. In 2021 my Department commissioned the HRB to complete an evidence brief of national adult palliative care policies across four countries: Australia, New Zealand, Scotland and the Netherlands. The Department also commissioned Trinity College Dublin to complete a review of the implementation of the 2001 palliative care policy. Finally, the Department held a public consultation from 14th September to 25th October 2021 through an online survey to understand public views on palliative care in Ireland. The findings from these three pieces of work will inform the new palliative care policy for adults.
- My Department published the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery and the six strategic priorities for the remaining four years of the strategy, 2021-2025. The strategic priorities will strengthen the health-led approach to drug use and align with the EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plan. The mid-term review of the strategy shows significant progress in implementing the action plan for the period 2017 to 2020, with only a small number of the 50 actions outstanding.
- The 3rd Progress Report on implementation of the COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel’s (NHEP) recommendations was published in September 2021. Many of the short- and medium-term recommendations have already been implemented. The third progress report highlights the achievements in implementing nationally focused recommendations as well as detailing the ongoing supports under NHEP to the Nursing Home Sector. A final progress report will be published following the completion of the Implementation Oversight Team and Reference Group oversight structures in February 2022, as the 18-month timeframe envisaged in the Panel’s report draws to a close.
- The Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone policy implementation status report was published in Q3 2021.
- Significant progress was undertaken to update the Mental Health Act 2001. Draft Heads of Bill were approved and published by Government in July 2021.
- Proof of concept of the Community Virtual Ward (CVW) model is complete and published.
- The Disability Capacity Review to 2032 was published in July 2021. In order to drive the process of implementing the recommendations of the report, a Disability Action Plan Framework was also published which sets out key priorities over the period to 2025.
- Ireland’s second One Health National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2021-2025 (iNAP2) was published jointly by my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM) in November 2021. iNAP2 is the successor plan to Ireland’s first National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2017-2020 (iNAP1). National Action Plans on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) are an international commitment for Member Stares of both the European Commission and the World Health Organization (WHO). iNAP2 includes 90 actions specific to human health across the 5 WHO Strategic Objectives.
- In November, 15 applications submitted from Ireland’s Rare Disease / Highly Specialised Care Centres of Expertise, were approved to join the European Reference Networks (ERNs). This achievement will be pivotal to drive innovation, training and clinical research for highly specialised care in collaboration with the established momentum of the ERN model which incorporates the most talented clinicians and investigators in the European Community and also for individuals and families affected with rare diseases.
As set out in the Letter of Determination 2022 issued by my Department on the 2nd November, I have prioritised 15 key areas to be incorporated by the HSE into NSP 2022. These priorities for 2022 include:
- Addressing waiting list and waiting times.
- Advancing women’s health.
- Protection from COVID-19.
- Progressing National Strategies in the areas of cancer, trauma, dementia care, palliative care, paediatric model of care (including the new National Children’s Hospital), the National Ambulance Service Strategic plan, organ donation and transplant initiatives and the Safe Staffing Framework for nursing.
- Supporting the advancement of programmes of work in line with the Sláintecare objectives.
- Supporting the implementation of eHealth and health-related recommendations of the National Recovery & Resilience Plan.
- Ensuring that the wider health and wellbeing agenda is reflected throughout the planning of services.
- Progressing capacity expansion.
- Improving access to mental health services.
- Enhancing and integrating services for older persons.
- Improving access and enhancing specialist disability services.
- Protecting vulnerable homeless people.
- Introducing new drugs in line with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 to enable continued reimbursement of cost-effective new medicines.
- Continuing key reform and governance projects.
- The Winter Plan.
204. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans to put in place a medical exemption for those who have been advised against getting a Covid-19 vaccine for medical reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62234/21]
View answerThe current high level of COVID-19 infection and the dominance of the significantly more transmissible Delta variant poses a very substantial threat, particularly to those who are not fully protected through vaccination. In addition, the impact of the new Omicron variant is still unknown. Public health advice remains that those who are not fully vaccinated should avoid congregated indoor settings for their own and others safety.
The National Public Health Emergency Team gave some consideration to the issues arising for those people that cannot receive a COVID-19 vaccine for medical reasons as part of its discussions on the 18th October 2021 on the continuing response to COVID-19 and the extension of Covid Pass arrangements. The matter is being given further consideration.
The Deputies may wish to be aware that on 15 July, NIAC made a recommendation, which was endorsed by the Chief Medical Officer and accepted by the Minister for Health that while the preference was for homologous vaccination regimens (using the same vaccine as part of a two dose regime) that selective use of heterologous vaccination schedules (two different vaccines used as part of two dose regime) should be permitted where a second vaccine dose of a homologous regimen is contraindicated, irrespective of whether the first dose was an mRNA or adenoviral vector vaccine. NIAC in conjunction with the RCPI and the Irish Association of Allergy and Immunology have prepared a guide to aid vaccinators and other healthcare workers on how to advise allergic individuals in respect of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, this guide is available here: rcpi-live-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/FAQs-about-COVID19-Vaccines-and-Allergies_12August2021.pdf
205. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 vaccines that have had to be disposed of due to the fact they were unused and went out of date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62235/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
206. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if an Irish citizen travelling from Ireland to the UK and back is required to have a negative RT-PCR test upon their return to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62262/21]
View answer207. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if a person travelling to accompany a minor to the UK to drop a child off to another parent or family member is required to have a negative PCR test upon their return to Ireland even though they will only be dropping the child to the airport and ferry port and returning straight back to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62263/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 207 together.
The requirements for travel are kept under regular review based on the evolving international epidemiological situation. At present, and as part of our response to the emergence of the Omicron variant, passengers travelling to Ireland from overseas require a valid test result (subject to limited exemptions). A person travelling from Great Britain is subject to these requirements and no exemption is available based on travel of a short duration. A passenger who holds proof of vaccination or recovery can present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival or a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival. An unvaccinated passenger is required to take a PCR test. Passengers are also required to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator form. Full detail on international travel policy and available exemptions is published at www.gov.ie/travel.
208. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the planned relocations and co-locations of hospitals; the timelines and prioritisation for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62270/21]
View answerIn line with best international practice, it is Government policy, as re-iterated in the National Maternity Strategy, that standalone maternity hospitals will be co-located with acute adult hospitals. In the context of promoting women’s health, the Programme for Government commits to progress the planning, tender and design stages for the relocation of the Coombe Hospital to St James’s, the Rotunda Hospital to Connolly, and Limerick University Maternity Hospital to University Hospital Limerick. The Programme for Government also commits to conclude the governance arrangements and commence the building of the new maternity hospital at St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin.
The policy commitment regarding co-location of the standalone maternity hospitals is also re-stated in the National Development Plan 2021-2030. This document indicates that the new National Maternity Hospital (NMH) at the St Vincent’s University Hospital campus is intended to be the first of the re-located hospitals to be developed with the relocation of the other standalone maternity hospitals to follow in time.
With regard to the relocation of the NMH, as the Deputy will be aware, work is ongoing to finalise the legal arrangements for the new hospital. In that regard, I have been clear that I will not bring any proposal to Government unless it affirms that the State’s investment in the new hospital is safeguarded, as well as providing assurances around all legally permissible services being provided in the new NMH. However, as I have stated previously, I will not be making any further comment in relation to this matter until the process has concluded.
In relation to the relocation of the three other standalone maternity hospitals, the HSE Capital Plan 2021 indicates that the relocation projects for the Coombe, the Rotunda and University Maternity Hospital Limerick are at an early stage. It should be noted that all of these project proposals must progress through a number of approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement, before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established.
209. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if it is part of health policy to promote out-of-hour general practitioner relief services nationwide. [62281/21]
View answerGPs contracted under the General Medical Services Scheme are required by their contract to make suitable arrangements to enable contact to be made with them, or a locum or deputy, for emergencies outside of normal practice hours. While there is no obligation on GPs to participate in GP out of hours co-operatives as a means of meeting the contractual requirement, such services facilitate the provision of GP services outside of normal surgery hours and help to spread the burden of this provision. A small number of areas are not covered by GP out of hours co-operatives, instead out of hours services are provided by local GPs.
GP out of hours cooperatives are private organisations. The HSE provides funding to support out of hours co-operative services through service level agreements. Decisions on co-operative funding are made by the HSE, and must be determined in the context of the availability of resources and the competing demands for health service funding generally.
In recognition of the key role GP out of hours service providers play in the delivery of our health service and the challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, a financial and service stability arrangement for GP out of hours co-operatives was introduced with effect from 14th March 2020.
Patients should contact their local GP out of hours service provider when in need of urgent GP services, routine appointments should be made with the patient’s GP during normal practice hours.
210. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health the details of the pilot home care scheme that has just started; the locations covered; the way it will be operated; and the outcomes planned for the pilot. [62283/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly.
