Jim O'Callaghan
Question:725. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the number of sleep medicine consultants who are currently employed by the HSE. [16398/22]
View answerHealth Services Staff
Questions (725)
Written answers
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Strategies
Questions (726)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:726. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health his strategy to create a national clinical sleep disorders strategy. [16399/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (727)
Paul Murphy
Question:727. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will include other workers in the Covid recognition payment that have also had to attend work throughout the lockdown periods such as those within the HSE working in the role of Covid-19 community swabber; if they will be excluded from receiving the full €1,000 offered to healthcare workers due to not having been in employment between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021, given that HSE Covid-19 testing centres were established early in the pandemic but the HSE recruitment campaign did not hire community swabbers until October 2020 (details supplied). [16418/22]
View answerWritten answers
Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
The Government announced a COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021.
This payment will be made to those eligible public sector frontline healthcare staff (inclusive of agency staff working for the HSE) who worked in clinical settings, noting this list is not exhaustive: those Doctors / Nurses / Health Care Assistants / Swabbers / Porters / Cleaners etc. that work in clinical settings. The measure encompasses Health Care Support Assistants (also known as Home Carers / Home Help) employed by or carrying out duties contracted to the HSE.
The measure also encompasses those eligible working on site in long term residential care facilities for people with disabilities (inclusive of those facilities whether HSE or section 39). The measure further extends to those equivalent healthcare workers in private nursing homes and hospices. Arrangements for this sector encompassed by this measure are currently being progressed by the Department of Health.
There are many, many other individuals and organisations in our country who did so much during the pandemic. It is tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government has based its decision on the exceptional risks which these frontline healthcare workers faced.The Department of Health appreciates the levels of interest this announcement has generated. We are working together with the HSE to provide additional details on this measure including full eligibility criteria, particulars and terms and conditions that apply. Additionally, the Department and the HSE are currently consulting with health sector trade unions on this matter. This consultation is part of the Department and HSE’s objective to finalise the application of this measure fairly.
Upon conclusion of consultations with the trade unions, full details of the application process, FAQs and other particulars shall be published by the HSE. Noting that the details will be finalised once this consultation has concluded, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this point.
Mental Health Services
Questions (728)
Bríd Smith
Question:728. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 655 of 15 February 2022, if the figures provided include the consultation liaison CAMHS and intellectual disability CAMHS staff as recommended by A Vision for Change. [16419/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Questions (729)
Bríd Smith
Question:729. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 656 of 15 February 2022, if the HSE can provide the figures for the categories of absence listed in the question, specifically the numbers suspended or on administrative leave. [16420/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Healthcare Policy
Questions (730)
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:730. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the Regulation of Psychotherapy and Counselling under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. [16428/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (the Act) provides for the protection of the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct and professional education, training & competence through the statutory registration of health and social care professions designated under the Act.
As you are aware, regulations under SI No. 170 of 2018 were made by my predecessor in 2018. The effect of these regulations is to designate the professions of counsellor and psychotherapist under the Act and to establish one registration board for both professions. Members were appointed to the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board in February 2019 and they held their inaugural meeting in May 2019. The Registration Board has held 16 meetings since it was established.
Details of board members can be found on CORU's website at coru.ie/about-us/registration-boards/counsellors-and-psychotherapists-registration-board/.
The work of a registration board includes consideration of the titles to be protected and the minimum qualifications to be required of existing practitioners and the qualifications that will be required for future graduates. The work of the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board is significantly more challenging than it is for registration boards for some of the more established professions owing to the different and complex pathways into these professions, the variety of titles used, and the variety and number of courses and course providers.
The work of the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board is ongoing. Progress by the Board to date has included:
- the identification, verification and comprehensive assessment of legacy and historical qualifications to determine if they are appropriate for transitioning existing practitioners onto the respective register, and
- research on the regulation of counsellors and psychotherapists internationally.
I hope that this information is of assistance to you.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (731)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:731. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if he will set out the full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions regarding the Covid-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers announced by the Government. [16434/22]
View answerWritten answers
Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
The Government announced a COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The measure will be ring fenced to eligible staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021. A pro-rata arrangement will be made for part-time staff.
This payment will be made to those eligible public sector frontline healthcare staff (inclusive of agency staff working for the HSE) who worked in clinical settings, noting this list is not exhaustive: those Doctors / Nurses / Health Care Assistants / Porters / Cleaners etc. that work in clinical settings. The measure encompasses Health Care Support Assistants (also known as Home Carers / Home Help) employed by or carrying out duties contracted to the HSE.
The measure also encompasses those eligible working on site in long term residential care facilities for people with disabilities (inclusive of those facilities whether HSE or section 39). The measure further extends to those equivalent healthcare workers in private nursing homes and hospices. Arrangements for this sector encompassed by this measure are currently being progressed by the Department of Health.
The Department of Health appreciates the levels of interest this announcement has generated. We are working together with the HSE to provide additional details on this measure including full eligibility criteria, particulars and terms and conditions that apply. Additionally, the Department and the HSE are currently consulting with health sector trade unions on this matter. This consultation is part of the Department and HSE’s objective to finalise the application of this measure fairly.
Upon conclusion of consultations with the trade unions, full details of the application process, FAQs and other particulars shall be published by the HSE. Noting that the details will be finalised once this consultation has concluded, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this point.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (732)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:732. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health when frontline public sector healthcare workers will receive the Covid-19 recognition payment as announced by the Government. [16435/22]
View answerWritten answers
Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.The Government announced a COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021.
This payment will be made to those eligible public sector frontline healthcare staff (inclusive of agency staff working for the HSE) who worked in clinical settings, noting this list is not exhaustive: those Doctors / Nurses / Health Care Assistants / Porters / Cleaners etc. that work in clinical settings. The measure encompasses Health Care Support Assistants (also known as Home Carers / Home Help) employed by or carrying out duties contracted to the HSE.
The measure also encompasses those eligible working on site in long term residential care facilities for people with disabilities (inclusive of those facilities whether HSE or section 39). The measure further extends to those equivalent healthcare workers in private nursing homes and hospices. Arrangements for this sector encompassed by this measure are currently being progressed by the Department of Health.
The Department of Health appreciates the levels of interest this announcement has generated. We are working together with the HSE to provide additional details on this measure including full eligibility criteria, particulars and terms and conditions that apply. Additionally, the Department and the HSE are currently consulting with health sector trade unions on this matter. This consultation is part of the Department and HSE’s objective to finalise the application of this measure fairly.
Upon conclusion of consultations with the trade unions, full details of the application process, FAQs and other particulars shall be published by the HSE. Noting that the details will be finalised once this consultation has concluded, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this point.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (733)
Gino Kenny
Question:733. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he will commit to including Covid-19 community swabbers in the full €1,000 payment to frontline healthcare workers in view of a number of reasons (detailed supplied); if he will acknowledge that these workers adequately fit the criteria for those eligible for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16436/22]
View answerWritten answers
Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
The Government announced a COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021.
This payment will be made to those eligible public sector frontline healthcare staff (inclusive of agency staff working for the HSE) who worked in clinical settings, noting this list is not exhaustive: those Doctors / Nurses / Health Care Assistants / Porters / Swabbers / Cleaners etc. that work in clinical settings. The measure encompasses Health Care Support Assistants (also known as Home Carers / Home Help) employed by or carrying out duties contracted to the HSE.
The measure also encompasses those eligible working on site in long term residential care facilities for people with disabilities (inclusive of those facilities whether HSE or section 39). The measure further extends to those equivalent healthcare workers in private nursing homes and hospices. Arrangements for this sector encompassed by this measure are currently being progressed by the Department of Health. There are many, many other individuals and organisations in our country who did so much during the pandemic. It is tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government has based its decision on the exceptional risks which these frontline healthcare workers faced.
The Department of Health appreciates the levels of interest this announcement has generated. We are working together with the HSE to provide additional details on this measure including full eligibility criteria, particulars and terms and conditions that apply. Additionally, the Department and the HSE are currently consulting with health sector trade unions on this matter. This consultation is part of the Department and HSE’s objective to finalise the application of this measure fairly.
Upon conclusion of consultations with the trade unions, full details of the application process, FAQs and other particulars shall be published by the HSE. Noting that the details will be finalised once this consultation has concluded, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this point.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (734)
Patrick Costello
Question:734. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if frontline homeless workers, such as those working with the charities (details supplied) with be included under the Covid Recognition Payment Scheme. [16441/22]
View answerWritten answers
Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
The Government announced a COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021.
This payment will be made to those eligible public sector frontline healthcare staff (inclusive of agency staff working for the HSE) who worked in clinical settings, noting this list is not exhaustive: those Doctors / Nurses / Health Care Assistants / Porters / Cleaners etc. that work in clinical settings. The measure encompasses Health Care Support Assistants (also known as Home Carers / Home Help) employed by or carrying out duties contracted to the HSE.
The measure also encompasses those eligible working on site in long term residential care facilities for people with disabilities (inclusive of those facilities whether HSE or section 39). The measure further extends to those equivalent healthcare workers in private nursing homes and hospices. Arrangements for this sector encompassed by this measure are currently being progressed by the Department of Health.
I am also mindful of other workers who played their own part during this difficult period in sustaining services other than healthcare. It is tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the risks which frontline healthcare workers faced. In recognition of the efforts of all workers, volunteers, and the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government announced a public holiday which took place on 18 March 2022. From February next year there will also be a new permanent public holiday established to mark Imbolc/St Brigid’s Day.
Departmental Reports
Questions (735)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:735. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health for an update on the as yet unpublished follow up report on mortality in single homeless population that was to be funded by his Department and the HSE as a follow up study to the Interim Report on Mortality in Single Homeless Population 2020. [16445/22]
View answerWritten answers
People who are long-term homeless experience a high prevalence of physical disease, mental illness, and substance use. As a result, they are more likely to die prematurely. A study of mortality among people who are homeless in Dublin (Ivers and Barry, 2018), found the median age at death for people who are homeless is young at just 42 years old, while the median age at death for homeless women is even lower at 37 years. The study recommended that a system of recording and reporting premature deaths among people who are homeless should be rolled out nationally so that data relating to all deaths in people known to be homeless in the state are available.
As a social determinant of health, being homeless worsens the physical and mental health of those affected and makes people more vulnerable to problematic drug and alcohol use. Furthermore, homelessness undermines the effectiveness of health care services, as it creates additional barriers for people in accessing treatment in a timely and integrated manner.
The Health Research Board is responsible for managing the National Drug Related Deaths Index (NDRDI), which is a census of drug-related deaths and deaths among drug users and those who are alcohol dependent. The NDRDI was established in 2005 and is jointly funded by the Departments of Health and Justice and Equality.
In 2020, the Department of Health asked the HRB to undertake a one-year feasibility study to collect mortality data among people known to be homeless from closed files in the Coroners Service through the existing NDRDI data collection methodology. The extension of this NDRDI methodology has been used successfully to collect data on other premature deaths, including road accidents and suicide.
The HRB is currently reviewing the data collected for deaths in 2019, including deaths among people who were homeless, in approximately 17,000 files from all Coroner districts. However, due to public health Covid-19 restrictions, data collection has been delayed and is not yet completed. The HRB hopes to have the report finalised by early summer, but this is contingent on continued access to the coroner’s offices.
The purpose of the feasibility study is to strengthen the evidence base for preventing premature death among people who are homeless. The public health response to Covid-19 greatly minimised the risk of illness and death for people who are homeless and improved their access to healthcare services. The ambitious targets in the Housing First Implementation Plan 2022-2026 is a further expression of my determination to break the vicious cycle of homelessness and premature death.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (736)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:736. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the future plans for the medically supervised shielding units created as part of the HSE and Dublin Region Housing Executive Covid-19 response in Dublin and if his Department intends to continue funding these units as permanent facilities post Covid. [16446/22]
View answerWritten answers
Covid-19 brought into focus the significant health inequalities faced by socially excluded groups by people who are homeless. The public health response to the pandemic greatly minimised the risk of illness and death for people who are homeless and improved their access to healthcare services. More resources, better ways of working and client-centred delivery were key ingredients in providing a more effective health care service for people who are homeless during Covid-19.
In 2021, the Department of Health provided additional funding of €11 million to enhance health services for people who are homeless, and to continue the protective public health measures for the medically vulnerable and Covid positive homeless population.
Housing for All sets out the Government policy for reducing and preventing homelessness. It commits to maintain and consolidate the enhanced healthcare services put in place in response to the pandemic. Accordingly, in Budget 2022, I provided a further €10m in Covid funding for people who are homeless.
Housing First is a long-term strategy to reduce homelessness and to enable those with complex health needs, including drug and alcohol use, to access permanent secure accommodation. The ambitious targets in the Housing First Implementation Plan 2022-2026 is an expression of the Government's determination to break the vicious cycle of homelessness and ill-health. Providing people with a home of their own is the critical ingredient that enables the effective and timely delivery of health care services. It allows health care professionals to put in place the wrap around supports that people who are long-term homeless urgently require.
I am keen for the lessons learned on better ways of working and enhanced service provision for people who are homeless to be continued beyond the pandemic. In that context, I will consider further funding for medically supervised shielding facilities as part of the 2023 Estimates, taking into account the public health situation at the time.
Disability Services
Questions (737)
Johnny Mythen
Question:737. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies by job title in the children's disability network teams in CHO5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16449/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff
Questions (738)
Johnny Mythen
Question:738. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies that currently exist in County Wexford across psychiatry, psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counselling and psychotherapy and mental health nursing by job title in tabular form; the number of positions across these disciplines that are currently fulfilled by locum or agency staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16450/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff
Questions (739)
Johnny Mythen
Question:739. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health the number of professionals that have left psychiatry, psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counselling and psychotherapy and mental health nursing in County Wexford in the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16451/22]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff
Questions (740)
Johnny Mythen
Question:740. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health the number of professionals that have retired from psychiatry, psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counselling and psychotherapy and mental health nursing in County Wexford in the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16452/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (741)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:741. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the status of the €1,000 pandemic frontline bonus; the engagements to date with unions; the expected timeframe in which healthcare workers will receive the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16481/22]
View answerWritten answers
Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.The Government announced a COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021.
This payment will be made to those eligible public sector frontline healthcare staff (inclusive of agency staff working for the HSE) who worked in clinical settings, noting this list is not exhaustive: those Doctors / Nurses / Health Care Assistants / Porters / Cleaners etc. that work in clinical settings. The measure encompasses Health Care Support Assistants (also known as Home Carers / Home Help) employed by or carrying out duties contracted to the HSE.
The measure also encompasses those eligible working on site in long term residential care facilities for people with disabilities (inclusive of those facilities whether HSE or section 39). The measure further extends to those equivalent healthcare workers in private nursing homes and hospices. Arrangements for this sector encompassed by this measure are currently being progressed by the Department of Health.
The Department of Health appreciates the levels of interest this announcement has generated. We are working together with the HSE to provide additional details on this measure including full eligibility criteria, particulars and terms and conditions that apply. Additionally, the Department and the HSE are currently consulting with health sector trade unions on this matter. This consultation is part of the Department and HSE’s objective to finalise the application of this measure fairly.
Upon conclusion of consultations with the trade unions, full details of the application process, FAQs and other particulars shall be published by the HSE. Noting that the details will be finalised once this consultation has concluded, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this point.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (742)
Martin Kenny
Question:742. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health when care assistants that work in the Cloonamahon healthcare facility for persons with intellectual disabilities in County Sligo will receive the €1,000 recognition payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16485/22]
View answerWritten answers
Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
The Government announced a COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021.
This payment will be made to those eligible public sector frontline healthcare staff (inclusive of agency staff working for the HSE) who worked in clinical settings, noting this list is not exhaustive: those Doctors / Nurses / Health Care Assistants / Porters / Cleaners etc. that work in clinical settings. The measure encompasses Health Care Support Assistants (also known as Home Carers / Home Help) employed by or carrying out duties contracted to the HSE.
The measure also encompasses those eligible working on site in long term residential care facilities for people with disabilities (inclusive of those facilities whether HSE or section 39). The measure further extends to those equivalent healthcare workers in private nursing homes and hospices. Arrangements for this sector encompassed by this measure are currently being progressed by the Department of Health.
The Department of Health appreciates the levels of interest this announcement has generated. We are working together with the HSE to provide additional details on this measure including full eligibility criteria, particulars and terms and conditions that apply. Additionally, the Department and the HSE are currently consulting with health sector trade unions on this matter. This consultation is part of the Department and HSE’s objective to finalise the application of this measure fairly.
Upon conclusion of consultations with the trade unions, full details of the application process, FAQs and other particulars shall be published by the HSE. Noting that the details will be finalised once this consultation has concluded, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this point.
General Practitioner Services
Questions (743)
Brendan Howlin
Question:743. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health the detail of his plans to provide locum cover for rural based general practitioners to cover for unavoidable absences; if he is developing a plan to establish a national locum register or regional register of available general practitioners as has been developed to cover absent teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16486/22]
View answerWritten answers
GPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS (General Medical Services) contract with the HSE to provide services without charge to patients who hold a medical card or a GP visit card. GPs are reimbursed by the HSE for the provision of those services primarily on a capitation basis, with a range of additional support payments and fees for specific items of service.
GPs contracted under the GMS scheme with a panel size of 100 patients or more receive a contribution towards the cost of securing locum cover for certain types of leave, including annual leave, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, adoptive leave, study leave, and Covid-19 leave. Where a GMS GP has difficulty in securing locum cover where it is required, the relevant HSE Community Health Organisation will assist the GP in providing locum cover where possible.
The 2019 GP Agreement includes a commitment to undertake a strategic review of GP services within the lifetime of the Agreement, to examine how best to ensure the provision of GP services in Ireland for the future. The Government is open to considering other options of support for general practice as part of the strategic review. The outcome of this review will inform future contractual changes, with preparatory work for the review having begun this year.
Health Services
Questions (744)
David Cullinane
Question:744. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who are on a form of health waiting list including in primary care, community care, acute care, disabilities, mental health and other healthcare waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16487/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.