Written Answers Nos. 456-464
456. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he can clarify when legislation will be in place to ensure there are safe zones to protect women and medical staff in health settings facilities to ensure they can access or provide abortion services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23807/23]
View answerThe Government is committed to ensuring that anyone needing a termination of pregnancy can access services in safety and with privacy and dignity.
The purpose of the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services (Safe Access Zones)) Bill 2022 is to ensure safe access to termination of pregnancy services for women, service providers and their staff throughout the country. Government approved the General Scheme on 27th July 2022 and it was published on 5th August 2022.
Drafting of this legislation is now at an advanced stage and I expect to bring a final draft of the Bill to Cabinet in the coming weeks and progress it through the Houses thereafter.
457. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of approved ICU staffing allocations in the ICU at University Hospital Limerick for each of the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; the number of staffing vacancies in the ICU at University Hospital Limerick for the corresponding timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23811/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
458. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of people approved for the provision of homecare in CHO5; the number of those people who have received homecare provision; the number of those people who are waiting for the provision of homecare; if he will provide a breakdown of the length of time in two-month increments that those people who have not yet received homecare provision have been waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23812/23]
View answerAs these are operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
459. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of people approved for the provision of homecare in CHO3; the number of those people who have received homecare provision; the number of those people who are waiting for the provision of homecare; if he will provide a breakdown of the length of time in two-month increments that those people who have not yet received homecare provision have been waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23813/23]
View answerAs these are operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
460. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of homecare hours that have been approved in CHO5; the number of homecare hours approved but not yet provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23814/23]
View answerAs these are operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
461. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of homecare hours that have been approved in CHO3; the number of homecare hours approved but not yet provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23815/23]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
462. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health when the tender process between the HSE and private homecare operators is due to conclude; when the process started; the number of homecare hours being sought from private operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23817/23]
View answerAs these are operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
463. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the feasibility study concerning the potential acquisition of a nursing home (details supplied).; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23818/23]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
464. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if there are financial supports available to assist former voluntary providers of mental health supports and counselling which continue to be contacted by people in need. [23810/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
