Martin Heydon
Ceist:778. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the status of the planned new endoscopy unit and day care unit at Naas General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6654/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraHealthcare Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (778)
Freagraí scríofa
As 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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (779)
Martin Heydon
Ceist:779. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health if additional guidance is available with regard to social distancing for those with low sight or who are visually impaired or blind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6681/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Council for the Blind Ireland (NCBI) established a National Helpline (1850 33 43 53) to provide support, advice and information to blind or vision impaired people during the Covid-19 pandemic.
I understand that the NCBI is currently developing guidance for employers as to what measures might be taken to facilitate blind or vision impaired employees.
My Department will continue to work with the NCBI to support blind or vision impaired people to comply with public health advice and protect themselves and others from COVID-19.
Ministerial Correspondence
Ceisteanna (780)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:780. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if a copy of all correspondence between him and both of his advisers between 17 and 21 April 2020 will be provided. [6690/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have appointed two special advisers under Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997.
It would be expected that there would be daily and ongoing interaction, including email, between myself and my advisers.
I will be more than happy to respond further to the Deputy in regard to a request for specific information.
Departmental Correspondence
Ceisteanna (781)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:781. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if a copy of all correspondence from 1 March to 1 May 2020 between the CMO and a person (details supplied) will be provided. [6691/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The role of the Department of Health is to provide strategic leadership for the health service and to ensure that government policies are translated into actions and implemented effectively. The Department supports the Minister and Ministers of State in their implementation of government policy and in discharging their governmental, parliamentary and departmental duties.
The Department's Management Board provides strategic leadership, direction and oversight in achieving the Department's corporate goals. It adheres to the principles of shared participation and personal and corporate responsibility for the operational success of the Department in supporting the Ministers and Secretary General in the fulfilment of their statutory roles. The Board members are the Secretary General (Chair), Deputy Secretaries General and Assistant Secretaries, the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Nursing Officer.
It would be expected that there would be daily and ongoing interaction, including email, among members of the Management Board, including those referenced by the Deputy, across the range of issues arising in the health services, as part of the Department's day to day business. In the time period referenced by the Deputy, correspondence and interactions will have included a priority focus on the health system response to Covid-19, and the work of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in relation to which minutes are published on the Department's website. While the precise volume of this correspondence between any two individuals, including those mentioned, is not quantified, it is anticipated that considerable time would be required for the search, retrieval, and compilation of documents and their review from the perspective of data protection principles.
I will be more than happy to respond further to the Deputy in regard to a request for specific information about any of the range of matters under consideration by my Department, or by NPHET.
HSE Investigations
Ceisteanna (782)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:782. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will establish an inquiry into the deaths of 23 persons from Covid-19 at a nursing home (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6692/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since 2009 the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, is the statutory independent regulator in place for the nursing home sector, whether a HSE managed or a private nursing home. The Authority, established under the Health Act 2007, has significant and wide-ranging powers up to and including withdrawing the registration of a nursing home facility, which means that it can no longer operate as a service provider.
This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising of Registration Regulations, Care and Welfare Regulations and National Quality Standards.
HIQA, in discharging its duties, determines, through examination of all information available to it, including site inspections, whether a nursing homes meets the regulations in order to achieve and maintain its registration status.
Should a nursing home be deemed to be non-compliant with the Regulations and the National Quality Standards, it may either fail to achieve or lose its registration status. In addition, the Chief Inspector has wide discretion in deciding whether to impose conditions of Registration on nursing homes.
During the response to COVID-19, Nursing homes continue to be regulated by HIQA, who under the Health Act 2007 have the legal authority to examine the operation of any facility under their remit.
Nursing Home Accommodation
Ceisteanna (783)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:783. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the conditions required to be met in order for the RCSI Hospital Group to hand back operational control to the owners of a nursing home (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6693/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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
Ceisteanna (784)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Ceist:784. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the detailed guidance for open water swimming instructors after 18 May 2020; and the limit to the amount of persons within 5 km of the beach who can avail of an open water swimming session (details supplied). [6701/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is not providing detailed guidance for open water swimming instructors or open water swimming sessions. Guidance in relation to activities in specific sectors of the economy should in the first instance be sought from the Governement Department with responsibility for that sector.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (785)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:785. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when private consultants will be able to start to schedule appointments and resume scheduling of procedures, in particular those which were cancelled due to the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6705/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity, including outpatient clinics. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for COVID-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the Government’s Action Plan in Response to Covid-19 published on 16 March and the recommendation by NPHET. The NPHET has now recommended that steps be taken to resume non-urgent scheduled care in the context of the safe care guidelines set drawn up by its Expert Advisory Group. The HSE is currently examining how best to resume on non-urgent scheduled care work in line with these guidelines.
Under the Heads of Terms of the agreement between the HSE and the private hospitals the HSE has access to 100% of the capacity of those hospitals and they are linked with the Hospital Group for their region. Consultants who work wholly for the private hospitals have been offered temporary locum public patient only (Type A) contracts for the duration of the arrangement. Under the agreement all patients who are being treated in the hospitals will be treated as public patients and will prioritised based on clinical needs. It is envisaged that the private hospitals will play a role in the resumption of non-urgent scheduled care work.
The agreement runs initially for 3 months from the beginning of April. The HSE is currently reviewing the operation of the arrangement with a view to deciding whether or not to extend it.
Commissions of Investigation
Ceisteanna (786)
Gerald Nash
Ceist:786. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the establishment of a commission of investigation into the deaths of 23 residents of a nursing home (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6707/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since 2009 the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, is the statutory independent regulator in place for the nursing home sector, whether a HSE managed or a private nursing home. The Authority, established under the Health Act 2007, has significant and wide-ranging powers up to and including withdrawing the registration of a nursing home facility, which means that it can no longer operate as a service provider.
This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising of Registration Regulations, Care and Welfare Regulations and National Quality Standards.
HIQA, in discharging its duties, determines, through examination of all information available to it, including site inspections, whether a nursing homes meets the regulations in order to achieve and maintain its registration status.
Should a nursing home be deemed to be non-compliant with the Regulations and the National Quality Standards, it may either fail to achieve or lose its registration status. In addition, the Chief Inspector has wide discretion in deciding whether to impose conditions of Registration on nursing homes.
During the response to COVID-19, Nursing homes continue to be regulated by HIQA, who under the Health Act 2007 have the legal authority to examine the operation of any facility under their remit.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (787, 798)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:787. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health if St. Michael's Ward in Beaumont Hospital is planning to resume providing inpatient detoxification and stabilisation services in 2020; and the stage of the Covid-19 restrictions at which the HSE plans to reopen inpatient detox and stabilisation services. [6712/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Denise Mitchell
Ceist:798. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if St. Michael’s Ward in Beaumont Hospital has been closed; if so, the alternatives being put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6838/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 787 and 798 together.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (788)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:788. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when appointments for public or private consultants can begin to be scheduled again, in particular for consultants who deal with cancer patients in view of the fact an early diagnosis is of utmost importance to ensure it is treated successfully; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6714/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Action Plan on Covid-19 identified the continued delivery of cancer care as a priority, through ensuring the delivery of national specialities and maintaining urgent activity (including cancer rapid access clinics). In line with this, cancer services have continued following consideration of the risk:benefit ratio of treatment for individual patients, the prioritisation of time-sensitive treatment and the review of the location of the delivery of cancer services.
Medical Oncology services are continuing, some in private facilities. The National Cancer Control Programme reports that attendance remains relatively high. Radiation oncology is continuing at approximately 80% capacity. There will continue to be challenges to capacity for some time due to the ongoing need to ensure physical distancing and the clean-down of machines between treatments. The focus in relation to cancer surgery has been on maintaining urgent time-sensitive surgeries. In many cases the location of surgery has been moved to a private hospital. Rapid Access Clinics for breast, lung and prostate cancer continue to operate and people are being encouraged to visit their GPs if they have any concerns in relation to cancer or other health issues.
In relation to the arrangement between the HSE and the Private Hospitals Association, consultants who work wholly in private hospitals have been offered temporary locum public patient only (Type A) contracts for the duration of the arrangement. The patients in the hospitals will be treated as public patients and will be prioritised based on clinical needs, as with any other public patient. The patients will remain under the care of their existing consultant, if the consultant is a whole-time private practice practitioner who accepts the HSE’s offer of a temporary contract, or if the consultant is already employed by the HSE.
If a patient’s consultant does not accept the HSE’s offer, the patient will have the option of being transferred to the care of another consultant as a public patient.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (789)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:789. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the reason outpatients attending for ongoing hospital treatments as they become available are being advised that under no circumstances should they attend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6730/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity, including outpatient clinics. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for COVID-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the World Health Organisation, and the National Action Plan published on 16 March. The NPHET has now recommended that steps be taken to resume non-urgent scheduled care in the context of the safe care guidelines set out by its Expert Advisory Group.
The HSE has advised my Department that hospital staff are in contact directly with patients who require urgent or time-dependent appointments and procedures and are progressing care and treatment in a safe and appropriate way. The HSE further advise that the delivery of cancer care, urgent surgery and trauma services are areas in which care continues to be delivered, often in alternative locations and using innovative methods of care delivery. Where possible, hospitals are working to provide services in a different way, which includes virtual clinics for some out-patient department appointments.
Information relating to hospital service disruptions, including information from specific hospital sites around continuation and disruptions to specific clinics is made available through the HSE website. This information is reviewed regularly to ensure the most up-to-date information is available for patients, family members, and visitors. The information is available here: https://www2.hse.ie/services/hospital-service-disruptions/hospital-service-disruptions-covid19.html
HSE Reports
Ceisteanna (790)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:790. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health when the Valproate project response report will be published; if he will provide details of the recommendations in the report; if his attention has been drawn to the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review in the UK and the compensation scheme for persons affected by foetal anti-convulsant syndrome in France; his plans to take a similar approach here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6763/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE's report on its Valproate Response Project has been considered within my Department, and I have received briefing from officials. The report describes the HSE's work on sodium valproate issues since the Valproate Response team was established in May 2018. This work has included the provision of an expert support service for people with concerns about exposure to sodium valproate; establishing a dedicated genetics clinic in Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin to improve access to genetic testing; supporting the development of a diagnostic pathway for foetal valproate syndrome; and improving the structures in place to support families affected by valproate syndrome. The HSE has also begun the development of a Programme for Women's Health in Epilepsy, which will coordinate the national response to issues relating to sodium valproate. The Project report was not written with a view to publication; however, it has been shared with the Organisation for Anticonvulsant Syndrome (OACS) Ireland charity.
There are no plans to hold an independent inquiry at present.
I am aware of the French Government’s compensation scheme and the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review in the UK. I understand that publication of the UK Review's report has now been postponed until early July. I have asked officials to monitor developments on both of these issues.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (791)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:791. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 deaths by county and age bracket up to 10 May 2020 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6764/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Infectious Diseases Regulations 1981, and subsequent amendments, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre is authorised by law to collect information from doctors and laboratories, via Medical Officers of Health, about diagnoses of certain infectious diseases in Ireland. These diseases are referred to as notifiable diseases.
The most recent amendment to the Regulations is the Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 53 of 2020) added COVID-19 to the list of notifiable diseases.
Data is collected on COVID-19 related mortality for both lab confirmed and probable cases, in line with recommendations from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in both hospitals and the community. We committed from the outset to collect the most extensive data possible in order that the information could inform and guide the public health actions necessary to respond to the very serious threat posed by COVID-19. The Deputy might note that the collection of mortality data in Ireland exceeds that of many other countries in the world.
My Department was notified that up to 10 May 2020 sadly a total of 1,458 people have died. To protect the identity of those who have died, my Department does not provide a breakdown by county and age bracket.
Food Safety Authority of Ireland
Ceisteanna (792, 793)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:792. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the financial challenge facing the local authority veterinary service on 30 June 2020 as a consequence of a cut in funding from the FSAI; the reason this cut is happening in view of the importance of the service to food production at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6793/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraJackie Cahill
Ceist:793. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to correspondence issued by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on 12 May 2020 relating to the operation of checks in small slaughter houses post 1 July 2020; his views on whether this correspondence undermines attempts to secure the future of the local authority veterinary service which currently operates this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6794/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 792 and 793 together.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is a statutory body established under the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act, 1998 (as amended by the British-Irish Agreement Act, 1999). Although, the FSAI is funded through my Department, it is independent in the exercise of its functions.
The FSAI’s key function is the enforcement of food legislation which is carried out on behalf of the FSAI by a network of official agencies under service contract, including the Local Authorities.
I am aware that the FSAI has been in discussion with the Local Authorities and the County and City Management Association (CCMA) for some time about the delivery of official food controls by the Local Authority Veterinary Service (LAVS), to ensure that this service is delivered in an efficient and effective manner.
My Department is keen to ensure that the FSAI and the Local Authorities agree on the immediate priority of ensuring that the LAVS continue to fulfil official controls by way of a renewed service contract that will facilitate stability in service, beyond the current one which expires at the end of June 2020. My Department is being kept advised by the FSAI of progress in this regard.
Hospital Consultant Contracts
Ceisteanna (794)
Patricia Ryan
Ceist:794. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if consultants are prohibited from caring for their private patients if they sign the new public consultants contract; his plans to ensure continuity of treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6803/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the terms of the agreement between the HSE and the private hospitals, provision has been made to ensure continuity of care for patients who were in a private hospital or receiving a course of treatment when the Heads of Terms for the arrangement was agreed. There are a number of principals underpinning the arrangement, including that for the duration of the arrangement the private hospitals will be used to treat public patients only and that they or the consultants working in the hospitals, will not be able to charge fees.
Consultants who work wholly for the private hospitals have been offered temporary locum public patient only (Type A) contracts.. The patients who are being treated in the hospitals will be treated as public patients and will prioritised based on clinical needs as with any other public patient. The patients will remain under the care of their existing consultant, if the consultant is already employed by the HSE or if the consultant is a whole-time private practice practitioner who accepts the HSE’s offer of a temporary contract.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity, including outpatient clinics. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for COVID-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the Government’ s National Action Plan in Response to Covid-19 and the recommendation of NPHET. NPHET has now recommended that steps be taken to resume non-urgent scheduled care in the context of the safe care guidelines set out by its Expert Advisory Group and it is envisaged that private hospitals will play a key role in providing this care.
Departmental Correspondence
Ceisteanna (795)
Gerald Nash
Ceist:795. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health if he will provide all correspondence between his Department and the HSE relating to a nursing home (details supplied) from 1 March to 12 May 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6825/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE advised the Department that the RCSI Hospital Group took over the operational management of the nursing home in question on the 17th April 2020 to assist during a period of challenge arising from COVID-19. A range of supports have been provided by the HSE to support residents in the nursing home including:
- Consultant Geriatrician Support to support GP services including, reviewing and assessing residents
- Director of Nursing Support (Provide leadership in absence of Nursing home DON)
- Infection Prevention and Control Support (advice, education and training for staff)
- Occupational Health Support (review and support staff on sick leave)
- Clinical Nurse Manager (Assist with daily leadership in the home)
- Nursing staff to ensure safe staffing levels are maintained including two CHO community nurses
- Healthcare Assistants (ensure safe staffing maintained)
- Receptionist (Assist with communication with residents families)
- Contract Cleaners (Ensure hygiene standards maintained)
- Practice Development (Training in relation to PPE/Guidelines)
The HSE further advised that a wide range of measures were taken in order to control the spread of COVID-19 including that all residents are now nursed in single rooms; personal protective equipment is readily available;
In addition, I understand comprehensive testing of all staff and residents has taken place. Staff that were diagnosed positive had taken appropriate isolation precautions and they were been isolating at home, in line with national guidelines. The HSE advised that staff were beginning to return to their place of work post isolation.
The HSE has advised the Department that the situation has stabilised in the nursing home, the staff support in place had enabled safe staffing levels for residents and that there was currently no further spread of COVID-19. I further understand that nursing home management is in contact with families of residents. The RCSI Hospital Group will continue to monitor the situation closely, through daily contacts, which is happening across all of the designated nursing homes in its area.
Childcare Costs
Ceisteanna (796)
Pa Daly
Ceist:796. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health his views on the statement by a union (details supplied) regarding subsidised childcare. [6830/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My colleague, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone has regrettably announced that the Temporary Childcare Scheme for Essential Health Workers will now not proceed on the 18th May as planned due to the low take up rate of childcare services volunteering to participate in the Scheme.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (797)
Denise Mitchell
Ceist:797. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the guidance regarding persons exercising in groups of four as on 18 May 2020, specifically whether this means personal trainers being able to conduct classes of three or less outdoors thus allowing them to re-open their respective businesses. [6837/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business, published on 1 May 2020, sets out an indicative path to the easing of COVID 19 restrictions and other actions in order to facilitate the reopening Ireland’s society and economy in a phased manner. The Roadmap specifies that decisions in relation to which actions will be taken and which public health measures might be lifted will be made in accordance with the Framework for Future Decision-Making which is as follows:
1. Before each Government consideration of the easing of restrictions, the Department of Health will provide a report to the Government regarding the following on/off trigger criteria:
a. The latest data regarding the progression of the disease,
b. The capacity and resilience of the health service in terms of hospital and ICU occupancy,
c. The capacity of the programme of sampling, testing and contact tracing,
d. The ability to shield and care for at risk groups,
e. An assessment of the risk of secondary morbidity and mortality as a consequence of the restrictions.
2. It will also provide risk-based public health advice on what measures could be modified in the next period.
3. The Government would then consider what restrictions could be lifted, having regard to the advice of the Department of Health as well as other social and economic considerations, e.g. the potential for increased employment, relative benefits for citizens and businesses, improving national morale and wellbeing etc.
4. It is acknowledged that there is also an ongoing possibility that restrictions could be re-imposed and this process will be carried out on an ongoing basis once every 3 weeks.
As is clear from the framework, it is the Government rather than I or my Department that will decide on any modifications to the current public health measures in place and those decisions will be informed by the status of the on/off trigger criteria and the public health advice received at the time that a decision is being made.
In general, with the exception of public health matters, the responsibility for providing guidance and advice in relation to a particular sector or on a specific activity remains with the Government Department with responsibility for that sector or activity.
Question No. 798 answered with Question No. 787.
Health Services Access
Ceisteanna (799)
Peter Burke
Ceist:799. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health when podiatrists will be permitted to resume services to clients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6858/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) Regulations 2020 (SI No. 121 of 2020) were signed by the Minister for Health on 7 April 2020.
Schedule 2 of the Regulations sets out essential services that are exempted from the restrictions and therefore can continue to be provided. This includes (at 15(b)) podiatry services as these services are provided by a member of a designated profession within the meaning of section 3 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (No. 27 of 2005).
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (800)
Dessie Ellis
Ceist:800. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health the bed and staff capacity of the Silverbirch Unit in Blanchardstown Hospital; if this unit is currently in use; if not, the locations where the staff are currently employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6863/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 Tests
Ceisteanna (801)
Dessie Ellis
Ceist:801. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health the status of testing, retesting and tracing of all staff and residents in nursing homes and residential units to allow the eventual opening of these facilities to visitors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6864/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the HSE has responsibility, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (802)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:802. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the reason a temporary physiotherapist from a health centre (details supplied) was laid off in view of the backlog of work; and when the person will be replaced. [6890/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.