Written Answers Nos. 828-830
828. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health when an activity working outdoors as a chainsaw sculptor in gardens, parks and open spaces can resume under the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7060/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe modification of public health measures approved by Government on 15 May include allowing the phased return of outdoor workers from 18 May with social distancing requirements continuing to apply.
829. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding the holders of private health insurance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7108/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraA major part of the Government’s Action Plan in Response to Covid-19 was to urgently ramp up capacity for acute care facilities. A critical element of the strategy was to put in place an arrangement with the private hospitals to use their facilities as part of the public system, to provide essential acute hospital services for the duration of the emergency. Following negotiations between the HSE, supported by my Department, and the private hospitals, an overarching agreement with the 18 private acute hospitals was agreed at the end of March. The details of the arrangement are contained in the Heads of Terms, which I laid before the Oireachtas on 16 April.
The decision to take over the use of private hospitals as part of the Covid-19 response has implications for private health insurers and their customers. Each of the private health insurers have since announced measures which are focused towards assisting health insurance customers impacted by the Covid-19 national response, which include partial refunds or reductions to the amount of premium payable during the period of the agreement.
The Health Insurance Authority, as the independent statutory regulator of the private health insurance market, advises individuals to check with their own insurance company to find out more information regarding the specific measures that are available to them. Consumers who have concerns about their individual policies can also contact consumer advisors at the Authority for further information (at email address info@hia.ie).
The arrangement with private hospitals is in place for 3 months up to the end of June, with an option to extend it. Under the Heads of Terms to the agreement a decision to extend the arrangement must be notified to the private hospitals by the end of this month. The arrangement is currently under review and, depending on the outcome, a decision will be made on whether or not to extend it.
830. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the amount spent on external consultants by his Department in 2019; the average hourly rate; if caps or limits on such spending are in place; the way in which conflicts of interest are managed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7283/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health spent approximately €1.3 million on external consultants in 2019. It should be noted that not all invoices included hourly/daily rates, of those that did, the average hourly rate was €95 ex VAT. Where daily rates were quoted, a calculation was made based on a 7.5 hour working day.
The estimate for consultancy expenditure is set as part of the annual estimates process in the subhead A.7 and within the subhead H (Sláintecare). The value of approved consultancy projects within any calendar year does not exceed the value set in the estimates.
Staff involved in procurement in the Department must comply with all applicable EU and national procurement law and guidelines including the advice set out in the guidance note on “Ethics in Public Procurement” in relation to the disclosure of conflicts of interest. In relation to tender competitions undertaken by the Department, tenderers are obliged to disclose any possible or potential conflicts of interest to the Department as soon as it becomes apparent.
