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Gnáthamharc

Wednesday, 3 Jun 2020

Written Answers Nos. 500-524

Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (500)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

500. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he has communicated with the national procurement board since 1 March 2020 about the increased cost projections of the National Forensic Mental Health Service Hospital in Portrane, County Dublin, caused by the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8897/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The HSE has responsibility for the procurement and delivery of the National Forensic Mental Health Service capital project at Portrane, in line with the approved budget for this project and under its management of the wider HSE capital programme.  This new facility is virtually complete and is expected to come on-stream in the near future. In this context, no discussions as raised by the Deputy have taken place in relation to the Department of Heath. I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy regarding any such communications they may have had on the matter.

Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (501)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

501. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the communications that have taken place between his Department and the Minister for Finance regarding the potential for increased costs in the development of the National Forensic Mental Health Service Hospital in Portrane, County Dublin, in view of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8899/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The HSE has responsibility for the procurement and delivery of the National Forensic Mental Health Service capital project at Portrane, in line with the approved budget for this project and given its responsibilities for the overall HSE capital programme. In this context, no communications of the nature raised by the Deputy have taken place. I am satisfied that this project, which is virtually complete and is scheduled to commence the new forensic mental health service on a phased basis in the near future, will be delivered in accordance with approved funding levels.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (502)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

502. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the amount paid to a company (details supplied) for the transportation of personal protective equipment during the Covid-19 pandemic. [8925/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the HSE has responsibility for procurement issues, I have asked the agency to respond directly to the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (503)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

503. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if airline staff resident here and working from airports in the UK will be exempt from quarantine when they return from work to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8984/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The public health advice for passengers coming to Ireland from overseas is to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival into the State, with exemptions for set categories of persons including supply chain workers and some others.

My Department, in close consultation with other relevant Departments, is developing proposals to strengthen the 14 days' self-isolation arrangements, and close consideration is being given to exempt categories from any legal requirement to self-isolate.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (504)

John Lahart

Ceist:

504. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health if he is considering a review of the compulsory travel ban in view of representations from the aviation industry and in further view of the potential job losses in the sector with specific regard to concerns regarding a blanket travel ban that takes no account of the prevalence of Covid-19 in specific locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9048/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the number of indigenous cases here declines and Ireland eases some restrictions, the relative importance of the risk of importation of cases from overseas increases. Ultimately, the progress towards suppression of community transmission which has been achieved and which should allow for greater resumption of social and economic life in Ireland could be endangered.

The public health advice for passengers arriving into the State from overseas is to self-isolate for 14 days. Since 28 May it is a legal requirement for passengers arriving from overseas to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form. The information on the form may be used to assist our contact tracing teams.

The issue of imposing mandatory self-isolation for a 14 day period, to be considered as the situation evolves, was mentioned in the Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business.

My Department, in consultation with other relevant Departments including the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, is developing proposals to strengthen the 14 days self-isolation arrangements for travellers from overseas.

Any mandatory arrangements would be kept under regular review.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (505)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

505. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the number of persons seeking international protection who contracted Covid-19 by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9204/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Both my Department and the HSE are committed to protecting the identity and medical confidentiality of individuals that contracted COVID-19, as required by law, and therefore do not give specific information about individuals or locations.  Information on cases or outbreaks of any illness (COVID-19 or otherwise) is provided only if there is a public health reason to do so.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (506)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

506. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when the extended emergency powers given to An Garda Síochána will be rescinded; the plans in place for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9255/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 amended the Health Act 1947, making exceptional provision, in the public interest and having regard to the manifest and grave risk to human life and public health posed by the spread of Covid-19.

Section 31A of the Health Act 1947 (inserted by section 10 of the 2020 Act) allows the Minister for Health, having regard to certain matters, to make regulations for the purpose of preventing, limiting, minimising or slowing the spread of Covid-19. Section 31A(7) provides that a member of the Garda Síochána who suspects, with reasonable cause, that a person is contravening (or has contravened) a provision of a regulation made under section 31A that is specified to be a penal provision may, for the purposes of ensuring compliance with the regulation, direct the person to take such steps as are necessary to comply with the provision (it is an offence not to do so without lawful authority or reasonable excuse and the member of the Garda Síochána may arrest that person without warrant). Provision is also made for the taking of the name and address of any person believed to be contravening such regulations (with similar penalties arising for not doing so).

The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A -Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No 121 of 2020), as amended, provide that the requirement to remain at home without reasonable excuse is a penal provision.  Under section 31A, this means that breaching it is an offence, punishable by a fine of up to €2,500 of imprisonment of up to 6 months, or both.  A Garda who, with reasonable cause, suspects that a person is breaching this requirement may direct the person to take steps to come into compliance, in effect to go home.   A person who, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, fails to comply with such a direction is guilty of a separate offence, again punishable by a fine of up to €2,500 or imprisonment of up to 6 months, or both. The Garda may also arrest such a person without warrant. The Garda may also require the person to give his or her name and address, and again it is an offence, with the same punishment, to refuse or to give an address that is false or misleading. The Regulations also impose restrictions upon events, which is also a penal provision to which similar penalties apply.

Any amendment to the existing Regulations, including any requirement for penal provisions, must give due cognisance to the on-going threat that the disease represents and is predicated upon carefully considered public health advice, provided by the Chief Medical Officer and the National Public Health Emergency Team. To date, any unwinding of Regulatory measures has carefully adhered to these requirements, taking care to ensure that any proposed loosening of restrictions is made on the basis of the best available medical guidance and advice.

Both the provisions of section 31A and Regulations made thereunder are time-bound, being subject to sunset clauses to ensure that they are applicable for no longer than is necessary. Any extension of the date of operation (currently until 8 June 2020) or content of the Regulations is subject to consultation with relevant Ministers as well as relevant public health advice. 

In the case of section 31A and associated amendments to the Health Act 1947 inserted by the provisions of the 2020 Act, any extension of the relevant provisions of the Act beyond 9 November 2020 is subject to a resolution passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas. 

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 of Ireland’s society and economy in a phased manner. It is anticipated that these changes will also be reflected through the evolution of the regulatory regime in place, so as to maintain alignment with the revisions being made to the public health approach.

Dental Services

Ceisteanna (507)

Gary Gannon

Ceist:

507. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health the process for the school dental screening programme and Covid-19 (details supplied). [9515/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (508)

James Browne

Ceist:

508. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that mental health services and voluntary NGOs receive sufficient funding to ensure that their services can continue during the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7315/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Departmental Correspondence

Ceisteanna (509)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

509. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he has considered the issues raised in correspondence by associations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8289/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

Guidance in relation to specific sectors of the economy should in the first instance be sought from the Government Department with responsibility for that sector.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (510)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

510. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if an investigation has been undertaken into the continuing high incidence of Covid-19 in counties Cavan and Monaghan; if so, if there is an identified deficiency in healthcare provision in the areas; if so, if additional resources will be provided to public and private healthcare providers to deal with such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8290/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (511)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

511. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for a surgical procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8296/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

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 trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of non-covid care including more routine care. It is envisaged that the private hospitals will play an important role in this regard.

My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to estimate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address any backlog or pent up demand. My Department continues to ensure that the resources available throughout our health system are best utilised at this unique and challenging time.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Medical Cards

Ceisteanna (512)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

512. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) who is over 70 years of age was refused a full medical card and was awarded a general practitioner only card [8297/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (513)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

513. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if queries raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) regarding the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business and property industry protocols will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8301/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

On 9 May the “Return to Work Safely Protocol - COVID-19 Specific National Protocol for Employers and Workers” was published. It provides clear guidance to employers and to workers on the measures that must be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Protocol was developed through the cooperation of the Health and Safety Authority, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, the HSE and my Department. It is designed to be used by all workplaces to adapt their procedures and practices to provide protection against the threat of COVID-19.

In general, with the exception of public health advice, the responsibility for providing guidance in relation to a particular sector of our economy or on a specific activity remains with the Government Department with responsibility for that sector or activity. The Department of Justice and Equality is responsible for property services regulation.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (514)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

514. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure that non-Covid-19 related cases and-or treatments and other delayed medical procedures are being accommodated in the private hospitals that have been utilised by the public health system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8304/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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 trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of non-covid care including more routine care.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has approved a number of recommendations relating to protecting and maximising the delivery of essential time-critical non-Covid-19 care alongside Covid-19 care. On 5 May, NPHET agreed that its recommendation of 27 March, in regard to the pausing of all non-essential health services should be replaced, in relation to acute care, with a recommendation that delivery of acute care be determined by appropriate clinical and operational decision making.

Guidance on patient pathways to mitigate the risks associated with the delivery of non-covid care, for patients and healthcare workers, and support safe delivery of care has been developed under the auspices of the Expert Advisory Subgroup of NPHET (EAG) and approved in principle by NPHET.  

The HSE advise that preliminary figures show that as of 25th May, 7,605 patients had been discharged from private hospitals having undergone an inpatient procedure since the arrangement between the HSE and private hospitals came into force. In the same period 26,007 daycase procedures took place in private hospitals, as well as 35,073 diagnostic appointments and 20,407 outpatient appointments.

Under the terms agreed with the 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 arrangement was agreed. These patients will be treated as public patients and will be prioritised based on clinical needs, as with any other public patient.

Hospitals Building Programme

Ceisteanna (515)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

515. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the status of the proposed building of the Shiel Hospital in Ballyshannon, County Donegal; if the contract has been awarded; when building will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8308/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

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.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (516)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

516. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the reason for the events which took place at the Rock Hospital, Ballyshannon, County Donegal, in which all patients were relocated; the status of the hospital; his plans for the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8309/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Disabilities Assessments

Ceisteanna (517)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

517. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of HSE waiting times for assessment of need for children with disabilities; the number of children waiting at present; the length of time they have been waiting in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8310/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Primary Care Services Provision

Ceisteanna (518)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

518. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 637 of 3 March 2020, if the issue at a health centre (details supplied) has been rectified; his plans to reopen the centre once Covid-19 restrictions loosen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8312/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Free Travel Scheme

Ceisteanna (519)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

519. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if the reason free travel passes are not being accepted under an agreement between the HSE and LocalLink to facilitate bringing persons to day services will be reviewed; if the matter will be urgently reviewed from a HSE perspective; if his attention has been drawn to the additional costs this is putting on service users with free travel passes who are depending on social welfare income in these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8313/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy will be aware that the Free Travel Scheme is operated on behalf of the Department for Employment Affairs and Social Protection. 

The Deputy will also be aware that the Department of Transport, tourism and sport has a responsibility to provide Public Transport, that is Transport open to the entire community, and transport exclusively for HSE Service users does not fall into this remit.  

There are improvements in access to a range of transport supports available to persons with disabilities in the State, for example the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme, operated by the Revenue Commissioners; the Free Travel Scheme operated by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection; and CLÁR funding, approved by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, to voluntary organisations providing transport for people with significant mobility issues.   

Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017 - 2021, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of accessible public transport.   

The Department of Health and the HSE provide specialist disability services, including Day Services and Rehabilitative Training, to people with disabilities who require such services. Transport is not considered a core Health service and as such Day Service funding does not include transport.

In the Cavan/Monaghan area, the HSE have informed the department that the Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO 1) works with Local Link to provide a co-ordinated and efficient transport service, for all service users going to day services operated or funded by the HSE. The HSE pays 90% of the costs of this day service transport, with the remainder funded through passenger fares. The HSE has no remit to provide transport but recognises that service users living in rural areas would not be able to access services without transport supports. 

It is important to note that at present fares (€4) are collected on "closed" routes (i.e. not open to the general public but for HSE service users only). Service users who are using a public "open" Local Link bus route to get to their day service, can use their free bus pass. 

The €4 charge collected on these 'closed' routes contributes to overall improvements in service delivery including increased number of routes, shorter journey times and improvement in quality of vehicles used.  

The HSE service provided is;

- Safe and of the highest quality providing door to door transport for people attending HSE funded services, including assigned designated Garda vetted drivers per service so that relationships and trust are developed between passenger and driver

- fully accessible

- best value for money

- co-ordinated and managed in a professional manner by people who have expertise in transport provision

- reviewed continuously to ensure shorter passenger journey times. 

This partnership with transport providers commenced in Sligo and Leitrim in 2012. At this time, day services commenced collecting transport fares within the centre. However, some centres did not collect fares and to ensure equity all passengers across CHO1 are now being requested to pay fares.

Hospitals Data

Ceisteanna (520)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

520. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the number of attendances at the minor injury unit in Monaghan Hospital between 2010 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8315/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Please see the following figures detailing attendances at the Minor Injury Unit, Monaghan Hospital.

Total

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

2010

441

374

517

650

760

652

2011

526

490

659

798

811

827

2012

413

473

482

465

529

401

2013

334

328

359

386

270

362

2014

315

295

388

421

395

432

2015

295

342

383

378

356

460

2016

311

301

390

445

439

458

2017

342

344

404

376

502

392

2018

367

380

357

450

556

487

2019

414

350

423

423

523

457

2020

386

371

303

240

0

0

Total

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Total

2010

676

589

571

567

506

581

6884

2011

835

813

751

713

531

383

8137

2012

518

448

457

416

394

310

5306

2013

409

359

415

320

325

253

4120

2014

497

387

442

366

334

304

4576

2015

410

424

412

360

336

301

4457

2016

400

379

395

352

347

323

4540

2017

409

364

387

423

349

274

4566

2018

535

421

421

461

533

404

5372

2019

522

473

407

416

408

309

5125

2020

0

0

0

0

0

0

1300

Fire Service

Ceisteanna (521)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

521. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the reason members of the fire service who are trained emergency first responders are not called to life-threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrests in view of the fact they could be on the scene of an emergency quicker than the ambulance service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8323/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In addition to specific functions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Ambulance Service continues to respond to emergency calls, and to dispatch both land and air resources, as appropriate, from the National Emergency Operations Centre.

The deployment of fire personnel is, in the first instance, a matter for the local authorities who manage and operate fire services around the country.

Home Help Service

Ceisteanna (522)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

522. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to deal with the provision of home help hours during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8324/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible

Counselling Services

Ceisteanna (523)

Joe Flaherty

Ceist:

523. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Health when full counselling services will resume in the context of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business (details supplied). [8337/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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)) counsellors 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).

Assisted Human Reproduction

Ceisteanna (524)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

524. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the details of the IVF scheme in maternity hospitals; the criteria for same; the way in which eligibility for the scheme is determined; the waiting list for same; the hospitals in which it is available; the way in which a referral can be obtained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8339/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, I announced the roll-out of a model of care for infertility in December last year.  This model of care will ensure that infertility issues will be addressed through the public health system at the lowest level of clinical intervention necessary.  It will comprise three stages, starting in primary care (i.e., GPs) and extending into secondary care (i.e., Regional Fertility Hubs) and then, where necessary, tertiary care (i.e., IVF and other advanced assisted human reproduction (AHR) treatments).  Structured referral pathways will be put in place and patients will be referred onwards for further investigations or treatment as required and as clinically appropriate.  It is intended that, in line with available resources, this model of care for infertility will be rolled out on a phased basis over the course of the coming years.

Phase One of the roll-out of the model of care involves the development of Regional Fertility Hubs at secondary care level.  Funding of €2m has been provided to develop these Hubs in maternity networks which will facilitate the management of a significant proportion of patients presenting with infertility issues.

Phase Two will see the introduction of tertiary infertility services, including IVF, in the public health system.  This cannot commence before the service is regulated through the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill.  The drafting of this comprehensive piece of legislation is ongoing in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General.

Substantial progress has been made in respect of the development of these Hubs, despite the work having to be slowed due to the management of the Covid-19 pandemic by the health service broadly and its impact upon the provision of elective health services, including fertility services.  The normal work programmes in the HSE and the Department of Health have resumed for the most part, allowing the continuation of Phase One of the roll-out of the model of care, and specifically the development of the first four of the Regional Fertility Hubs.

It should be noted that while AHR treatment is not currently funded by the Irish Public Health Service, a defined list of fertility medicines needed for fertility treatment is covered under the High Tech Arrangements administered by the HSE.  Medicines covered by the High Tech Arrangements must be prescribed by a consultant/specialist and authorised for supply to the client’s nominated community pharmacy by the High Tech Hub managed by the Primary Care Reimbursement Service.  The cost of the medicines is then covered, as appropriate, under the client’s eligibility, i.e., Medical Card or Drugs Payment Scheme.  Given the costs associated with certain fertility medicines, I am aware that these schemes can have a material impact on the total cost of AHR treatment for individuals who avail of them.

In addition, there is other support available in that patients who access AHR treatment privately may claim tax relief on the costs involved under the tax relief for medical expenses scheme. 

Overall, the implementation of the model of care will help to ensure the provision of safe, effective and accessible infertility services at all levels of the public health system as part of the full range of services available in obstetrics and gynaecology.

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