Written Answers Nos. 575-599
575. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to the opening of caravan parks in summer in the context of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8614/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
576. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will receive services such as speech and language therapy and occupational therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8634/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to a service issue it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
577. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) with ASD will be offered services such as speech and language therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8635/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
578. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health when services for older persons in Drogheda will be reopened (details supplied); if the status and operation of the service and centre is under review; if the centre will continue to operate in its current form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8636/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
579. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health if a reply will issue to a query raised (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8640/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra621. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the procedure in relation to testing for Covid-19 in hospitals; if a person presents at accident and emergency are they tested for Covid-19 or if this depends on if they are presenting with an injury or illness related or not related to Covid-19 symptoms; and if the procedure differs based on if the patient is being admitted to the hospital or treated as an outpatient. [8878/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 579 and 621 together.
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
580. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the need for healthcare of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8642/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
581. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the date on which the practice of the same staff, that is, nurses, carers, porters, cleaners and others working between Covid-19 positive, negative and queried patients ceased at Mayo University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8646/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra582. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health when Mayo University Hospital converted wards into Covid-19 positive, negative and queried wards to avoid the risk of cross infection; the way in which patients are segregated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8647/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra583. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the protection in place to encourage staff to report concerns they may have over practices they deem to impact on their own health and safety and the health and safety of patients; his views on whether staff at Mayo University Hospital and other healthcare facilities are issued with warnings of disciplinary action if they comment on concerns they have regarding their own health and safety or that of the patients and residents they are caring for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8648/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra584. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health if all staff at Mayo University Hospital have been tested for Covid-19; if the results are confirmed; if that testing will continue; the intervals at which it will occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8649/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra585. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health if he will consider allocating an expert team from his Department to Mayo University Hospital to restore public confidence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8650/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra586. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of patients discharged from Mayo University Hospital to nursing and other residential care homes from 1 March to 20 May 2020 without being tested for Covid-19 and the results being confirmed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8651/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 581 to 586, inclusive, together.
I am advised by Saolta Hospital Group that appropriate control measures are currently in place in Mayo University Hospital in relation to Covid-19.
I am also requesting a report from the CEO of the HSE on the Covid-19 measures taken at Mayo University Hospital from the outset of the pandemic, his views on the appropriateness of these measures at the particular points in time involved and his reassurance that all reasonable measures are now being taken to protect the safety of patients and staff in Mayo University Hospital.
Meanwhile, the number of confirmed cases off Covid-19 in the hospital is continuing to decrease.
587. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will address a series of matters regarding the provision of funding to an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8662/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible. The Deputy may also wish to contact the other Departments referred to in relation to this matter directly.
588. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health when the location allowance will be paid to nurses in University Hospital Limerick that are employed by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8664/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis has been sent to the HSE for direct reply.
589. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) is eligible for cross border directive funding through the HSE. [8667/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
590. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when full services will be restored for a person (details supplied). [8673/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
591. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to cases by which a shoe and clothing repair store which as outlined in the Roadmap on Reopening Society and Business is allowed reopen in phase 2, in view of the fact it is a small commercial outlet but the store is located within a shopping centre, which is set to reopen in stage 5; his views on such cases; and if clarity will be provided for business owners in similar situations as to the legality of when they are allowed reopen. [8684/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 business activities in specific sectors of the economy should in the first instance be sought from the Government Department with responsibility for that sector.
592. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if reference was made to the international aviation advice on air travel when introducing 14-day quarantine guidance; the way in which this compares with other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8721/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 20 May, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published joint guidelines on health safety in air travel (Covid-19 Avition Safety Protocol).
The ECDC/EASA guidelines provide clarity on how to minimise the risk of transmission during a journey. The guidlines are most welcome, given that a significant risk associated with international travel is the drawing together of people into congregated settings, including in airports and on aircraft.
Our pre-existing public health advice for passengers to self-isolate during the 14 days after they arrive into the State is not limited to addressing only the risk of transmission during periods of travel, but addresses the broader risk of imported cases of the disease.
593. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Health if the social distancing measures currently in place and which demand a distance of two metres to be kept from all persons is now under consideration to be reduced to one metre in line with the advice of the World Health Organisation for the later stages of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business in order to ensure smaller SMEs can reopen in June and July 2020 in a safe manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8723/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
While the evidence relating to the SARS-CoV-2 virus is evolving, it is clear now that the risks of transmission of any respiratory pathogens such as the type that causes Covid-19 are lessened when greater distance is maintained between people. This evidence is kept under review by the National Public Health Emergency Team on a continuing basis.
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.
594. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he will consider a tailored awareness campaign for young persons aimed at maintaining adherence to the required social distancing measures and perhaps engaging popular musicians, celebrities or entertainers in the process (details supplied). [8729/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
595. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health his plans to approve a 24/7 catheterisation laboratory at University Hospital Waterford; the position regarding the recruitment of a consultant interventional cardiologist at the hospital; if a second catheterisation laboratory at the hospital will be equipped to carry out interventional cardiology services; when the national cardiac services review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8730/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2016, the Herity Report concluded that the needs of the effective catchment population of University Hospital Waterford (UHW) could be accommodated from a single cath lab and recommended that the operating hours of the existing cath lab should be extended.
The HSE has advised that an additional Consultant Interventional Cardiologist post to support a seven (7) day; 8 am – 8 pm service in the existing Cath Lab was advertised by the Public Appointment Service on 27 September 2019. Interviews for this position took place on 27 January 2020 and the post is now at the final stages of recruitment through the Public Appointment Services and will be filled very soon.
I remain committed to the provision of a second cath lab in University Hospital Waterford. As set out in the HSE’s options appraisal, the preferred option is for a second cath lab and associated 12 bed day ward (delivering six additional beds) on the roof of the existing Cardiology Department, which will operate five days per week and provide diagnostic services only.
The HSE has advised that funding was allocated in the 2019 Capital Plan for the provision of second Cath Lab at University Hospital Waterford, planning permission is in place for this project, preparation of contract documentation has commenced and contractor selection is underway. The HSE anticipates that the project will go to tender before late July and it is expected that construction will commence in October with a 10-12 month programme.
The Herity Report also recommended that the current 9 to 5 provision of emergency pPCI services should cease to allow the hospital focus on the much larger volume of planned work. I asked my Department to address the implications of this recommendation by arranging for a National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 under the Chairmanship of Professor Phillip Nolan and a Steering Group was formed from nominations from interested stakeholders representing medical, professional/technical staff, nursing and patient representatives.
The aim of this Review is to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive by establishing the need for an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service.
Site visits to the 6 Primary PCI Centre’s along with Beaumont Hospital, Sligo University Hospital, Tallaght University Hospital and St Vincent’s University Hospital have taken place. International site visits to the Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast and the Golden Jubilee Hospital, Glasgow have also been undertaken. HRB-CICER have also completed their Evidence Synthesis review on their four research questions and submitted their final report to the Steering Group.
I am anxious for this Review to be completed in the context of the National Development Plan and Sláintecare so that decisions can be made with regards to the continued investment and upgrading of Specialist Cardiac Services in Ireland. While it is hoped that the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services can be completed in the near future, unfortunately the impact of COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse impact on its progression.
596. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of cases of a disease similar to Kawasaki disease combined with toxic shock and similar to Covid-19 which have been identified here (details supplied). [8745/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 28 April the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) alerted paediatricians, general practitioners, consultants in emergency medicine and directors of public health to details of a new emerging illness known as Paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS).
PIMS is a rare condition and the potential link with Covid-19 is neither established nor well understood and the European Centre of Disease Control advises that the overall risk of PIMS in children in the EU is low.
Statistics in relation to this illness are a matter for the Health Service Executive and I have asked that they respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
597. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when out of hours doctors service will resume in Youghal, County Cork [8753/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
598. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Health the measures and funding in place to assist the farming community deal with the mental health consequences of Covid-19; if funding allocations can or have been made to charities that deal with suicide and the farming community since the outbreak; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8768/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
599. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the latest costings of the development of the national children’s hospital since the outbreak of Covid-19; the date those costings relate to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8771/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building and equipping the new children's hospital. I have referred your question to the NPHDB for direct reply.
