Robert Troy
Ceist:638. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if additional home help hours will be allocated to a person (details supplied). [11186/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraHome Help Service
Ceisteanna (638)
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.
Nursing Home Accommodation
Ceisteanna (639)
John Brady
Ceist:639. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has immediate plans to purchase and take over the day-to-day running of a nursing home (details supplied). [11187/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The centre referred to the Deputy is a private nursing home registered with the Health and Information and Quality Authority. While at present the HSE is providing unprecedented supports to private nursing homes, including relevant clinical and infection prevention and control advice, funding, access to PPE and where necessary, staffing support, the future of this or any private nursing home is a matter for the registered provider in the first instance. I have asked the HSE to update the Deputy in relation to its recent interaction with the nursing home in question.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (640)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Ceist:640. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the efforts he is making with his counterpart in the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure that the reopening of businesses such as driver instructors and hairdressers are synchronised across the island to protect businesses in the Border region from being disadvantaged while adhering to public health protection requirements. [11198/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There has been significant engagement between the Ministers for Health, the Chief Medical Officers, and the Departments of Health in Ireland and Northern Ireland throughout this pandemic. There have also been regular ‘Quad’ calls co-chaired the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland with the First Minister and deputy First Minister to discuss the response to COVID-19, which the Ministers of Health for Ireland and Northern Ireland have also attended.
The engagement to date has been very pragmatic and constructive.
The administrations are seeking to adopt similar approaches, where it is appropriate to do so on the advice of respective Chief Medical Officers.
Respective plans for the gradual and controlled easing of restrictions have been discussed given the importance of implementing consistent approaches wherever possible
A Memorandum of Understanding was formally agreed by the Chief Medical Officers of the Department of Health and the Department of Health in Northern Ireland on 7 April to strengthen North South co-operation on the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The MOU focuses on facilitating greater co-operation on areas such as: public health messaging, research, programmes of behavioural change, ethics, evidence base/ modelling, and public health and non-pharmaceutical measures.
All parties recognise that in terms of public health measures in both jurisdictions, that it will be important to maintain strong North/South collaborative arrangements and, wherever possible, consistency of approach.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (641)
Peter Burke
Ceist:641. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health when services will resume at Roscommon University Hospital for a person (details supplied). [11200/20]
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 National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), 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. Application of the essential risk mitigating steps set out in the guidance developed under the auspices of the NPHET Expert Advisory group will have operational implications, which will impact on throughput.
Where possible, hospitals are working to find innovative ways to enable service provision, which include virtual clinics for some outpatient department appointments. The HSE website provides details on services currently available and operational in each hospital on its website. This information is reviewed frequently and provides up-to-date announcements on services available at each site https://www2.hse.ie/services/hospital-service-disruptions/hospital-service-disruptions-covid19.html.
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 relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (642)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:642. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); if an appointment will be scheduled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11202/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
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.
Question No. 643 answered with Question No. 609.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (644)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:644. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will undergo a further appointment for a scan at Cork University Hospital. [11216/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (645)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:645. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health when he expects the final advice on social distancing and the 2 m rule to be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11217/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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. The current advice is that you should follow social distancing guidance everywhere outside the home, including keeping a physical distance of 2 metres apart. It is also recommended that face coverings be worn in situations where social distancing is difficult to maintain, such as shops, and on public transport, or when meeting someone who is vulnerable to the virus, for example people who are cocooning. The recommendation applies to those people aged over 13 who can tolerate them.
This advice is kept under review by the National Public Health Emergency Team on a continuing basis. Arising from their meeting of 4 June, 2020, the National Public Health Emergency Team has requested that the Health Protection Surveillance Centre develop guidance on the application of existing social distancing requirements in specific, defined and controlled environments in the hospitality industry during periods of low incidence of the disease. This guidance will then be considered by the National Public Health Emergency Team on completion.
Covid-19 Tests
Ceisteanna (646)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:646. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 tests sent to Germany for analysis compared to the number tested domestically during the past three months. [11218/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the HSE has responsibility, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 647 answered with Question No. 634.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (648)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:648. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health his plans for a campaign to increase the uptake of the autumn and winter flu vaccine in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11220/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I recently announced my intention to extend the influenza vaccine to children without charge for winter 2020 to 2021. In addition, all of those in the HSE-defined at-risk groups, aged from 6 months to 69 years inclusive will also be able to access the vaccine without charge. All persons aged over 70 already have access to the vaccine without charges.
Work is currently underway to develop plans to operationalise this policy. The development of an extensive communications campaign to inform the public about the importance of this vaccination campaign and to encourage a high uptake rate of the vaccine will be a key element of this work.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (649)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:649. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a further geographical breakdown of Covid-19 positive test results and deaths in north-western areas of Dublin by cluster and community transmission as released by the HPSC. [11221/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Data is collected on COVID-19 for confirmed and probable cases and mortality, 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.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) publishes daily reports on the epidemiology of Covid-19 in Ireland, including a breakdown of confirmed cases by county, total number of outbreaks/clusters, total number of cases associated with clusters, and the number of clusters/outbreaks by location and HSE area. This report is available at the following link:
https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/casesinireland/epidemiologyofcovid-19inireland/
The Deputy might also note that data on deaths by county and underlying health condition is now being published by the Central Statistics Office and is available at the following link:
https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/br/b-cdc/covid-19deathsandcasesseries4/
My Department was notified that up to 14 June 2020, there were 25,303 confirmed cases and sadly a total of 1,706 people have died. For reasons of patient confidentiality, and to protect the identity of those who have died, my Department does not provide a breakdown of deaths below county level.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (650)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:650. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health the efforts he has made in respect of a contact tracing application in relation to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11222/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE has worked intensively since the onset of Covid-19 to develop national testing and contact tracing infrastructure. Contact tracing operations are at the centre of the health service response to Covid-19 and protecting our communities in the phases ahead. Key to effective contact tracing is the capacity to get quick and comprehensive notification to all close contacts of people infected with Covid-19. The Covid Tracker app has been developed to complement our current arrangements and help improve the speed and comprehensiveness of contact tracing. The app has other features also such as the daily symptom check-in, and information provision.
The contact tracing app that has been developed for Ireland is very much aligned with the advices and guidance issued by the EU Commission, the OECD and the WHO. The European Centre for Disease Control recently stated that "the use of mobile contact tracing apps for contact tracing offers several benefits:
- they do not rely on the memory of the case (who may be very ill at the time of interview);
- they allow contacts unknown to the case to be traced (e.g. passengers who sat close on a train);
- they can potentially speed up the process;
- they may facilitate further follow-up of contacts by health authorities via a messaging system. A symptom-checker feature could facilitate this, although it is not essential."
[Source: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/contact-tracing-covid-19-evidence-scale-up-assessment-resources]
The primary purpose of the app is to enable the health services to improve the speed and effectiveness of contact tracing. Use of the app will provide for more comprehensive alerting of close contacts of those that have become infected than is currently possible based on interviews of those infected and memory recall. In addition, the app permits citizens to anonymously report symptoms in real-time. The purpose of the symptom tracker is to assist the health services in mapping, predicting and ultimately preventing the spread of Covid-19. The app will also provide direct access to authoritative news, the purpose of which is to ensure that information and up-to-date guidance in relation to Covid-19 is accessible.
App development is now complete and the HSE and my Department are finalising arrangements particularly focussed on embedding and aligning the app within the national testing and contact tracing service. The Department of Health and the HSE have completed a programme of research to support the development of the app. The findings have provided valuable insights from the Irish public and they have informed the development of the app. My Department and HSE have worked with support from across the public service and in partnership with leading scientists through SFI. Ireland is working actively within the EU and is one of a large number of countries planning to roll out this new technology.
The app will operate on a voluntary and fully opt-in basis. The app will be launched once the necessary final approvals have been received from HSE, Department of Health, and Government.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (651)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:651. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if the publicly-funded asset with respect to the 2004 grant from the Eastern Regional Health Authority to a group (details supplied) for a clinic and science building was secured in favour of the State; if so, the way in which this security was underpinned; if there is a legal agreement in place to this end; if so, if he will provide a copy of the agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11227/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public health care property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (652, 653, 654, 655)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:652. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will address the proposed closure of a centre (details supplied); and the reasons given by the board for closure. [11228/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraBríd Smith
Ceist:653. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the funding required by the board of a nursing home (details supplied) to remain open and to comply with all statutory requirements; and if the HSE has considered funding requests from the board of the home. [11229/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraBríd Smith
Ceist:654. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the possibility of taking a nursing home (details supplied) into the control of the HSE in order to ensure the home continues to provide care for a vulnerable cohort of residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11230/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraBríd Smith
Ceist:655. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a home (details supplied) is one of the few residential care homes in the Dublin area which managed to ensure no residents fell victim to Covid-19 and that many residents there are long-term with specific needs in relation to visual impairment; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that HIQA reports quoted in recent media reports found issues only regarding governance matters and not in terms of the quality and standard of residential care; and his plans to ensure that the dedicated staff and environment at the centre are allowed to continue to provide the high levels of services for the elderly by examining the HSE funding of the centre and providing additional funds if necessary. [11231/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 652 to 655, inclusive, together.
I thank the Deputy for bringing this centre to my attention. It is reassuring to note that the provider has been successful in ensuring that no residents have contracted Covid-19.
However, this is an independent facility, run by a Board of Management and as such its future is a matter for the provider in the first instance. I understand that the HSE has engaged with the Board over the last year and this engagement is continuing.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (656)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:656. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health when full church services will be permitted to reopen following Covid-19 restrictions; if consideration has been given to bringing the date forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11265/20]
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 of Ireland’s society and economy in a phased manner. Phase 1 was introduced on 18 May 2020 and the Government confirmed the move to Phase 2 of Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business from Monday, 8 June 2020. Information and advice about the restrictions that have been eased as part of Phase 2 and the measures that are now in place are available on the Government website at: http://www.gov.ie/phase2
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 well-being 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 described above, it is the Government rather than the Minister or Department of Health 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. The decisions of the Government are published and the guidance in operation at a point in time are available on the Government website at: http://www.gov.ie/
While full church services are not currently permitted, funeral services are allowed to take place. From the start of Phase 2 (8 June, 2020) up to 25 people can be in attendance at a funeral service and burial / cremation ceremonies while observing strict social distancing guidance such as keeping 2 metres apart, maintaining hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, as well as the wearing of face coverings.
Funeral Directors and officiators are requested to remind and encourage mourners to comply with public health guidance for the safety of all attending a funeral.
It is also important to note that any indoor events after a funeral must comply with the public health guidance applicable to indoor visits, that is limited to a maximum of 6 persons indoors.
The Government also agreed to bring forward actions in the remaining phases of the Roadmap and plan for four phases rather than the five originally indicated. Work is underway to consider how best to achieve this aim and more information will be made available in the coming weeks.
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (657)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:657. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health when the medical card weekly income limit for persons over 70 years of age will be increased as committed to in budget 2020. [11271/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 16 December 2019, the Government approved the drafting of legislation which, inter alia, would give effect to the Budget 2020 commitment to increase the medical card income thresholds for persons aged over 70. Substantial work has been undertaken by officials in this regard.
Nursing Home Accommodation
Ceisteanna (658, 723)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:658. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the consideration given to a report (details supplied) regarding the recommendation to introduce a family liaison social worker into nursing homes and other residential care settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11277/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraRóisín Shortall
Ceist:723. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to correspondence received from an organisation (details supplied) regarding recommendations for residential care settings and his response to date. [11605/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 658 and 723 together.
On foot of a National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) recommendation, on 23 May a COVID-19 Expert Panel on Nursing Homes was established, to examine the complex issues surrounding the management of COVID-19 among this particularly vulnerable cohort.
The purpose of the Panel is to examine the national and international responses to the COVID-19 crisis, and to examine the emerging best practice. The main objective of the Panel is to provide immediate real-time learnings and recommendations in light of the expected ongoing impact of COVID-19 over the next 12-18 months. COVID-19 is a new disease, which can present atypically in the frail elderly, and new evidence and best practice in its management are constantly emerging.
The Terms of Reference of the Expert Panel are:
1. Provide assurance that the national protective public health and other measures adopted to safeguard residents in nursing homes, in light of COVID-19, are appropriate, comprehensive and in line with international guidelines and any lessons learned from Ireland's response to COVID-19 in nursing homes to date;
2. Provide an overview of the international response to COVID-19 in nursing homes utilising a systematic research process;
3. Report to the Minister for Health by end June 2020 in order to provide immediate real-time learnings and recommendations in light of the expected ongoing impact of COVID-19 over the next 12-18 months.
This independent Panel is chaired by Professor Cecily Kelleher, Principal of the College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, UCD. Professor Kelleher will be joined by Professor Cillian Twomey (Retired Geriatrician), Petrina Donnelly, Group Director of Nursing, RCSI Hospital Group, and Brigid Doherty, representing the public interest.
The correspondence and report referred to by the Deputy has been submitted to the Expert Panel and will be considered as part of its deliberations.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (659)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:659. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if the paper on the current governance arrangements for the HSE health protection response to the Covid-19 pandemic which is referred to on page 2 of the NPHET meeting minutes of 14 April 2020 (details supplied) will be made available. [11278/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the document referred to in the question is a Health Service Executive (HSE) document, the question is referred for direct reply to the Deputy.
Neuro-Rehabilitation Services
Ceisteanna (660)
Marian Harkin
Ceist:660. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the implementation of the neuro-rehabilitation implementation plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11284/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (661)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:661. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will assist a family (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11288/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (662)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:662. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if medical-grade masks will be made available free of charge to medical cardholders that are over 60 years of age and those that are medically vulnerable in view of the fact the WHO guidelines and the prohibitive cost of these masks for those on low incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11297/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) provided guidance in relation to face coverings in its advice to Government in relation to Phase 2 of the Roadmap for Reopening Business & Society on 4 June.
The NPHET advice sets out circumstances under which the wearing of a non-medical face covering is recommended. These are when using busy public transport, when in indoor public areas including retail outlets, by people visiting the homes of those who are cocooning, by people who are being visited in their homes by those who are cocooning, all visitors to residential care facilities and in indoor work environments where it is difficult to maintain a two-metre distance. The wearing of face coverings in other environments should accommodate individual judgement or preference or where it is difficult to maintain a 2-metre distance.
Medical-grade face masks are not currently recommended for use by members of the general public. The NPHET keeps the position on the wearing of face coverings under continual review. Based on current advice, there are no plans at present to provide medical-grade face masks to medical cardholders.
It is important to emphasise that the wearing of face coverings is an additional hygiene measure and should not take the place of good hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and other personal protective public health measures. Face coverings should be used properly, in line with the guidance and to wash hands before putting them on and taking them off. A national communications campaign has been launched on 15 June and which outlines best practice for the use of face coverings in retail outlets, on public transport and in other public locations in which it is difficult to maintain social distancing or where this distance cannot be guaranteed, and will communicate to the public about:
- who should wear face coverings
- in what settings, and
- how to wear and remove face coverings correctly.