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Tuesday, 14 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 1223-1247

Home Help Service

Ceisteanna (1224)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

1224. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the lack of equality of treatment in respect of home help being funded by the HSE to persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15578/20]

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.

Food Safety Authority of Ireland

Ceisteanna (1225)

Joe Flaherty

Ceist:

1225. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene in a funding dispute between the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and his Department in view of the fact that the authority has indicated its funding from his Department is not sufficient to fund both it and the local authority veterinary service (details supplied). [15588/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is the competent authority with overall responsibility for the enforcement of food safety legislation in Ireland. Responsibility for enforcement of food legislation is managed through service contracts between the FSAI and a number of competent authorities, also known as ‘Official Agencies’. These official agencies include the Health Service Executive (HSE); Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM); Local Authorities (LAs); and Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority.

The LAs’ service contract is provided by the Local Authority Veterinary Service (LAVS). LAs, acting on behalf of the FSAI, are responsible for food law enforcement required under EU food law at over 500 food businesses (including small meat manufacturing plants, slaughterhouses, cold stores, etc.).

In addition to food safety controls, the LAVS also carries out functions for other Government Departments, including overseeing the enforcement of animal health and welfare legislation at slaughterhouses, on-farm emergency slaughter and the verification of competence to slaughter by plant operatives. LAs also have statutory responsibility in relation to dog and horse control, dog licensing and the regulation of dog breeding establishments.

The annual funding provided by the Department of Health to the FSAI is inclusive of funding for the LAVS service contract. While funded by the Department, the FSAI is independent in the exercise of its functions. There have been a number of meetings between officials in my Department and the Authority regarding the FSAI budget, including the LAVS service contract.

I understand that due to financial pressures across the FSAI budget, FSAI had indicated to the LAs in early 2020 that it would not be in a position to provide the same amount this year that it had provided for LAVS in 2019. In early May 2020, my Department advised the FSAI that it has increased its non-capital funding for 2020 by 7.5% (an additional €1.2m), bringing its total annual non-capital allocation to €17.172m.

In recent weeks, FSAI advised the LAs through the County and City Management Association (CCMA) that it is now able to allocate funding to the LAs (in 2020) closer to the amount it provided in 2019. Furthermore, the FSAI has advised my Department that a three-month extension (until 30th September 2020) has been agreed between the FSAI and the LAs/CCMA on the present LAVS service contracts, which will allow FSAI to review the service with the aim of finding a longer-term solution with an appropriately funded and sustainable operational/service model. My Department will also seek engagement with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG), the LAs’ parent Department.

The FSAI has advised my Department that it has, in recent years, provided the following funding to the LAs for the delivery of the Local Authority Veterinary Service:

- 2017: €6,030,266.62

- 2018: €6,229,317.08

- 2019: €6,199,697.21

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (1226)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1226. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a person (details supplied); if the case will be dealt with in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15589/20]

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.

Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1227)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

1227. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for residential care by a person (details supplied). [15591/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

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.

Hospital Data

Ceisteanna (1228)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

1228. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the numbers of inpatient and day procedure beds in place at University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15594/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Hospital Data

Ceisteanna (1229)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

1229. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the numbers of outpatient hospital cancellations for February, March, April and June 2020 by hospital and hospital group in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15595/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. 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 National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.

To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 24th June 2020. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. The HSE is currently developing a Service Continuity Roadmap for the resumption of services across the health system. My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to evaluate the impact of Covid-19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address pent up demand.

In relation to the particular query raised concerning the number of outpatient hospital cancellations for February, March, April and June 2020 by hospital and hospital group in tabular form, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Hospital Data

Ceisteanna (1230)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

1230. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of outpatient hospital cancellations at University Hospital Waterford in each of the years 2018 and 2019 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15596/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Emergency Departments

Ceisteanna (1231)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

1231. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the emergency department attendances in acute hospitals in each of the years 2018 and 2019 and to date in 2020 by hospital and hospital group in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15597/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There has been a growing demand for unscheduled care in recent years, with a significant increase in the number of patients attending our emergency departments. According to the ED PET database, over 1.3 million patients (1,352,256) attended at emergency departments in 2019, up 3% on the previous year (1,308,430).The 2020 year to date figures are subject to validation. Attendances at ED up to the end of May were provisionally reported at 445,608.

With regard to the specific information requested, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Hospital Data

Ceisteanna (1232)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

1232. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of public patients outsourced to private hospitals in each of the years 2018 and 2019 and to date in 2020 by hospital group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15598/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated by officials in my Department and will be provided to the Deputy directly as soon as it becomes available.

Hospital Data

Ceisteanna (1233)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

1233. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of public patients outsourced to private hospitals from University Hospital Waterford in each of the years 2018 and 2019 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15599/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Hospital Expenditure

Ceisteanna (1234)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

1234. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the capital expenditure at University Hospital Waterford in each of the years 2018 and 2019 and to date in 2020; and the projects and timelines for completion in relation to uncompleted projects. [15600/20]

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.

HSE Agency Staff

Ceisteanna (1235)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

1235. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the agency staff expenditure by acute hospital in each of the years 2018 and 2019 and to date in 2020 by month, hospital and hospital group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15601/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Hospital Facilities

Ceisteanna (1236)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

1236. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the theatre capacity in place at University Hospital Waterford in each of the years 2018 and 2019 and to date in 2020; the theatres that are operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15602/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Hospital Funding

Ceisteanna (1237)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

1237. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the closing budget and revenue expenditure for University Hospital Waterford in each of the years from 2007 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15603/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Hospital Staff

Ceisteanna (1238)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

1238. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of whole-time equivalent radiographer posts at University Hospital Waterford in each of the years from 2015 to 2019 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15604/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Question No. 1239 answered with Question No. 1158.

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (1240)

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

1240. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of recruiting 15 additional dialectical behaviour therapy teams. [15616/20]

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.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Ceisteanna (1241)

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

1241. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health if a hospital-style bed will be secured for a person (details supplied). [15617/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Palliative care, especially at end of life, plays an important role in the care of people with life-limiting or terminal illnesses. More than ever, attention is paid to not just physical pain, but to psychosocial and spiritual issues too. Palliative care also offers emotional support to both the patient and their families, addressing the fears they may have and giving comfort when necessary.

It is the Government’s desire that all people will be provided with the type of palliative care services that they need, regardless of their diagnosis, their age or where they die.

While many people want, and are able, to die at home with support from their general practitioner and community specialist palliative care teams, it is accepted that others require support from an inpatient palliative care unit, or hospice. In north Dublin, St. Francis Hospice provides inpatient services at Blanchardstown and Raheny. Referral to the hospice is made by the GP, hospital doctor or consultant of the person with a life-limiting condition.

For those approaching death while living at home, the Irish Cancer Society and Irish Hospice Foundation operate the Night Nursing Service, an end-of-life nursing care programme. This can be used by people with a cancer or a non-malignant diagnosis. The Irish Cancer Society funds care for people with a cancer diagnosis, while the Irish Hospice Foundation funds care for those with a non-cancer diagnosis. The Service can be accessed through referral from the Specialist Community Palliative Care Team, Public Health Nurse, GP or hospital-based Specialist Palliative Care Team.

With regard to the Deputy's specific question, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to directly reply to the Deputy.

Disability Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1242)

Danny Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1242. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a centre (details supplied) for adults with special education needs will reopen following closure due to the Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15621/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

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.

Hospital Funding

Ceisteanna (1243)

Verona Murphy

Ceist:

1243. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health when funding already pledged for essential maintenance works at New Houghton Hospital, New Ross, County Wexford, will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15623/20]

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.

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (1244)

Verona Murphy

Ceist:

1244. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health when a response acknowledging receipt of a job application for a child psychologist for County Wexford will be furnished to the applicant; the reason there has been a three-month delay in acknowledging this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15624/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.

Disability Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1245)

Verona Murphy

Ceist:

1245. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health when full disability services will resume in County Wexford for both adults and children; the additional supports being put in place for those regressing as a result of the closure of the services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15625/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As part of the overall effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 and in line with public health advice, day service locations closed in March.

Since then, HSE Disability Services have been working to develop national guidance on the part of the disability sector to direct how all day services can be delivered. The Guidance to support the Framework for the Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services was published by the HSE on 9 July 2020.

In developing the guidance document to guide providers, the HSE worked closely with service providers through representative organisations such as the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers, Disability Federation of Ireland and the Not for Profit Association, in addition to Inclusion Ireland, who represent people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

The guidance document seeks to support the safe return of services in the context of ongoing public health guidance. It also recognises that the impact of public health guidance will result in services being provided at a reduced level and will require changes in how people are supported, increased use of technology where appropriate and more use of outreach supports.

Day services will gradually resume during the month of August. Service providers are already working to get day services ready to reopen safely, and in line with public health guidance. Service providers will be in touch with all families and service users during the month of July to discuss when they may expect the resumption of their service and what that service will consist of.

I want to acknowledge the many challenges experienced by individuals and their families over this difficult time. Families across the country have had their routines upended due to the impact of COVID-19 and I hope that this will be the first step towards returning to some sense of normalcy.

The Guidance to support the Framework for Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services is available on the New Directions website: www.hse.ie/newdirections. The HSE have also issued monthly communications updates for service users and their families, the latest leaflet “Adult Disability Day Services and COVID-19 - What’s Happening? July 2020” is available at the above link.

With regard to specific service locations, service providers can provide this information directly. 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.

Question No. 1246 answered with Question No. 974.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (1247)

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

1247. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce legislation to make the wearing of face coverings on public transport obligatory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15634/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On 10 July 2020, I signed the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (Face Coverings on Public Transport) Regulations 2020 which provide for the wearing of face coverings on public transport. With effect from 13 July 2020, members of the public shall not, without reasonable excuse, travel by public transport without wearing a face covering.

Reasonable excuse includes where a person:

(1) cannot put one on, wear or remove a face covering because of any physical or mental illness, impairment or disability or without severe distress

(2) needs to communicate with another person who has difficulties communicating

(3) removes the face covering to provide emergency assistance or to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person

(4) removes the face covering to take medication.

The Regulations do not apply to children under the age of 13.

Where a passenger is not wearing a face covering, a relevant person under the Regulations may request the passenger to wear a face covering, refuse the passenger entry to the public transport vehicle, or may request the passenger to alight from the vehicle. A passenger must comply with a request to wear a face covering, a request to alight from a public transport vehicle or a refusal of entry. Failure to comply with a request to wear a face covering, a request to alight or refusal of entry is an offence.

Before exercising powers to request a passenger to wear a face covering, refuse entry to a public transport vehicle or request a passenger to alight from a public transport vehicle, a relevant person must give the passenger an opportunity to provide reasonable excuse and may request the passenger to provide information as the relevant person considers necessary to determine whether or not the passenger has reasonable excuse. The onus is on the passenger to establish to the satisfaction of the relevant person, that he or she has reasonable excuse.

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