Tuesday, 14 Jul 2020

Disability Services Provision

Ceisteanna (971)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

971. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the measures he will introduce to open up full day care services for children and adults with disabilities. [14690/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Regarding services more widely, including children's services, the HSE and its partner service providers are endeavouring to maintain essential support services during this unprecedented public health emergency. HSE Community Healthcare Organisations (CHOs) are continuing to proactively engage with disability service providers to ensure that appropriate contingency arrangements are made so that the necessary supports are put in place for persons with disabilities and their families. In the absence of regular access to some service and supports, CHOs and service providers tried to maintain services that can be delivered safely; providing outreach and telecare solutions, using technology where possible; and using creative and innovative models of care to support service users, both adults and children.

The HSE is very aware of the impact of the pandemic on people with disabilities, their families and carers and have over the past few weeks developed a number of working groups to plan and develop guidance on how we will be able to deliver supports, albeit in a new way and under the Public Health guidance.

In this regard and whilst accepting that very significant levels of vital therapies have been temporarily curtailed, it is important to emphasise that the HSE is now in the process of detailed planning in order to recover these services in line with the Governments’ Roadmap. It is important to note that this must be supported by way of assurance and oversight from the HSE’s Chief Clinical Officer along with the National Public Health Emergency Team, so that we can do so in a safe manner. This means that therapies, whilst being delivered in new ways, will gradually be re-introduced to children with disabilities.

With regard to specific services, 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.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Ceisteanna (972, 973)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

972. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if he has responsibility for the Health Research Board. [14743/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

973. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the Minister with responsibility for the Health Research Board. [14744/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 972 and 973 together.

I can confirm that, as Minister for Health, I have oversight and responsibility for the Health Research Board. The HRB was established under the Health Research Board (Establishment) Order 1986 and the functions of the Board are as follows:

(a) To promote, assist, commission or conduct health research to improve health and increase the effectiveness of the health services;

(b) To maintain, develop, or support health information systems for the purposes of research and to provide the evidence for health policy and services;

(c) To liaise and co-operate with other research bodies in the State and outside the State in the promotion, commissioning or conduct of relevant research;

(d) To liaise with other health information bodies in the State and, where appropriate, outside the State in the development and support of health information systems;

In addition, the Health Research Board hosts the Health Research Consent Declaration Committee and associated Secretariat, and the recently established Office for National Research Ethic Committees. Furthermore, it acts as the national contact point for health in the EU Commission programmes including Horizon 2020, the EU4Health Programme and the Marie Curie programme. Finally, it supports evidence-informed decision making in my Department through the work of the Evidence Centre.

My officials are currently engaging closely with the HRB as they are in the process of developing their next Strategy from 2021. I look forward to the important role the HRB continues to play in supporting the transformation of our healthcare system through Sláintecare, in fostering a culture of research and innovation in our health services and with academic partners, in building capacity and research networks in critical areas and in supporting the Government’s achievement of wider societal and economic goals.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (974, 1005, 1107, 1246)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

974. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if holidaymakers from abroad are to spend 14 days in self-isolation on arrival; if there are legal repercussions arising from a breach of this 14-day period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14842/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

1005. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the guidelines for travel within the common travel area; if quarantining is to be enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14685/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

1107. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the restrictions and quarantine arrangements that will apply to persons coming here from the United States of America for the coming months in view of the high incidence of Covid-19 there at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15180/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

1246. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to help ensure that passengers entering Ireland from abroad do not contribute to the spread of Covid-19; his views on whether the measures are effective; if the measures are kept under constant review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15632/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 974, 1005, 1107 and 1246 together.

At present, the government advises against non-essential travel overseas.

Passengers arriving to Ireland from overseas are legally required to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form. The information provided on the form may be used to assist with contact tracing in the event that there is a suspected or confirmed case on board a flight or ferry.

Passengers arriving to Ireland are advised in the interest of public health to restrict their movements for 14 days.

Close consideration is being given by Government to policy in relation to overseas travel, including to additional measures being put in place at airports and ports to strengthen existing arrangements.

Health Services Funding

Ceisteanna (975, 1052)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

975. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure better funding of section 38 and 39 organisations. [14910/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

1052. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health his immediate plans to properly fund section 38 and 39 organisations that provide vital health and disability services; and if extra funding will be provided to them in 2020 [14883/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 975 and 1052 together.

Funding is provided to the HSE for Health services in accordance with the letter of determination which sets out the approved level of overall HSE expenditure for the year in question.

Voluntary organisations which provide health and social care services are funded by the Health Service Executive under arrangements governed by Section 38 or Section 39 of the Health Act, 2004.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has agreed to allocate substantial additional funding to the Health Vote to meet the costs associated with the implementation of the measures outlined in the National Action Plan in response to COVID-19.

The HSE, through the Community Healthcare Organisations (CHOs) is actively engaging with any Section 38 and Section 39 providers who are experiencing financial challenges, including access to cash acceleration, where appropriate, to maintain continuity of service provision where cash flow issues arise. Organisations receiving funding from the HSE should raise any concerns in relation to financial issues that may have implications for continuity of service provision with the relevant Community Health Care Organisation (CHO) responsible for the service arrangements.

A critical focus at this time is the assurance of value for money in delivering on the required patient services and population health needs to effectively manage COVID-19 infection within the Irish context. Accordingly, the financial implications of measures taken to mitigate impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak are matters which the Department of Health will continue to keep under review in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, as the situation evolves.

Organisations providing health and social care services were eligible to apply for the Community and Voluntary Sector €35m Stability Fund, which is now closed to applications. This scheme is intended to be a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups delivering front-line services to the most at need in our society and in danger of imminent closure due to lost fundraising or traded income as a direct result of restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19. The approval of funding under Tranche One of the Scheme was announced on 26 June. Further tranches will be announced over the coming weeks.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (976)

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

976. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he will relax the 100-person restriction for indoor venues in the case of exhibitions in which very large venues are used in view of the importance of the exhibitions and trade fair sector to the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14938/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As the Deputy is aware, on 19 June 2020, the Taoiseach, on behalf of the Government, announced the restrictions that would be eased and the measures that will be in place in Phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business. On Thursday 25th June the Government confirmed the move to Phase 3 of the Roadmap from Monday, 29 June 2020. Information and advice about the restrictions that have been eased as part of Phase 3 and the measures that are now in place are available on the Government website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d06271-easing-the-covid-19-restrictions-on-29-june-phase-3/

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. This will be subject to continued progressive improvements in the health indicators identified in the Framework for Future Decision-Making described in the Roadmap.

Currently, gatherings of 50 people (indoor) and 100 people (outdoor) are permissible in line with the public health guidance on mass gatherings, which is also available on the Government website at https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/77452/39d51b02-5633-4e2f-a070-4551a3521081.pdf#page=6. The limits will increase to 100 (indoors) and 500 (outdoors) in phase 4. This will be subject to continued progressive improvements in the health indicators identified in the Framework for Future Decision-Making described in the Roadmap.

The Government is very conscious of the impacts of COVID-19 on all sectors of the economy including the sector referred to by the Deputy. The Government established a Cabinet Committee (chaired by the Taoiseach), to assess the social and economic impacts of the potential spread of COVID-19. The work of the Cabinet Committee includes advice on downstream impacts, mitigations and contingencies for cross-sectoral issues and builds on the effective public health work undertaken to date. The cross-government approach to the coronavirus response is based around cohesive decision-making, partnership, expert public health advice and clarity of communications. The measures in place and the guidance and advice to various sectors, including the matters referred to by the Deputy are kept under constant review.

Disabilities Assessments

Ceisteanna (977)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

977. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health his views on whether current timelines for assessment of needs and implementation of services are adequate. [15063/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The recently published Programme for Government document "Our Shared Future" recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.

Policy initiatives, currently being implemented by the HSE , in Children's Disability Services will, I am confident, improve the Assessment of Need process and reduce waiting times.

These initiatives include;

- The introduction, since January of this year, of a revised Standard Operating Procedure for Assessments of Need to ensure that there is a standardised approach to assessments across all areas. The purpose of this is to ensure children with disabilities and their families, access appropriate assessments and intervention therapy services as quickly as possible.

- The on-going reconfiguration, by the HSE, of its existing therapy resources for children with disabilities into multi-disciplinary geographically based teams, as part of its National Programme on Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People. This Programme aims to achieve a national equitable approach in service provision for all children based on their individual need and regardless of their disability, where they live or where they go to school.

Evidence to date from areas where this has been rolled out shows that implementation of this programme will also have a positive impact on waiting lists both for Assessments of Need and therapy provision.

In addition, the HSE's 2019 National Service Plan provided for 100 additional therapy posts for children's disability services. The addition of this level of support is intended to help the Assessment of Needs process and enable more therapy interventions for children. All 100 posts are in place.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (978)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

978. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will review regulations relating to wedding venues to explore if increased guest numbers can be accommodated safely in larger venues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15285/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As the Deputy is aware, on 19 June 2020, the then Taoiseach, on behalf of the Government, announced the restrictions that would be eased and the measures that will be in place in Phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business. On Thursday 25th June the Government confirmed the move to Phase 3 of the Roadmap from Monday, 29 June 2020. Information and advice about the restrictions that have been eased as part of Phase 3 and the measures that are now in place are available on the Government website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d06271-easing-the-covid-19-restrictions-on-29-june-phase-3/.

Gatherings of 50 people (indoor) and 100 people (outdoor) are permissible in line with the public health guidance on mass gatherings, which is also available on the Government website at https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/77452/39d51b02-5633-4e2f-a070-4551a3521081.pdf#page=6. The limits will increase to 100 (indoors) and 500 (outdoors) in phase 4. This will be subject to continued progressive improvements in the health indicators identified in the Framework for Future Decision-Making described in the Roadmap.

As the Deputy will be aware, religious buildings and places of worship may also now be reopened, in line with public health guidelines. The Government has exempted places of worship from the regulations restricting numbers on mass gatherings. The exemption applies to places of worship only and not to any gatherings that may take place after the religious ceremony such as wedding receptions.

Detailed Covid-19 Guidance has been developed for religious services. The Cabinet Committee reviewed the guidance, which state that an assessment should be carried out for each premises to determine how many can attend within the requirements of social distancing.

The Cabinet Committee decided that where the size of the premises allows for a capacity of greater than 50 this may be permitted only where:

- Social distancing guidelines are adhered to

- The premises can be subdivided into distinct sections (cordoned or marked appropriately) of not more than 50 persons in each section

- There is a minimum of 4m between sections

- Each section has its own entrance/exit route

- There are separate arrangements for elements of the service involving close contact, e.g. the distribution of Holy Communion

- Strictly no movement of people between sections before, during or after the service

- The premises is well-ventilated.

Account must also be taken regarding the risk of congregation by people outside before and after any services, having regard to outdoor overall limits on mass gatherings and arrangements for staggered exiting after ceremonies

The use of face coverings is strongly recommended for such indoor settings.

Disability Services Provision

Ceisteanna (979)

Joe Carey

Ceist:

979. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health if a plan will be developed to address the situation in which young disabled persons are being housed in residential care homes against their will by resourcing them to relocate to suitable accommodation with the necessary personal support services, enabling them to live with dignity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15363/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Disability Services Funding

Ceisteanna (980)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

980. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if disability funding being administered by the HSE will be reassigned to the new Department of children and disability for distribution in view of the reassignment of the disability portfolio from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15671/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Department of Health is engaging closely with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs about the legal transfer of functions to the new Department of Children, Disability, Equality and Integration in line with the “Transfer of Functions Guidelines and Best Practice Handbook” produced by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. As part of that engagement, a member of the Department’s Management Board has been assigned to lead a working group to manage discussions with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs on the relevant functions, budgets, staffing, records, assets and other relevant matters as encompassed by the legal Transfer of Functions. It is anticipated that the disability services currently funded by the Vote of the Department of Health and administered by the HSE will form part of that discussion.

Disability Services Provision

Ceisteanna (981)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

981. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health when a service (details supplied) will recommence day services and respite care; his views on the fact that no dates have been provided to users to date in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15673/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Regarding respite services, over the past number of months services were either suspended or delivered in alternative ways following Public Health guidance. One of the primary reasons for the suspension of services in a number of areas was the reconfiguration of respite houses for the purposes of isolation units. As the threat of COVID-19 remains, service providers must evaluate and risk assess the need for the maintenance of minimal isolation units while also reinstating respite service provision.

Processes are underway in order to plan for the reintroduction of respite services for people with a disability and their families, with local CHOs and service providers working together at a regional level in order to plan and co-ordinate efforts. The HSE has now developed a number of guidelines which should be considered by service providers in their provision of respite services for people with a disability.

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (982)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

982. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health when guidelines will be finalised and issued for the reopening of day services for adults with intellectual disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15674/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (983)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

983. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health when guidelines will be finalised and issued for respite services for adults with intellectual disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15675/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (984)

Johnny Mythen

Ceist:

984. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health if Covid-19 guidelines regarding wedding guests will be reconsidered; if the number of guests permitted will be changed from 90 to 160 in cases in which square metre space is ample and available and social distancing can be adhered to (details supplied). [15680/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As the Deputy is aware, on 19 June 2020, the then Taoiseach, on behalf of the Government, announced the restrictions that would be eased and the measures that will be in place in Phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business. On Thursday 25th June the Government confirmed the move to Phase 3 of the Roadmap from Monday, 29 June 2020. Information and advice about the restrictions that have been eased as part of Phase 3 and the measures that are now in place are available on the Government website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d06271-easing-the-covid-19-restrictions-on-29-june-phase-3/.

Gatherings of 50 people (indoor) and 100 people (outdoor) are permissible in line with the public health guidance on mass gatherings, which is also available on the Government website at https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/77452/39d51b02-5633-4e2f-a070-4551a3521081.pdf#page=6. The limits will increase to 100 (indoors) and 500 (outdoors) in phase 4. This will be subject to continued progressive improvements in the health indicators identified in the Framework for Future Decision-Making described in the Roadmap.

As the Deputy will be aware, religious buildings and places of worship may also now be reopened, in line with public health guidelines. The Government has exempted places of worship from the regulations restricting numbers on mass gatherings. The exemption applies to places of worship only and not to any gatherings that may take place after the religious ceremony such as wedding receptions.

Detailed Covid-19 Guidance has been developed for religious services. The Cabinet Committee reviewed the guidance, which state that an assessment should be carried out for each premises to determine how many can attend within the requirements of social distancing.

The Cabinet Committee decided that where the size of the premises allows for a capacity of greater than 50 this may be permitted only where:

- Social distancing guidelines are adhered to

- The premises can be subdivided into distinct sections (cordoned or marked appropriately) of not more than 50 persons in each section

- There is a minimum of 4m between sections

- Each section has its own entrance/exit route

- There are separate arrangements for elements of the service involving close contact, e.g. the distribution of Holy Communion

- Strictly no movement of people between sections before, during or after the service

- The premises is well-ventilated.

Account must also be taken regarding the risk of congregation by people outside before and after any services, having regard to outdoor overall limits on mass gatherings and arrangements for staggered exiting after ceremonies

The use of face coverings is strongly recommended for such indoor settings.

Health Information and Quality Authority

Ceisteanna (985)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

985. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the number of HIQA inspectors that have received training in infection control per region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15705/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) was established in 2007 as an independent authority to drive high-quality and safe care for health and social care services in Ireland.

HIQA’s mandate extends across a range of public, private and voluntary sector services. Reporting to the Minister for Health and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, HIQA’s role is to develop standards, inspect and review health and social care services and support informed decisions on how services are delivered.

HIQA operates under the Health Act 2007, which sets out the functions which the Authority is to carry out. HIQA has responsibility for setting standards for healthcare services, and monitoring compliance with those standards. It also regulates facilities providing care for the elderly and those with disabilities, and has a role with regard to inspecting some of the social care services which are accessed by children to determine if they are meeting the relevant National Standards.

Following a statutory consultation process and Ministerial approval, HIQA published specific national standards for community health and social care services in Ireland (including nursing and residential homes), which cover infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship. HIQA has also developed standards for other services, including national standards for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections in acute healthcare services. HIQA has in turn conducted a thematic inspection programme against these standards since 2012.

HIQA has advised the Department all of its social care inspectors (i.e. for older persons’ and disability services) have a professional health and or social care qualification and experience relevant to the role. All of its 59 social care inspectors have had full training as a regulator, and are confident in assessing the quality of care in a designated centre which includes monitoring compliance with national standards and regulations related to infection prevention and control.

HIQA’s further advises that its 15 healthcare inspectors also have professional healthcare qualifications and training in monitoring compliance with national standards related to infection prevention and control.

In the context of this public health emergency, HIQA’s advises that its full cohort of inspectors have had enhanced training in assessing how well registered providers have planned for, can detect, respond to and manage an outbreak of COVID-19. In addition, training has been delivered to inspectors of social services on the public health measures required to undertake inspections.

Health Information and Quality Authority

Ceisteanna (986, 988)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

986. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if it is mandatory for HIQA inspections of nursing homes to include infection inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15706/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

988. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the average time for which HIQA inspection teams remain on site during nursing home inspections; if there is a maximum time limit ascribed to inspection teams in these instances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15708/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 986 and 988 together.

Since 2009 the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, has been the statutory independent regulator in place for the nursing home sector, whether a HSE managed or a private nursing home. The Authority, established under the Health Act 2007, has significant and wide-ranging powers up to and including withdrawing the registration of a nursing home facility, which means that it can no longer operate as a service provider. This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising of Registration Regulations, Care and Welfare Regulations and National Quality Standards.

HIQA monitors compliance with nationally-mandated standards and regulations to ensure that older people are receiving safe, high-quality and person-centred care. HIQA takes a risk-based approach to inspection and when information is received to suggest that there is a risk to the wellbeing of residents, HIQA uses this information to decide which regulations will be inspected against. Registered providers are required to be compliant with regulation 27 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 on infection control.

HIQA inspections can take place over one or two days, with the duration influenced by factors such as the:

- COVID-19 status of the centre

- reason for the inspection

- number of inspectors on inspection

- size of the centre

- findings during the course of the inspection.

Inspections progress rapidly in centres where residents are well cared for, the findings are good, and the provider is organised and the required documentation is readily available for review.

Protected Disclosures

Ceisteanna (987)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

987. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the number of protected disclosures made by HIQA employees in each year since 2015 and to date 2020; the number of those staff that made protected disclosures that are working on a full-time basis with HIQA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15707/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

No protected disclosures were made to me by employees of HIQA during the period referred to by the Deputy.

Question No. 988 answered with Question No. 986.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (989)

John Brady

Ceist:

989. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health when adult day care services will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15773/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (990)

Cormac Devlin

Ceist:

990. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the status of the planned national guidelines governing the reopening of services for persons with disabilities in either day and respite settings during the Covid-19 pandemic; when they will be published and implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16090/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Disability Services Provision

Ceisteanna (991)

Cormac Devlin

Ceist:

991. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health when it is envisaged a facility (details supplied) will be allowed resume services for its customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16091/20]