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Tuesday, 21 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 611-630

Disability Services Data

Ceisteanna (611)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

611. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of residential places for persons with a disability being provided at the end of June 2020 in CHO 5. [16509/20]

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.

Food Safety Authority of Ireland

Ceisteanna (612)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

612. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated amount it would cost in 2021 if the budget for the Food Safety Authority of Ireland increased by 5.5%. [16510/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has been advised that its maximum approved level of net non-capital expenditure for 2020 is €17.172 million. This is an increase of €1.2m (7.5%) on the FSAI’s 2019 approved level of net non-capital funding (€15.972m). A 5.5% increase in 2021 would amount to an additional €0.944 million approximately.

Maternity Services

Ceisteanna (613, 614)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

613. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the names of the persons undertaking the review of the maternity unit in Cavan General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16515/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

614. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a review of the maternity led unit in Cavan General Hospital is necessary; if the way in which the downgrading of services was muted some weeks ago without his knowledge has been investigated; if he has examined this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16516/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 613 and 614 together.

Following reports of anticipated changes to midwifery led maternity service provision in Cavan General Hospital (CGH), the Department requested, and is awaiting, a full report from the National Women & Infants Health Programme. The Programme has advised that a review is underway within the RCSI Hospital Group, led by the Group Clinical Director for Maternity Services in conjunction with the Directors of Midwifery from Our Lady of Lourdes, Drogheda and the Rotunda Hospitals. The review is expected to be finalised in September; however, in the meantime, it is understood that the Cavan Midwifery Led Unit is operating normally.

The Department has sought assurances that any proposals, emanating from the RCSI review, will serve to ensure the future of the Cavan Midwifery Led Unit and that it will operate in line with the National Maternity Strategy. Once the full report has been received, the Department will work with the National Women & Infants Health Programme to ensure that any additional supports which are required to secure the future of community midwifery services in Cavan, will be put in place. This will ensure that the choice of the Supported Care pathway remains available to women attending CGH for maternity services.

Disability Services Provision

Ceisteanna (615)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

615. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the action the HSE is taking to support a person (details supplied) who is on the autism spectrum and whose condition has deteriorated significantly in the past year. [16537/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

The Government commits to Prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.

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

Prescriptions Charges

Ceisteanna (616, 682)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

616. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health when the prescription charge will be reduced by 50 cent, as was promised from July 2020 in budget 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16540/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

682. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health when he plans to sign the statutory instrument required to reduce GMS prescription charges by 50c to €1.50 for all medical card holders as outlined in Budget 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16934/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 616 and 682 together.

As part of Budget 2020, the previous Government agreed that GMS prescription charges would be reduced by €0.50c for all medical card holders. Accordingly, the charge would be reduced by €0.50c to €1 per item for persons aged over 70 years, and by €0.50c to €1.50 for persons under 70. The maximum monthly charge would also be reduced to €10 and €15 respectively. The full year cost of implementing these measures is estimated at €25 million; a cost of €15 million for the over 70 cohort and €10 million for the under 70 cohort.

I am consulting with my government colleagues on these proposals.

Nursing Home Inspections

Ceisteanna (617)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

617. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his plans in respect of the case of a person (details supplied); if a thorough and complete independent investigation into the matter will be ensured; the person or body that will carry out the investigation, and the timeline and terms of reference for the investigation. [16542/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Since 2009 the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, is 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 in discharging its duties determines, through examination of all information available to it, including site inspections, whether a nursing homes meets the regulations in order to achieve and maintain its registration status. Should a nursing home be deemed to be non-compliant with the Regulations and the National Quality Standards, it may either fail to achieve or lose its registration status. In addition, the Chief Inspector has wide discretion in deciding whether to impose conditions of Registration on nursing homes.

During the response to COVID-19, Nursing homes continue to be regulated by HIQA, who under the Health Act 2007 have the legal authority to examine the operation of any facility under their remit.

In relation to this particular nursing home, I can confirm that my Department has received correspondence in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy and has forwarded on details to HIQA as the statutory regulator for nursing homes, and the HSE for appropriate action and follow up.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Ceisteanna (618)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

618. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if the new Government in respect of the legislation brought forward by the last Government to the fair deal system in June 2019 will proceed and implement legislation to extend the three-year cap for farmers; when he expects this to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16547/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as Fair Deal, is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.

The proposed policy change to the NHSS, to cap contributions based on farm and business assets at 3 years where a family successor commits to working the productive asset, has been approved by Government. The Department developed draft Heads of Bill while considering a number of complex ancillary policy and operational matters which may need to be addressed in the proposed legislation.

The stated policy objective of the general scheme of the Bill is to introduce further safeguards in the NHSS to further protect the viability and sustainability of family farms and businesses that will be passed down to the next generation of the family to continue to work them as productive assets to provide for them their livelihood.

The amendment of the scheme will bring certainty to the duration for which a contribution to the cost of care under NHSS will be levied against family farms and businesses. This in turn will support the viability of farms and businesses by increasing the likelihood of access to financing & promoting investment, which will encourage orderly succession planning with family members, encourage young farmers to remain farming and potentially encourage family members that had changed occupation or emigrated to return to the family farm.

The General Scheme of Bill for the Amendment to the NHSS was approved by Government on 11 June 2019 and subsequently published. The changes to the Scheme will come into effect as soon as the legislative process is successfully complete. The General Scheme was sent to the relevant Joint Committee and the Department participated in pre-legislative scrutiny on 13 November 2019. Engagement with the Office of the Attorney General began in early 2020 to progress the legislative development process.

Further progress on the development of the Bill has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with focus entirely on responding to the challenges presented by COVID-19. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been and continues to be a national and public health priority.

Ministerial Advisers

Ceisteanna (619)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

619. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of advisers and special advisers appointed by him since becoming Minister; the starting annual salary of each person appointed by him; if an open interview process was conducted for each appointee; the duration and terms of each contract issued to each adviser and special adviser; and if an advisory role has been split to facilitate job-sharing in tabular form. [16565/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On the commencement of every Dáil, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issues guidelines setting out the arrangements for the staffing of Ministerial Offices. The Guidelines for the 33rd Dáil are currently awaiting Government approval.

It should be noted that the appointment of individual Special Advisers is a matter for each Government Minister subject to the terms set out in the aforementioned guidelines, although the appointments are also subject to formal Government approval. At this stage, no Special Advisers have been formally appointed to my Department by the Government. However, the Deputy may wish to note that I have assigned one person to work with me as Special Adviser and that person will be formally appointed by the Government once the Guidelines have been approved.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (620)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

620. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the checks in place here on visitors from abroad to ensure they are self-isolating; the number of checks made each month since February 2020; and the number each month of successful checks and unsuccessful checks, that is, cases in which those carrying out the checks found the visitor had not fulfilled the guidance [16574/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

Since the introduction of the mandatory requirement to complete the locator form in late May, compliance has been close to 100%. The Department of Justice, which collects the forms at points of entry on behalf of the health service, has informed that three people at Dublin Airport have refused to fill out the form and they have been referred to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).

Passengers arriving to Ireland are advised in the interest of public health, but not legally required, to restrict their movements for 14 days.

Dental Services

Ceisteanna (621)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

621. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his plans to expand dental treatment provision for medical card holders to include two fillings, cleaning and extraction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16584/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental treatments to medical card holders. Services currently available annually include an examination, two fillings and emergency extractions. Other more complex care is also provided, some of which requires prior approval by a Principal Dental Surgeon. Patients with special needs and high risk patients can avail of a broader range of treatments. This includes scale and polish (cleaning) for those who are considered to be at high risk.

Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy, published in April 2019, includes proposals for the introduction of packages of oral healthcare for adult medical card holders at different intervals during their life course. The packages will focus on prevention and will include examinations, advice, and preventive therapies such as scale and polish. The timeframe for the delivery of the Policy is up to 2026 and the roll-out of these packages of care will take place incrementally over the next number of years. Routine care including fillings and complex care will continue to be available.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (622)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

622. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the reason for allowing travel from countries with a high level of Covid-19; if consideration is being given to restricting travel from countries with high levels of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16599/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

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.

It is important that our ports and airports continue to function, both to protect our supply chains and to facilitate essential travel.

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 our existing arrangements.

HSE Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (623)

Alan Dillon

Ceist:

623. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the position of a person (details supplied) on the waiting list for services within the HSE disability and community care services; when they will be allocated the supports they need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16605/20]

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 Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (624)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

624. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16607/20]

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.

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 is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 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.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to investigate the matter and provide the Deputy with a direct response.

Audiology Services

Ceisteanna (625)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

625. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost if the number of audiologists working in public health service increased by 15%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16613/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Primary Care Services

Ceisteanna (626)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

626. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost of recruiting of 50 additional assistant psychologists in primary care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16614/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Medical Cards

Ceisteanna (627)

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

627. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health when the increased income thresholds for over-70s medical cards in budget 2020 will be given effect. [16616/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Bill 2020 was published on 1 July. This Bill provides, amongst other things, for the necessary legislative amendments to increase the weekly gross medical card income limits for those aged 70 and over to €550 per week for a single person (currently €500 per week) and to €1,050 for a couple (currently €900 per week). It is expected that the Bill will proceed through the Houses of the Oireachtas this week.

Motorised Transport Grant

Ceisteanna (628)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Ceist:

628. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health when a replacement scheme for the motorised transport grant and mobility allowance will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16638/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Two schemes, the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant, were put in place in 1979 and 1968 respectively, for operation by the Health Service Executive (HSE) at a time when there was limited availability of accessible public transport. The Government decided to close these administrative schemes in 2013, on foot of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both Schemes in the context of the Equal Status Acts.

In 2013, the Government also decided to continue payment of the monthly Mobility Allowance on an interim basis, to those who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time that the Scheme closed. Of the 4,700 individuals in receipt of the Mobility Allowance (€9 million per annum) when the Scheme closed in 2013, there were 3,831 people in receipt of the interim payments at July 2019.

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

At the whole of Government level, the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 sets the overall framework for the equal participation of people with disabilities in society. Monitoring of the implementation of the Strategy is being overseen by the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group which comprises key Government Departments, the National Disability Authority and the Disability Stakeholders Group.

Under the Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of accessible public transport and is committed to the continued development of accessible public transport in recognition of the importance of such services to the lives of people with disabilities.

Recent developments which will impact on policy options regarding the provision of transport supports for people with a disability include the following:

- The ongoing progress by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in providing accessible public transport nationally and that Department's public consultation launched on 14 November last, to review active travel and public transport policy, including accessible public transport;

- The Cost of Disability Study currently underway which was commissioned by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection as part of Budget 2019. The research, when complete, will inform policy direction in relation to the provision of adequate supports to meet the needs of people with disabilities, including transport costs; and

- The Working Group established under Action 104 of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy by the Department of Justice and Equality which states that 'We will lead a review of transport supports encompassing all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities, to enhance the options for transport to work or employment supports for people with disabilities and will develop proposals for development of a coordinated plan for such provision. This plan will have regard to making the most efficient use of available transport resources.'

Hospital Funding

Ceisteanna (629)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Ceist:

629. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if he will honour the commitment by his predecessor to provide the necessary funding to Letterkenny University Hospital to enable it to reopen all the beds in its short-stay ward. [16639/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, commits to continuing investment in our health care services in line with the recommendations of the Health Service Capacity Review and the commitments in Project Ireland 2040.

The Capacity Review found that the net requirement, in a reform scenario, is for an additional 2,590 hospital beds by 2031 (inpatient, day case, critical care) with an immediate requirement for 1,290 beds to address overcrowding and to ensure hospitals operated at 85% occupancy in line with other OECD countries. Approximately 770 additional beds have been provided to date. This includes an additional 5 beds in Letterkenny University Hospital as part of the 2018/2019 Winter Plan. The National Development Plan provides for the addition of the full 2,590 beds by the earlier date of 2027.

The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) agreed to support the marginal costs of funding 220 additional beds for three months to the end of March 2020. As of 16 March 2020, the HSE confirmed 197 of those beds have opened as planned, including 10 additional beds in Letterkenny University Hospital. The agreement with the NTPF was extended at the beginning of March to facilitate the beds to remain open until the end of June 2020 due to the Covid 19 outbreak. A further extension has been approved until the 31st December 2020.

The future opening of additional acute bed capacity will be considered in the context of the Estimates discussions for the years concerned 2020 and on the priorities in the HSE's National Service Plans for those years.

Disability Services Funding

Ceisteanna (630)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Ceist:

630. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will urgently prioritise the funding of a nurse for a school (details supplied) to support children with profound disabilities at the school. [16640/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.

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

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