Róisín Shortall
Ceist:752. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a meeting request from a society (details supplied); and if he will accede to a meeting. [17328/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinisterial Meetings
Ceisteanna (752)
Freagraí scríofa
A meeting request was received from the organisation in question and has been acknowledged by my private office. I have received a high volume of meeting requests since my appointment and I hope to have the opportunity to meet with as many organisations as possible in the coming weeks and months, schedule permitting. My office will make contact with the society in due course to arrange a meeting.
Drugs Payment Scheme
Ceisteanna (753)
David Cullinane
Ceist:753. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the decisions taken by the senior leadership team of the HSE at its monthly sittings relating to drugs reimbursement in 2019 and to date in 2020; the recommendations issued by the drugs group of the HSE to the team on same in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17339/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Rare Diseases
Ceisteanna (754)
David Cullinane
Ceist:754. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the status of the work of the Rare Diseases Technology Review Committee; the sittings it has had since its inception; if it will conduct a review of the terms of reference of the committee in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17340/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Question No. 755 answered with Question No. 641.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (756)
Joan Collins
Ceist:756. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the free face masks scheme in Luxembourg; and if he will consider introducing a similar scheme to help to protect the general public from the spread of Covid-19. [17342/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) continues to examine all emerging evidence as it arises and has provided advice relating to face coverings on an ongoing basis.
NPHET advises the wearing of a non-medical face covering in a number of circumstances which include:
- when on public transport
- when in indoor public areas including retail outlets
- by people visiting the homes of those who are cocooning
- by people who are being visited in their homes by those who are cocooning
- all visitors to residential care facilities and
- in indoor work environments where it is difficult to maintain a two-metre distance
Individual judgement or preference should be used to consider the wearing of face coverings in other environments.
It is important to emphasise that the wearing of face coverings is an additional hygiene measure and should not take the place of good hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and other personal protective public health measures. Face coverings should be used properly, in line with the guidance and to wash hands before putting them on and taking them off. I do not have plans to establish a distribution scheme for face coverings. They are readily available in retail outlets and online. Guidance on how to make and safely use face coverings is available on gov.ie/facecoverings and the HSE website.
On 15 June, the Government and the National Transport Authority launched a national communications campaign which outlines best practice for the use of face coverings in retail outlets, on public transport and in other public locations in which it is difficult to maintain social distancing or where this distance cannot be guaranteed, and are communicating to the public about:
- who should wear face coverings
- in what settings, and how to wear and remove face coverings correctly.
As the Deputy is aware, on Friday 10 July 2020, having consulted with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister for Justice and Equality, I signed the Health Act (Covid-19) (Face Coverings on Public Transport) Regulations 2020. The regulations provide that, 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:
- cannot put one on, wear or remove a face covering because of any physical or mental illness, impairment or disability or without severe distress
- needs to communicate with another person who has difficulties communicating
- removes the face covering to provide emergency assistance or to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person
- removes the face covering to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury
- removes the face covering to take medication
The Regulations do not apply to children under the age of 13 years. It is a matter for the person using the transport service to demonstrate that they have a reasonable excuse.
The Government has now also agreed to the mandatory wearing of face coverings in retail outlets, shops and shopping centres. Retail staff will also be obliged to wear a face covering unless there is a partition between them and members of the public or where there is a distance of 2 metres between them and members of the public. Work on the development of relevant Regulations has commenced and it is likely that similar "reasonable excuse" provisions will apply.
As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, the evidence relating to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the discussion around face coverings, masks and shields is constantly evolving. I can assure the Deputy that the public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The Expert Advisory Group (EAG) of the NPHET has also been proactively examining all relevant evidence relating to the virus and the issue of face coverings. The EAG has requested the Health Information and Quality Authority to prepare a revised and updated evidence synthesis on face coverings and I have been informed that this paper is expected to be finalised shortly.
The latest public health advice on face coverings is available at the following links and is updated on a regular basis:
https://www.gov.ie/facecoverings
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html
Child Protection
Ceisteanna (757)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:757. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if parental alienation syndrome is recognised here; his plans to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17350/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Parental alienation describes a process through which a child becomes estranged from a parent as the result of the psychological manipulation of another parent.
It appears, however, that international opinion is divided as to whether or not this is as a mental health disorder.
My Department will make further enquiries seeking an update in relation to this matter and will reply separately to the Deputy in due course.
Health Services Funding
Ceisteanna (758)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:758. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the staffing and budgets for public health in north-eastern areas of Dublin and other health areas pre-, during and post-Covid-19; his views on whether it is sufficient to respond to a rise in Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17352/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The ongoing capacity of our public health system to respond to the challenges posed by Covid-19 and to protect and maintain the health and wellbeing of the population is an absolute priority. Significant work is already underway by my Department and the HSE to plan for the next phases of the pandemic.
In respect of the specific detail on budgets and staffing, I have referred this question to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (759)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:759. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the steps persons with asthma and other breathing difficulties should take in respect of face masks; and the way in which they can avoid penalties for not wearing a mask. [17353/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department appreciates the challenges experienced by those who have asthma and other breathing difficulties.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) continues to examine all emerging evidence as it arises and has provided advice relating to face coverings on an ongoing basis.
NPHET advises the wearing of a non-medical face covering in a number of circumstances which include:
- when on public transport
- when in indoor public areas including retail outlets
- by people visiting the homes of those who are cocooning
- by people who are being visited in their homes by those who are cocooning
- all visitors to residential care facilities and
- in indoor work environments where it is difficult to maintain a two-metre distance
Individual judgement or preference should be used to consider the wearing of face coverings in other environments.
It is important to emphasise that the wearing of face coverings is an additional hygiene measure and should not take the place of good hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and other personal protective public health measures. Face coverings should be used properly, in line with the guidance and to wash hands before putting them on and taking them off.
On the 15th June, the Government and the National Transport Authority launched a national communications campaign which outlines best practice for the use of face coverings in retail outlets, on public transport and in other public locations in which it is difficult to maintain social distancing or where this distance cannot be guaranteed, and are communicating to the public about:
- who should wear face coverings
- in what settings, and how to wear and remove face coverings correctly.
Guidance on how to make and safely use face coverings is available on gov.ie/facecoverings and the HSE website.
As the Deputy is aware, on Friday 10 July 2020, having consulted with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister for Justice and Equality, I signed the Health Act (Covid-19) (Face Coverings on Public Transport) Regulations 2020. The regulations provide that, 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:
- cannot put one on, wear or remove a face covering because of any physical or mental illness, impairment or disability or without severe distress
- needs to communicate with another person who has difficulties communicating
- removes the face covering to provide emergency assistance or to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person
- removes the face covering to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury
- removes the face covering to take medication
The Regulations do not apply to children under the age of 13 years. It is a matter for the person using the transport service to demonstrate that they have a reasonable excuse.
The Government has now also agreed to the mandatory wearing of face coverings in retail outlets, shops and shopping centres. Retail staff will also be obliged to wear a face covering unless there is a partition between them and members of the public or where there is a distance of 2 metres between them and members of the public. Work on the development of relevant Regulations has commenced and it is likely that similar "reasonable excuse" provisions will apply.
As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, the evidence relating to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the discussion around face coverings, masks and shields is constantly evolving. I can assure you that the public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The Expert Advisory Group (EAG) of the NPHET has also been proactively examining all relevant evidence relating to the virus and the issue of face coverings. The EAG has requested the Health Information and Quality Authority to prepare a revised and updated evidence synthesis on face coverings and I have been informed that this paper is expected to be finalised shortly.
The latest public health advice on face coverings is available at the following links and is updated on a regular basis:
https://www.gov.ie/facecoverings
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (760, 761)
John Brady
Ceist:760. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the outbreak of Covid-19 at a nursing home (details supplied); and if his attention has been further drawn to the transfer of residents to other care units and the manner in which the transfers were carried out. [17355/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraJohn Brady
Ceist:761. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the death of 12 residents of a nursing home (details supplied) due to Covid-19 and that 34 staff tested positive for the virus. [17356/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 760 and 761 together.
People living in long-term residential care (LTRC) facilities are particularly vulnerable populations in the context of COVID-19 and have been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be at a higher risk of being susceptible to infection from this disease and for subsequent adverse outcomes.
The very infectious nature of the COVID-19 virus makes it difficult to prevent and control in residential care settings - an experience replicated internationally. Interrupting transmission of the COVID-19 virus is the main goal of public health measures and it is clear from our experience that the scale of effect of interruption of transmission is influenced by a number of factors. The most important way to protect our older population, whether living at home or in a long-term residential care (LTRC) setting, has been to reduce the amount of disease present in our community. The transmission of the virus, particularly in respect of LTRC settings is multifactorial and its introduction into any setting could be the result of a number of factors.
As a new disease, health authorities across the world are learning about COVID-19 and adapting as new evidence and understanding is formed. The HSE in line with all health authorities continuously reviews emerging evidence and guidance. This is evident from the significant package of guidance that has been produced and has continued to be developed and updated in line with new national and international evidence and data.
The actions and measures we have taken in Ireland to support long-term residential care facilities and their residents have evolved on foot of epidemiological data and guidance from the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). These measures have been both society wide as well as focused specifically on residential facilities. Advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) focused on all long-term residential care settings and its recommended actions were relevant for all residential care services - older people, disability and mental health settings.
As some aspects of the Deputy's questions are operational matters I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (762)
John Brady
Ceist:762. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to calls for a public inquiry into the case of deaths in a nursing home (details supplied); if a public inquiry will be held into the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17357/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
Furthermore on foot of a National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) recommendation, on 23rd May a COVID-19 Expert Panel on Nursing Homes was established, to examine the complex issues surrounding the management of COVID-19 among this particularly vulnerable cohort.
The purpose of the Panel is to examine the national and international responses to the COVID-19 crisis, and to examine the emerging best practice. Its main objective is to provide immediate real-time learnings and recommendations in light of the expected ongoing impact of COVID-19 over the next 12-18 months. COVID-19 is a new disease, which can present atypically in the frail elderly, and new evidence and best practice in its management are constantly emerging. I expect the Expert Panel to submit their final report to me later this month.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (763)
Johnny Mythen
Ceist:763. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health the position on the supply and importation of medical drugs to persons who are being informed that their medication is being replaced by a generic one or a different brand due to the unavailability of the particular drug which they use daily (details supplied); and if the matter will be clarified [17369/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Unfortunately, medicine shortages are a feature of modern health systems worldwide. There are a multitude of reasons why a medicine may not be available including: shortages of raw materials; manufacturing difficulties; or product recalls due to potential quality issues.
Medicine shortages can therefore originate at any point in the supply chain and can involve and impact on many different stakeholders. Accordingly, medicine shortages require a multi-faceted, multi-stakeholder response to ensure patient safety, continuity of care and protection of public health.
Ireland has a multi-stakeholder medicine shortage framework in place, coordinated by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), to prevent, wherever possible, and manage medicine shortages when they occur.
In many instances a shortage of a particular medicine is effectively addressed to ensure continuity of care for a patient including through the substitution for a generic version (in the case of a branded medicine short supply) or a generic version from a different manufacturer (in the case of a generic medicine in short supply). Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 medicines which are deemed to be interchangeable can be directly substituted for one another by a pharmacist.
Where an interchangeable product is not available in Ireland, a pharmacist, in consultation with the prescriber, can source a medicine containing the same active ingredient in order to ensure that continuity of patient care is maintained, wherever possible. Such medicines may be sourced in another European Member State, or by a specialist wholesaler in a third country, and are known as exempt medicinal products (EMPs). EMPs have not been granted a marketing authorisation in Ireland by the HPRA but are sourced in response to a bona fide unsolicited order in order to fulfil the special needs of a patient. These medicines will however have undergone an evaluation of their safety, quality, and efficacy for the granting of their marketing authorisation in another EU Member State or third country by the respective competent authority for medicines.
In other instances, where a medicine shortage occurs due to a more global issue affecting multiple countries, a patient may be directed to return to their clinician to consider prescribing an alternative medicine for the treatment of their condition.
The HSE maintains a reimbursement list of medicines that are provided under the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme or the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS). These products are approved for the schemes by the HSE. In some cases, an alternative product sourced to maintain continuity of care in the event of a medicine shortage may be more expensive than the original medicine prescribed and will not ordinarily be included in the reimbursement list.
However, GMS medical card holders can apply to the local HSE health office to have these costs covered under the discretionary hardship arrangements. Under the DPS an individual or family will pay no more than €124 each calendar month for approved prescribed medicines. In certain cases, the cost of EMPs can be included in the total costs of medicines up to the threshold of €124. Patients are advised to consult with their pharmacist or clinician, who can make an application under the discretionary hardship arrangements on their behalf or to have the product covered by the relevant scheme.
Patients or their carers who have any concerns in relation to temporary alternative products provided because of medicine shortages are advised to speak with their pharmacist or other healthcare professional involved in their care.
Legislative Measures
Ceisteanna (764)
Michael Ring
Ceist:764. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health when the Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Bill 2020 will be enacted. [17387/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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 intended that the Bill will proceed through the Houses of the Oireachtas this week.
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (765)
Michael Ring
Ceist:765. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who are medical card holders; and the number of persons who lost their medical cards in 2019. [17388/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Question No. 766 answered with Question No. 690.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (767)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:767. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be given a hospital appointment. [17390/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (768)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:768. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE clinic at the Harbour, Maynooth, County Kildare, has been relocated to Kilcock, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17420/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
Respite Care Services
Ceisteanna (769)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:769. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the provisions that will be made in 2020 for the respite care of a person (details supplied); if the HSE will pay for private respite in view of the fact that no respite is available in 2020 in Merlin Park Hospital due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17423/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Electronic Cigarettes
Ceisteanna (770)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:770. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if guidelines will be put in place regarding the use of e-cigarettes in public houses (details supplied). [17425/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are no plans to introduce guidelines around the use of e-cigarettes in public houses at this time. However, the Deputy may wish to note that individual businesses and organisations are free to introduce an e-cigarette free policy if they choose to, and many have, including public transport providers and local authorities.
E-cigarettes are not regulated under the workplace smoking ban which was introduced on the basis of clear and unequivocal evidence that second hand smoke is harmful to non-smokers. That evidence base is still being developed in relation to the aerosol generated from e-cigarettes. In March of this year, the Health Research Board began a review of the evidence on the health harms of e-cigarettes, their effectiveness as an aid to smoking cessation and whether they act as a gateway to smoking tobacco products. The evidence review is expected to be completed in the Autumn and it will contribute to informing any future regulation in this area.
In October 2019 the Government approved the drafting of legislation for a Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill which will prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes to persons under 18. In addition the Programme for Government contains a commitment to legislate to curb the advertising of nicotine inhaling products near schools, on public transport and in cinemas.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (771)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:771. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if the guidelines issued to nursing homes on family visits will be reviewed to ensure, subject to public health, that the rights of residents and their families are respected and will include an independent appeal mechanism to deal with situations in which agreement cannot be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17427/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
People living in long-term residential care facilities are particularly vulnerable populations in the context of COVID-19 and have been identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to be at a higher risk of being susceptible to infection from this disease and for subsequent adverse outcomes. The actions and measures we have taken in Ireland to support nursing homes and their residents have evolved on foot of epidemiological data and guidance from the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). These measures have been both society wide as well as focused specifically on residential facilities.
It is recognised that the impact of COVID-19 on society in general and especially those living in nursing homes has been considerable. Residential settings are people’s homes as well as places where health and social care are provided. The introduction of physical distancing, isolation and restricted contact with family and loved ones has changed the usual dynamic of social interaction. During these times there has been a particular emphasis on retaining a holistic view of the wellbeing of residents, remaining person-centred, being cognisant of their rights as citizens, and being vigilant that in seeking to shield them from infection that these rights are not infringed upon in to an extent, or in a manner, that is disproportionate.
As the disease is becoming more suppressed in the community the National Public Health Emergency has advised that the gradual reintroduction of usual activities while taking public health precautions should commence. This advice is reflected in the latest Cocooning and visiting guidance. Detail of this guidance is set out by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) at: https://www.hpsc.ie.
In line with the Government's Roadmap for the re-opening of Society and Business, the National Public Health Emergency Team has agreed that a phased approach to the recommencement of visiting to long term residential centres would be appropriate at this time. The advice is that a co-ordinated and standard national approach to the recommencement of visiting is taken.
In light of the above, and on the basis that the COVID-19 disease status in the country remains in its current stable condition, the NPHET recommended that from 15th of June, the phased resumption of indoor visiting of residents in residential care facilities may commence in accordance with guidance issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. The current guidance advises that indoor visiting in residential care facilities where there is no ongoing COVID-19 outbreak is permissible in circumstances where certain criteria are followed. During an ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 within a residential care facility, the guidance advises that all but essential visiting is suspended in the interests of protecting residents, visitors and staff.
Nursing home providers are ultimately responsible for the safe care of their residents. Under the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 as amended all nursing homes are required to have an accessible and effective complaints procedure, including an appeals process. They must investigate all complaints promptly, and following investigation put in place any measures required for improvement.
Visitor guidance is being further refined by the HPSC at present and it is anticipated that updated guidance will be available shortly, once the refinement is complete. This guidance is under constant review, balancing risks with benefit in line with the disease trajectory in the community.
National Drugs Strategy
Ceisteanna (772)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:772. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the status of the strategic action plan for the period 2017 to 2020 included in the Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery national drugs strategy 2017-25, with date completed or date expected to be completed included in tabular form. [17435/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The national drug strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, sets out government policy on drug and alcohol use until 2025. The strategy aims to provide an integrated public health approach to drug and alcohol use, focused on reducing the harms for individuals, families and communities and promoting rehabilitation and recovery.
The Programme for Government endorses the national drugs strategy as providing a roadmap to treating the use of substances as a public health issue and to promoting a compassionate approach to people who use drugs.
The strategy contains 50 actions for delivery between 2017 to 2020. The implementation of these actions is monitored though the national oversight structures, supported by the coordinated system of monitoring, research and evaluation set out in the strategy.
A progress report on the implementation of the actions was published for the period to end 2018 and a further report, to end 2019 is being finalised. As of 2018, four actions are complete, 35 are in progress and 11 are not yet started.
The Department is preparing to carry out a review of the actions of the strategy at the end of 2020, the third full year of the strategy. The review will reflect on progress in implementing the strategy, and provide the flexibility to introduce new measures to address emerging needs. The review will be overseen by the national oversight committee.
I believe that the mid-term review is a timely opportunity to take account of the commitments in the Programme for Government Our Shared Future, and to addresses the challenges from Covid-19 for drug and alcohol services. I look forward to working with the colleagues in Government and with stakeholders to complete the mid-term review.