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Gnáthamharc

Thursday, 23 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 186-212

Rural Environment Protection Scheme

Ceisteanna (186)

Seán Canney

Ceist:

186. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for the introduction of a new rural environmental type scheme; the budget that will be available for the new scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17721/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Programme for Government has set out clearly our strategy for agri-environment policy not least our ambition to allocate €1.5bn to a flagship environmental scheme under the next CAP. I have been very clear that the strong environmental ambition for the sector must be matched by a suitable CAP budget. This will be included in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan and we aim to pilot some elements of this in the transitional phase between the CAP programming periods as well as adopting the best elements of our existing agri-environment schemes.

I am particularly impressed, for example, with some of the early lessons from the locally-led schemes currently run by my Department and I know GLAS has delivered some really meaningful environmental results. It is important therefore that we reflect on what has worked and what hasn’t worked in designing new measures. There are a number of variables still undecided which mean it’s difficult to be definitive at this stage about the precise details of future schemes. These include agreement on the legislative framework, both transitional and next CAP.

We are pressing hard for the earliest possible adoption of the EU regulations to facilitate the operation of schemes during the transitional period as the first priority. This is to provide some certainty until such time as CAP regulations and associated funding arrangements are agreed. As soon as we have this legal certainty, we will provide clarity and engage with all the relevant stakeholders on next steps.

This is priority work for me and my Department over the coming months. I attended my first meeting of our CAP consultative committee with the stakeholders yesterday and I see that forum as being key to the planning for our future policy on these issues.

Animal Welfare

Ceisteanna (187)

Seán Canney

Ceist:

187. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a new sheep welfare scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17722/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am very conscious of the important role that the sheep sector plays in the continued growth and development of our agri-food sector, and its valuable contribution to the rural economy.

To date, the existing sheep welfare scheme has delivered supports of €50.3 million to over 21,000 farmers since its inception in 2016.

Under the new programme for Government, we have committed to support the sheep sector under the next CAP and recognise the vital role it plays in food production, demonstrating our commitment to maintaining farm incomes in the sheep sector. We are examining the options to build on schemes such as the Sheep Welfare Scheme, in a way that enhances farm incomes, while contributing to climate change, biodiversity and animal welfare objectives, and recognising their significant contribution to net farm incomes.

My Department is currently engaged in negotiations on the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Regulations at EU level. In parallel, the development of schemes for the new CAP is a key priority for my Department and work is ongoing in this regard.

Animal Welfare

Ceisteanna (188)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

188. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the neutering of animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17749/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I thank the Deputy for his question which I recognise has been raised from a well-meaning perspective; however, my Department has no function in this matter which is a commercial issue between a private veterinary practitioner and a client.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme

Ceisteanna (189)

Joe Carey

Ceist:

189. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress being made on a new REPS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17812/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Programme for Govt has set out clearly our strategy for agri-environment policy not least our ambition to allocate €1.5bn to a flagship environmental scheme under the next CAP. I have been very clear that the strong environmental ambition for the sector must be matched by a suitable CAP budget. This will be included in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan and we aim to pilot some elements of this in the transitional phase between the CAP programming periods as well as adopting the best elements of our existing agri-environment schemes.

I am particularly impressed, for example, with some of the early lessons from the locally-led schemes currently run by my Department and I know GLAS has delivered some really meaningful environmental results. It is important, therefore, that we reflect on what has worked and what hasn’t worked in designing new measures. There are a number of variables still undecided which mean it’s difficult to be definitive at this stage about the precise details of future schemes. These include the agreement on the legislative framework, both transitional and next CAP.

We are pressing hard for the earliest possible adoption of the EU regulations to facilitate the operation of schemes during the transitional period as the first priority. This is to provide some certainty until such time as CAP regulations and associated funding arrangements are agreed. As soon as we have this legal certainty, we will provide clarity and engage with all the relevant stakeholders on next steps.

This is priority work for me and my Department over the coming months. I attended my first meeting of our CAP consultative committee with the stakeholders yesterday and I see that forum as being key to the planning for our future policy on these issues.

Forestry Sector

Ceisteanna (190, 191, 192)

Joe Flaherty

Ceist:

190. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the speed, resources and capability will be increased to increase the current rate of forestry licensing approvals (details supplied). [17825/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Joe Flaherty

Ceist:

191. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there will be a review of the forestry appeals committee in order to ensure that it is able to process forestry appeals in a two month timeframe (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17826/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Joe Flaherty

Ceist:

192. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a technical review group for the forestry sector will be established consisting of technical experts from across the industry in order to identify key and substantive improvements to the current processes (details supplied); and if so, if supporting legislation will be introduced in relation to same. [17827/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 190, 191 and 192 together.

I am acutely aware that delays in issuing licences has led to difficulties for some in the sector. My Department is intensively engaging with all relevant stakeholders on these issues. The current licensing difficulties are as a result of the changes made to internal Appropriate Assessment Procedures (AAP). These were introduced in response to important Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decisions and their subsequent interpretation by the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) and others. These findings meant that in order to grant licences which fully meet environmental requirements, fundamental changes to the licensing system were unavoidable. All licence applications are subject to a statutory public notification system.

I accept the current changes to procedures are very significant and they have been challenging to implement such is the scope and breadth of them, which has unfortunately meant that there have been delays in issuing licences. It has taken substantial resources and effort to introduce a robust and workable system, which meets the legislative requirements, and I believe we now have that in place. My Department's licensing decisions are being confirmed at the Forestry Appeals Committee, which gives confidence in these revised procedures.

My Department has a detailed project plan in place for dealing with the current backlog and new applications, which includes significant investment in extra resources required to deliver the plan. These resources are a combination of additional ecologists, forestry inspectors and administrative staff where required.

The project plan is a targeted, process-driven approach which prioritise files in a manner which will result in an increased number of licences being issued in the short-term and will deliver a return to expected timelines in the longer term. Applicants who have or are prepared to submit a Natura Impact Statement, where appropriate, will be prioritised.

A Project Management Board, with a dedicated Project Manager, will oversee and monitor delivery. There will be a continuous review of the process, in order to effect efficiencies. A communication plan to keep stakeholders fully and regularly informed of progress, with a dedicated central resource to deal with queries, is a key element of the project. While much of the success of the project plan lies with my Department, stakeholders also need to engage with it. This will require a commitment from forestry companies to submit only applications which have a realistic chance of being planted, to ensure all applications are of the required standard and quality, and to submit NISs in accordance with the guidance provided.

In terms of improvements to the current approval system, a comprehensive reivew which involved extensive stakeholder consulation, was conducted by Mr. Jim Mackinnon, CBE, and his recommendations are outlined in the Mackinnon Report. There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to implement the Mackinnon Report, and to review the forestry appeals process to ensure that it is aligned with other comparable appeals processes. I am considering how best this might be achieved and expect to be announcing some efficiencies in this regard in the coming weeks.

The Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) is operationally independent of my Department. Additional resources have been assigned to the FAC over past months, including additional administrative resources and personnel with planning expertise, to assist with administering appeals. Resource needs will continue to be monitored.

I am more than aware that the current situation is challenging, but it is a temporary disruption which, when resolved, will make for a better, more sustainable and fit-for-purpose forestry licensing system for many years to come.

Animal Diseases

Ceisteanna (193)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of bovine animals found to have failed the tuberculosis eradication test in each of the past ten years to date in respect of both the dairy and beef herd, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17927/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The information requested is set out in the table below.

Table

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (194)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

194. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an issue with regard to an application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; the steps they should take to resolve the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17761/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department has referred this case to Pobal, the Scheme Administrator. They have confirmed that supplementary documentation was required from applicant and this was received by Pobal on Thursday 16th July and their application is currently being processed.

Pobal have confirmed that an agent will contact this applicant directly to update them on their case and request any further information that may be required to complete their application and resolve this case.

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (195)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

195. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider a pilot project in County Cork to trial transport police to stem antisocial behaviour on buses and commuter train services. [17711/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of Garda resources. I am assured however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in light of operational demand, to ensure their optimum use.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is not proposed to establish a specialist or dedicated public transport policing unit in County Cork or anywhere else in the country at this time. Instead, Gardaí deploy a wide range of operational measures aimed at tackling public-order offences and anti-social behaviour in all contexts, including the policing needs of the rail or transport network and its stakeholders. The legal framework that assists the Gardaí in tackling this type of crime includes provisions under the Criminal Damage Act 1991; the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994; the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003; and the Intoxicating Liquor Acts 2003 and 2008.

In terms of safety on public transport, I understand that Garda management engages with transport operators and that a range of regional and local operations have been put in place to address incidents and issues that have arisen at specific locations. I am further informed that there is ongoing communication between An Garda Síochána and the respective control centres, and access to good quality CCTV can provide assistance to Gardaí when investigating serious incidents.

An Garda Síochána has been allocated an unprecedented budget of €1.88 billion for 2020, as well as capital funding of over €116 million for this year. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff and, as a result, An Garda Síochána is a growing organisation. Garda numbers are now at their highest ever, with approximately 14,700 members and almost 3,000 Garda staff nationwide. These additional resources will further strengthen An Garda Síochána’s response to all forms of crime, including that which takes place on public transport.

With specific regards to Cork, I am further advised by An Garda Síochána that as of 30 June 2020, the latest date for which figures are available, there are 730 Garda members in the Cork City Division, 357 in the Cork North Division and 312 Garda members in the Cork West Division.

In addition, Garda Civilian Staff figures for County Cork on 30 June 2020 show 112 Staff for the Cork City Division, 34 Staff for the Cork North Division and 35 Staff for the Cork West Division.

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (196)

Seán Canney

Ceist:

196. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will be fully implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17780/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Th The Government’s approach to meeting the terms of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (“the Convention”) is one of progressive realisation. Work is continuing on the reforms needed for an optimum level of compliance with the Convention's requirements.

The National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) 2017 – 2021 contains a wide range of practical commitments to improve the position of people with disabilities in Ireland. It provides a mechanism for joined-up working to deliver on Ireland’s commitments to implementing the UNCRPD. The NDIS Steering Group, which oversees and monitors the implementation of the Strategy, has an important role in guiding progress in this area. The Group recently carried out a mid-term review of the Strategy which examined how the Strategy is aligned with the articles of the Convention and how the Strategy could be revised and built upon in order to continue progressive realisation of the aims of the Convention. Arising from the mid-term review, a commitment was made that the Department of Justice and Equality will develop a CRPD implementation plan, that will include monitoring structures and metrics as appropriate.

Of particular relevance to Article 12 of the Convention is the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, which provides a modern statutory framework to support decision-making by adults with capacity difficulties. The Act was signed into law on 30 December 2015 but has not yet been fully commenced. The 2015 Act will abolish the current Wards of Court system by repealing the Lunacy Regulation (Ireland) Act 1871. Part 6 of the 2015 Act provides that adults currently in wardship will transition to the new decision-making support arrangements provided for in the Act on a phased basis over 3 years from the commencement of Part 6 of the Act.

New administrative processes and support measures, including the setting up of the Decision Support Service within the Mental Health Commission (a body under the Department of Health), must be put in place before the substantive provisions of the 2015 Act can be commenced. The Decision Support Service is working towards being operational and ready for the commencement of the main provisions of the Act in 2020. This lead-in timeframe ensures that the necessary staff resources, processes, IT system, expert panels, codes of practice and regulations will be in place so that the Decision Support Service will have the capacity to be up and running effectively.

The Government continues to take practical measures to improve the lives of people with disabilities. The Report of the Make Work Pay Group was published in April 2017 and many of its recommendations have been implemented. In addition, the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities 2015-2024 includes positive action measures to support the recruitment of people with disabilities in the public service and in the wider economy.

In addition to the practical measures outlined, the Deputy will be aware of a number of legislative developments to support the implementation of the Convention.

In the first instance, my colleague the Minister for Health is progressing Heads of a Bill to provide legislative clarity on the issue of deprivation of liberty. A report of a recent public consultation on these draft legislative provisions is nearing completion, and every effort is being made to progress this legislation as quickly as possible.

In order to strengthen Ireland’s laws on liberty and security of the person as they relate to persons with a disability and to ensure that Ireland fully complies with Article 14, the Government has been working towards enacting specific legislation. The previously stated Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016 and the ADMC each have an important role in this regard. In addition, a stand-alone Bill on Deprivation of Liberty is being progressed. The Bill will provide procedural safeguards to ensure that people are not unlawfully deprived of their liberty in relevant facilities.

An approach has been developed to provide for situations in which an individual lacks the capacity to consent to their care arrangements (which amount to a deprivation of liberty) and will provide a legal basis for these care arrangements to be authorised by a body to be established within the health service. The authorisation will not cover any other decision to be made in relation to that individual e.g. financial decisions or consent to medical treatment. Work to refine the draft legislative proposals is ongoing and complicated policy issues that have arisen are being resolved, in consultation with an Advisory Group and relevant stakeholders.

The Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016, which contains key legislative amendments needed for compliance with the Convention, was published in December 2016. The Bill includes provisions to establish the monitoring framework required by Article 33 of the Convention to promote, protect and monitor implementation of the Convention. It requires the involvement and participation of civil society, in particular, persons with disabilities, in the monitoring process.

Published in December 2016, the Bill’s stated purpose was to address remaining legislative barriers to Ireland’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The opportunity was also taken to progress other miscellaneous amendments to statute law. The Bill amends:

- the Juries Act to accommodate (i) deaf persons who need the services of a sign language interpreter and (ii) persons with mental illness being subject to a functional capacity test - the Electoral Act to repeal the prohibition on a person of unsound mind from standing for election to the national and European parliament - the National Disability Act to (i) change the status of NDA staff from public to civil servants, in line with all other bodies in the Justice Vote and (ii) to provide information and advice including statistics to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) - the Equal Status Act to elaborate the principle of refusal of “reasonable accommodation” on grounds of cost - the Disability Act to bring civilian staff of the Garda Síochána within the scope of Part V of that Act which contains measures applicable to the public service including employee quotas - the IHREC Act to create a statutory basis for IHREC to (i) keep under review the law and practice relating to the protection of persons with disabilities, and (ii) to that end appoint an advisory committee, and (iii) apply to the Court of Appeal to appear as amicus curiae (friend of the court).

The Bill was at Committee Stage when it lapsed with the dissolution of the Dáil and Seanad in January 2020. A decision is now required as to whether the lapsed Bill should be revisited, or if a new Bill should be drafted. This will be a decision for the new Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration once the transfer of functions from the Minister for Justice and Equality has taken place.

The monitoring framework for implementation of the Convention will include both the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) and the NDA and will be governed by a formal Memorandum of Understanding. This will ensure the direct participation of persons with disabilities and the organisations representing them in monitoring how the Convention is implemented in Ireland.

Garda Stations

Ceisteanna (197)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

197. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a Garda station (details supplied) in County Cork. [17706/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, under the new Garda Operating Model which came into effect in October 2019, Douglas Garda Station is a Sub-District station in the Cork City District; it was previously within the former District of Togher. The new Garda Operating Model will increase the number of frontline Gardaí and maximise the organisation’s operational impact at the local level to deliver an improved, more consistent, highly visible policing service with a stronger focus on community policing and a wide-range of policing services delivered locally.

I am informed that opening hours are normally 10am – 2pm/6pm, subject to operational demands and availability of resources. The following table shows the breakdown of Gardaí in the Station:

Rank

Number of Staff

Sergeant

3

Gardaí

20

Detective

5

Total

28

These figures have been subject to fluctuation due to members on maternity leave as well as promotions and retirements. This has necessitated the temporary curtailment of opening hours at the station as the working members are deployed to outdoor operational duties to service the needs of the community.

Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (198)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

198. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the breakdown of funding and resources for mental health services in An Garda Síochána over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17787/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána including the provision of employee welfare supports.

I have requested information from An Garda Síochána on the matter raised and will write directly to the Deputy when it is received.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
Further to your Parliamentary Question No. 17 which I responded to on 22 October 2020 with regard to the mental health supports that are being provided to members of An Garda Síochána to support them through the Covid-19 pandemic, I refer to your Parliamentary Question No 198 which was for answer on the 23 July 2020 where you asked for a breakdown of funding and resources for mental health services in An Garda Síochána over the past five years. As you may recall, the information you requested could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to contact you again when the information was to hand.
The requested information has now been responded to by An Garda Síochána and accordingly, please note the following;
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána including the provision of employee welfare supports.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that there is a variety of supports in place for members to assist them in dealing with stressful and difficult situations that they may encounter in the workplace.
These include a 24/7 Helpline and Counselling Service, a chaplaincy service, the Peer Supporters Network, the Garda Employee Assistance Service, the Garda Occupational Health Service, and independent mental health specialists. Garda Occupational Health provides a holistic support to members presenting with a broad spectrum of medical problems & circumstances; this would include presentations unrelated to mental health where the holistic support can involve optimising mental health supports and wellbeing. It is not possible to quantify the proportion of clinical work of the occupational health professionals (Occupational Health Physicians and Occupational Health Nurses) that is involved in addressing mental health concerns.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the data requested is only available for the years 2018, 2019 and from January to end June 2020. These cost are categorised as follows:

2018

2019

2020 (to end June 2020)

Independent Specialist Medical reports*

€102,645

€140,380

€100,590

Counselling/therapeutic psychology

€28,575

€41,912.6

€23,568.2

* The figures provided do not include cases relating to compensations reviews which were brought about under Application for Compensation under the Garda Síochána (Compensation) Acts, 1941 - 45
I trust this information is of assistance.

Extradition Arrangements

Ceisteanna (199)

Joe O'Brien

Ceist:

199. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider reviewing the extradition agreement with Hong Kong in view of the control that Chinese authorities are now exerting on the territory and in the context of increasing human rights abuses by Chinese authorities. [17805/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy refers to the Ireland - Hong Kong Agreement on the surrender of fugitive offenders which entered into force in January 2009.

In light of the recent adoption of the Hong Kong National Security Law, I understand that my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs is considering the issues involved and our engagement with Hong Kong, including having regard to discussions on these issues at the EU level.

More generally, the Deputy may be interested to note that no person has to date been returned to Hong Kong under the terms of the Agreement.

It may further be noted that the agreement includes a number of grounds on which a request may be refused in an individual case.

Departmental Correspondence

Ceisteanna (200)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

200. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17772/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a matter relating to an application for registration with CORU, it has been referred to CORU for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (201)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

201. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if grants are available for clubs to access training in mental health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17824/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Drugs Payment Scheme

Ceisteanna (202)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

202. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if spinraza has been evaluated for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17698/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

On 11 June 2019, the HSE Leadership Team approved access to the drug Nusinersen (Spinraza) for children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type I, II or III on an exceptional and individualised basis.

The HSE decision process in relation to Spinraza involved a full Health Technology Assessment followed by detailed consideration by the HSE expert groups on new drug therapies, including the Technology Review Group for Rare Diseases and the Drugs Committee. Evidence of the clinical and cost effectiveness of this new drug therapy was also reviewed.

The actual delivery of this medicine to approved patients in a safe and sustainable way requires very specific and quite complex service arrangements to be put in place by Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) across all sites.

It is estimated that 1-3 new children will be diagnosed with SMA Type 2 in Ireland each year. CHI has confirmed that there are currently 35 patients with SMA aged 18 years or under who are deemed clinically eligible for treatment with Spinraza by the Paediatric Neurologist in CHI. CHI has further confirmed that 19 patients are currently receiving Spinraza.

However, other patients who are waiting to start treatment have been put on hold due to COVID-19. CHI is currently working through the remaining patients and how they can be accommodated in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions around social distancing.

CHI has confirmed that they have identified a small number of SMA patients whose cases are extremely complex as they have poor lung function. The delivery of the drug to these patients will be potentially more complex and technically difficult and will require complex coordination by CHI.

Children’s Health Ireland is in a continuous engagement process with families regarding their child’s individual treatment plan for the administration of Spinraza as well as representatives of the SMA Executive and Advocacy Group.

I wish to advise the Deputy that funding was provided in 2020 to develop the Spinraza service, including the recruitment of additional staff. A nursing coordinator, who will coordinate the services including communication with families, has been appointed and is commencing the end of July.

Public Sector Pensions

Ceisteanna (203)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

203. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) in relation to care workers [17701/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act 2018 which came into effect on 26 December 2018 provides for an increase in the compulsory retirement age of most public servants recruited prior to 1 April 2004, from age 65 to age 70. Under the Act, any relevant public servant as defined in Section 2 of the Act who had not already reached his/her compulsory retirement age before 26 December 2018, must retire on reaching the age of 70.

From a public health viewpoint people over 70 are considered at very high risk (extremely vulnerable) to Covid-19 and are advised to cocoon. However, it is recognised that each individual has a right to exercise their own judgement as to the extent to which they consider cocooning guidance appropriate to them. I am provided a link to the current HSE advice on cocooning.

https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/cocooning.html

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Ceisteanna (204)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

204. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the status of a building (details supplied) in County Cork [17702/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate.

With regard to the HSE owned health centre at Spital Street, Cloyne, the HSE has advised that the property is currently unoccupied as it requires significant upgrade works in order to make the building habitable. The HSE does accommodate First Responder Training in the St Raphael’s building in Youghal, a short distance away.

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Ceisteanna (205)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

205. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health his plans for a facility (details supplied) in County Cork [17703/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (206)

Joan Collins

Ceist:

206. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the steps he plans to take to address the issue of passengers arriving in to Dublin Airport (details supplied); his plans to cease passenger flights arriving from red and black zone countries; and his further plans to make the 14-days quarantine mandatory in specific properties with tests every three days for passengers from all other countries as per public health recommendations [17715/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (207)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

207. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the cost of a Covid-19 test per person; the turnaround time for Covid-19 test results; if his attention has been drawn to cheaper tests with a faster turnaround time with alleged similar accuracy levels (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17723/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (208)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

208. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the measures which were taken to expand capacity in the health service in response to the Covid-19 pandemic; and the associated cost for each of these measures [17724/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department of Health is working with the HSE to increase acute capacity in hospitals throughout the country. In the context of the current COVID-19 Pandemic response, the HSE advised on 22 June 2020 that an additional 324 acute beds have opened since March, bringing the current total of acute beds in the system to 11,597 excluding critical care capacity. It should be noted that this is the total current bed capacity. However, beds are unavailable when they are temporarily closed for reasons such as infection control, maintenance/refurbishment, or staffing shortages.

The HSE’s Critical Care Programme Census from September 2019 reported that there were 255 adult critical care beds in public hospitals. At an early stage of the Covid-19 pandemic, additional funding was provided to the HSE to increase the number of critical care beds. 42 critical care beds have been funded since March in addition to the baseline critical care capacity already identified in hospitals.

In line with the HSE’s Critical Care Major Surge Preparedness Planning Framework, surge plans for further capacity for each Hospital Group have been developed in order to create additional capacity if required.

A major part of the Government's Action Plan in response to Covid-19 was to substantially increase the capacity of public healthcare facilities to cope with the anticipated additional demand. In order to urgently ramp up capacity for acute care facilities, an arrangement was agreed with the private hospitals to use their facilities as part of the public system on a temporary basis, to provide essential services. A Heads of Terms of Agreement between the HSE and the Private Hospitals was agreed at the end of March 2020 and all 18 of the acute private hospitals signed up to it. Under the arrangement, all patients in the private hospitals were treated as public patients and their treatment was prioritised based on clinical need.

The agreement was reviewed at the end of May and the Government decided that the existing arrangement should not be extended beyond the end of June. It has however mandated the HSE to negotiate a new arrangement with private hospitals which would provide the HSE with full access to private hospital capacity in the event of a surge of Covid-19 and separately with ongoing agreed access, to enable the HSE to meet essential and elective care needs.

My Department has been advised by the HSE that as of the 3rd July, 12,959 patients had been discharged from private hospitals having undergone an inpatient procedure since the arrangement between the HSE and private hospitals came into force. In the same period 53,609 daycase procedures took place in private hospitals, as well as 85,658 diagnostic appointments and 52,096 outpatient appointments. Utilisation rates show that for the period 17-23 June 2020, 47% of private inpatient beds were in use, and for the period 24-30 June there was a 43% utilisation rate.

Under the agreement, payment to the private hospitals is on a cost only Open Book model whereby the hospitals are reimbursed only for the operating costs properly incurred during the period. The costs covered are limited to normal costs of operating the hospital. The hospitals will only receive their actual operating costs when these have been verified. The final cost will be verified by independent firms of accountants appointed by the HSE and the private hospitals and there will be an arbitration mechanism in place in the event of any disagreement. At the time of the agreement the cost only open book model was the most effective way of ensuring the arrangement was value for money for the State.

In terms of costs incurred, at 30th June private hospital expenditure was €294.3m. The expenditure is based on the actual costs for April-20 (€97.5m), actual costs for May (€91.6m), estimated final cost for June (€89m), consultants costs for April – June (€14.5m) and consultants expenses for April – June (€1.7m).

The actual costs submitted for May were €91.6m against the estimated €111m and the HSE are recording an estimated final cost for June of €88.9m against the estimated June costs of €108.9m.

For primary care services, the response to Covid-19 was predominantly based around the reallocation of resources and the more effective use of existing capacity rather than through an expansion of capacity. This included new ways of working such as greater use of digitally enabled healthcare and enhanced integration of care pathways as well as the repurposing of a network of Primary Care and Health Centres as Community Assessment Hubs (CAHs). The gross cost of CAHs is estimated to be €7.37m as of 3rd July 2020.

In relation to supports for General Practice, measures were put in place to help maintain regular essential services, and for the provision of Covid-19-related services without charge to the public. A range of special fees to GPs were introduced from 16 March including fees for the provision of remote consultations, respiratory assessment clinics and extended opening hours and it has been agreed that the majority of these will continue until 10 August.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (209, 210)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

209. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he has reviewed which temporary measures may be needed to expand capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17725/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

David Cullinane

Ceist:

210. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he has examined the use of temporary builds to temporarily expand capacity in the health service; the extent to which these would be required to maintain pre-Covid-19 capacity while accommodating social distancing and infection prevention and control requirements; and the associated costs of same [17726/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 210 together.

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. The National Development Plan provides for the addition of the full 2,590 beds by the earlier date of 2027.

The future opening of additional acute bed capacity will be considered in the context of the Estimates discussions and on the priorities in the HSE's National Service Plan.

Furthermore, my Department has written to the HSE to request a comprehensive winter plan which takes account of the additional pressures of providing a safe delivery of emergency care services in a Covid-19 environment. The 2020/21 Winter Plan will seek to reduce attendances at ED by offering alternatives in community care settings, and to reduce the number of people receiving care on trolleys by having capacity available to admit patient in a timely manner.

To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically aligned and prioritised way, the HSE have published a Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’. This document was published on June 8th and can be found at the following link:

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/service-continuity-in-a-covid-environment-a-strategic-framework-for-delivery.pdf

The implementation of the Framework will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated and phased manner. It will consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge.

While not all services can return to previous levels immediately, many health services have already resumed, particularly for priority cases. The HSE are currently developing a Service Continuity Roadmap for the resumption of services across the health system.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (211)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

211. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing an additional 100 acute hospital beds; and the associated staffing and equipment costs, respectively in tabular form [17727/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The average daily running cost of a hospital bed includes clinical staffing, theatres, laboratories, non-clinical staffing and cleaning, maintenance and other running costs. The cost includes critical care and ward beds but they are not separately identifiable. The fully absorbed cost, includes treatment and care costs (such as diagnostics and theatres) as well as the running costs such as heating, lighting and servicing equipment, but excludes capital and depreciation. In addition, this figure does not include other associated hospital costs such as day-case, outpatient and emergency department costs.

In relation to the Deputy's specific question on the estimated cost of providing an additional 100 acute hospital beds, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (212, 289)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

212. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing an additional 100 critical care hospital beds; and the associated staffing and equipment costs, respectively in tabular form [17728/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

David Cullinane

Ceist:

289. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans to permanently increase the number of critical care beds in the public system; the estimated cost of delivering a critical care bed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17883/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 289 together.

In early 2020, baseline permanent adult critical care capacity in Ireland was reported by the National Office of Clinical Audit (NOCA) to be 255 beds. Funding for a further 40 adult critical care beds, and two paediatric critical care beds, was provided as part of the response to Covid-19 in March 2020. The acute hospital system and critical care service has coped effectively during recent months, and this reflects the success of public health measures in flattening the curve. The additional demand for critical care was met by surge ICU capacity, with clinical staff redeployed from other hospital services and locations. Training was provided to over 1,500 nursing staff to allow them to provide support to critical care as required.

The capital cost of a critical care bed has several determining factors. However, a survey undertaken by the HSE of active and recently completed projects suggests that critical care beds can cost up to €1m. It should be noted that the impacts of COVID-19 and the new recommendations on distance requirements on costs are yet to be determined.

My Department and the HSE are currently engaging in regard to critical care capacity requirements in the public hospital system. However, in order to provide the Deputy with more detail on costs associated with additional critical care beds, including associated staffing and equipment costs, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him with any additional information that may be available.

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