Marian Harkin
Ceist:953. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health his plans to acknowledge counsellors and psychotherapists as health professionals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18243/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMental Health Services
Ceisteanna (953)
Freagraí scríofa
The Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (the Act) provides for the protection of the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct and professional education, training and competence through statutory registration of health and social care professions designated under the Act.
A profession for regulation is either designated in the Act, or can be designated by means of an Order made by the Minister for Health under the Act where, after a consultation process, the Minister considers that it is appropriate and in the public interest that the profession be so designated.
Arising from such a consultation process, Simon Harris TD the then Minister for Health decided to designate two distinct professions, counsellors and psychotherapists, each with its register, under one registration board.
Regulations to designate the two professions under the Act and to establish the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board were made in 2018. The Registration Board was duly appointed in February 2019 and held its inaugural meeting in May 2019.
While the Board has begun working towards regulation of these professions, a substantial body of work requires to be undertaken before a register may be opened. The work of this Board is significantly more challenging than for registration boards for some of the more established professions, owing to the different and complexity of entry paths into the counsellor and psychotherapist professions, variety of titles used, and the variety and number of courses and course providers.
Health Research Board
Ceisteanna (954)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:954. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to an anomaly in the rules governing health research grants and awards by the Health Research Board which preclude researchers employed in public entities other than designated host institutions from applying; and if the anomaly will be corrected by amending the rules to be inclusive of all healthcare staff including those employed by the HSE and in HSE hospitals [18246/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Research Board is a statutory agency of the Department of Health and plays a key role in supporting research and innovation to deliver health, societal and broader economic benefits. The HRB has an annual budget of approximately €40 million per year and as this is public money, there is an onus on the HRB to ensure the highest levels of governance and accountability for the management of its investments, both through its own code of governance and through its oversight and evaluation of those in receipt of this money.
Any research-performing organisation on the island of Ireland can apply to become a host organisation to receive and manage HRB grants. There are no exclusions or restrictions to who may apply. To be approved as a host institution however, one must be able to demonstrate a capability to manage heath related research, demonstrate financial soundness and warrant that it can comply with the HRB’ General Terms and Conditions. Public confidence in research, built on internationally recognised standards of good practice is vital. The public has a right to expect high scientific, ethical and financial standards, transparent decision making processes, clear allocation of responsibilities and robust monitoring arrangements.
As well as sound financial management of research funds, and an appropriate environment to employ and support research staff, it is the responsibility of organisations providing health and social care in Ireland to be aware of all research undertaken in their organisation, or involving participants, bio-specimens or data obtained through that organisation.
HSE Corporate or HSE hospitals are not on the list of HRB host institutions at this juncture because they have not yet demonstrated that they have the capacity to manage or account for research funding and are currently unable to meet the regulations and standards required for good research governance. As such the HRB is unable to contract with the HSE directly (although HSE employees are co-applicants and collaborators on many HRB grants, managed largely by academic partner organisations). It is not an anomaly, therefore - it is a necessary decision to safeguard public money.
It is important that this situation changes, however, especially if we are to realise our ambition to foster a culture of research and innovation in the healthcare system. As such, officials in my Department have focused on this issue as a priority in recent years and this resulted in the establishment of an R&D Unit (headed by an Assistant National Director) in the HSE, followed by the publication in late 2019 of the first ever HSE Research Strategy. A high priority outlined during 2019 and 2020 by my Department, and therefore a key priority in the HSE Research Strategy, was the development a Research Governance Framework for the HSE, to be adopted in the first instance by research-active hospitals. This will ensure that the research capabilities in our healthcare system can be fully harnessed and will ensure that funding, staff and collaborations can be secured, effectively managed and maintained, with healthcare organisations playing a leadership role.
Work has advanced significantly on a HSE Research Governance Framework and discussions and related planning are ongoing with HSE hospitals and hospital groups with a view to adopting same. This foundational work led by the HSE, rather than any dilution of the standards of good governance by the HRB as a funder, will be the platform upon which a sustainable culture of high quality and trusted research and innovation is built in our healthcare system.
Community Care
Ceisteanna (955)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:955. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of toddlers waiting to receive their two-year developmental check-up by a public health nurse by CHO region; if his attention has been drawn to significant delays in toddlers receiving the check-up. and his plans to address the backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18251/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (956)
James Browne
Ceist:956. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if wearing a face mask makes persons exempt from being classed as a face to face contact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18264/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) continues to examine all emerging evidence as it arises and provides 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.
Cloth face coverings are not recommended for children under the age of 13. This is because young children may not follow advice about wearing a mask correctly and avoiding touching it.
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.
Guidance issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novel coronavirus/guidance/contact tracing guidance/ defines a close contact as:
- Any individual who has had greater than 15 minutes face-to-face (<2 meters distance) contact with a case, in any setting. (A distance of 1 metre is generally regarded as sufficient to minimize direct exposure to droplets however, for Public Health purposes, a close contact definition of 2 metres has been specified).
- Household contacts defined as living or sleeping in the same home, individuals in shared accommodation sharing kitchen or bathroom facilities and sexual partners.
- Healthcare workers, including laboratory workers, who have not worn appropriate PPE or had a breach in PPE during the following exposures to the case:
- Direct contact with the case (as defined above), their body fluids or their laboratory specimen
- Present in the same room when an aerosol generating procedure is undertaken on the case
- Passengers on an aircraft sitting within two seats (in any direction) of the case, travel companions or persons providing care, and crew members serving in the section of the aircraft where the index case was seated. (If severity of symptoms or movement of the case indicate more extensive exposure, passengers seated in the entire section or all passengers on the aircraft may be considered close contacts).
- For those contacts who have shared a closed space with a case for longer than two hours, a risk assessment should be undertaken taking into consideration the size of the room, ventilation and the distance from the case. This may include office and school settings and any sort of large conveyance.
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 NPHET.
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/face coverings
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (957)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:957. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the closure of dental clinics (details supplied) which provided free dental checks to children in approximately 16 schools and are a significant loss to north eastern areas of Cork. [18269/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (958)
Gary Gannon
Ceist:958. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health if the case of a child (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18275/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (959)
Marc MacSharry
Ceist:959. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Health the activity volumes per month at each of the 18 private hospitals which were part of the provision of public health services in private hospitals as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic covering the full duration of the agreement, including but not limited to inpatient, outpatient, elective and all other activities and procedures undertaken under the agreement; and the costs associated with each collectively and at each hospital which was party to the agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18283/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 July 3, 12,959 patients had been discharged from private hospitals having undergone an inpatient procedure between April and June 2020. In the same period 53,609 day case procedures took place in private hospitals, as well as 85,658 diagnostic appointments and 52,096 outpatient appointments.
In relation to the more detailed breakdown requested concerning the activity levels per month at each of the 18 private hospitals which were part of the agreement with the HSE, and the associated costs, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (960)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:960. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if a hospital appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied) in view of the circumstances. [18287/20]
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 you with a direct response.
Carer's Allowance
Ceisteanna (961)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:961. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the status of a carer’s allowance appeal by a person (details supplied). [18289/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This matter is more appropriate for the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (962)
Michael Ring
Ceist:962. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if he has obtained legal opinion regarding the constitutionality of measures, guidelines and regulations of his Department in relation to the restricting of movement of persons and the prohibition on socialising and contacts with family; the source of this opinion; if he will publish this opinion;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18308/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I will assume that the Deputy’s question is referring to Regulations made in accordance with amendments made to the Health Act 1947 by the Health (Preservation and Protection and Other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020, which was signed into law by the President on the 20th of March 2020 following its passage through the Dáil and the Seanad. I note the Deputy also refers to “guidelines and measures”, however my understanding is that Constitutional issues would not be invoked in relation to guidelines.
The Health (Preservation and Protection and Other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 amended the Health Act 1947 to provide for, amongst other matters, a new section (section 31A) on regulation making powers to prevent, limit, minimise or slow the spread of Covid-19 or where otherwise necessary, to deal with the public health risks arising from the spread of Covid-19. In making regulations under section 31A of the Health Act 1947, the Minister for Health is required by section 31A(2) to have regard to the immediate, exceptional and manifest risk posed to human life and public health, and must also, in accordance with the Act, have regard to a number of factors.
The preamble to the Act highlights its exceptional nature and purpose (i.e. to address the unprecedented nature of the Covid-19 public health emergency). The preamble also gives due regard to the need to defend and vindicate the rights of citizens to life and bodily integrity as central considerations informing the drafting of the Bill, emphasising the State’s responsibilities in relation to both.
The legislation referred to above, and the regulations arising from it under section 31A of the Act were drafted by Parliamentary Counsel and the Office of the Attorney General to ensure that no legal or constitutional matters were impinged upon. The Bill is due to expire on the 9th of November 2020, unless a resolution approving its continuation is passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas.
Throughout the period in which this legislation has been enacted, the Government has been immensely conscious of the sacrifices which have been made by people across the country as a result of the restrictions on their movement that have been imposed in recent months. We have endeavoured to remove those restrictions in line with the progression of the disease, and fortunately have been in a position to unwind many of them at this point. However, the continued detection of Covid-19 in the community indicates that there remains a threat of a resurgence of the virus and hence, certain measures have been kept in place for the present. They are under constant review and will of course be removed as soon as it is safe to do so.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (963)
David Cullinane
Ceist:963. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if children have missed mandatory or routine vaccinations as a result of the pandemic; if so, the number of same; the steps he is taking to encourage and ensure uptake of these vaccinations; if he issued letters in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18310/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE National Immunisation Office is responsible for managing vaccine procurement and distribution, and developing training and communication materials for the public and health professionals.
As the question raised by the Deputy is a matter for the National Immunisation Office, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (964)
David Cullinane
Ceist:964. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure widespread uptake of the winter flu vaccine; the measures he has taken to date on same; if there will be a special information campaign to ensure minimisation of the burden the winter flu epidemic will have on the health system; the steps he plans to take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18311/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An expansion to the seasonal influenza vaccine programme is planned for winter 2020/2021. Under the expansion, all of those in the at-risk groups aged from 6 months up, including healthcare workers, will be able to access the vaccination without charges. All children aged from 2 to 12 years inclusive will also have access to vaccination without charges.
The expanded programme will ensure that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza will have access to vaccination without charges. By providing vaccination to those most at-risk, and those most likely to require hospitalisation if they contract influenza, the expansion aims to mitigate as much as possible the pressure on the health system which a coincidence of the winter flu season and a resurgence of COVID-19 would cause.
Work is currently underway to develop plans to operationalise this policy. The development of an extensive communications campaign to inform the public about the importance of this vaccination campaign and to encourage a high uptake rate of the vaccine will be a key element of this work.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (965)
David Cullinane
Ceist:965. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of cases identified with the help of the Covid-19 tracker application; the number of contacts traced through the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18312/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (966)
Joe McHugh
Ceist:966. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health if the appropriate policy is in place for utilising primary health centres for urology procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18313/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (967)
Joe McHugh
Ceist:967. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health the status of progress of the Carndonagh Community Hospital capital investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18316/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Long-Term Illness Scheme
Ceisteanna (968)
David Cullinane
Ceist:968. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that have through their pharmacist or otherwise requested for additional or new items to be added to their long-term illness book in the past 12 and 18 months, respectively; the percentage of successful applicants in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18326/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Maternity Services
Ceisteanna (969)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:969. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the person or body responsible for developing national clinical obstetric ultrasound guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18329/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.
Maternity Services
Ceisteanna (970, 971)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:970. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the person or body responsible for developing a national checklist for the anomaly scan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18330/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraNiamh Smyth
Ceist:971. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a procedure (details supplied) must be included in the national checklist for the anomaly scan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18331/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 970 and 971 together.
As the queries raised by the Deputy relate to service issues, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.
Maternity Services
Ceisteanna (972)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:972. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if there is now 100% universal access to the anomaly scan per individual unit; and if not, the reason therefor (details supplied). [18332/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Maternity Strategy is very clear that all women must have equal access to standardised ultrasound services. The Strategy is being implemented on a phased basis and this work is being led by the National Women and Infants Health Programme. The Programme's Implementation Plan for the Strategy includes a number of actions to facilitate the provision by all maternity hospitals/units of dating and anomaly scans to all pregnant women.
In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy regarding access to anomaly scanning, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (973)
Robert Troy
Ceist:973. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a procedure will be scheduled for a person (details supplied) [18336/20]
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 you with a direct response.