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Gnáthamharc

Thursday, 30 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 1449-1473

Health Screening Programmes

Ceisteanna (1449)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1449. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health his plans to establish a new independently chaired steering committee to oversee CervicalCheck; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20988/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The CervicalCheck Steering Committee was established in June 2018 to provide oversight and assurance on the implementation of key decisions taken by Government in relation to CervicalCheck and to work to ensure a sustainable and effective cervical screening programme in the interests of women’s health. The Committee is chaired by my Department and membership includes senior officials from my Department and the HSE, clinicians and patient advocates and representatives.

The Committee met in February 2020 and has not met since due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The implementation plan for the recommendations of the Scoping Inquiry into the CervicalCheck Screening Programme (Scally Report) was approved by Government on 11 December 2018. The implementation plan contains 170 actions. At the end of Q1 2020, 137 of the 170 identified actions were completed. The Department of Health will soon publish the Q2 2020 report.

I fully support the full implementation of the recommendations of Dr Scally’s Report and am committed to publishing a quarterly progress report against the recommendations on the Department of Health website. 

As outlined, the Department is currently in the process of compiling the Q2 2020 report which will review progress on implementation against the Scally Report recommendations and I have asked that a further meeting of the Steering Committee be convened in that context.  I intend to appoint an independent chair to that group, as soon as a suitable candidate can be identified.

Prescriptions Charges

Ceisteanna (1450)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1450. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will sign off on the agreed reduction in prescription charges for medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20989/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

I am consulting with my government colleagues on these proposals.

Dental Services

Ceisteanna (1451)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1451. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adults on the dental appointment waiting list in County Kildare; the average waiting times for appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20990/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Dental Services

Ceisteanna (1452)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1452. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adults on the orthodontic waiting lists in County Kildare; the average waiting times for appointments; the number who are waiting more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20991/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (1453)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1453. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting on the CAMHS waiting list in County Kildare; the average waiting time; the number waiting more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20992/20]

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.

Home Care Packages

Ceisteanna (1454)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1454. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting homecare support in County Kildare; the total number of hours allocated in each of the past 12 months in County Kildare; the average number of hours granted to each successful applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20993/20]

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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (1455)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1455. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a colonoscopy in Portlaoise Hospital; the number waiting up to 30, 30 to 60, 60 to 90 and more than 90 days in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20994/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.

The trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of non-covid care including more routine care. NPHET has since revised its recommendation on the pausing of all non-essential health services, with a recommendation that the delivery of acute care be determined by appropriate clinical and operational decision making.

Application of the essential risk mitigating steps set out in the guidance developed under the auspices of the NPHET Expert Advisory group will have operational implications, which will impact on throughput. 

Where possible, hospitals are working to find innovative ways to enable service provision, which include virtual clinics for some outpatient department appointments. The HSE website provides details on services currently available and operational in each hospital on its website. This information is reviewed frequently and provides up-to-date announcements on services available at each site (https://www2.hse.ie/services/hospital-service-disruptions/hospital-service-disruptions-covid19.html ).

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 24 June.  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. Further detail regarding the phases of service resumption are contained in the HSE’s ‘A Safe Return to Health Services’ document, published on their website on 22 July.

As the system continues to deliver Covid-19 and non-Covid 19 care side-by-side over a more prolonged period, my Department and the HSE will continue to work closely together to protect essential non-Covid 19 acute care and progress the provision of more routine non Covid-19 care.

In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy concerning colonoscopies, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (1456)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1456. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a colonoscopy in Naas Hospital; the number waiting up to 30, 30 to 60, 60 to 90 and more than 90 days in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20995/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.

The trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of non-covid care including more routine care. NPHET has since revised its recommendation on the pausing of all non-essential health services, with a recommendation that the delivery of acute care be determined by appropriate clinical and operational decision making.

Application of the essential risk mitigating steps set out in the guidance developed under the auspices of the NPHET Expert Advisory group will have operational implications, which will impact on throughput. 

Where possible, hospitals are working to find innovative ways to enable service provision, which include virtual clinics for some outpatient department appointments. The HSE website provides details on services currently available and operational in each hospital on its website. This information is reviewed frequently and provides up-to-date announcements on services available at each site (https://www2.hse.ie/services/hospital-service-disruptions/hospital-service-disruptions-covid19.html ).

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 24 June.  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. Further detail regarding the phases of service resumption are contained in the HSE’s ‘A Safe Return to Health Services’ document, published on their website on 22 July.

As the system continues to deliver Covid-19 and non-Covid 19 care side-by-side over a more prolonged period, my Department and the HSE will continue to work closely together to protect essential non-Covid 19 acute care and progress the provision of more routine non Covid-19 care.

In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy concerning colonoscopies, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (1457)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1457. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an endoscopy in Portlaoise Hospital; the number that have been waiting up to 30, 30 to 60, 60 to 90 and more than 90 days in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20996/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.

The trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of non-covid care including more routine care. NPHET has since revised its recommendation on the pausing of all non-essential health services, with a recommendation that the delivery of acute care be determined by appropriate clinical and operational decision making.

Application of the essential risk mitigating steps set out in the guidance developed under the auspices of the NPHET Expert Advisory group will have operational implications, which will impact on throughput. 

Where possible, hospitals are working to find innovative ways to enable service provision, which include virtual clinics for some outpatient department appointments. The HSE website provides details on services currently available and operational in each hospital on its website. This information is reviewed frequently and provides up-to-date announcements on services available at each site (https://www2.hse.ie/services/hospital-service-disruptions/hospital-service-disruptions-covid19.html ).

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 24 June.  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. Further detail regarding the phases of service resumption are contained in the HSE’s ‘A Safe Return to Health Services’ document, published on their website on 22 July.

As the system continues to deliver Covid-19 and non-Covid 19 care side-by-side over a more prolonged period, my Department and the HSE will continue to work closely together to protect essential non-Covid 19 acute care and progress the provision of more routine non Covid-19 care.

In relation to endoscopy services, a national programme was established in mid-2016 to coordinate several activities to improve endoscopy services. The Endoscopy Programme is housed within the Acute Operations Division of the HSE and the programme is overseen by the National Endoscopy Steering Group. The programme team consists of a Clinical Lead, Training Lead, Nurse Lead and Programme Manager. The team are supported by the National Endoscopy Working Group.

The aim of the programme is to improve the delivery of endoscopy services across all Hospital Groups.

The Endoscopy data requested by the Deputy is outlined in the attached document.

Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise GI Scopes Waiting List June 2020

0-1 Mth

59

1-2 Mths

24

2-3Mths

11

+3 Mths

534

Total

628

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (1458)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1458. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an endoscopy in Naas Hospital; the number waiting up to 30, 30 to 60, 60 to 90 and more than 90 days in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20997/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.

The trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of non-covid care including more routine care. NPHET has since revised its recommendation on the pausing of all non-essential health services, with a recommendation that the delivery of acute care be determined by appropriate clinical and operational decision making.

Application of the essential risk mitigating steps set out in the guidance developed under the auspices of the NPHET Expert Advisory group will have operational implications, which will impact on throughput. 

Where possible, hospitals are working to find innovative ways to enable service provision, which include virtual clinics for some outpatient department appointments. The HSE website provides details on services currently available and operational in each hospital on its website. This information is reviewed frequently and provides up-to-date announcements on services available at each site (https://www2.hse.ie/services/hospital-service-disruptions/hospital-service-disruptions-covid19.html ).

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 24 June.  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. Further detail regarding the phases of service resumption are contained in the HSE’s ‘A Safe Return to Health Services’ document, published on their website on 22 July.

As the system continues to deliver Covid-19 and non-Covid 19 care side-by-side over a more prolonged period, my Department and the HSE will continue to work closely together to protect essential non-Covid 19 acute care and progress the provision of more routine non Covid-19 care.

In relation to endoscopy services, a national programme was established in mid-2016 to coordinate several activities to improve endoscopy services. The Endoscopy Programme is housed within the Acute Operations Division of the HSE and the programme is overseen by the National Endoscopy Steering Group. The programme team consists of a Clinical Lead, Training Lead, Nurse Lead and Programme Manager. The team are supported by the National Endoscopy Working Group.

The aim of the programme is to improve the delivery of endoscopy services across all Hospital Groups.

The Endoscopy data requested by the Deputy is outlined in the attached document.

Naas General Hospital GI Scopes Waiting List June 2020

0-1 Mth

225

1-2 Mths

37

2-3Mths

42

+3 Mths

1293

Total

1597

Hospital Staff

Ceisteanna (1459)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1459. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies at Portlaoise Hospital; the grade of each vacancy; the length of time each vacancy has been unfilled in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20998/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Hospital Staff

Ceisteanna (1460)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1460. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies at Naas Hospital; the grade of each vacancy; the length of time each vacancy has been unfilled in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20999/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Disability Services Data

Ceisteanna (1461, 1462, 1468)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1461. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a needs assessment in CHO7; the number waiting less than 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21000/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1462. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a speech and language appointment in CHO area 7; the number waiting less than 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21001/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1468. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in County Kildare that are currently waiting an appointment for early intervention by therapy; the number waiting less than 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21007/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1461, 1462 and 1468 together.

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

Occupational Therapy

Ceisteanna (1463)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1463. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an occupational therapy appointment in CHO7; the number waiting less than 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21002/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

 

Respite Care Services

Ceisteanna (1464)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1464. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of respite hours provided to families in County Kildare over each of the past 12 months; the number that has been provided in each month since March 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21003/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Disability Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1465)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1465. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of day care centres in County Kildare that have reopened; the number that will be reopened by September 2020; if any will not be in a position to reopen by that date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21004/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As part of the overall effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 and in line with public health advice, day service locations closed in March.

Since then, HSE Disability Services have been working to develop national guidance on the part of the disability sector to direct how all day services can be delivered. The Guidance to support the Framework for the Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services was published by the HSE on 8th July 2020.

In developing the guidance document to guide providers, the HSE worked closely with service providers through representative organisations such as the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers, Disability Federation of Ireland and the Not for Profit Association, in addition to Inclusion Ireland, who represent people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

The guidance document seeks to support the safe return of services in the context of ongoing public health guidance. It also recognises that the impact of public health guidance will result in services being provided at a reduced level and will require changes in how people are supported, increased use of technology where appropriate and more use of outreach supports.

Day services will gradually resume during the month of August. Service providers are already working to get day services ready to reopen safely, and in line with public health guidance. Service providers will be in touch with all families and service users during the month of July to discuss when they may expect the resumption of their service and what that service will consist of.

I want to acknowledge the many challenges experienced by individuals and their families over this difficult time. Families across the country have had their routines upended due to the impact of COVID-19 and I hope that this will be the first step towards returning to some sense of normalcy.

The Guidance to support the Framework for Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services is available on the New Directions website: www.hse.ie/newdirections . The HSE have also issued monthly communications updates for service users and their families, the latest leaflet “Adult Disability Day Services and COVID-19 - What’s Happening? July 2020” is available at the above link.  

An information portal that will contain the dates on which the 966 disability day service locations will reopen around the country is being developed. After August 04 service users and families will be able to access this information on www.hse.ie/newdirections

As the Deputy's question refers to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct response to the Deputy. 

Disability Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1466)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1466. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of day-care centres for persons with intellectual disabilities in County Kildare that have submitted applications for funding in order to reopen; the total amount required; the total amount allocated to date by the Department; the total amount that will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21005/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As part of the overall effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 and in line with public health advice, day service locations closed in March.

Since then, HSE Disability Services have been working to develop national guidance on the part of the disability sector to direct how all day services can be delivered. The Guidance to support the Framework for the Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services was published by the HSE on 08 July 2020.

In developing the guidance document to guide providers, the HSE worked closely with service providers through representative organisations such as the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers, Disability Federation of Ireland and the Not for Profit Association, in addition to Inclusion Ireland, who represent people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

The guidance document seeks to support the safe return of services in the context of ongoing public health guidance. It also recognises that the impact of public health guidance will result in services being provided at a reduced level and will require changes in how people are supported, increased use of technology where appropriate and more use of outreach supports.

Day services will gradually resume during the month of August. Service providers are already working to get day services ready to reopen safely, and in line with public health guidance. Service providers will be in touch with all families and service users during the month of July to discuss when they may expect the resumption of their service and what that service will consist of.

I want to acknowledge the many challenges experienced by individuals and their families over this difficult time. Families across the country have had their routines upended due to the impact of COVID-19 and I hope that this will be the first step towards returning to some sense of normalcy.

The Guidance to support the Framework for Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services is available on the New Directions website: www.hse.ie/newdirections . The HSE have also issued monthly communications updates for service users and their families, the latest leaflet “Adult Disability Day Services and COVID-19 - What’s Happening? July 2020” is available at the above link.  

An information portal that will contain the dates on which the 966 disability day service locations will reopen around the country is being developed. After August 04 service users and families will be able to access this information on www.hse.ie/newdirections

It has been recognised that additional costs may arise for service providers in providing safe services. To date, Government has approved COVID 19 Pandemic Health service funding of €2bn. The aim of this funding is to support investment necessary to address COVID 19, to mitigate risk of the spread of COVID 19 and to facilitate the provision of health and social care services against the backdrop of COVID 19. The HSE is in the process of reviewing and validating business cases from disability services providers for additional funding to support the reopening of services.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.  

Ophthalmology Services

Ceisteanna (1467)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1467. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for ophthalmology in County Kildare in tabular form; the average waiting time for appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21006/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Question No. 1468 answered with Question No. 1461.

Departmental Advertising

Ceisteanna (1469)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

1469. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if his Department has carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by same; if so, if he will provide the details of the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising; the cost of consultancy or production costs in each of the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21030/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department has produced five advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes for the period of time in question.

The Healthy Ireland awareness campaign 2018 sought to encourage people to make positive lifestyle choices to improve their physical and mental health. The campaign was built around the three themes of Eat Well, Think Well, Be Well and provided links to our partners for support and information to help people make those healthier choices. The total expenditure by my Department on this campaign was €400,564.40.

The Healthy Ireland awareness campaign 2019 helped to build this brand and support the greater work of Healthy Ireland and its partners. My Department positioned Healthy Ireland as the place to go where all the trusted information on health and wellbeing is in one place. The total expenditure by my Department on this campaign was €661,021.35.  

On 16 March 2020, in response to COVID-19, my Department acknowledged the importance of people maintaining their wellbeing to help them push through this unprecedented outbreak and the months that follow. With regards to this, a national wellbeing initiative was launched in April. The Healthy Ireland team in my Department, together with the HSE and Government Information Systems (GIS), led the collaborative development and delivery of the Government’s COVID-19 wellbeing campaign ‘In This Together’ to promote cross-Departmental resources and initiatives to support health and wellbeing during this challenging time. The cost of this campaign thus far is €1,086,377.96

Also during the ongoing pandemic, my Department has produced a TV campaign to promote safe shopping habits during the COVID-19 crisis. It was run across RTÉ One, Virgin Media One and TG4 in April and May of this year. The total cost of this campaign was €114,965.33. 

Finally, my Department produced a radio ad campaign to promote awareness of the introduction of regulations making completion of the COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form compulsory. The campaign was launched on 28 May and ran for two weeks across more than 30 radio stations including national, regional and local broadcasters. The cost of this ad campaign was €143,405.81. 

 

Speech and Language Therapy

Ceisteanna (1470)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1470. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if speech and language and other therapy will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21053/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

 

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

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

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

Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1471)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1471. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No.1085 of 14 July 2020, if the proposed or anticipated use of the land and buildings is in accordance with the wishes of the benefactor and the contract and relevant deeds arising therefrom when the property was originally gifted to the local community for their use and enjoyment; if the response to the parliamentary question carried all the information available in regard to the future or proposed use of the buildings and lands at the time of the composition of the reply; if consideration will to be given to the submission put forward by the local community to the effect that the property might continue to be used as a public nursing home, retirement home, care community support centre or similar use which might have been anticipated by the benefactors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21054/20]

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.

National Children's Hospital

Ceisteanna (1472)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1472. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the national children’s hospital project continues in line with the original contract and specification; the estimated costs associated with the project in the current and subsequent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21059/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the NPHDB has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building and equipping the new children's hospital, I have referred your question to the NPHDB for direct reply.

Hospital Facilities

Ceisteanna (1473)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1473. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the status of the progress in relation to the next development phase of Naas General Hospital with particular reference to oncology and endoscopy and other facilities; if the necessary funding will be made available in the course of the current and future years to meet the cost of the project in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21061/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery and management of healthcare infrastructure. 

The HSE has advised the draft Capital Plan for 2020 is under review in the context of the Covid19 Pandemic and funding has been provided to progress the Day Procedures/Endoscopy, Oncology and Physical Therapy Unit at Naas General Hospital in 2020.

It is important to recognise that all capital development proposals must progress through a number of approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established.

The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, which can impact on the timeline for delivery.

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