Written Answers Nos. 1074-1098
1074. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if he has engaged with a person (details supplied) regarding the provision of medical cards for persons who are terminally ill; if so, when he will ensure that such a provision takes place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19621/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Budget 2020, the then Government committed to undertake a review and extend arrangements regarding the provision of emergency medical cards in cases of terminal illness. A review was subsequently commenced by the HSE Clinical Advisory Group in December 2019. The work of the Clinical Advisory Group has been concluded and a Report is being finalised. It is expected that the HSE will submit the report shortly.
With regard to engagement with the individual concerned on the matter of the provision of medical cards for persons who are terminally ill, I wish to advise the Deputy that I am in communication with the individual and look forward to further engagement in the coming weeks.
1075. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will release the findings of the review of the FreeStyle Libre glucose monitoring system undertaken by his Department in 2019; if he will consider extending the availability of the FreeStyle Libre sensors to all persons with type 1 diabetes under the LTI scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19622/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe review referred to by the Deputy was undertaken by the HSE. 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.
1076. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if he, his Ministers of State and or advisers have ever used private email for any form of official Government use since the formation of the Government; and if so, if he will publish all such emails and corresponding documents immediately. [19639/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll users on my Department's network must adhere to the ICT acceptable usage policy document which states that “As there is no way of filtering the messages relayed by these providers, they pose a potential security threat. Users may not transmit sensitive or classified information using any 3rd party e-mail services.”
Access to such webmail services is blocked from within the Department’s network. I can confirm therefore that neither I, any of the Ministers of State assigned to my Department, nor the advisers have used private email for official Government use.
1077. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the meetings he and his Ministers of State have had since the formation of the Government by date, in tabular form (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19656/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of meetings are set out below. It is my intention to publish my diary quarterly in arrears on my Department’s website.
Minister Donnelly’s meetings since appointment
|
Date |
Meeting with |
|
01/07/2020 |
Paul Reid CEO HSE |
|
01/07/2020 |
Ciarán Devane, HSE Chair |
|
06/07/2020 |
Bilateral meeting with Taoiseach and Sec Gen on Health |
|
06/07/2020 |
Call with Portuguese Health Minister |
|
08/07/2020 |
Weekly Conference Call DOH/HSE officials |
|
09/07/2020 |
Nursing Homes Expert Panel |
|
10/07/2020 |
Nursing Homes Ireland |
|
14/07/2020 |
Phone Call with UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care |
|
14/07/2020 |
Call with Northern Ireland Health Minister |
|
16/07/2020 |
EPSCO: Informal Health Committee |
|
17/07/2020 |
Member of Sláintecare Implementation Advisory Council (SIAC) |
|
17/07/2020 |
Call with World Health Organisation official |
|
17/07/2020 |
Weekly Conference Call DOH/HSE officials |
|
21/07/2020 |
Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation |
|
21/07/2020 |
The Psychiatric Nurses Association of Ireland |
|
21/07/2020 |
SIPTU |
|
22/07/2020 |
Weekly Conference Call DOH/HSE officials |
|
27/07/2020 |
Nursing Homes Ireland |
|
28/07/2020 |
Irish Medical Organisation |
|
28/07/2020 |
Irish Hospital Consultants Association |
Minister Butler’s meetings since appointment
|
Date |
Meeting with: |
|
10/7/2020 |
Nursing Homes Ireland |
|
13/7/2020 |
Tipperary public reps re. mental health services |
|
14/7/2020 |
Health Research Board |
|
15/7/2020 |
Jigsaw |
|
15/7/2020 |
Alzheimer Society of Ireland |
|
16/7/2020 |
Mental Health Reform |
|
17/7/2020 |
Head of Older People Services, HSE South East |
|
17/7/2020 |
Consultant Geriatrician |
|
21/7/2020 |
HSE re. CAMHS waiting lists |
|
22/7/2020 |
Minister Darragh O’Brien |
|
23/7/2020 |
St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services |
|
23/7/2020 |
Mental Health Commission |
|
27/7/2020 |
Nursing Homes Ireland |
|
28/7/2020 |
Third Age |
|
28/7/2020 |
Cllr Donal Killilea re. Tuam MH Campus |
|
28/7/2020 |
Home and Community Care Ireland |
|
28/7/2020 |
Active Retirement Ireland |
|
29/7/2020 |
Family Carers Ireland |
Minister Rabbitte’s meetings since appointment
|
Date |
Meeting with: |
|
10/7/2020 |
Deputy Jackie Cahill re. Gurtnahoe Community Playgroup |
|
14/7/2020 |
HSE re. Disability Services |
|
14/7/2020 |
Deputies Christopher O’Sullivan, Joe Flaherty, Padraig O’Sullivan re. Disability Day Services |
|
20/7/2020 |
St Teresa’s Special School, Ballinasloe |
|
20/7/2020 |
Family Carers Ireland, Loughrea |
|
20/7/2020 |
Brothers of Charity, Athenry |
|
20/7/2020 |
National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers |
|
21/7/2020 |
Minister Roderic O’Gorman |
|
22/7/2020 |
Minister Stephen Donnelly |
|
28/7/2020 |
St Joseph’s Foundation, Charleville |
|
28/7/2020 |
Brothers of Charity, Limerick |
|
28/7/2020 |
Minister Mary Butler re. Tuam MH Campus |
|
28/7/2020 |
HSE re. Day Services |
|
29/7/2020 |
Local Link & NTA re. Disability Services |
|
29/7/2020 |
Enough is Enough Group |
Minister Feighan’s meetings since appointment
|
Date |
Meeting with: |
|
6/7/2020 |
Bilateral meeting with Taoiseach and Health Ministers |
|
7/7/2020 |
Zoom call with Health Research Board |
|
21/7/2020 |
Meeting with Senator Lynn Ruane |
|
21/7/2020 |
Creative Ireland |
|
22/7/2020 |
Snug Counselling Service |
|
23/07/2020 |
HSE Addiction Services, Kilnamanagh & Tymon Primary Care Centre |
|
28/7/2020 |
Meeting of Fine Gael Ministers and Minsters of State |
|
29/7/2020 |
Bilateral with Ministers Donnelly and O'Brien |
|
29/7/2020 |
Zoom call with Citywide |
|
29/7/2020 |
Senator Regina Doherty and Bee Flanagan |
1079. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the number of persons here that have a European Health Insurance Card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19680/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1080. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in publication of the clinical advisory report into medical cards for terminally ill patients (details supplied) [19709/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
1081. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of dates and attendees at each meeting of the clinical advisory group into medical cards for terminally ill patients [19710/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1082. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the reason a subgroup (details supplied) that were to meet with his Department and PCRS to simplify the medical card application process as part of the clinical advisory group into medical cards for terminally ill patients has never met despite a commitment to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19711/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1083. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE website removed all references to the terminal illness medical card instead using the term end of life which is different. [19712/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1084. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health the names and salaries of his special advisers; the salaries paid to each Minister and Minister of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19723/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the commencement of every Dáil, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issues guidelines setting out the arrangements for the staffing of Ministerial Offices. The appointment of Special Advisers is subject to section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997.
The Guidelines for the 33rd Dáil, which incorporate the principles of section 11 of the Public Service Management Act, are currently awaiting Government approval.
The appointment of individual Special Advisers is a matter for each Government Minister subject to the terms set out in the aforementioned guidelines, although the appointments are also subject to formal Government approval. At this stage, no Special Advisers have been formally appointed to my Department by the Government.
However, the Deputy may wish to note that I have assigned one person to work with me as Special Adviser and that person will be formally appointed by the Government once the Guidelines have been approved.
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform must be notified of the rate of salary to be paid in all cases for Special Advisers; These rates will then be published on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
The salaries currently paid to me and the Ministers of State in my Department are set out in the attached table.
Salaries paid to Minister and Ministers of State at the Department of Health – 30 July 2020
|
Name |
Basic Salary € |
Additional Salaried Allowance € |
Total € |
|
Minister Stephen Donnelly |
96,189 |
79,510 |
175,699 |
|
Minister of State Anne Rabbitte |
96,189 |
38,787 |
134,976 |
|
Minister of State Mary Butler |
96,189 |
38,787 |
134,976 |
|
Minister of State Frank Feighan |
96,189 |
38,787 |
134,976 |
The Government has decided that Members of the Government and Ministers of State will gift 10% of their salary to the Exchequer and not benefit from future pay restorations (2% in October).
1085. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if he has made changes to the timelines for the delivery of Sláintecare; if so, if he will provide details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19733/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic to the Irish health and social care service resulted in opportunities for implementing Sláintecare at pace. Many of the initiatives and changed ways of working that have been successfully and rapidly implemented over the past three months in response to the pandemic are aligned with the spirit of the Oireachtas Sláintecare Report.
Together with innovations piloted through Sláintecare during 2019 the new context provides opportunities. The Sláintecare Executive Director has prepared a report on learnings from COVID as well as the first full year of implementing Sláintecare, and is focussing on what can be delivered over the next 6 months, the next 18 months and the next three years.
With these timelines identified, priority areas have been developed for Sláintecare implementation and there is an understanding of the significant risks to not proceeding to implement these priorities in a coordinated way, and at pace. The priorities are to:
1. Keep people well at home or near home, out of hospital, living independent lives, by implementing agreed end to end care pathways between GPs, Community and Hospital services, through Community Healthcare Networks and Specialist Hubs, and a variety of related projects.
2. Help achieve waiting list targets, through implementing the Capacity/Access Plan including devising a multiannual waiting list plan and commissioning ambulatory-elective centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
3. Devise a Citizen Care Masterplan for universal eligibility and multi-annual funding using a population-based planning, segmentation, needs and gap analysis approach, by Region, supported by five frameworks: 1) clinical governance, 2) workforce planning, 3) capital planning, 4) eligibility/entitlement, 5) funding.
The specific actions and deliverables for each of these priorities are being finalised at the moment and will require strengthened lines of governance and accountability, as well as resourcing, in order to deliver them at pace.
1086. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health when day services (details supplied) in County Leitrim will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19739/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 9 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 4th service users and families will be able to access this information on www.hse.ie/newdirections.
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.
1087. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health when the diabetes team in Connolly Hospital will have full staffing to deal with patients in view of the fact that it is currently operating on reduced staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19751/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1088. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19755/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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 Organization 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 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.
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.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1089. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting an appointment for a MRI with and without general anaesthetic; the number of children with allocated appointments in a time frame of more than six months; the furthest date of appointments allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19756/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraChildren’s Health Ireland (CHI) has advised my Department that the imaging services in the Radiology Departments of CHI are the sole providers of several imaging modalities for children who require specialist imaging, in particular, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ultrasound which are used more in paediatric services than other imaging modalities due to their lower medical ionising radiation output. CHI at Crumlin and CHI at Temple Street provide the majority of specialist paediatric imaging, with a small amount of specific services provided in CHI at Tallaght.
MRI imaging is a major diagnostic and therapeutic service, relied on increasingly within paediatric specialities, such as, cardiology, oncology, neurology, rheumatology, orthopaedics and spinal surgery.
CHI further advises that younger children and children up to 18 years old with special needs are unable to remain still in an MRI for the lengthy periods required to complete the scan. This means they have to receive a General Anaesthetic (GA) by a Paediatric Anaesthetist and have to be observed through a recovery period post scan. Paediatric MRI services, therefore, also need to have a recovery facility with beds or access to recovery beds in the Theatre Suite.
In relation to the specific breakdown of the waiting list for children awaiting an MRI and the timeframe of appointments.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1090. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adults on the dental appointment waiting list in north County Kildare; the average waiting time for appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19757/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1091. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adults on the orthodontic waiting lists in north County Kildare; the average waiting time for appointments; the number waiting more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19758/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1092. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the CAMHS waiting list in north County Kildare; the average waiting time; the number waiting more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19759/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1093. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting homecare support in north County Kildare; the number of hours allocated in each of the past 12 months; the average number of hours granted to each successful applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19760/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1094. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a colonoscopy in Naas hospital; the number of persons who 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. [19761/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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 Organization 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.
1095. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an endoscopy in Naas hospital; the number of persons who 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. [19762/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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 Organization 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 |
1096. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies at Naas hospital; the grade of each vacancy; the length of time that the position has been vacant in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19763/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
1097. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a needs assessment in areas of north County Kildare; 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. [19764/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1098. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a speech and language appointment in areas of north County Kildare; the number who have been 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. [19765/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1104. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in north County Kildare awaiting an appointment for early intervention by therapy in tabular form; 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. [19771/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1097, 1098 and 1104 together.
The recently published Programme for Government document "Our Shared Future" recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.
The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
