Wednesday, 9 Sep 2020

Written Answers Nos. 246-265

Proposed Legislation

Ceisteanna (246)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

246. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice her plans to update Public Dance Halls Act 1935. [22884/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The statutory provisions concerning the licensing of premises for the purposes of public dancing are set out in the Public Dance Halls Act 1935 as well as sections 2 to 10 and 21 of the Licensing (Combating Drug Abuse) Act 1997 in so far as they relate to public dancing licenses. The primary purpose of these statutory provisions is to ensure the welfare and safety of persons while present at events on the premises.

There are no immediate plans to amend the Public Dance Halls Act 1935. My Department keeps the operation of the law in this area under ongoing review.

Closed-Circuit Television Systems

Ceisteanna (247, 248)

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

247. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice the number of community-based CCTV applications in Cork awaiting approval; when such applications will be finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22997/20]

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

248. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications submitted by County Cork for funding under the CCTV community scheme; the date of receipt of each application; the number of applications approved to date; the date of approval of each; the funding drawn down to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22998/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 248 together.

The Deputy will be aware that community-based CCTV is governed by section 38(3)(c) of Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006. This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:

- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,

- have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must also act as data controller, and

- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.

This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes, regardless of how they are funded and these key legal requirements have not changed since 2006. The option to establish a Community CCTV scheme is available to groups that meet these legal requirements, anywhere in the country.

Since 2017, my Department has administered a grant aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area. To date, 29 applications have been approved under the scheme, involving approved grants totalling more than €689,000. Eligible groups, including community groups and local authorities nationwide, can apply for grant aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum total of €40,000.

However in all cases, grant funding can be considered only for CCTV systems which meet the legal requirements, in other words CCTV systems which have been approved by the relevant Joint Policing Committee, the relevant Local Authority (also acting as Data Controller) and which have received the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.

In relation to the applications from Cork referred to by the Deputy, I am advised by my officials that my Department has to date received no applications from this area. Therefore there have been no applications approved nor are there any on hand awaiting approval.

As the Deputy may be aware, last year the grant aid scheme was extended to cover not only new CCTV systems but also to allow funding applications for extension or upgrade of existing Community CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete. Applicants can now also seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs.

If the Deputy is aware of groups wishing to avail of the grant aid scheme, further details are available to download from my Department's website - www.justice.ie and support and guidance is available to help interested groups through a dedicated email address [e-mail].

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (249, 250, 307, 308)

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

249. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health if other alternatives were examined to ensure that non-compliant businesses were more effectively targeted rather than increasing the cost and administrative burden on compliant operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22967/20]

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

250. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health the analysis carried out on the practical implications for business prior to introducing the 28-day customer record retention rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22983/20]

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

307. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health the consultation that took place between his Department and the Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht in advance of new rules being introduced regarding the hospitality sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22963/20]

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

308. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health the rationale behind the requirements for the 28-day customer record retention rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22982/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 249, 250, 307 and 308 together.

The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 4) Regulations 2020 (SI No. 326 of 2020) provide for restrictions nationally to deal with the spread of Covid-19.

Currently a business or service that is selling or supplying alcohol for consumption on the premises may not open to the public other than where the alcohol is ordered at the same time as a substantial meal is ordered, during the meal or after the meal has ended, and consumed during the meal or after the meal has ended. The substantial meal requirement has been in place since the end of June, when restaurants and pubs operating as restaurants reopened.

The new requirement to keep a record of substantial meals ordered is designed to facilitate checking compliance with the substantial meal requirement. It is intended to show that a substantial meal was ordered, not to give details of what a particular customer ordered. Nor is it intended to place an unnecessary burden on businesses and the Regulations are not prescriptive on how a record is made.

My Department sought observations from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport as part of the process of drafting the Regulations.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (251)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

251. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and when the person concerned can expect an appointment. [22712/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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 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.

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

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (252)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

252. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will be scheduled for tonsil surgery. [22713/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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 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.

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

Paediatric Services

Ceisteanna (253)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

253. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the status of the paediatric diabetes nurse service in Tullamore and Mullingar hospitals (details supplied); and when this service will resume in either hospital. [22714/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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

Counselling Services

Ceisteanna (254, 255)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

254. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of addiction counsellors and family support counsellors that have been hired to date with regard to the promised alcohol addiction treatment service in Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22722/20]

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

255. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health if a building has been sourced for the promised alcohol addiction treatment service in Galway city; if so, when the treatment service will be up and running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22723/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 255 together.

As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Facilities

Ceisteanna (256)

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

256. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health the increase in the number of spaces available in intensive care units since 1 January 2020. [22725/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

In early 2020, baseline permanent adult critical care capacity in Ireland was reported by the National Office of Clinical Audit (NOCA) to be 255 beds. Funding for a further 40 adult critical care beds, and two paediatric critical care beds, was provided as part of the response to Covid-19 in March 2020.

Surge ICU capacity supports the provision of critical care as required. Daily situational reports published by the HSE during recent months have reported potential critical care beds including surge as in the region of 430, with the number open on any given day subject to fluctuation in respect of available staff.

Hospital Equipment

Ceisteanna (257)

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

257. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health the increase in individual ventilator units available in hospitals since 1 January 2020. [22726/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (258)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

258. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason services are not being scheduled for a child with special needs (details supplied); the reason for the delay in view of the fact that they transferred from the early intervention services in January 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22736/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Hospital Procedures

Ceisteanna (259)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

259. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of kidney transplant surgeries carried out at CHI, Crumlin in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [22751/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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

Ophthalmology Services

Ceisteanna (260)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

260. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health his plans to support the expansion of community ophthalmology in each CHO. [22752/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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

Maternity Services

Ceisteanna (261)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

261. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the estimated additional cost of ensuring each maternity hospital has access to foetal anomaly screening; and the breakdown in terms of equipment and staff. [22757/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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

Autism Support Services

Ceisteanna (262)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

262. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the way in which the additional €2 million allocation was spent in 2020 to improve autism health services. [22758/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The HSE are currently engaged in a significant effort to improve services for people with autism.

Budget 2020 provided €2 million in funding to the HSE for the further development of an Autism Plan, which includes the implementation of a range of measures to improve health services for people with autism and their families. The HSE has established a National Autism Spectrum Disorder Programme Board consisting of senior operational and clinical decision makers as well as independent professional / academic support, and crucially, individuals with lived experience of Autism.

As the remainder of the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (263)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

263. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if his Department and the HSE will review and relax their admissions policy for maternity hospitals and wards to allow new fathers attend the postnatal ward to be with their partner and newborn child or children in view of the fact the policy was revoked at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22788/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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

Nursing Education

Ceisteanna (264)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

264. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if his Department and the HSE will review their policy for student nurses renumeration and show regard to frontline workers that worked at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in view of the fact that many students returning to college in coming weeks are facing into a period of hospital placement for which they will receive no pay however are forced to give up part-time work in other healthcare settings due to cross-contamination and to prevent the spread of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22789/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I would like, once again , to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of nursing and midwifery students in supporting the national effort during the initial stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is essential that clinical placements can now re-commence for all healthcare students in line with the requirements of their courses and to ensure the continuation of a sustainable workforce into the future.

I would like to advise the Deputy that guidance on the resumption of clinical placements was recently issued by the Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE to all Higher Education Institutes and copied to healthcare providers. This guidance included a revised version ( dated 17 August, 2020) of the HSE's document - Infection Prevention and Control Requirements for Clinical Placements in HSE facilities in the context of COVID-19. This document, among other things, sets out the requirement for Infection Prevention and Control Training for all students. It also underlines that clinical placements are an essential part of students' education and training, ensuring that they will continue to receive the breath of clinical experience that they require.

According to this guidance, students can move from a placement in one setting to a placement in another without an interval of time, provided they complete a COVID-19 Healthcare Worker Relocation Self Risk Assessment prior to commencing in a different location. Similarly, if a student continues part-time work in a healthcare setting during the same period as attending clinical placements, they are required to complete this self-assessment on an ongoing basis so that any need for testing may be identified. The guidance makes it clear that students should not present on clinical placement if they have any symptoms of acute infection. Overall, the guidance facilitates students in completing their education and training and in doing so it does not preclude them from working part time so long as they adhere to the infection prevention and control requirements. In terms of financial supports there is a travel/accommodation allowance which amounts to €50.79 a week to support those students to access the clinical placements they require.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (265)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

265. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if a special provision will be made available for school principals to contact in relation to health-related queries and concerns in the school setting similar to that made available by the Department of Education for the reopening of schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22790/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Deputy may wish to note that the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has published a range of guidance on COVID-19 documents for Educational Settings.

These guidance documents are available on the HPSC website at https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/educationguidance/

I am advised that school principals can direct health related queries and concerns in the school setting to HSELive.

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