Written Answers Nos. 682-701
682. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if his officials and representatives from NPHET will accede to the request by a federation (details supplied) for a meeting to discuss its plan to increase the remit of the opening of premises in line with Covid-19 best practice. [24689/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra715. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason part 6 of SI 326 of 2020 relating to relevant events, restricts events being held in hotels to six with the exception of a wedding which allows 50 persons (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being caused to hotels which are at risk of closure or major job losses unless these restrictions are lifted; if it will be ensured such restrictions are lifted in the next round of regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24822/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra753. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason 50 spectators are allowed for an indoor sporting event but dancing classes being held in the same facilities are restricted to pods of six which is not practical for many dancing schools with regard to the Living with Covid-19 plan; if the policy will be reviewed and clarity provided in relation to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24968/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra754. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason it is possible to have a wedding of up to 50 in a function room but other family celebrations being held in the same function room are restricted to pods of six with no intermingling between pods with regard to the Living with Covid-19 plan; the reason a christening and a funeral meal for example could not have 50 with the same restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24969/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra755. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the definition of what is considered a larger venue that would allow 100 persons at an indoor event with regard to the Living with Covid-19 plan; if a venue is considered suitably large if a wedding holding up to 100 in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24970/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra760. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if public health advice regarding weddings announced on 15 September 2020 in the plan to deal with Covid-19 will be clarified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25073/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra814. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if the new Living with Covid-19 guidelines for weddings indicate 50 persons including the necessary reception and hotel staff or 50 guests of the wedding couple (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25389/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 682, 715, 753 to 755, inclusive, 760 and 814 together.
The Deputy is aware that the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 was published by the Government on 15 September This Framework sets out Ireland's approach to managing and living with COVID-19 in a range of areas over the next 6 - 9 months.
The plan sets out five levels of response, each with a number of measures designed to help us all lower COVID-19 transmission and setting out what is permitted at that moment in time. It aims to allow society and businesses to be able to operate as normally as possible, while continuing to suppress the virus. The plan is framed to account for periods which there is low incidence of the disease, with isolated clusters, low community transmission, through to situations where there is high or rapidly increasing incidence, widespread community transmission and the pandemic is escalating rapidly in Ireland and globally. It recognises the need for society and business to be allowed to continue as normally as possible and is designed so that either national or county level restrictions can be applied. Each level outlines what is permitted for social or family gatherings, work and public transport, bars, hotels and restaurants, exercise activities and religious services.
I can assure the Deputy that any measure included at any level in this plan is underpinned by expert advice and recommendations from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, COVID-19 spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another. COVID-19 is infectious in a person with no symptoms, or for the period of time before they develop symptoms. For this reason, we are all asked to be extra careful when socialising and working with others. For now, we must act like we have the virus to protect those around us from infection.
The number of people allowed to gather in different scenarios in the Government Framework are based on a review of international practice and the judgment of public health experts. It seeks to balance the risks of different types of gatherings against the desire to allow normal activities to proceed in so far as possible.
Controlled environments are those where the number of people present and the ways that they interact can be controlled, where there is a recognised organiser, where people are seated and generally remain in that same seat for the event, physical distancing, hand hygiene can be monitored, and contact tracing can be facilitated. For example, a sports club AGM, watching indoor sport, or youth club meetings .
There is more risk associated with people that know each other gathering together than strangers, as it is more difficult to maintain social difference. This is why there are tighter restrictions on social gatherings than on events in controlled environments.
It is advised to socialise safely and within the capacity limits. These various limits in the five Levels are all designed to reduce the number of households mixing with each other and cut down the virus’s chances of spreading into more homes.
The Deputy should note that the numbers should not be considered a target - they are the maximum recommended number. It’s always safer to meet less people, less often, for less time. If we do this, we have a better chance of keeping to the lower Levels in the Framework, and continuing to keep businesses, schools, and healthcare services open, while also protecting the most vulnerable.
Ireland, with the exception of Dublin, is currently at Level 2 of the Plan for living with COVID-19. At Level 2, the majority of the economy and society, including schools, restaurants, pubs and gyms, are open. The priority is to keep schools and childcare facilities open and minimise disruption in the work force. It is intended that the public health measures at this level will be effective until 9th October, 2020.
There are exemptions for weddings and funerals at all Levels. This is due to the particular significance these events have for individuals and society more broadly. Depending on the level of the Plan in place in a county at a given time, the numbers permitted to attend a wedding can be up to 100. Further details on weddings and organised indoor gatherings across the different levels can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/
Dublin is currently at Level 3. At level 3, the priority is to keep schools and early learning and childcare services open and minimise disruption in the work force. This means that a number of services will be moved online and some businesses will be closed (e.g. museums and other indoor cultural venues). Additional restrictions will apply to restaurants and pubs. People will also be required to reduce the number of people they meet to a minimum and stay in their region. Further details on the public health measures applicable to Dublin can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ad569-level-3/
The regulations governing the public health measures are set out in S.I. No. 352 of 2020 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 5) Regulations 2020 can be found on the government website which can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/
683. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a €4 daily charge paid by service users for transport to HSE day services for older persons, disability and mental health services applies to all CHO areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25046/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
684. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the 113 plus schools experiencing Covid-19 infections and clusters; the breakdown of infection amongst teachers, students, staff and SNAs; the areas nationally in which the schools are; when the infections were identified; the length of time testing took at the schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25519/20]
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.
685. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if he has considered easing social distancing restrictions in respect of trainee healthcare workers, for example, physiotherapists, doctors and dentists in order that they can return to on-site training and experience; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these students need the practical on the job experience to fulfil the requirements of their course qualifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24693/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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.
686. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for braces for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24699/20]
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.
687. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24700/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer most scheduled care activity in March, April, and May of this year. 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 the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in accordance with the advice of the World Health Organisation.
The resumption of services from June onwards has allowed for increased activity, with the HSE utilising innovative methods including telemedicine to facilitate patient appointments. Patient safety remains at the forefront of service resumption. To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols which has resulted in reduced capacity and activity
The HSE continues to optimise productivity through alternative work practices such the use of alternative settings including private hospitals, community facilities and alternative outpatient settings.
The National Treatment Purchase Fund has also recommenced arranging treatment in both private and public hospitals for clinically suitable patients who have been waiting for long periods on public hospital waiting lists.
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.
688. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health when the BreastCheck screening service will recommence; if his attention has been drawn to the importance of early detection of breast cancer in women over 50 years of age; his plans to deal with the backlog of appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24702/20]
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.
689. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health when his attention was drawn to the HSE decision to suspend Covid-19 testing at food processing plants made on 8 September 2020; the manner in which the decision was conveyed to him; the reason he did not convey this information to Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24703/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCOVID-19 testing of staff at meat and food processing facilities was not suspended during the week ended 11 September. In fact, the three days (September 9th, 10th and 11th) were re-scheduled into the following week. This was a precautionary measure by the HSE, which I was briefed on by the HSE on Tuesday 8th, to ensure resources were focused on meeting the significant rise in demand for testing among people with coronavirus symptoms in the community. For example, testing demand had nearly trebled on Monday 7th September compared to the previous week with a requirement for over 13,000 community tests and over 3,000 hospital tests.
Meat Plant testing has been taking place all last week (started Monday 14th). As of September 15th, there had been a total of 15,388 swabs taken and 50 detected cases (0.45% positivity rate).
To deal with this very significant increase in demand for testing in the community, the HSE has needed to flex up resources significantly, with re-opening of community testing centres, and pop-up testing centres, such as in for example Kildare. Other examples demonstrating the commitment to increased resources include:
- In we 14th September, over 82,000 swabs were taken including over 60k in community.
- Over 80,000 lab tests were completed in week ending 20th September, one of the highest weekly amounts to date.
- There has now been over 1,000,000 Covid19 tests since testing in Ireland began.
- Also, the number of contact tracers increased to 280 by 17th September.
- Two HSE campaigns for the recruitment of full-time staff for Community swabbing and contact tracing are currently live.
690. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive occupational and speech and language therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24706/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
691. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a hospital appointment will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24708/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer most scheduled care activity in March, April, and May of this year. 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 the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in accordance with the advice of the World Health Organisation.
The resumption of services from June onwards has allowed for increased activity, with the HSE utilising innovative methods including telemedicine to facilitate patient appointments. Patient safety remains at the forefront of service resumption. To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols which has resulted in reduced capacity and activity
The HSE continues to optimise productivity through alternative work practices such the use of alternative settings including private hospitals, community facilities and alternative outpatient settings.
The National Treatment Purchase Fund has also recommenced arranging treatment in both private and public hospitals for clinically suitable patients who have been waiting for long periods on public hospital waiting lists.
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.
692. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the nursing pay scale in University Hospital Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24709/20]
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.
693. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health if he will consider ordering an enquiry into the use of the drug epilim by pregnant women to ascertain the number of families impacted by negative side effects during pregnancy in the last decade (details supplied) [24714/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issues and risks associated with the use of sodium valproate (brand name Epilim) by women of childbearing age are well recognised by medicines regulators and healthcare professionals. The Minister is aware of requests by patient representative groups for an inquiry into the use of sodium valproate in Ireland and intends to meet the groups when his schedule permits. The Minister’s officials will be in contact with the groups in the near future to arrange a date for this meeting.
694. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the status of the guidelines for the reopening of mental health day services and training centres; when the guidelines will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24722/20]
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.
695. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of beds in CAMHS filled or unfilled on a weekly basis from January 2019 to date by CHO area in tabular form; the reason for the empty beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24726/20]
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.
696. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if his Department has carried out quantitative health risk assessments on the use of face masks; if so, if the results of those assessments are available to the public; if he has sought advice on the wearing of face coverings outside of the advice issued by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24728/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that the public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the NPHET. Ireland is guided by the advice, guidance and protocols of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The expert guidance of the ECDC in particular is based upon consideration of the circumstances arising in the European Union and globally. The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) reviews these international developments as part of its overall examination of the evolving epidemiology of the disease.
Face masks aim to reduce the spread of infection by acting as a source control to stop the spread of infection by the person wearing the mask (including those who do not know they are infected) or to protect the wearer from droplet splashes or inhaling airborne contaminants including small (aerosol) and large particle droplets. Mask grades include respirators (classified as PPE designed to also protect against aerosols), medical face masks and non-medical facemasks. Since the start of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the use of face masks by persons going out in public has been recommended by an increasing number of countries. In Ireland, cloth face coverings are recommended in situations where physical distancing may not be possible, and are mandatory on public transport and in shops and other retail outlets. The current advice regarding face coverings, including the circumstances in which it is mandatory to wear a face covering, is available at http://www.gov.ie/facecoverings/
To inform national efforts in response to COVID-19, HIQA is developing evidence summaries to answer specific research questions posed by the NPHET. The HIQA evidence summary on the use of face masks in the community, dated 21 August 2020 and available on its website at https://www.hiqa.ie/sites/default/files/2020-08/Evidence-summary-face-masks-in-the-community.pdf, considered all relevant studies from 1 January 2000 to 24 June 2020. It identifies that national and international public health guidance on the wearing of facemasks is based on low certainty direct evidence of clinical effectiveness and indirect evidence that supports the effectiveness of face masks. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 appears to be more infectious than many other respiratory pathogens studied, highlighting the necessity of considering a range of infection prevention control measures, including face masks, to reduce the spread of infection.
As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, the evidence relating to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the decisions necessary to protect everybody living in Ireland from its effects is constantly evolving. The international evidence and guidance on this issue continues to be kept under review by the NPHET, by my Department and by the Government.
It is not possible to say what circumstances will apply in the future due to the nature of the virus that has caused this global pandemic and the concerns that remain about the very serious threats to health that can be caused by this virus.
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697. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the work carried out by the HSE on a costed five-year strategy for stroke in the key areas of prevention, acute care, rehabilitation and restoration to health; when this strategy will be finalised and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24729/20]
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.
698. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health when persons (details supplied) can expect to get an assessment for autism for their child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24730/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
699. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if extra capacity for paediatric beds in South Tipperary General Hospital will be reinstated to pre-Covid-19 levels; when this will occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24735/20]
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.
700. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of clearing homecare package waiting lists [24758/20]
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
701. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost to hire 100 speech and language therapists, 100 psychologists, 100 occupational therapists and 100 physiotherapists, respectively [24759/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service related matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
