Christopher O'Sullivan
Ceist:427. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the details of the way in which gyms can operate indoors under level 3 restrictions. [30050/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCovid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (427)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 was published by the Government on 15 September, 2020. This Plan provides a framework setting out Ireland's approach to managing and living with COVID-19 in a range of areas over the next 6 - 9 months.
The framework 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 is framed to account for periods during which there is a low incidence of the disease, with isolated clusters and low community transmission, through to situations where there is a 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.
The Plan also reflects a careful consideration of the impact of the introduction of restrictions on employment and livelihoods, keeping as many businesses open as possible at different stages, while acknowledging that some businesses and services are critical. It acknowledges that sports, arts and other social activities are central to our well-being and that sports and arts are also the world of work for our many in our communities.
Ireland has moved a from a short-term emergency response approach to a medium-term approach to managing risk and repairing the damage that COVID-19 has inflicted on society. All counties in Ireland are now at Level 3 and will remain so until 28 October. The measures currently in place in place in Dublin and Donegal will be extended by 3 weeks.
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.
Under Level 3, gyms may remain open with protective measures, for individual training only. Further information on level 3 restrictions in relation to gyms can be found at - www.gov.ie/en/publication/ad569-level-3/ and on the Active Ireland website at https://irelandactive.ie/covid-19/.
Primary Care Services
Ceisteanna (428)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:428. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if a primary care centre (details supplied) will reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29566/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
Disability Services Provision
Ceisteanna (429)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Ceist:429. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health if residential care will be provided for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29567/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (430)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:430. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29577/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has no plans to introduce legislation to indemnify decision makers as outlined in the Deputy's query.
In relation to the issues raised concerning residential care settings, the very infectious nature of the COVID-19 virus makes it difficult to prevent and control in residential care settings, including nursing homes - an experience replicated internationally. Interrupting transmission of the COVID-19 virus is the main goal of public health measures and it is clear from the experience that the scale of effect of interruption of transmission is influenced by a number of factors. The most important way to protect our older population, whether living at home or in a long-term residential care (LTRC) setting, has been to reduce the amount of disease present in our community. The transmission of the virus, particularly in respect of LTRCs is multifactorial and its introduction into any setting could be the result of a number of factors.
As a new disease, health authorities across the world are learning about COVID-19 and adapting as new evidence and understanding is formed. The HSE in line with all health authorities continuously reviews emerging evidence and guidance. This is evident from the significant package of guidance that has been produced and has continued to be developed and updated in line with new national and international evidence and data, including advice and guidance in relation to transfers to nursing homes from hospitals, and vice versa. There is an ongoing need to seek to balance measures to manage risk with the need to ensure that the people can access care in the setting that is most suited to their needs and that the burden of restrictions on people who need care in nursing homes is not more onerous than is necessary. Public health experts advise that the key to protecting patients and staff from infection in nursing home settings is to follow the whole package of infection prevention and control guidance including hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene and regular cleaning. Additional protective measures have included visitor restrictions and resident isolation as appropriate. Keeping disease transmission low in the community reduces the potential for disease transmission into and within nursing homes.
The independent COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel Report published on 18 August 2020, examined a range of issues and key learnings arising from the pandemic up to the point of publication of the report. The Panel identified a significant package of recommendations required to support the ongoing response to COVID-19 and with regard to longer-term strategic reform of older persons service. This is consistent with the Government commitment to assess how we care for older people and examine alternatives to meet the diverse needs of our older citizens. My Department is engaged in a major programme of work to implement the Panel’s recommendations.
Departmental Reports
Ceisteanna (431, 432)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:431. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the status of the publication of the report by the implementation, monitoring and evaluation group established to examine the need for legislative change, the operational details and the phasing of the implementation in relation to a health diversion approach to personal drug possession. [29597/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThomas Gould
Ceist:432. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the status of the roll-out of the health diversion approach to personal drug use possession due to commence in the third quarter of 2020. [29598/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 431 and 432 together.
The Programme for Government commits to implementing the Health Diversion Programme as an important step in developing a public health-led approach to drug use. A review of the Programme will be undertaken following the first full year of the programme’s implementation, to ensure that it is meeting all of its aims.
An implementation, monitoring and evaluation group was established to implement the Health Diversion Programme in October 2019. The group is chaired by the Department of Health and membership includes, the Department of Justice and Equality, An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive. They are tasked to examine issues including; the need for legislative change, the phasing of the implementation, and to look in more detail at the costs involved.
At the start of 2020, the group devised a detailed project plan setting out the actions required to introduce phased implementation in Q3 2020. Due to Covid-19, all activities required to progress the implementation of the Health Diversion Programme were postponed from March to May.
Following consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, the group is currently examining proposals to commence implementation of the Health Diversion Programme on an administrative basis in a number of locations.
I am committed to a health-led approach for possession of drugs for personal use. It is important that we treat drug use as a health issue and give people who use drugs the opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction. I look forward to the commencement of the health diversion programme in 2021.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Ceisteanna (433)
Seán Canney
Ceist:433. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health his plans to support amputees with the financial cost of prosthetics in view of the fact that they are not included on the long-term illness scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29603/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. Prosthetics for amputees are not provided under the LTI Scheme. However, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card. In the assessment process, the HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family.
Matters concerning taxation refunds come within the remit of the Minister for Finance.
Prescriptions Charges
Ceisteanna (434)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:434. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the reason he has not provided for the reduction in prescription charges set to come into effect on 1 July 2020; if medical card holders will see the reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29635/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Prescription charges were introduced in the Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2010, to address the rising costs in the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme.
As part of Budget 2020, the previous Government made an announcement that prescription charges would be reduced by €0.50c for all medical card holders. The charge would be reduced by €0.50c to €1 per item for the over 70s and by €0.50c to €1.50 for persons under 70. The maximum monthly charge would also be reduced to €10 and €15 respectively.
This will represent a benefit to a total of over 1.58 million persons with medical card eligibility.
In recent days the Government has approved the necessary funding required to implement this measure and the reduction in prescription charges will take effect by 1 November 2020.
Officials in my Department are now making the necessary arrangements to draft the secondary legislation required to bring these measures into effect and are engaging with the HSE to ensure all operational arrangements are in place for implementation of this measure.
Disability Services Provision
Ceisteanna (435)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:435. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if disability services will continue in level 5 Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. [29637/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government acknowledges that the implementation of COVID- 19 restrictions has led to the reduction and suspension of services for both children and adults across Disability Services. While these restrictions have been introduced as protective measures they have resulted in significant stress for individuals with disabilities and their families. The reintroduction of services is now underway, as detailed in the HSE’s roadmap to reopening services, in line with public health guidance. Since the outset, the HSE Community Healthcare Organisations (CHOs) and disability service providers worked collaboratively with families using creative and innovative models of care to support service users to where the need was greatest.
The Government is very aware of the impact of the pandemic on people with disabilities, their families and carers. Children’s services, respite services and adult day services are all resuming, having been reimagined and redesigned to be delivered in line with new guidance published by the HSE. Health and social care responses to the current public health emergency are under continuing review, including specific measures such as these to support vulnerable people. Supports available may change over time and the HSE is aware that the needs of people with a disability and their families will change over time as well.
In line with the Governments Resilience & Recovery Framework (2020 – 2021), the HSE regards the provision of disability services as essential to maintaining a response to people with a disability, in the same way that schools and creches are. Importantly, Government’s intention is that disability services will remain open at each level of the Resilience and Recovery Framework, subject to public health guidance, including the prevention and management of COVID 19 related infection.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (436)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:436. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the HSE policy for remote working during the Covid-19 pandemic, in particular for hospital employees whose work can be done from home; if a forum is available for workers to contact should they feel they are being put under pressure to return to the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29638/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 'Guidance and FAQs for Public Health Service Employers and Employees' document, prepared for the public service by DPER sets out in Section 1.1 who should attend their employers premises. It states that each employer will determine the roles that it considers essential to attend the workplace. The service needs of each employer will be the deciding factor in the decision making process.
A copy of this document is available to view at this website:
www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-060-2020-guidance-and-faqs-for-public-service-employers-during-covid-19.html .
I have referred this operational matter to the HSE, for a direct reply to the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (437)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:437. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health his views on the fact that members of the Covid-19 Expert Panel on Nursing Homes may have worked in institutions that have been involved in cases of mismanagement of incidences of Covid-19 outbreaks; if this will impact its work in advising his Department about the way in which nursing homes are managed through the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29642/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Both myself and Minister Donnelly have received and responded to correspondence on this matter.
NPHET recommended the establishment of an Expert Panel on Nursing Homes on 14th May 2020, to examine the complex issues surrounding the management of COVID-19 among this particularly vulnerable cohort. Later that month, the Nursing Homes Expert Panel was appointed by the Minister for Health
All of the available evidence and practical experience shows that older persons are particularly impacted by the virus and nationally and internationally the challenges facing nursing homes has been specifically highlighted. Even in a context where a nursing home remains COVID free, the impacts of necessary safeguards introduced through public health measures, such as cocooning, may have clinical and other impacts. The clinical management of COVID-19 and other matters such as potentially increased frailty and deconditioning in older persons will be important considerations as we learn to live with the virus for an extended period of time.
From both a clinical and a general operational perspective, the day-to-day running and management of a nursing home in a landscape with COVID-19 has required significant adjustment both in terms of preparation and mitigation against the virus, and in circumstances where the virus has appeared. These operational considerations will remain part of the landscape for the time being. Given these issues, it was critical that the package of expertise provided by the expert panel would capture all of the skills and experience required effectively deliver the terms of reference of the group, including: Public Health expertise; track record in research and evidence based review; relevant experience in geriatric medicine; clinical, operational and nursing experience regarding nursing home care. It was also important, in line with normal Departmental policy, that the perspective of the service user was embedded in the process
These were the primary considerations in establishing the Panel. The membership of the Expert Panel reflected the requisite skills and experience.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (438)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:438. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if a drug (details supplied) is in short supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29643/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Abortion Services Provision
Ceisteanna (439)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:439. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if a person who suffers a failed abortion here will receive a repeat service if the failed procedure has caused them to pass the 12-week mark; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29644/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Section 12 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 states that a termination of pregnancy may be carried out by a medical practitioner where, having examined the woman, he or she is of the reasonable opinion formed in good faith that the pregnancy has not exceeded 12 weeks of pregnancy.
The medical practitioner must certify this opinion and three days must elapse between certification and the procedure being carried out.
It should be noted that sections 9, 10 and 11 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 set out other grounds on which termination of pregnancy is permitted in this country.
HSE Staff
Ceisteanna (440)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:440. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the detail of the 12,500 additional health care staff posts following the recent announcement by the HSE in view of the fact that almost €1 million is spent daily on agency staff; and if all posts will be directly employed by the HSE. [29645/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
HSE Staff
Ceisteanna (441)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:441. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the policy of the HSE with regard to administrative hospital staff working from home where possible during the Covid-19 pandemic (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29654/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 'Guidance and FAQs for Public Health Service Employers and Employees' document, prepared for the public service by DPER sets out in Section 1.1 who should attend their employers premises. It states that each employer will determine the roles that it considers essential to attend the workplace. This service need of each employer will be the deciding factor in the decision making process.
A copy of this document is available to view at this website:
www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-060-2020-guidance-and-faqs-for-public-service-employers-during-covid-19.html.
As the employer being referred to is under the aegis of the HSE (Crumlin Childrens Hospital), I have referred the matter to them, for a direct reply to the Deputy on this operational matter.
Covid-19 Tests
Ceisteanna (442)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:442. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the procedures in place for Covid-19 testing for staff and residents at two facilities in County Donegal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29655/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 (443)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:443. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will receive a date for a procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29656/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It 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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (444)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:444. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will receive cancer treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29657/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) advise that the person in question is an inpatient in their Haematology/Oncology ward. The patient is receiving treatment and we are advised that the treatment plan is under daily medical review.