Brendan Howlin
Ceist:264. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health the location of each perinatal psychiatry service within the HSE in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30452/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMental Health Services
Ceisteanna (264)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (265)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:265. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health the reason an emergency medical card has been refused for a person (details supplied); if he will review the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30453/20]
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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (266, 267)
Colm Burke
Ceist:266. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if children's dance schools and dance classes can continue to operate in level 3 where they are fully compliant with the guidelines that have been put in place for areas such as gymnastics, singing, drama and martial arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30457/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraColm Burke
Ceist:267. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if the decision to close dance schools and dance classes for children in level 3 will be reversed in view of the fact they are providing the same level of social distancing and following the guidelines which apply to children attending children's gymnastics, singing, drama and martial arts classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30458/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 266 and 267 together.
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 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.
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.
Ireland is moving 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 at Level 3 of the Plan for living with Covid-19 until 28th October. Further information on the public health measures in currently in place in relation to the different Levels can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/.
Dance classes are classified as exercise and sporting events under the Plan.
Under Levels 3, 4 and 5 indoor training is only permitted on an individual basis, therefore exercise and sporting events, including classes, cannot take place.
Under Level 2 restrictions, indoor dance classes, training and exercise can take place in pods of up to 6 people, once sufficient space is available and strict public health protocols are in place.
Under Level 1 of the Framework, there is no specific capacity limit, with capacity guided by what can be accommodated safely in the venue while ensuring all protective measures are in place, including social distancing.
Further information on exercise and sporting events under the Plan is available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/resilience-and-recovery-plan-for-living-with-covid-19-your-questions-answered/#exercise-and-sporting-events and on Ireland Active at https://irelandactive.ie/news/update-regarding-government-medium-term-plan-re-covid-19-level-2-3/.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Ceisteanna (268)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:268. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be considered for a new wheelchair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30463/20]
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.
Disability Services Provision
Ceisteanna (269)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:269. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied). [30465/20]
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 this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
HSE Properties
Ceisteanna (270)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:270. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his plans for health facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30466/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Disability Services Provision
Ceisteanna (271)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:271. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter in correspondence (details supplied). [30467/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.
The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Occupational Therapy
Ceisteanna (272)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:272. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the number of occupational therapy appointments provided for children under the age of 16 with a disability for each of the years 2015 to 2019, by county in tabular form. [30473/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.
The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (273)
Emer Higgins
Ceist:273. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if scouts groups can meet in outside pods in the way that GAA players can for training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30475/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
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.
Ireland has moved from a short-term emergency response to a medium-term approach to managing risk and repairing the damage that COVID-19 has inflicted on society. All counties in Ireland are currently at Level 3 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19 until midnight Tuesday 27th October.
Under level 3, organised outdoor gatherings of up to 15 people can take place. Further information on the public health measures currently in place at Level 3 including information on organised outdoor gatherings can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ad569-level-3/
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (274)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:274. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the amount of clinical personnel in each CHO working full-time in contact tracing; and the speciality of each in tabular form. [30501/20]
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.
Ministerial Communications
Ceisteanna (275)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:275. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he had discussions or engagements with palliative care consultants or medical professionals prior to the Dáil Éireann votes on the Dying with Dignity Bill 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30513/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Dying with Dignity Bill 2000 is a Private Member’s Bill which was introduced by Deputy Gino Kenny and passed Second Stage in the Dáil last Wednesday (October 7th 2020). On the same date, a counter motion put forward by the Government was defeated; this would have allowed the Bill to be read a second time in 12 months’ time, in order to allow for scrutiny by a specially established Joint Oireachtas Committee.
Representations from individuals and groups, including those involved in the palliative care area, in relation to this Bill have been received by my Department, but no meetings or discussions have been held. However, I would anticipate that there will be full engagement with an extensive and diverse range of stakeholders during the Committee scrutiny process in respect of such an issue of the utmost complexity, sensitivity and importance.
Disabilities Data
Ceisteanna (276)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:276. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of children under 18 years of age that have an acquired brain injury, ABI; the person or body that records data on children who have ABI; if the national strategy is for rehabilitation of children who have an ABI; his plans to implement the national strategy; if such a strategy exists for children who have an ABI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30519/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government – Our Shared Future’, includes a commitment for advancing neuro-rehabilitation services in the community.
The Health Service Executive is leading on the implementation framework in respect of the recommendations of the National Policy and Strategy for the provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011-2015. The focus of the Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy is on achieving best outcomes for people, by providing safe, high quality, person-centred care at the lowest appropriate level of complexity. This must be integrated across the care pathway and provided as close to home as possible or in specialist centres, where necessary.
The framework will guide the reconfiguration and development of neuro-rehabilitation structures and services at national and local level, through a 10-step Framework. It proposes the formation of Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Networks (MCRNs), with the set-up of one demonstration MCRN suggested as the first step. The ultimate goal of this approach is to put in place a national framework of acute, inpatient and specialist community services.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (277)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:277. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if yoga classes are permitted under level 3 lockdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30525/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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 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.
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.
Ireland has moved 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 at Level 3 of the Plan for living with Covid-19 until 28th October. Further information on the public health measures in currently in place in relation to the different Levels can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/
Yoga classes are classified as exercise and sporting events under the Plan and where possible, such classes can be held online.
Under Levels 3, 4 and 5 indoor training is only permitted on an individual basis, therefore exercise and sporting events, including classes, cannot take place.
Under Level 2 restrictions, indoor classes, training and exercise can take place in pods of up to 6 people, once sufficient space is available and strict public health protocols are in place.
Under Level 1 of the Framework, there is no specific capacity limit, with capacity guided by what can be accommodated safely in the venue while ensuring all protective measures are in place, including social distancing.
Further information on exercise and sporting events under the Plan is available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/resilience-and-recovery-plan-for-living-with-covid-19-your-questions-answered/#exercise-and-sporting-events and on Ireland Active at https://irelandactive.ie/news/update-regarding-government-medium-term-plan-re-covid-19-level-2-3/
National Lottery Funding
Ceisteanna (278)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:278. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made on an application by an organisation (details supplied) for lottery funding from the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30529/20]
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 National Lottery Grants are within the remit of the Health Service Executive, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.