Thomas Gould
Ceist:1135. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if persons working in a company (details supplied) are considered essential workers [32348/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCovid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (1135, 1268)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:1268. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health if VRT inspectors are essential workers under level 5 restrictions [32847/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1135 and 1268 together.
I am informed by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners that VRT related vehicle inspections have been performed since September 2010 by the service provider responsible for the National Car Test (NCT) service. Applus Inspection Services Ireland Limited, the current NCT service provider, under a contract awarded by the Road Safety Authority, has advised that the NCT service has been deemed an essential service and that it would continue to provide the normal range of NCT services to the public. NCT staff are not Revenue employees.
Disability Services Provision
Ceisteanna (1136)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:1136. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if there is a commitment to improving access for children with special needs and autism to education (details supplied) and to specialised therapies such as occupational therapy and speech and language therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32352/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Matters pertaining to the provision of education are under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Education.
Having regard to the remainder of the Deputy's question, 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 and as the issues raised are service related, the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (1137)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:1137. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of passengers who have arrived in Ireland who have been found to have not adhered to the 14-day quarantine period. [32375/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Passengers arriving to Ireland from countries that are not included on the Government green list are advised to restrict movements for 14 days. This provision has the status of a public health advisory so no monitoring of adherence or enforcement of the measure is conducted.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (1138)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:1138. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the behavioural change subgroup of NPHET; the number of times the group has met since June 2020; if the group continues to advise NPHET; the number of reports the group has produced; the date of publication of these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32381/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy is advised that the NPHET COVID-19 Subgroup – Behavioural Change was established on 18th March 2020 to support the NPHET in its work by providing insights and evidence to support communications and other interventions required to drive and sustain behavioural change as part of the COVID-19 response.
The Subgroup’s Membership included representatives from the Department of Health (DOH) and a number of Irish experts from national agencies and academic institutions: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/3008f6-the-national-public-health-emergency-team-nphet-covid-19-subgroup-be/
The Subgroup met on 17 occasions, on the following dates:
18th, 20th, 27th March;
2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th April;
7th, 14th, 21st, 29th, May;
5th, 12th, 24th June;
10th, 24th July.
The agendas and minutes of these meetings are published on the Department of Health website:
https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/3008f6-the-national-public-health-emergency-team-nphet-covid-19-subgroup-be/.
The Subgroup produced 11 reports, which will be published on the Department of Health website in the coming days: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/691330-national-public-health-emergency-team-covid-19-coronavirus/.
Research papers that were published by Members of the Subgroup are also available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/3008f6-the-national-public-health-emergency-team-nphet-covid-19-subgroup-be/.
In July 2020, as part of a process examining the work of all the Subgroups of the NPHET, the Subgroup on Behavioural Change undertook a review of its work. A paper was submitted to the NPHET on 23rd July confirming that the Subgroup had met its terms of reference. The Subgroup was accordingly stood down and its work was realigned into the appropriate policy and operational functions of the Department of Health or other relevant organisations, or bodies. The group’s final meeting was on 24th July.
At the NPHET meeting on the 23rd July, it was agreed the Subgroup would be reconstituted on an advisory basis, when required, to provide expert insight to the NPHET. The new advisory group is called the COVID-19 Communications and Behaviour Advisory Group, this is not a subgroup of the NPHET. The New groups terms of reference are as follows:
- Provide evidence-based analysis and advice to the Department of Health Covid-19 Communications function to understand key population behaviours and drivers and inform public communications activities;
- Analyse the data generated through the Department’s research processes conducted to listen to the public to understand and address emerging concerns, and advise on potential research issues;
- The group will meet on a regular basis to review and provide insights with the outputs of this process being fed into NPHET on a monthly basis;
- The group may also be requested to meet or otherwise provide analysis and advice on an additional ad-hoc basis if required, for example on an emerging issue of concern.
The Membership of the NPHET continues to be multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral in line with best international practice.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (1139)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:1139. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the vulnerable persons subgroup of NPHET; the number of times the group has met since June 2020; if the group continues to advise NPHET; the number of reports the group has produced; the date of publication of these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32382/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy is advised that the NPHET COVID-19 Vulnerable People Subgroup was established on 3rd March 2020 to support the NPHET in its work by providing oversight and assurance with regard to the specific preparedness measures and actions required to be taken to protect vulnerable groups and individuals in society as part of the COVID-19 response.
The Subgroup’s Membership included representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), Health Service Executive (HSE), Department of Justice and Equality (DJE), Department of Defence (DOD), Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG), Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DYCA), Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD), Department of Education and Skills (DES), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER), the Voluntary Sector, other Agencies, Regulator(s), and a public representative.
An integrated cross-Government approach was taken by the Subgroup with the responsibility for the implementation of actions remaining with the relevant Department/Agency.
The Subgroup met on 11 occasions, on the following dates:
6th, 11th, 18th, 25th March 2020;
1st, 15th, 29th April;
7th, 20th May;
3rd, 24th June (final meeting).
The agendas and minutes of these meetings are published on the Department of Health website:
https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/301f5e-the-national-public-health-emergency-team-nphet-subgroup-vulnerable-/.
The Subgroup produced 16 reports, which will be published on the Department of Health website in the coming days: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/691330-national-public-health-emergency-team-covid-19-coronavirus/.
In July 2020, as part of a process examining the work of all the subgroups of the NPHET, the Subgroup on Vulnerable People undertook a review of its work. A paper was submitted to the NPHET on 8th July, outlining the view that the Subgroup had met its Terms of Reference regarding preparedness plans being in place across government for vulnerable groups. The Subgroup on Vulnerable People was accordingly stood down and its work was realigned into the appropriate policy and operational functions of the Department of Health or other relevant Departments, organisations, or bodies. The group’s final meeting was on 24th June.
For your further information, Government has recognised that vulnerable groups have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and there continues to be a need for a cross-Government mechanism to coordinate sustained support for those who are vulnerable, and disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. In this regard, the Department of the Taoiseach has established a new cross-Government mechanism for higher risk groups including those with a disability. Each Government Department with lead policy responsibility is represented on this oversight group. The Department of Health is represented on this group by the Social Care Division (policy remit for Older People and people living with a disability) and the Assistant Secretary with responsibility for Mental Health and Social Inclusion.
Health Promotion
Ceisteanna (1140, 1145, 1265)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:1140. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if advice will be provided on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32384/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Neale Richmond
Ceist:1145. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to a health campaign explaining steps persons can take to build their immune system against disease, for example, stopping smoking among other factors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32406/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Steven Matthews
Ceist:1265. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health if his Department has considered funding a national ad campaign that would encourage positive health choices such as promoting exercise and quitting smoking specifically in view of the Covid-19 pandemic to remind persons of the importance to maintaining a healthy immune system [32833/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1140, 1145 and 1265 together.
Healthy Ireland is our national action plan to help people live healthier and longer lives, prevent illness and reduce health inequalities. Healthy Ireland has contributed to my Department’s work on the Covid 19 pandemic, via representation on the NPHET and Behavioural and Vulnerable Groups subgroups and via public information campaigns.
A National Healthy Ireland Communications and Citizen Engagement campaign has been running since 2018. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the campaign sought to raise public awareness of gov.ie/HealthyIreland as the place to go for trusted sources of information and supports, together in one place, to help people get started on making healthy changes under three key themes – healthy eating, physical activity and mental wellbeing. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the focus of the campaign has been on supporting the public through the In This Together campaign.
This campaign was launched in April with the aim of helping everyone in Ireland to stay connected, stay active, and look after their mental wellbeing throughout the Covid-19 emergency. The campaign signposted useful advice to help people of every age group to cope with the ongoing restrictions, whether they are looking after children, dealing with self-isolation, preparing for exams, or coping with cabin fever.
Visitors to the campaign’s website at https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/together/ were provided with regular videos, ideas and activities for people of all ages, over social media, through partners in the media and promoted by the Community Call Forums which have been set up across Ireland.
The resources provided included:
- advice on parenting, entertaining children at home and creating a daily routine;
- cooking and advice on healthy diets;
- links and advice on physical activity and exercise;
- advice on mindfulness and looking after your mental wellbeing;
- how to support your vulnerable neighbours and family members.
In keeping with the Government’s recent Resilience and Recovery Plan, a refreshed Government Wellbeing and Resilience campaign was launched on the 29th October, using the theme of "Keep Well".
This campaign focuses on promoting resilience as well as health, wellbeing and positive mental health, with five key themes:
- Keeping active
- Staying connected
- Switching off and being creative
- Eating well
- Minding your mood
This campaign is aimed at showing people of all ages how we can mind our own physical and mental health and wellbeing by adding healthy and helpful habits to our daily and weekly routines. It will provide guidelines, information, and tips on how we can make a plan to do things that are good for us everyday. The campaign website will be hosted on gov.ie/healthyireland and will signpost to information about local resources and initiatives that will be available through the Local Authorities.
The campaign also includes an allocation of funding from Sláintecare to support a number of initiatives through the Healthy Ireland Fund that will be rolled out over the coming months.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (1141)
David Cullinane
Ceist:1141. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE workers who have been seconded or volunteered to work with the HSA or in contact testing or tracing by occupation in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32398/20]
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 (1142)
David Cullinane
Ceist:1142. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the training that has been put in place for those seconded, volunteered or otherwise to work in Covid-19 contact tracing; the level of support and training that has been given or continues to be given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32399/20]
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
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (1143)
Peter Fitzpatrick
Ceist:1143. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health when the FreeStyle Libre sensor will be available for medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32400/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Question No. 1145 answered with Question No. 1140.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (1146)
Martin Browne
Ceist:1146. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the detail of the individual costs involved in the €700,000 refurbishment of St. Michael’s unit in Clonmel, County Tipperary. [32407/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Disability Services Funding
Ceisteanna (1147)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:1147. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the way in which the €20 million in the Budget assigned to support for voluntary bodies providing disability services to support the Transforming Lives Programme will be spent; the way in which such bodies can access this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32410/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Budget provided €20m in 2020 for voluntary disability service providers to advance the Transforming Lives reform process. Recently I, along with Minister Rabbitte, announced details of Strengthening Disability Services Scheme under which these funds will be distributed. Under the scheme, there will be once-off grants to disability service providers towards achieving additional measurable progress in reforming disability services, to improve the quality of life of those who rely on these services, and to build the capacity of disability organisations, under three strands:
1. Improving person-centred delivery in line with Transforming Lives – indicative total available €10m
2. Partnership arrangements in service delivery with similar bodies in its particular field (e.g. serving a similar geographic area or disability community) – indicative total available €5m
3. Initiatives towards building sustainable organisations , with a higher share of funding devoted to the front line, e.g. consolidation of back-office operations in sister organisations or other reform initiatives towards building sustainable organisations – indicative total available €5m
Voluntary disability organisations, whatever their size, who have a Service Agreement or Grant Agreement with HSE Disability Services, are invited to apply on the official application form to HSE Disability Services at disability.strategy@hse.ie by 18th November, giving details of the proposal, the budget, the rationale and what the organisation expect to achieve. An organisation may be eligible for up to 1% of its 2019 HSE disability funding. The panel of assessors established by the HSE will review applications, and issue funding approvals by end November. Larger grants (over €25,000) will issue in three stages.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (1148)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:1148. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if all student nurses and midwives will be paid for the work they do in hospitals as part of mandatory placements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32412/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE continues to fund the employment of 4th year student nurses and midwives who are on rostered work placements in hospital settings, including those scheduled to commence in the coming weeks and those 4th Year students who are to commence rostered work placement in 2021.
These 4th year student nurses and midwives on rostered work placement are paid at the approved rate as detailed on the HSE salary scale of €22,229 (annualised - psychiatric nursing specialism) and €21,749 (annualised - all other nursing specialisms).
In addition there are other supports open to all eligible nursing students:
- An accommodation allowance available for eligible nursing students which amounts up to €50.79 a week for the duration of the placement where it is necessary for the student to obtain accommodation away from his/her normal place of residence.
- A travel allowance is also available to eligible nursing students.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (1149, 1150)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:1149. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the rationale and evidence for the decision to limit the numbers attending funerals to ten persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32413/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:1150. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if he will consider amending the National Framework for Living with Covid-19 level 5 restrictions to allow 25 persons attend a funeral; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32423/20]
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. The Government has decided that Ireland will move to level 5 of the framework.
At Level 5, up to 25 mourners can attend a funeral. Further information on the public health measures in currently in place in relation to funerals can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (1151)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:1151. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the status of the winter flu vaccination programme; when it is due to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32425/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government has expanded the provision of seasonal influenza vaccination without charge to all of those in the HSE-defined at-risk groups, including healthcare workers, and to all children aged from 2 to 12 years. Vaccines are being administered via GPs and pharmacists, as in previous years.
This season, 1.95 million doses of influenza vaccine have been purchased, which is double the amount administered last season. The HSE has procured 1.35 million doses of the Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (QIV) for the forthcoming winter. This vaccine is being made available to all persons in an at-risk group and aged from 6 months up. In addition, the HSE has also purchased 600,000 doses of the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV), which is delivered via nasal drops rather than by injection and is being made available to all children aged from 2 to 12 years old inclusive.
This expanded programme will ensure that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza will have access without charges. This is in line with the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee and represents a significant step forward in providing vaccination without charges.
International markets for influenza vaccine are extremely tight this year, and in Ireland this resulted in deliveries from the manufacturer taking longer than intended. However, the full quantity of vaccine ordered has now been received. 950,000 doses of the injected vaccine have been distributed to GPs, pharmacists, and healthcare settings. This is 10% more than the amount distributed at the same time in 2019 and is equal to almost the full amount administered in the 2019/20 season. The quantities distributed to GPs and pharmacists has been based on the orders from the same sources last year, in order to ensure an equitable distribution. The remaining 400,000 doses will be distributed to GPs and pharmacists in the coming weeks.
Demand for vaccination this year is unprecedented. This is the case across Europe and beyond. Given the finite supply available, it is important that even the increased quantities available in Ireland are targeted where they will have the greatest impact.
The new nasal (LAIV) influenza vaccine programme for children is well underway across the country. A high uptake of the vaccine in children has been shown to reduce the spread of influenza in the community. Maximising uptake of LAIV in children will also help protect others against influenza in the community. The full quantity of LAIV ordered has also now been received and is being distributed to GPs and pharmacists.
Hospital Groups
Ceisteanna (1152, 1153, 1154)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:1152. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the values of the document of a religious order have not been amended or replaced in the constitution for a company (details supplied) which was published after the company registered with the CRO in August 2020, despite a commitment by a person in 2017 that the 2010 code would be amended and replaced in the constitution of the successor company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32433/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraRóisín Shortall
Ceist:1153. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the phrase voice for the voiceless which is a common citation for Catholic organisations when referencing abortion which is used in the constitution for a company (details supplied); if he has endeavoured to discuss this with the company with the view to having it removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32434/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraRóisín Shortall
Ceist:1154. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he has sought an explicit, public and legally binding guarantee from a company (details supplied) that it will not deny procedures which are legal here based on religious beliefs or the ethical code of the hospitals under its ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32435/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1152 to 1154, inclusive, together.
I understand that St Vincent’s Holdings CLG was incorporated in August 2020. The main object of the constitution of that company is ‘to advance healthcare in Ireland, a purpose of benefit to the community, by promoting medical education, medical research and patient care in all areas of medicine through the St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group, and to reflect compliance with national and international best practice guidelines on medical ethics and the laws of Ireland’.
I am advised that as part of the process by which the Religious Sisters of Charity will transfer their shares in St Vincent’s Healthcare Group to St Vincent’s Holdings CLG, the constitution of St Vincent’s Healthcare Group will be updated. The updated constitution will reflect that its facilities will provide care and medical practice in compliance with national and international best practice guidelines on medical ethics, and the laws of Ireland. I understand that the share transfer process is expected to be finalised shortly.
With regard to the reference to the term ‘Voice for the Voiceless’ in the constitution of St Vincent’s Holdings CLG, the Deputy will appreciate that this term, and indeed other similar terms, are used by many organisations which engage in advocacy to support and represent vulnerable members of society in danger of being ignored. In that context, there would not appear to be any issue with the use of this term in the constitution and the Deputy’s attention is instead directed to the purpose, constitution, main object and governance codes of the company.
Finally, I would like provide assurance that the legal framework, which is being developed to protect the State's investment in the new maternity hospital, will ensure that health services at the new hospital will be provided without religious, ethnic or other distinction. In that regard, there will be no question that any services can be prohibited based on religious beliefs or the ethical code of the hospitals concerned.