Written Answers Nos. 759-783
759. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the mental health services that would be available for a person (details supplied) at St. Mary’s day hospital, Thurles over the Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35329/20]
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.
760. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the sale of greeting cards by retailers being defined as an essential service; his views on whether the sending of greeting cards is a positive substitute for person-to-person interaction and a means of communication in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and the current restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35330/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to assure you that the Government is committed to ensuring a balanced and proportionate response to COVID-19 by finding ways to implement public health measures in response to the pandemic in a way that is fair, reasonable and proportionate.
As you will be aware, in response to the rapidly deteriorating epidemiological situation across the country, Ireland has moved to level 5 of the Government’s medium-term strategy for dealing with COVID-19, Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19
This 5 level Framework 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.
Any measures introduced at any level of the Plan are aimed at limiting the spread and damage of COVID-19, and are necessary to protect our key priorities of supporting and maintaining health and social care services, keeping education and childcare services open and protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.
As I'm sure you 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. The number of people allowed to gather in different scenarios in the Government's 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.
At level 5 of the Plan, unfortunately, this means closing many businesses and amenities to reduce the person-to-person contacts which allow the virus to spread. At Level 5 essential retail and essential services will remain open. Further information on essential retail and essential services at Level 5 can be found at:https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/#retail-and-services-for-example-hairdressers-beauticians-barbers
Further information on all levels of Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 is available at:
https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/.
761. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the procedure within the National Ambulance Service if a paramedic tests positive for Covid-19 while on shift; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35343/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra762. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the regularity with which deep cleans of ambulance bases are carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35344/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 761 and 762 together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
763. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the reason the waiting time for patients of the audiology department in Roscommon is 63 weeks; the average waiting time nationwide; the actions he will take to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35348/20]
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.
764. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the evidence his Department has considered regarding the efficacy of pre-departure and arrival testing for overseas passengers travelling in and out of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35353/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), by the Department of Health and by the Government. The measures in place and the public health advice have been adapted to the changing circumstances and this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future.
A single negative PCR test, whether taken prior to travel or on arrival, does not exclude the presence of disease due to the incubation period.
At the request of NPHET, HIQA conducted a rapid Health Technology Assessment on the use of alternatives to laboratory-based PCR tests. HIQA found that Rapid Antigen Detection Tests offer possibilities to enhance COVID-19 prevention and control including by expanding testing capacity, reducing test turnaround times and improved access. These tests work best where there is high prevalence of the disease, for example symptomatic cases.
HIQA’s findings confirm the WHO advice which shows that the currently available Rapid Antigen Detection Tests are not suitable for use in screening asymptomatic people with an unknown levels of disease, such as arriving passengers.
765. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a list of HSE contracts awarded to a company (details supplied); the details of the contracts including cost, purpose, length of term and tender process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35355/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra769. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a record of all meetings between officials of the HSE and a company (details supplied) [35359/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 765 and 769 together.
The questions raised by the Deputy relate to interactions between the HSE and a third-party (details supplied). As this is a service matter the questions have been referred to the HSE for direct response to the Deputy.
766. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of contracts the HSE holds with third-party suppliers; the number of these that are with not-for-profit organisations; the number that are with for-profit companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35356/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra767. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if the HSE adheres to a code of conduct during the contract tendering process; and if he will provide a copy of the code of conduct if available. [35357/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra768. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if organisations tendering for HSE contracts are awarded higher or lower points depending on whether they are for-profit or not-for-profit organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35358/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 766, 767 and 768 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
770. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons that are on Tysabri infusions every six weeks for multiple sclerosis in St. James’s Hospital are now been treated as day patients which results in an €80 charge for each treatment for this lifelong condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35363/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides that all persons ordinarily resident in the country are eligible, subject to certain charges, to public in-patient hospital services including consultant services. All persons, irrespective of illness/condition, accessing public in-patient (including day case) services in a public hospital are liable for the statutory in-patient daily charge of €80 up to a maximum of €800 in any period of 12 consecutive months, subject to a number of exemptions, including where a person is a medical cardholder.
The admission of patients to public hospitals is an operational matter and therefore I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this particular matter.
771. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if cognitive behavioural therapy groups are provided by the HSE to assist persons with mental health challenges [35364/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra772. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if cognitive behavioural therapists are employed by the HSE; and if so, the way in which a member of the public can avail of the treatment [35365/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 771 and 772 together.
As these are service matters I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
773. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when a service (details supplied) will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35367/20]
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.
774. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the timetable for the operation of the group home for persons with disabilities at Drummond Otra, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35377/20]
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.
775. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) who is a medical card holder is being charged for a recent hospital surgery through the public health system [35388/20]
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.
776. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the person or body that makes up the membership of the working group of drug and alcohol service providers established by his Department to develop a framework for the restoration of drug and alcohol services; the terms of reference; the funding available; and the timeframe to agree on a programme to deliver this funding to community-based drug projects [35391/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Covid-19 pandemic has created a time of uncertainty and anxiety for everyone and particularly for those who are affected by drug and alcohol addiction. The restructuring of services, social distancing measures and self-isolation can be particularly difficult for those who are trying to remain drug or alcohol free and for those who are in recovery.
The Government plan for living with Covid-19 details how non-Covid health and social care services will be resumed, especially during the challenging winter months. This includes planning for the safe resumption of drug and alcohol services, including community-based services, residential programmes and recovery support groups.
The Department has set up a working group with drug and alcohol service providers to develop a 'Framework for the Restoration of Drug and Alcohol Services', in a planned and appropriate manner in line with public health advice. The working group has identified issues on which guidance and supports are required. The Framework document is nearing completion.
The working group comprises representatives from the Department of Health, the HSE, Drug and Alcohol Task Forces and the National Voluntary Drug and Alcohol Sector.
I recently met with representatives of drug and alcohol task forces to discuss continued support for their work in identifying and responding to local needs. I confirmed my approval of additional funding to support the resumption of drug and alcohol services including the adaptation of services, premises, online meetings and personal protective equipment.
I will be announcing the details of this additional funding shortly.
777. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if a progress report and roadmap will be provided for the way in which he plans to provide the services which he is required to provide under the Disability Act 2005, now and into the future; if a progress report in relation to the recruitment of the necessary additional HSE-employed permanent full-time clinical staff will also be provided (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35395/20]
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 question relates to a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
778. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the plans in place to clear the backlog of children waiting for assessments for occupational therapy and speech and language therapy due to the Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35421/20]
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 question relates to a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
779. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the average turnaround time for contact tracing job applications; and if there is currently a time lag in responding to applications for this role. [35431/20]
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.
780. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if the purchase of home furniture including bed frames and mattresses is classified as essential retail under the definition included in the list of essential services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35432/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to assure you that the Government is committed to ensuring a balanced and proportionate response to COVID-19 by finding ways to implement public health measures in response to the pandemic in a way that is fair, reasonable and proportionate.
As you will be aware, in response to the rapidly deteriorating epidemiological situation across the country, Ireland has moved to level 5 of the Government’s medium-term strategy for dealing with COVID-19, Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19
This 5 level Framework 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.
Any measures introduced at any level of the Plan are aimed at limiting the spread and damage of COVID-19, and are necessary to protect our key priorities of supporting and maintaining health and social care services, keeping education and childcare services open and protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.
As I'm sure you 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. The number of people allowed to gather in different scenarios in the Government's 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.
At level 5 of the Plan, unfortunately, this means closing many businesses and amenities to reduce the person-to-person contacts which allow the virus to spread. At Level 5 essential retail and essential services will remain open. Further information on essential retail and essential services at Level 5 can be found at:https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/#retail-and-services-for-example-hairdressers-beauticians-barbers
Furniture shops are not regarded as essential retail and should be open for click and collect only.
Further information on all levels of Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 is available at:
https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/.
781. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an urgent medical appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35448/20]
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.
Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
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.
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.
782. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time equivalent and part-time equivalent roles filled by his Department of posts at principal officer, assistant principal officer, higher executive officer, executive officer and clerical officer grades for the past five years; the cost to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35487/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy is set out in the attached table.
The detailed breakdown in the attached spreadsheet are the vacant posts filled through open competitions; interdepartmental competitions; internal promotions and through mobility schemes across the civil service.
The numbers provided constitute the gross number of posts filled by new hires, transfers in or internal promotions for the grades in question. The number who exited those grades through retirement, resignation, transfer, dismissal, secondment out or other reasons is not included in the information provided. Many of the appointments to the relevant grades will have been to fill a vacancy left by the exit of another individual and as such, the information provided does not constitute a total net increase in the numbers in each of the grades.
The Department of Health applies the relevant Circulars regarding payscales and pay on promotion which would have been applied accordingly in the relevant years and are readily available on the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s website.
An indicative breakdown of the corresponding midpoint for each grade is also set out in the attached spreadsheet, relative to the current Payscale Circular 12/2020: Application of 1 October 2020 pay adjustments.
783. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if tailored Covid-19 support packages have been put in place to compensate on-course bookmakers that maintain stands at race tracks known as seniorities which are a form of premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34540/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
HRI has informed this Department that there are no immediate plans to provide assistance to on course bookmakers. The Board of HRI considers matters relating to the impact of Covid-19 on the industry as a whole on an ongoing basis.
The bookmakers' representative body is in regular dialogue with HRI and the Association of Irish Racecourses regarding matters of concern.
On course bookmakers are licensed annually by HRI and enter commercial arrangements with racecourses regarding their attendance at race meetings to carry out their business. Since their attendance at race meetings has not been permitted, those commercial arrangements have ceased.
