Tuesday, 29 Jun 2021

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (432)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

432. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice when a number of Garda stations (details supplied) in County Kerry which the OPW propose to dispose of were decommissioned as active stations. [34958/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána. I will write to the Deputy as soon as the information is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to Parliamentary Question Number 432 which was for answer on 29 June 2021, where you asked when a number of Garda stations in County Kerry which the OPW propose to dispose of were decommissioned as active stations.

(Details supplied: Kerry, Brosna, Former Garda Station, being prepared for disposal - 2022. 2. Kerry, Kilgarvan, former Garda station, under consideration for community use. 3. Kerry, Moyvane, former Garda Station, under consideration for community use).

You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the information was available.

The Garda Commissioner has primary responsibility under the law for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána, including responsibility for the formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations, taking into account crime trends and policing priorities. Further, the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda estate currently includes 569 Garda Stations. I am further informed that there are no plans to close any of these stations at present.

The Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme, implemented by An Garda Síochána during 2012 and 2013 resulted in the closure of 139 Garda stations. The Programme was based on a review of the Garda Station Network by Garda management which concluded that resources could be more effectively deployed on the front line if certain stations, many of which were only open part-time and manned by a single Garda, no longer had to be staffed and maintained.

In reaching these conclusions, Garda management reviewed all aspects of the Garda Síochána policing model, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies, and the overall operation of Garda stations.

The three Garda stations located in Moyvane, Brosba and Kilgarvan, Co. Kerry were closed under this Programme. I am informed that Moyvane Garda station closed on 30 March 2012, Brosna Garda station closed on 31 January 2013, and Kilgarvan Garda station closed on 31 January 2013.

The Garda Stations were returned to, and are now under the control of, the Office of Public Works (OPW). The future use of such properties is a matter for the OPW as the owner of the properties.

In relation to Garda resources in the area you may wish to be aware that Moyvane Garda Station is now covered by Listowel Garda Station. Brosna Garda Station is now covered by Knocknagoshel Garda Station. When that station is closed, Listowel Garda Station provides coverage, to ensure a 24hr policing response. The primary policing response in relation to Kilgarvan is provided by personnel attached to Kenmare Garda Station.

In addition, Divisional resources such as the Kerry Roads Policing Unit, Divisional Drugs Unit and Divisional Protective Services Units provide services to these areas.

Separately, you may wish to note that detailed information in relation to Garda numbers in Co. Kerry is available on my Department’s website. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána, at the following link:

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (433)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

433. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice if gardaí have the power to shut down a phone number known to be involved in phishing. [34998/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I can assure the Deputy that the criminal activity known as 'phishing' is taken very seriously by my Department and is the subject of ongoing engagement between An Garda Síochána and the banking and technology industries.

Preliminary data indicates an increase in this form of crime over recent years. I am aware that Gardaí have highlighted scams of late where people have pretended to be from An Garda Síochána, the Department of Social Protection, the Attorney General’s Office, banks, delivery companies, businesses and even in recent weeks, the Department of Justice.

I am informed that work is ongoing in An Garda Síochána to tackle this issue. This includes, but is not limited to the issuing of advisory notices to members of the public warning against this criminal tactic and advising how to proceed should they be targeted.

I am further informed that the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) proactively engages with telecommunications providers to suspend VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) numbers, which are suspected of being used to commit fraud.

I am advised that this engagement does not involve the invoking of any legal power and it is the experience of GNECB that telecommunications companies based in Ireland will provide assistance in the suspension of such numbers, upon notification that a VOIP number or other number is being used to commit fraud offences.

In addition, the use of ‘spoofed numbers’ involves a process wherein a suspected caller/fraudster uses technology to disguise their number from the recipient of the call, by changing their caller ID. In such cases a suspected fraudster calling from abroad, for example, will set the caller ID to look like an Irish number (landline, mobile) to lull the recipient into a false sense of security. Telecommunications companies have informed the GNECB that they have no control over the use of ‘spoofed numbers’ and it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to identify the source of these calls.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (434)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

434. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be afforded respite care as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26676/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Anne Rabbitte)

As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, Members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.

Eating Disorders

Ceisteanna (435)

Verona Murphy

Ceist:

435. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health the provision that is being made to expand the current number of specialist eating disorders teams nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26698/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Mary Butler)

Enhancement of specialist services for eating disorders, including improved access and shorter waiting lists, remains a key priority for me, Government as a whole and the HSE.

In response to the growth in cases presenting to mental health services, €5.7 million has been allocated for the Eating Disorders National Clinical Programme since 2016. The Eating Disorders Model of Care was launched in 2018 and was developed in partnership with the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland and BodyWhys, the national support group for people with eating disorders.

€1.77 million has been invested to date in eating disorder specialist posts, with 21.8 WTEs now in place. In addition, I secured the balance of 3.94M for 2021 and this will enable further investment in specialist posts throughout this year. More specifically, it will allow for the establishment of three new specialist eating disorder teams and the completion of the three existing specialist teams. Premises are already under development for the new community team at the Mount Carmel site, and is expected to be completed by the end 2021. Recruitment is progressing well for all teams.

The funding allocated to date has seen significant growth and improvement in our services. Despite the significant increase in referrals in 2020, there was a 43% increase in the number of eating disorder assessments completed, compared to 2019, with twice as many people starting treatment.

As of last year, there are three specialist eating disorder teams in place. This means that we can treat over 90% of people with eating disorders in the community, avoiding more serious inpatient treatment.

Specialist outpatient treatment has been found to be the most effective and fastest way for most people with eating disorders to recover. Although there is good evidence that inpatient psychiatric care is not required for most people with eating disorders, it is recognised that a small number of people, mainly with restrictive eating disorders, require inpatient care for short periods, for structured refeeding and/or stabilisation.

In circumstances where in-patient care is required, children and adolescents care is provided in one of the 4 Regional CAMHS Units across the country. Linn Dara (8) and Merlin Park (6) have dedicated a number of specialist eating disorder beds, and while there are no dedicated beds in the remaining two CAMHS units, all beds are available to eating disorder admissions. A further 8 beds are planned for an Eating Disorder Unit in the National Children’s Hospital.

For adults, people who require in-patient care are admitted to local general adult approved centres and attend generic inpatient treatment programmes. CHO6 has 3 dedicated beds for eating disorders based in St. Vincent’s University Hospital. The number of adult beds will increase, in line with the National Clinical Programme, including an additional 3 beds in St. Vincent's, 5 beds in north Dublin, 5 beds in Galway and 5 beds in Cork. Timeframes for new beds will have to be identified. These beds will be linked to eating disorder hubs. The funding available for 2021 will allow for the creation of two new adult eating disorder hubs in CHO4 and CHO9.

Importantly, with the right support and intervention, people can and do recover from eating disorders. The Government and the Department, along with the HSE and its partners, are committed to providing and expanding high-quality treatment and support for all those affected by eating disorders.

Disability Services

Ceisteanna (436, 440)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

436. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when there will be full resumption of adult services for persons with disabilities. [26719/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Robert Troy

Ceist:

440. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when a full resumption of adult services for persons with disabilities will take place. [26772/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Anne Rabbitte)

Day services re-opened at 39% capacity at service locations throughout August and early September of 2020, and by end of January 2021 this had increased to 51%. The combination of supports in the location, outreach supports, and remote supports provides an overall quantum of support to service users of over 60% at the end of January. The increase in day service capacity was supported by additional funding of €30 million provided in Budget 2021 to increase capacity in buildings and provide extra staff. This funding provided an increase in day services by an average of one day a week for 14,940 people against September 2020 service levels.

For the duration of the COVID-19 emergency day service capacity is reduced, this is due to the physical limitations of the buildings available, the lack of mainstream community activities, and the continued restrictions imposed by social distancing guidance. Many people with disabilities have underlying health conditions, and as the threat of COVID-19 remains, unfortunately so too does the need for these restrictions.

The vaccination process for staff and service users is well underway across day services, and all service providers should now be delivering a minimum of 60% of pre-COVID levels of location-based supports. For those in residential services, currently their day service supports are largely being provided in their residence, however some service users have returned to their day service location, and it is now expected that all residential service users that received their day service at a location pre-COVID should begin to resume location-based day service supports.

The HSE is in the process of establishing the vaccination status of all staff and service users in day services. Once established, the HSE will engage with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) on what further easing of restrictions can appropriately be applied to day services. Those attending day services have been vaccinated as part of cohort 4, people aged 16-69 years and at very high risk of severe COVID-19 disease. The administration of the second vaccine dose for this cohort began in the week beginning May 10th and is expected to be complete by early July.

The IPC guidance are kept under constant review and updates will be provided in the months ahead on further restoration of day services.

Tobacco Control Measures

Ceisteanna (437)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

437. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the funding spent on tobacco cessation measures in each of the past ten years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26731/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (438)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

438. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if adult education training courses will be permitted to be hosted in a classroom in June 2021 with 15 persons wearing masks and socially distanced as opposed to being held online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26747/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Deputy Stephen Donnelly

There has been considerable progress in reducing infection levels since the peak of the wave of infection in late 2020/early 2021 because of the widespread adherence by the public to the public health measures in place, and this progress has been sustained during recent phases of reopening in April and May. While there is still a high level of infection nationally, the situation is considered reasonably stable and significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme. On 28 May, Government decided to move ahead with the process of lifting restrictions further and a range of measures were eased in June.

I understand from my colleague, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science that further and higher education institutions and providers are enabling provision during the summer period. This is to be managed in line with the current discretionary framework for the sector and prevailing public health advice. In accordance with public health advice, appropriate protective measures will be in place and numbers on site will be controlled. This will provide an experiential basis for institutions and providers in organising and managing the safe return of students and learners on-site in the autumn through initially modest and manageable levels of provision.

While there has been scope to continue with the easing of public health measures, our approach must continue to be cautious, gradual and on a phased basis, with sufficient time between any easing of measures to assess the impact. This will be critical to ensure that our progress in controlling the virus is maintained.

Significant progress has been made on suppressing the virus over recent months due to the huge effort of people across the country. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. To protect the gains of recent months we must continue to practice basic preventative behaviours and to follow public health guidelines.

Healthcare Policy

Ceisteanna (439)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

439. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if there will be a successor to the Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010-2019; when a review of its implementation will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26764/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The cardiovascular policy, “Changing Cardiovascular Health 2010-2019”, built on the first national cardiovascular health strategy, entitled “Building Healthier Hearts” (Department of Health 1999). The reorganisation of care was reflected in the national cardiovascular strategy in 2010 which proposed the centralisation of cardiovascular services in order to maximise access, expertise and population coverage which formed part of the consideration of the current National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services.

The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 with Professor Phillip Nolan as Chair of the Steering Group. This Review aims to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive by establishing the need for an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service. This aligns with the Sláintecare reform programme.

While substantial progress has been made on the Review, the COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted on the progress of the review, as the Chair has played a key role in the national COVID-19 response, both as a member of the NPHET and Chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group. However, it is intended that the Review will continue and work is now underway to progress this over the coming months.

The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services, with specific terms of reference, is cognisant of the "Changing Cardiovascular Health Strategy 2010 – 2019" recommendations and will contribute to the progression of cardiac care in Ireland.

All recommendations in the “Changing Cardiovascular Health 2010 – 2019” have an identified lead organisation with a significant number being implemented by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

As part of this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.

Question No. 440 answered with Question No. 436.

Abortion Services

Ceisteanna (441)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Ceist:

441. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health if the arrangement enabling remote consultation for early abortion care will be reviewed once the public health emergency is declared over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26798/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to protect public health and limit the spread of COVID-19, the Department of Health and the HSE worked together to put new arrangements in place to allow termination of pregnancy services in early pregnancy to be provided remotely.

For the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency, where the need for social distancing, reducing personal contacts and reducing the burden on medical practitioners are paramount, it will be possible for a woman to access a termination under section 12 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 (i.e. before 12 weeks) from her medical practitioner by telephone or video conference consultation.

The arrangement enabling remote consultation will be reviewed once the public health emergency is declared over. There is regular ongoing engagement between the Department of Health and the HSE to monitor service provision, facilitate the smooth-running of the service and resolve any issues that may arise.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (442)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

442. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a customer must be turned away or are within their rights to refuse to give this information if a customer refuses to give contact details on a contract tracing form (details supplied). [26805/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (448)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

448. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if gastric sleeve surgery is considered unavoidable and time sensitive in relation to mandatory hotel quarantine with a confirming letter from the doctor; and the number of persons who have been exempted from mandatory hotel quarantine who travelled abroad for gastric sleeve surgery. [26904/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Deputy Stephen Donnelly

Mandatory hotel quarantine has been introduced as one element of Ireland’s public health measures to combat the transmission of COVID-19 variants of concern.

The Health Act 1947, as amended, provides that all persons arriving in Ireland from a designated state, or having travelled through a designated state in the previous 14 days, are required to undergo mandatory quarantine in a designated facility unless they are an exempted traveller under the Act. All applicable travellers must reserve and pay for a place in mandatory hotel quarantine.

The Act identifies those who are exempt from mandatory hotel quarantine, and a full list of exemptions can be accessed on www.gov.ie/quarantine.

With effect from 8th May, if a person has travelled abroad for unavoidable, imperative and time-sensitive medical reasons they will not be required to undergo mandatory hotel quarantine on their return to Ireland. They will be required to present a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner or from a person holding an equivalent qualification outside the State to the effect that they had an unavoidable, imperative and time-sensitive reason for so travelling. In addition, any carer or dependent travelling with this person will also be exempted from the requirement to undergo mandatory hotel quarantine.

A person whose medical situation is not deemed to be unavoidable, imperative and time-sensitive or who does not have appropriate medical certification is not exempt from mandatory hotel quarantine. For a person to qualify for this exemption, the medical reason for travel to the State must be all of the following:

- unavoidable: that is, not elective

- imperative: that is, urgent and essential

- time sensitive: that is, the medical condition or medical need which is the reason for travel is such that a delay in treatment would cause irreparable or very significant harm

A registered medical practitioner or person with equivalent qualifications outside the State must assess and certify the medical reasons claimed. Practitioners should bear in mind that all three conditions must be met – the reason must be unavoidable, imperative and time-sensitive. Not all medical needs or treatments will meet these conditions, so it is important to consult your doctor before travelling to confirm that he or she will be able to provide the appropriate certification.

A person whose medical situation does not meet this test or who does not have appropriate medical certification is not exempt from mandatory hotel quarantine. Travellers wishing to avail of this exemption must note that both elements must be satisfied – they must have medical certification and must also be able to satisfy border control staff that their treatment was ‘unavoidable, imperative and time-sensitive’; cosmetic procedures, for example, are very unlikely to meet this standard. However, they can still, after entering mandatory hotel quarantine, request a review of their quarantine on grounds of their medical needs. Further information on the review (appeals) procedure is set out below.

As of 17th April, passengers who are 'fully vaccinated' and have the documents to confirm this are no longer required to complete mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival in Ireland. Dependents, including children, will also be exempted from the requirement to complete mandatory hotel quarantine in this instance. Please note that the 4 EMA approved vaccines currently accepted have specific definitions for when a person would be considered 'fully vaccinated'.

Passengers who are fully vaccinated and exempt from hotel quarantine are still subject to other travel restrictions, such as the need to provide a negative pre-departure PCR test and complete a period of self-quarantine at home or wherever specified in their passenger locator form.

Determinations of medical exemptions are made on arrival in to the State. In this regard, my Department does not hold information in relation to the number of people who travelled abroad and were exempt from Mandatory Hotel Quarantine as a result of gastric sleeve surgery.

Ceist:

465. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if persons who are vaccinated against Covid-19 are required to wait a period of time, for example, days, weeks or months before donating blood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27060/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mark Ward

Ceist:

466. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if a person receiving a blood donation that has been vaccinated will receive blood from a person who has had the same vaccine product; if not, if the blood transfusion service or HSE has checked for adverse reactions in a client who has received blood resulting from a mixture of different vaccine products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27062/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 451, 465 and 466 together.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is the national organisation responsible for collecting, processing, testing and distributing blood and blood products in Ireland.

The IBTS has advised that there is no evidence that the Covid-19 vaccine (either the viral vector or nucleic acid types) is passively transferred to patients that are transfused with blood donated from vaccinated donors.

The IBTS does not record the vaccinated status of blood donors and the blood supply is not segregated according to vaccination status.

The IBTS has further advised that blood donors are deferred for 7 days post vaccination. The deferral is in place to allow individuals to recover from any potential side effects of the vaccine.

Cybersecurity Policy

Ceisteanna (452)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

452. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if patients whose data was included in the ransomware attack on the health service have been notified of the breach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27072/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The HSE has verified that data emanating from HSE systems relating to 520 patients, were published online in the immediate aftermath of the cyber-attack. In their submission to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Healthcare on 23rd June 2021, the HSE also advised that it has worked with the Data Protection Commissioner in relation to this issue and is engaged in a process to inform all the patients affected.

Healthcare Policy

Ceisteanna (453)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

453. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the progress on the report on the breastfeeding action plan; the status and timescale for the full implementation of each of its elements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27093/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Frankie Feighan)

As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.

I can confirm however that in May of this year I announced significant investment towards implementing the HSE Breastfeeding Action Plan, with €1.58 million of funding to provide an additional 23.5 lactation consultants across hospital and community settings.

Dental Services

Ceisteanna (454)

Gary Gannon

Ceist:

454. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health the number of primary school children who missed dental screenings due to external circumstances such as school building closures and redeployment of staff that will be accommodated in the future. [27118/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.

Disabilities Assessments

Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (458)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

458. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when child and family psychology services will recommence in Galway city west, Oughterard and Moycullen; the reason for the significant delay in issuing appointments for the service; the steps he will take to tackle the extensive waiting list for the service to ensure that children and families will be issued with appointments as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26888/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Mary Butler)

As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, Members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.