Written Answers Nos. 1-35
11. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if he will immediately implement a fast thorough review of the existing National Maternity Hospital given that it will be some time before the new national maternity hospital is built (details supplied). [26034/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment recently made the significant decision on the long-term solution to replacing Holles street. This will be a platform for the much-needed change on how we will provide care to women in Ireland.
There are infrastructural challenges with facilities at Holles St. It’s not in keeping with our National Maternity Strategy. I want to thank and acknowledge all the wonderful staff at the NMH who are providing excellent quality and safe services for women and infants.
Minor capital funding continues to be provided to assist with ongoing repairs and maintenance of the hospital. We continue to improve and expand existing services at the NMH. We are also introducing new services, including investment in staffing to progress the Maternity Strategy:
- a “see and treat” gynaecology clinic,
- regional fertility hub for the Ireland East Hospital Group
- establishment of the first specialist menopause clinic, last year, and
- national foetal MRI service.
I recently opened an extension to the Labour and Birthing Suite. Women attending will receive the benefit of these upgraded facilities which now include:
- 12-ensuite rooms
- Hydrotherapy pool,
- Specialised room for immunocompromised patients, and
- Dedicated bereavement suite.
I understand that NMH and HSE are engaging regarding additional areas for potential investment until relocation to Elm Park is complete. But the scale of those works must be balanced as larger interventions could reduce clinical capacity in the interim.
As part of my Department’s first Strategic Investment Framework, a survey of all healthcare infrastructure is underway. This will assist in the empirical prioritisation of future investment.
However, the long-term future of NMH is not at Holles Street. I am committed to ensuring the new NMH is supported as centre of excellence for maternity care. This will ensure that women are treated with dignity and respect in an appropriate physical environment.
15. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the number of primary and special schools that avail of HSE wrap-around services in speech and language and occupational therapy for children with disabilities and special educational needs in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27033/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are 4 special schools in Mayo (St. Brid’s, St. Dympna’s, St. Anthony’s and St. Nicholas) who are supported by 3 Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs).
The HSE advise that these Teams do not provide time framed interventions to specific schools, instead supporting all schools of children who avail of services. Children in special schools are supported by the Teams in the school, home and community environment.
The services provided are subject to available staffing resources and the HSE has advised that there are ongoing recruitment and retention challenges regarding the filling of therapy posts. In that regard, the average vacancy rate in the Network Teams for Mayo is approximately 27%. Since 2019, approximately 475 development posts have been funded by the Government and allocated to children’s disability services across the country. The HSE continues to explore a range of options to support the recruitment of essential staff to strengthen the capacity of Network Teams, in order to reduce the waiting times for children to access therapy supports.A CDNT Staff Census and Workforce Review recently finalised by the HSE will provide valuable information to allow targeted workforce planning by Children’s Disability Network Managers to reinforce the skill mix of their teams to accommodate local population need.
16. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the status of the elective hospital in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25968/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra27. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will identify the current position for the new elective hospital in Cork; if his Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have now agreed on the project; if the hospital will contain new inpatient beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26719/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra100. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 78 and 156 of 15 February 2022, if his Department has completed the internal review process of the project preliminary business case for an elective hospital for Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26634/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra340. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if the new elective hospital proposed for Cork will have in-patient beds; the timeline proposed by his Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to sign-off on the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26277/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 27, 100 and 340 together.
In December 2021, the Government agreed a new National Elective Ambulatory Care Strategy. This aims to change the way in which day case, scheduled procedures, surgeries, scans and outpatient services can be better arranged and ensure greater capacity in the future. It will also help to address waiting lists on a national level through the provision of dedicated, standalone facilities in Cork, Galway and Dublin.
As agreed by Government, the elective care scope of service will be developed in two phases. The first phase will commence with day cases, diagnostics, and outpatients. The provision of in-patient treatment will be considered in a subsequent phase. The need for this future in-patient care will be factored into the detailed planning and design phase of the elective facilities.
The development of the elective hospital proposals is following the process outlined in the updated Public Spending Code. This sets out the value for money requirements for the evaluation, planning, and management of large public investment projects. A programme Business Case has been reviewed by my Department. It has been shared with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. A project-level Business Case for Cork is almost complete. This is expected to be submitted through the required Public Spending Code’s External Assurance Process in the coming weeks.
17. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health if he has held discussions or plans to hold discussions with an organisation (details supplied) to discuss the way that time, administrative and financial efficiency measures can be introduced to the current system in which therapists who qualified in Northern Ireland can register to practice here given that the current process is lengthy, financially and administratively burdensome on therapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26979/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for this important question. Therapists play a crucial role in service delivery, often to the most vulnerable in society. Ensuring that therapists who have qualified outside the State can practise is a priority for me, and the Government. Consequently, this year I increased CORU’s funding to €5m, a rise of 60% on 2017’s. CORU has subsequently introduced enhanced registration processes and additional technology, which I expect will improve efficiencies.
During the period 2019 – 22, CORU received 23 applications for recognition of qualifications from speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists who qualified in Northern Ireland. The average processing period is currently 12 weeks.
CORU’s overarching objective is to protect the public. Applications for recognition of professional qualifications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the legislation. In the interest of equal treatment, the same assessment process and timelines apply to all applicants, regardless of the country of qualification.
I met with both the chairperson and the CEO of CORU in March 2021 and emphasised the need for an efficient and effective process. My officials meet with CORU on a monthly basis to discuss, amongst other things, further improvements to the registration processes.
I expect that this ongoing engagement with CORU and increased resources will result in further efficiencies.
18. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if his Department will carry out an information campaign regarding the ongoing widespread misinformation in relation to a World Health Organisation Pandemic Treaty given the vital role of the WHO in public health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26882/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for this question. I agree with him that the World Health Organisation plays a vital role in public health and that we need to address any confusion here.
Let me be clear, what is being looked at is an international agreement or instrument to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. The aim of such an instrument is to protect public health and to help save lives in the event of future pandemics.
We need a multilateral approach to global health issues with the WHO at its core. COVID-19 has highlighted shortcomings in global pandemic preparedness and response.
There have been baseless claims that Ireland is somehow signing away its sovereignty and passing over powers, and this is simply not the case. We know from COVID-19 that clear communications is central to addressing false and misleading claims.
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body established for these negotiations met for the first time on 24th February; we are still at the start of this process. A progress report is due at the World Health Assembly in May 2023, with the aim of adopting the instrument by 2024.
In line with the Constitution, Government approval must be sought for the signature, ratification or approval of any international agreement.
19. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the proposed date for the start of construction on the new community hospital in Midleton, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26633/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank Deputy Stanton for raising this question and to acknowledge the importance of Community Nursing Units (CNUs) throughout the country.
In 2016, a Capital Programme for Older Persons Residential Centres was developed to replace, upgrade and refurbish care facilities. This was in response to the introduction of HIQA’s National Residential Care Standards for Older People.
This programme includes 90 different projects at various stages. 33 projects are complete as at the end of 2021. A further 11 are expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
7 CNUs are included in a single bundle to be developed by Public Private Partnership (PPP). Midleton Community Nursing Unit is included in this bundle.
The PPP procurement process is in progress. It is anticipated that the construction of the new CNU in Midleton will commence by Quarter 4, 2022 and will be completed in 2024. Upon completion the project will provide 50 replacement beds.
The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process, subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, which can impact on the timeline for delivery.
22. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in advancing a building project at a hospital (details supplied); when it will proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26864/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has advised that a proposal for a project to develop additional capacity at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh is currently being considered.
This proposal involves the provision of an additional 10 bed High Dependency Unit, 76 bed ward, 3 theatres & radiology refurbishments, allowing Cappagh to further increase its surgical throughput.
The proposal has been included in the HSE National Capital Programme and an initial allocation has been granted in 2022 for the completion of a Strategic Assessment Report. The final decision to proceed with this project will be made in line with the Public Spending Code.
Earlier this year, I asked the HSE, Children’s Heath Ireland (CHI), as well as senior orthopaedic clinicians from CHI at Temple Street, CHI at Crumlin and Cappagh to develop a dedicated plan to reduce the number of children waiting for spinal orthopaedic procedures, specifically scoliosis and spina bifida, by year end. More specifically, €3.4 million has been committed to support CHI paediatric orthopaedic activity at Cappagh to undertake non-complex surgery for paediatric patients aged 2 years and over. This builds on €1.65 allocation to Cappagh under the Access to Care Programme.
23. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health his views on the difficulty that is being experienced in securing a locum doctor who will provide full-time cover at the minor injuries' unit in Cashel; if the issue of locum payment is acting as a disincentive when seeking to fill posts such as this; if he intends to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26879/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe MIU (Minor Injuries Unit) was established in January 2007 and is located on the grounds of Our Lady's Hospital Campus, Cashel. It is approximately 15 miles from the nearest Emergency Department in South Tipperary University Hospital.
The MIU is open for the treatment of minor injuries or ailments. There is a predefined treatment list, including the treatment of such incidents as stitches, dress minor wounds, cuts & grazes and wound infections. On average 83 clients use this service each week. Approximately 80% of the clients self-refer to the MIU, the remainder being referrals by GP's. The Service is free to those who attend.
The HSE has advised me that the MIU is normally a 5 day service (Monday - Friday). A locum doctor who was in place in the MIU finished on Friday 8th April 2022. The HSE secured locum medical cover who commenced on Tuesday 19th April 2022. However, the HSE has advised that due to unavoidable circumstances with accessing this medical cover over the last two weeks, services were reduced to 2 days per week.
The HSE have further advised that an agency Registrar has been secured full time and will commence on Monday 30th May 2022, and it is planned that the MIU will operate on a 5 day week basis.
24. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 121 of 30 March 2022, his plans to restore respite provision in Galway city and county to pre-Covid levels; the number of respite beds currently provided in the Merlin Park older peoples services short stay unit; the timeline for when admissions to the unit will increase to the promised thirteen-bed capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26793/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRespite capacity across public units has been significantly impacted by Covid-19. Since autumn 2021, the Community Health Organisation in Galway has sought to re-open publicly funded respite beds in line with post-pandemic requirements to meet Infection, Prevention and Control measures.
The current number of operational respite beds in Co. Galway is 10, 7 of which are in Merlin Park Community Nursing Unit.
A number of respite beds in Merlin Park which were operational pre-Covid-19 were closed temporarily for remedial works to ensure HIQA compliance. The HSE confirmed that remedial works are complete and envision that the 13 respite beds will be operational by August 2022.
Currently, there are several measures being used to mitigate against a reduction in respite services in Galway. Emergency respite protocol is in operation linking with families to provide emergency respite through in-home supports or placement in nursing homes. Day services continue to reopen across Galway assisting families in caring for their family members at home. Western Alzheimer’s also have 12 respite beds available to clients.
Increasing respite provision in Galway is essential to provide older people with the range of services they require. I want to assure you that the continued provision of increased respite services in Galway is a priority and I have requested that the HSE keep me updated on any further developments.
25. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if the National Treatment Purchase Fund has informed him of its strategy for 2022 in terms of planned procedures and planned outpatient visits for persons who have been waiting for a long-time; if so, the specialties; the targets for each specialty; the waiting time threshold at which the respective interventions would occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26877/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2022 Waiting List Action Plan, which I launched in February, was developed following extensive consultation between my Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund. €350 million is being allocated to the HSE and NTPF to provide additional public and private activity to further stabilise and reduce scheduled care waiting lists and times and bring forward much needed longer-term reform.
The NTPF has been allocated €150 of the €350. With this funding they are projected to remove 273,000 patients from acute hospital waiting lists. This figure comprises 125,000 patients from OPD waiting lists, 37,000 from IPDC, and 21,000 patients waiting for a GI scope. In addition some 90,000 patients will be removed through administrative validation.
While they will seek to arrange over 150 different types of IPDC procedures, there will be a particular focus on 15 high volume procedures. These 15 procedures (e.g. cataracts, cystoscopies, hip replacements) represent a third of people currently on the active waiting list. In 2022 the NTPF will seek to offer treatment to all clinically suitable patients waiting more than 6 months for one of these procedures.
The NTPF will continue to arrange outpatient consultations in public and private hospitals. There will be a particular focus on 7 high volume specialties including gynecology orthopaedical and urology.
Its focus on the GI scope waiting list will continue to grow as it seeks to treat 21,000 patients in public and private hospitals in 2022.
The Waiting List Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary General and the CEO of the HSE meets fortnightly to monitor delivery of the plan including NTPF activity.
26. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health the progress that is being made to provide a nationwide network of multidisciplinary long-Covid clinics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20530/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCOVID-19 is a new disease so information on it, its features, incidence and course are still emerging
My Department, and the HSE, continue to review new evidence, research and data on all aspects of COVID19 including Long COVID, as it emerges to ensure care is in place for all who need it.
The HSE has developed and is implementing an interim Model of Care to provide Long COVID services nationally. This builds on existing service provision to further develop the necessary services across a number of health care settings including GP, community services and acute hospitals.
A phased implementation is underway with a focus on establishing, Post-Acute and Long COVID clinics nationally within each Hospital Group as initial priority. This involves expanding resources at existing clinics where required and development of new clinics in line with the Model of Care.
The HSE has advised that Post Acute clinics manage patients between four and twelve weeks after initial onset of infection and Long COVID clinics manage patients twelve weeks post onset of infection.
I understand from the HSE that sites are now recruiting the necessary personnel including consultants in the areas of infectious disease, respiratory medicine, neurology and additional multidisciplinary staff to support this work.
Anyone concerned about Long COVID is advised to engage with their GP in the first instance.
28. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if analyses on the usage of medical cards in dental practices in Ireland have been completed recently; if so, if the number of dentists not accepting medical cards has increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26968/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) is the national dental scheme for medical card holders over the age of 16. The Scheme is provided by those private dentists who hold contracts with the HSE.
The HSE monitors data on the number of dental professionals holding contracts in the DTSS, the number of contractors who submit claims and the number and type of claims made under the Scheme. Currently there are 1,096 dental contractors with the HSE. This compares with 1,151 contract holders at the end of 2021 and 1,354 at the end of 2020. These figures do not include dentists who are employed by contracted dentists who may also contribute to service provision.
In order to compare the number of dentists providing care in the DTSS over time, figures on the number of contractors submitting claims are a more useful measure. In 2020 claims were received from 815 contractors; in 2021 the equivalent figure was 689. By the end of April 2022, 656 contractors had submitted claims.
I have recently approved a series of measures to provide for both an expansion of dental care for patients and increased fees for dental contractors. These changes are designed to secure services for medical card holders pending a more substantive reform of dental services to align with the National Oral Health Policy.
29. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if he will urgently review the categorisation of Letterkenny University Hospital in order that it reflects the number of inpatients at the hospital each year; and if he will increase the level of investment in the sixth-largest hospital in the State. [25411/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLetterkenny University Hospital (LUH) is a Model 3 Hospital, operating as part of the Saolta University Health Care Group. LUH is an Acute General and Maternity Hospital, providing a wide range of local and regional services on an in-patient, day case and out-patient basis. The budget allocation for LUH in 2022 is €161 million, an increase on 2020 and 2021 allocations. As at December 2021, 1,943 Whole Time Equivalents were employed by LUH.
There has been significant investment in services in LUH in recent years. Capital projects completed last year include:
- the expansion of gynaecology services
- the opening of the acute stroke unit
- the provision of an additional endoscopy theatre and a new maternity theatre
- and the provision of additional patient beds.
In the HSE Capital Plan 2022, €3.6 million has been allocated for LUH. Projects planned and underway include the expansion of the Renal Dialysis Unit, the expansion of the Haematology/Oncology Day Unit and the Electrical Infrastructure Upgrade.
The extent of recent and upcoming developments illustrates Government's commitment to LUH and to patients in the North West.
30. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the steps that his Department is taking to deploy new technologies such as telehealth that support the wellbeing and health of vulnerable and isolated groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26720/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the most obvious impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic was that it accelerated the use of technology. Access to video technology in particular became ubiquitous, enabling many people to work from home and maintain social distancing.
Across the health systems telehealth solutions were deployed at pace to enable virtual outpatient appointments and provide community based therapy service.
Telehealth solutions were used to monitor oxygen levels for patients at home, which enabled hospitals to discharge patients safely, and earlier than might otherwise have been the case.
The use of telehealth solutions during the pandemic provided important lessons in terms of the suitability of these technologies, the opportunities and risks associated with their use and evidence about the level of acceptance by patients and clinicians alike.
The task in front of us now is to support the continued adoption of telehealth services so patients can benefit from the convenience of accessing health and social care services through virtual as well as physical channels, with obvious benefits to vulnerable and isolated groups.
31. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health the incentives that he has provided to encourage more general practitioners to take-up practise in County Clare and other rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26411/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. The State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community.
Where a vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes actively involved in the recruitment process to find a replacement GP. It is acknowledged that certain rural GMS vacancies can be difficult to fill; at the start of this month there were 35 GMS GP vacancies, 19 of which were in rural areas. For this reason, in addition to the more general measures taken to increase the number of GPs in the State and the significant increases in investment into general practice, specific supports are in place to support GPs in rural areas.
Under the 2019 GP Agreement, the Government is increasing annual investment in general practice by approximately 40% (€210 million) between 2019 and 2023, with expenditure increased by €206 million already as of this year. The Agreement provides for an increase in capitation fees for GPs, additional services, improved family arrangements as well as a targeted €2 million fund to support to practices in deprived urban areas.
An enhanced supports package for rural GP practices was introduced previously to support rural GPs, these supports have been increased by 10% under the 2019 GP Agreement. In addition, practices in receipt of rural practice supports attract the maximum allowable rates for practice staff support subsidies and locum contributions for leave taking. Specific fees are also in place for dispensing doctors (who operate in rural areas), these have been increased by 28% under the Agreement.
A steady increase has been seen in the number of doctors entering GP training over recent years, rising from 120 in 2009 to 233 in 2021. Following the transfer of responsibility for GP training from the HSE to the Irish College of General Practitioners last year, 258 places are planned for this year and even further increases planned for the coming years.
These measures will see an increase in the number of GPs working in the State, improving access to GP services for patients throughout the country.
32. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the status of the re-opening of the three-day care centres in County Laois; and the timelines for Mountmellick and Abbeyleix day care centre re-openings. [26713/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe reopening of day care centres remains a priority for me. At the end of April 264 centres had reopened, representing about 80% of centres planned to reopen with more coming on stream.
Upgrade works at Portlaoise Day Care Centre are nearing completion and it is planned that this will re-open on 27th June.
Renovation works at Mountmellick are nearing completion and a projected opening date is 11 July.
When the current reconfiguration works are completed at Abbeyleix the HSE proposes to re-open the day care centre in part of the building as an interim measure. However, the HSE are working to source suitable accommodation in Abbeyleix to provide the day service in the long term, in conjunction with a revised Development Control Plan for the site.
The HSE is committed to getting all 3 facilities open as soon as possible. Respite services in Laois is available to the day service users in Abbeyleix, Shaen Community Nursing Units and Private nursing homes. Meals on Wheels are provided through four funded agencies and by Mountmellick and Abbeyleix CNU’s.
Communication with service users is underway and Public Health Nursing has also been advised of the re-opening of services and to forward referrals.
I have requested a progress report from the HSE in relation to those centres that have yet to reopen.
33. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if he will request the HSE to lift the ban on waterbirth with immediate effect. [26282/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a small number of incidents in the HSE's National Homebirth Service, the HSE, in the interest of the health and safety of women and babies, temporarily paused facilitating planned water births in the community in its home birth service.
Access to the HSE Homebirth service remains in place, with women continuing to be supported to immerse in water for the purposes of labour.
The pause on the provision of delivering a baby in water in the community will remain in place pending the outcome of the investigations into the incidents being finalised and considered by the HSE at national level to determine any learnings and to address any recommendations made in a structured manner.
I appreciate that this has been disappointing for women and their families, however, the HSE is committed to providing safe and effective care during pregnancy and birth and it is for this reason that this decision was made while the reviews are being undertaken.Whilst this pause is in place, the HSE’s National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) continues to support the provision of water births in hospitals as part of a core component of maternity services.
The NWIHP is also planning to appoint an expert lead at national level, with the objective of designing and delivering a national training programme in water births for midwives, both in hospitals and in the community, and to establish a national set of KPIs and measurements on water births.
34. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the capital investment plans for the community hospitals in Belmullet, and the district hospitals in Swinford and Ballina in order to take pressure off Mayo University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26945/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
35. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the work that is underway to establish appropriate care practices for persons particularly children with long-Covid across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25718/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra49. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the establishment of post-acute and long-Covid clinics within each hospital group; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25568/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra63. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the supports that are being provided to persons with long-Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26550/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra64. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the issues of persons suffering from long-Covid; the expanded care planned for those with the condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25421/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra354. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the number of young people who have been and continue to be adversely affected by long-Covid here; his views on same; the steps that he will take to care for these young people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27036/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra385. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the reason that the interim guidance plan for long-Covid, published September 2021, does not include neurological rehab and psychological supports and strategies; the data used to inform the decision to provide eight nutritionists as part of this plan; the rationale for the exclusion of the Mater Hospital, which is home to the original long-Covid clinic from the list of designated sites for long-Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27156/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 49, 63, 64, 354 and 385 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly
