Written Answers Nos. 1689-1715
1689. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health his plans to reform the tendering model for home care when the current model expires at the end of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29967/22]
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.
1690. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce statutory homecare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29968/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government agreed in 2020 commits the government to ‘Introduce a statutory scheme to support people to live in their own homes, which will provide equitable access to high-quality, regulated home care’.
Consequently, work is on-going within the Department of Health to progress the development of the new statutory scheme for the financing and regulation of home-support services. Taking place within the broader context of the Sláintecare reforms, this work encompasses the development of the regulatory framework for the new scheme; the examination of the options for the financing model for the scheme; and the development of a reformed model of service-delivery.
With the aim of ensuring that all service-users are provided with a standard, high-quality level of care which is safe, effective, and person-centred, it is envisaged that the regulatory framework will comprise: (i) primary legislation for the licensing of public and private home-support providers; (ii) minimum requirements (i.e., regulations); and (iii) HIQA National Standards for Home Support Services.
In April 2021, Government gave approval to draft a General Scheme and Heads of a Bill to establish a licensing framework for home-support providers. This is being progressed by the Department with a view to bringing it through the Houses of the Oireachtas at the earliest opportunity. It is expected that the primary legislation will give the Minister for Health the power to make regulations in respect of minimum requirements which will form the criteria against which a provider’s eligibility to hold a licence will be determined. A regulatory impact analysis will be undertaken by the Department in 2022 to ensure effectiveness and mitigate risks.
In collaboration with HIQA and in consultation with the Health Service Executive and other key informants, the Department developed draft regulations and a targeted stakeholder consultation was undertaken in January 2022. Evaluating the feedback of this consultation is informing amendments in the draft regulations in advance of a public consultation planned in Q2 2022.
On 24th February, the ESRI published a report on the demand for and cost of home support. This is the final output from a programme of research that the ESRI has undertaken to support the Department of Health to progress the development of the new home support scheme. This research will form an important part of the evidence base for the development of a sustainable funding model for home support services in the context of our ageing population. Government approval will be sought in due course on any proposed legislation to provide for a financial support scheme, taking into consideration the cost associated with the various options.
In addition, work is ongoing in relation to the development of a reformed model of service delivery for the new scheme. In 2021, funding was secured for the Health Service Executive to: (i) progress the roll-out of interRAI as the standard assessment tool for care-needs in the community; (ii) pilot a reformed model of service-delivery for home-support; and (iii) establish a National Office for Home Support Services.
The Pilot for testing of a reformed model of service for the delivery for home-support is fully operational. It commenced in November in CHO 8, which is the first of the four pilot sites. The three other sites CHO2, CHO 4 and CHO 7 became operational in January 2022. Funding has been approved for 128 interRAI Care Needs Facilitators to progress the national rollout of interRAI as the standard assessment tool for care-needs. The interRAI outputs and pilot site evaluation will be critical to the development of the new home-support scheme. A National Home Support Office is in the process of being established.
1691. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will place the competition and consumer protection commission guidelines for contracts of care in nursing homes on a statutory footing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29971/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as Fair Deal, is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. The NHSS covers the cost of the standard components of long-term residential care which are:
- Nursing and personal care appropriate to the level of care needs of the person
- Bed and board
- Basic aids and appliances necessary to assist a person with the activities of daily living
- Laundry service
A person's eligibility for other schemes, such as the medical card scheme or the drugs payment scheme, is unaffected by participation in the NHSS or residence in a nursing home. In determining the services covered by the NHSS it was considered very important that the care recipient and the taxpayer would be protected and would not end up paying for the same services twice.
Although the NHSS covers core living expenses, residents can still incur some costs in a nursing home, such as social programmes, newspapers or hairdressing. In recognition of this, anyone in receipt of financial support under the NHSS retains at least 20% of their income. The minimum amount that is retained is the equivalent of 20% of the State Pension (Non-Contributory). An operator should not seek payment from residents for items which are covered by the NHSS, the medical card or any other existing scheme.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is an independent statutory body with a dual mandate to enforce competition and consumer protection law in Ireland. CCPC’s mission is to promote competition and enhance consumer welfare. The CCPC has published consumer protection guidelines for contracts of care in long-term residential care services for older people. The guidelines set out the obligations and responsibilities that providers must adhere to under consumer protection law and are aimed at providing greater transparency, clarity and certainty for consumers.
The Department of Health is currently reviewing the available evidence and considering various policy options with relation to nursing home charges.
1692. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce a requirement for nursing homes to publish a schedule of fees showing all costs associated with being a resident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29972/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as Fair Deal, is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. The NHSS covers the cost of the standard components of long-term residential care which are:
- Nursing and personal care appropriate to the level of care needs of the person
- Bed and board
- Basic aids and appliances necessary to assist a person with the activities of daily living
- Laundry service
A person's eligibility for other schemes, such as the medical card scheme or the drugs payment scheme, is unaffected by participation in the NHSS or residence in a nursing home. In determining the services covered by the NHSS it was considered very important that the care recipient and the taxpayer would be protected and would not end up paying for the same services twice.
Although the NHSS covers core living expenses, residents can still incur some costs in a nursing home, such as social programmes, newspapers or hairdressing. In recognition of this, anyone in receipt of financial support under the NHSS retains at least 20% of their income. The minimum amount that is retained is the equivalent of 20% of the State Pension (Non-Contributory). An operator should not seek payment from residents for items which are covered by the NHSS, the medical card or any other existing scheme.
The Department of Health is currently reviewing the available evidence and considering various policy options with relation to nursing home charges.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is an independent statutory body with a dual mandate to enforce competition and consumer protection law in Ireland. CCPC’s mission is to promote competition and enhance consumer welfare. The CCPC has published consumer protection guidelines for contracts of care in long-term residential care services for older people. The guidelines set out the obligations and responsibilities that providers must adhere to under consumer protection law and are aimed at providing greater transparency, clarity and certainty for consumers.
1693. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if his Department is in full compliance with the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2022/554 of 5 April 2022 on the recognition of qualifications for people fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; if he will set out a list of the professional qualifications or professions recognised under the aegis of his Department; if Ukrainian qualifications are now recognised in each case; if electronic applications can be made for such recognition; the web address or email address to which such applications should be sent, or if physical application is necessary; and the exact procedures and address for such applications. [29976/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Ukrainian nationals fleeing the war have been granted temporary protection under the Temporary Protection Directive and this allows them to reside in the EU and enter the labour market.
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2022/554 of 5 April 2022 addresses the recognition of qualifications for people fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While encouraging Member States to exercise flexibility for these professionals, the Commission recognises the continuing obligation on Member States under the Professional Qualifications Directive (Directive 2005/36/EC) to assess qualifications obtained outside the EEA. Applicants who wish to enter regulated professions must first have their qualifications and experience assessed by the appropriate regulator to see if they meet the standards required to practise the profession safely in their new state of residence.
Officials in the Department of Health form part of a coordination group established by the EU Commission examining these issues. This group shares knowledge and best practice and is examining methods to streamline and expedite registration, including the use of electronic databases, the EU information centres for academic recognition and translation tools.
My officials are working closely with colleagues in the six health profession regulators to examine ways to support Ukrainian doctors, nurses and other health practitioners arriving in the State. The regulators fully recognise the importance of assisting health practitioners arriving from the Ukraine and to this end have been implementing measures such as internal working groups, dedicated webpages, the translation of documentation and engagement with the Ukrainian embassy and Ukrainian health practitioners, amongst other measures.
Recent figures indicate that the number of applications being processed across all six regulators are very low, only five full applications have been received, however, this number is in contrast to the large number of initial enquiries being received and formal applications are, therefore, considered to rise significantly over the coming months.
Listed below are the contact details for any enquiries from those fleeing the conflict and seeking to practice a regulated profession. It is advisable for individuals to email in the first instance, the regulators will make every effort to facilitate their applications in as practical a fashion as possible and in many cases translated documents can be provided to them where required.
- Medical Council: Ukraine@mcirl.ie, 01 4983100, medicalcouncil.ie/ukraine/
- Health and Social Care Professionals Council (CORU): Ukraine@coru.ie, 01 293 3160, coru.ie/news/news-for-the-public/applicants-from-ukraine.html
- Dental Council: info@dentalcouncil.ie, 01-6762069.
- Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland: g3reg@nmbi.ie, 01 6398500, my.nmbi.ie/
- Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland: noneuroute@psi.ie, 01 218 4006/01 2184000,
- thepsi.ie/tns/news/latest-news/22-04-13/Information_to_support_people_coming_to_Ireland_from_Ukraine.aspx
- Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC): info@phecc.ie /recognitionqualifications@phecc.ie, 045-882042/045-882074.
The Department has responsibility for the recognition of non-Irish qualifications for certain unregulated professions, in particular where the professional wishes to take up a post in the HSE (environmental health officers, clinical biochemists, audiologists, orthoptists and psychologists). The Department has not received any applications from those fleeing the conflict in the Ukraine but if any such professionals require information they should contact validation_unit@health.gov.ie or (01) 635 4057.
The Department of Health will continue to prioritise this issue and engage with the regulators and other key stakeholders.
1694. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can expect consultations in Beaumont Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30001/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
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.
1695. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30010/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the specific challenges faced by the Nursing Home sector related to price inflation and increased energy costs. I have met directly with Nursing Homes Ireland, the representative organisation for private and voluntary nursing homes, to discuss this issue, and have written to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to request that they consider the matter alongside departmental officials. Nursing Homes Ireland has recently responded to a request for further information from the NTPF, this response is currently being considered.
Funding to support people to access services in the sector continues to be provided in line with the long-established statutory mechanisms under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009. This is the mechanism established by the Oireachtas to provide for the processes relating to funding under the NHSS and the negotiation of prices for services for private and voluntary providers with the designated State agency, the National Treatment Purchase Fund.
The Department of Health has also provided significant specific supports to the private and voluntary nursing home sector over the course of the pandemic. As you are aware, the COVID-19 Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme, also known as TAPS, was established as part of a package of support measures for nursing homes at the start of the pandemic. €134.5 million was made available under the scheme from March 2020 to June 2021. The outbreak assistance element of the scheme is still in payment. In addition to TAPS, direct support has been provided by the HSE to private nursing homes in many areas, including the provision of PPE, serial testing and support with staffing.
The Department published a review of the NTPF pricing system in June 2021. This review was conducted by the NTPF with input from stakeholders and external experts. It recommended several actions to improve the pricing system. These are now being taken forward by the Department and NTPF. Given the size and scope of the NHSS, which is expected to cost the State more than €1.053 billion this year, any changes must be delivered carefully and with due consideration to their impact and any unexpected consequences.
The Department is also taking forward the 9 recommendations of the Value for Money Review on Nursing Home Costs, which was published in December 2021. The purpose of the VFM Review was to identify, quantify and analyse the reasons for any cost differential between private/voluntary and public nursing homes and, following analysis, to make recommendations for improving the value for money obtained by the Health sector.
To continue the substantial progress being made on implementing the recommendations of the COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel report, nearly €18 million euro was allocated in Budget 2022 including investment in Community Support Teams and Safeguarding supports.
Finally, in response to the strategic workforce challenges in the nursing home and home care sector, a Cross-Departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group has been established. The Group is working to a tight timeline and is committed to providing a set of recommendations to me by September 2022.
1696. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the timeline that he is working towards for the commencement of section 12 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018, in relation to labelling of alcohol products and notices in licensed premises; if the Attorney General has concluded his review of the draft regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30022/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegulations under Section 12 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act are currently being drafted with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. When the draft regulations are finalised they must be notified to the European Commission under the Food Information to Consumers Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 to assess their alignment with Single Market principles.
If the European Commission does not give a negative opinion on the draft regulations Ireland may begin implementing section 12 which has a three-year lead in time. If the European Commission’s opinion is negative it will initiate an examination procedure in order to determine whether the proposed regulations may be implemented subject, if necessary, to appropriate modifications.
1697. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if non-consultant hospital doctors will receive the pandemic special recognition payment before they are due to change hospital in July 2022; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30023/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
1698. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if there is a system whereby Ukrainian refugees in Ireland that are qualified in areas such as psychology can help in the settlement of their fellow refugees through the provision of therapy in both English and Ukrainian; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30027/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCORU is Ireland's multi-profession health regulator for regulating health and social care professionals. CORU’s role is to protect the public by regulating the health and social care professions designated under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended), including setting the standards that health and social care professionals must meet to be eligible for registration and maintaining registers of persons who meet those standards.While the professions of psychologist, counsellor and psychotherapist are designated for regulation under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended), those who have qualifications obtained from abroad in these professions are not currently required to apply for the recognition of their qualification with CORU.To date, CORU has not received any applications from either Ukrainian or non-Ukrainian professionals who have obtained qualifications in Ukraine in areas such as psychology. CORU has received a number of enquiries from this cohort and has provided advice and assistance to those who have made contact. Those who make enquiries with CORU are provided with
- a copy of the amended recognition application form in English and Ukrainian, and
- a guidance document setting out the amended approach and steps for Ukrainian applicants.
The HSE has established a registration portal to collect the details of those people from Ukraine who may be interested in working in health and social care in Ireland. The HSE communicates with those registered to provide information, including on CORU registration. I hope that this information is of assistance to you.
1699. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of times that gardaí have had to be contacted regarding safeguarding issues in the emergency department at University Hospital Limerick each month to date in 2022. [30031/22]
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.
1700. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied). [30032/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
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.
1701. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be admitted to the National Rehabilitation Centre as soon as possible. [30033/22]
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.
1702. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [30034/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
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.
1703. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be given a date for a cataract operation. [30044/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
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.
1704. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be facilitated with an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30075/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
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.
1705. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a reimbursement of funds under the HSE Cross Border Directive. [30081/22]
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.
1706. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive a hospital appointment; if they are on the urgent or routine list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30086/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
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.
1707. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive a hospital appointment; if they are on the urgent or routine list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30087/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
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.
1708. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the status of step-down care services in Galway city and county; the number of step-down beds operational in Galway city and county; the step-down facilities currently in operation in Galway city and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30090/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1709. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the status of step-down care services by CHO area; the number of step-down beds operational in each CHO area; the step-down facilities currently in operation in each CHO area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30091/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1710. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on waiting lists for respite in Ireland; the number of same who are awaiting a new service; the number awaiting additional services; the number of persons on waiting lists for respite services who have been waiting up to six months, between six and 12 months, between 12 and 18 months, between 18 and 24 months, between two and three years and more than four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30092/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1715. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in receipt of respite care by CHO area in each of the months January to May 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30097/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1710 and 1715 together.
As the isues raised are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1711. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on waiting lists for home support in Ireland; the number of same who are awaiting a new service; the number awaiting additional services; the number of persons on waiting lists for home support services who have been waiting 0-6, 6-12, 12-18, 18-24 months, 2-3 years and more than 4 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30093/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1712. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on waiting lists for home support in Galway city and county; the number of same who are awaiting a new service; the number awaiting additional services; the number of persons on waiting lists for home support services in Galway city and county who have been waiting 0-6, 6-12, 12-18, 18-24 months, 2-3 years and more than 4 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30094/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1713. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of home support hours provided in Galway city and county in each of the months from February to May 2022; the number of clients in receipt of home support hours in Galway city and county in each of the months February to May 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30095/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1714. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in receipt of home support hours by CHO area in each of the months January to May 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30096/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
