Written Answers Nos. 168-185
169. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a complete list of the HSE's National Clinical Programmes from 2015 to date in 2023, including programmes no longer in operation, the names of the members of each national clinical programme, all sub-groups within each programme, such as Working Groups, Clinical Advisory Groups, and so on, in tabular form. [19662/23]
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.
170. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health further to commentary made by the Secretary General of his Department at a meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach on 19 April 2023, if his laptop or mobile devices have ever been hacked; if so, the dates upon which the hacks took place; if he notified the Taoiseach of the hack; if confidential information was compromised or if there was a GDPR breach associated with the hack; if he notified potential victims of the GDPR breach of the situation; and if he will clarify whether or not the Secretary General's commentary was accurate. [19666/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the long-standing practice for sound reasons of security not to comment in detail on the arrangements in place with regard to the security of the devices and communications of office holders.
What I can say is that in March 2022 concerns were raised regarding my devices and I was advised by the NCSC not to use my devices for a short period at the time. My devices were examined subsequently by the NCSC and no signs of compromise were found.
171. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19683/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Repayment Scheme was a statutory scheme established under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 to repay specified pre-2005 charges for in-patient services imposed on certain persons with full medical card eligibility in public long stay facilities, including public nursing homes. The Scheme closed to new applications on 31 December 2007 in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The HSE processed almost 35,500 claims under the Scheme and issued repayments of approximately €453 million to over 20,300 claimants.
The background to the establishment of the Scheme was that it was accepted in 2004 that the raising of charges on those with full eligibility in publicly funded long stay care had been carried out on a flawed legal basis. The legal basis for raising these charges on those with full eligibility was regularised by the introduction of legislation in 2005 to provide correctly for such charges.
Upon the raising of issues recently about how the State has approached legal challenges taken against it in relation to pre-2005 legacy nursing home charges, the Government moved quickly to establish the facts surrounding these issues, which go back many decades, by requesting the Attorney General to prepare a Report. This comprehensive Report was published on 7 February 2023. The Government agreed that I and the Minister for Social Protection would consider the Report further and revert to the Government in three months on any further steps required.
172. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify whether staff (details supplied) working in the HSE-funded assisted living service are eligible for the Covid recognition payment; if so, if he will direct the HSE to make payment; if he will include staff of the association who work within respite, community or day services in the cohort of those eligible for the payment; if not, if he will set out the rationale for this; and if he will give further consideration to their inclusion. [19688/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast year the Government announced a once-off, ex-gratia COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for certain frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Eligibility criteria for the payment were set following significant consideration and consultation.
While the Department does not comment on individual cases, I can confirm that in order to receive the recognition payment, staff must have:
• Been in COVID vaccination cohorts 1 or 2, and
• Worked ordinarily onsite in a COVID-19 exposed healthcare environment, and
• Worked for at least 4 weeks in the 1/3/2020 – 30/6/2021 period, and
• Worked in a HSE/Section 38 organisation, or one of the following:
1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary,Section 39 etc.);
2. Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities, working on-site;
3. Agency roles working in the HSE;
4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
5. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
6. Paramedic staff employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
Only those staff who meet all of the above eligibility criteria are covered for this payment. I appreciate that many other workers, volunteers, and other citizens, provided important services during this most difficult time. While this is not questioned, it is important to recognise that this in itself is not sufficient to be considered eligible for this payment.
The Government appreciates that those organisations and staff who are not encompassed for this particular payment may feel disappointed. It was tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the risks which eligible frontline workers faced, following careful consideration. While undoubtedly immense efforts have been made by other healthcare staff since the onset of this pandemic, it is right that the Government pursue this course to recognise those at greatest risk in the performance of their duties throughout the pandemic, including those who worked in the very acutely affected environments above.In recognition of the efforts of all workers, volunteers, and the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government announced a public holiday which took place on 18 March 2022. As of February this year there is also a new permanent public holiday established to mark Imbolc/St Brigid’s Day.Finally I want to again express my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during what has been a challenging period for our health services.
173. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the way in which a person can avail of a medical card in instances in which they cannot secure acceptance by a GP to stamp their application form. [19719/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraGPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS contract with the HSE for the provision of GP services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders.
Where a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card experiences difficulty in finding a GP to accept them as a patient, the person concerned having unsuccessfully applied to at least three GPs in the area (or fewer if there are fewer GPs in the area) can apply to the HSE National Medical Card Unit which has the power to assign that person to a GP's GMS patient list.
Similarly, where a person applying for medical card has unsuccessfully applied to three GPs in the area (or fewer if there are fewer GPs in the area), direct contact can be made to the HSE National Medical Card Unit who can assist in assigning that person to a GP's GMS patient list. Further information is available from the HSE website.
174. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the way in which a woman can access antenatal care in instances in which they do not have access to a general practitioner to confirm their pregnancy. [19721/23]
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.
175. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if his Department will urgently address the critical anomaly whereby children in the south east are currently deprived of the in-community palliative, end-of-life care available to children with such needs in the rest of the State (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19810/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra176. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if he will move immediately to ensure that every family requiring end-of-life care for a child at home will be guaranteed that care automatically as outlined in The Model of Care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19811/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together.
The Programme for Government 2020 is committed to increasing resources for the Children’s Palliative Care Programme. This will be supported by consultants with a special interest in children’s palliative care and children’s outreach nurses to coordinate care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. When children are at end of life, they and their families deserve the best possible care. It is vital that such care is available when needed either in their home or in a hospital setting. A priority for 2023 is to implement the recommendations from the HSE 2020 report for supporting a model of care for children with life-limiting conditions in the community in Ireland.
There have been significant increases in funding to enhance the provision of children’s palliative care services across Ireland in recent years. Across 2021 and 2022, funding has been allocated for the recruitment of 12.5 additional whole-time equivalents to enhance the provision of children’s palliative care services across acute and community settings. These posts will support the provision of specialist palliative care to children as close to home as possible. Budget 2023 has an allocation of €3.7million to be provided for new measures in palliative care. The new measures will enhance the provision of adult and children’s specialist palliative care services across the country and will include funding to support bereavement services for parents and families who have experienced the death of a child. The Palliative Care Budget increased to a total national service plan allocation in 2022 of €121.9 million from a national service plan allocation of €119m in 2021. In 2023, the budget is €130.1m.
The new HSE Service Plan 2023 will underpin further improvements in children’s palliative care services. A multiagency approach is adopted to provide palliative care to children in their homes. This approach involves: collaboration between primary care, regional paediatricians, and adult community palliative care services - coordinated by the Clinical Nurse Coordinator (CNC) - and supported by paediatric palliative care team located in CHI Crumlin/Temple St.. One of the cornerstones of children’s palliative care is to facilitate a fully integrated approach to care.
With regards to children’s palliative care provision in the South-East area, I have met with the Taoiseach, senior departmental officials and HSE officials on this matter. The outcome of this meeting is that a firm commitment has now been given to fully re-establish specialist palliative care services for children in the South-East and the HSE CEO has issued an instruction to this effect. This will ensure that children with life limiting illnesses can die at home surrounded by their loved ones. Community Healthcare Organisations (CHOs) in conjunction with South/South West Hospital Group and Ireland East Hospital Group are working to ensure a care plan based on patient need is in place. A sustainable, long-term solution for the provision of paediatric palliative care services in the South-East is under development. South-East Community Healthcare Organisation are actively working with Children’s Health Ireland to progress the required supports in line with the Model of Care for children with life limiting conditions.
The Department and HSE will continue to progress developments for children’s palliative care services in Ireland, working towards the highest possible quality of end-of-life care and support for children with life limiting illnesses across the country.
177. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and when the person concerned can expect an appointment for admission at Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore. [19876/23]
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.
178. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide additional capacity in public nursing homes; the number of additional public nursing home beds that have been provided in each of the past five years; if there are plans to develop new public nursing homes; if so, the location of these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19877/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank Deputy Shortall for her questions on capacity in public nursing homes.
I have been informed by the HSE that they will require additional time to gather and relay the information with regards to the Deputy's queries.
I have asked the HSE to collate the details sought by Deputy Shortall and I will forward a comprehensive reply addressing all queries raised to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
While it is the Government’s overarching policy to provide a greater level and volume of care in the community and to support older people to live at home for longer, in line with the Sláintecare vision for receiving the right care, in the right place, and at the right time, it is recognised that nursing home care will continue to be an important part of the continuum of care into the future. It is therefore important that all aspects of the nursing home sector are scrutinised over the coming years to ensure that service delivery and configuration meet the needs of service users in a sustainable and safe manner. it is also critical that public investment in this infrastructure is maintained at a level that enables the appropriate standards to be met and that public residential care capacity is increased in the coming years.
All publicly and privately managed residential care facilities for older persons must comply with S.I.293/2016 regulations, as required by legislation, and overseen by the regulator (HIQA). This requirement has had a significant impact on publicly managed facilities due to the age of many of these buildings, resulting in a number of bed closures.
To address this issue and to provide for the replacement of closed beds, in 2016 Government announced a comprehensive Programme of investment in public residential care (Community Nursing Units/Community Hospitals) with the intention of ensuring that all public residential care units would comply with regulations and standards. The emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the timeline for completion of this programme. However, the programme is now well established and progressing to ensure that all of our community nursing units meet the required standards and public health requirements.
As of December 2022, 43 projects have been completed, and throughout the country, there are projects underway to be completed in 2023, in addition to a number of additional projects in various stages of planning with completion dates in 2024 and 2025. While a number of projects to be completed will be newly constructed buildings, they form a part of the ongoing CNU programme to support the replacement of beds closed due to S.I.293/2016. The CNU programme will greatly assist in the refurbishment of old units/new builds and will ensure S.I.293/2016 compliance.
The public private partnership (PPP) aspect of the CNU programme also continues to progress. In Q4 of 2022, I announced the awarding of the contract to deliver seven Community Nursing Units through Public Private Partnership. The CNU PPP Project will deliver 530 beds in total, comprising both short and long stay beds for older persons at seven CNU facilities across the country - Ardee (50 beds), Athlone (50 beds), Clonmel (50 beds), Killarney (130 beds), Middleton (50 beds), St Finbarr’s, Cork (105 beds) and Thomastown (95 beds). All facilities are expected to have construction completed by the end of 2024.
To ascertain future demand for services and guide the future residential framework model of care, work has been undertaken by the HSE in respect of demand modelling, utilising key findings from previous demand models and data captured as part of an audit of CNU’s completed in 2022. Further work to update current modelling following outputs from Census 2022 and further demographic trends will support planning for new public nursing homes. In this context, in 2023, the HSE will be finalising the future operational model for Community Based Public Residential Services. This model will include a blueprint for future service delivery across the full health service and will have the older person and their needs at its centre.
179. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1768 of 18 April 2023, the engagements he has had with employers in relation to the 'sign-off' process for healthcare assistants working under the General Employment Permit who have not completed the relevant QQI level-5 course but their existing qualifications and experience meet or exceed level-5; the steps he is taking to communicate this process with these workers and their employers; the date at which the standard form and further information will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19878/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment provided access to the General Employment Permit for the role of Health Care Assistant in June 2021. The framework agreed with the Department of Health included the requirement for the permit holder to achieve a relevant Level 5 Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) qualification after two years employment in the State.
Responding to the need whereby some Health Care Assistant staff who are availing of the employment permits framework have other qualifications, aligned to the care industry but not as Health Care Assistants it was decided that a comparable healthcare qualification as outlined in the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) NARIC Ireland framework would be acceptable for employment permit purposes if the clinical lead in the organisation or the employer provides assurances that the staff member has demonstrated the skills, experience, and knowledge to carry out the role competently as compared to those staff members with the QQI L5 qualification.
A “sign-off” from the clinical lead in the organisation or employer is required and a standard form will be available for this purpose. The Department of Health is engaging with Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment on the development of an appropriate form for submission to Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment to accompany applications for renewals of health care assistant employment permits along with an information bulletin to advise relevant employers and permit holders. Work is in progress and the standard form and further information will be available soon.
180. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he supports abolishing the 12-week limit for abortion care on request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19883/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister for Health commenced the Review of the operation Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 in line with statutory and Government commitments. The Review, led by an independent Chair, assesses the extent to which the Act’s objectives have, or have not, been achieved. Recommendations to address any barriers identified have been suggested within the Report. The Report, which was informed by service users, healthcare professionals and the views of the public, was submitted to the Minister for Health in recent weeks. It makes a range of recommendations most of which are operational in nature, with some proposing legislative change.
The Report was considered by Cabinet on April 25th. The Government has agreed that the HSE will establish an implementation group to progress the operational recommendations. The proposals recommending legislative changes are to be referred to the Joint Committee on Health for consideration. The outcome of these deliberations will inform further discussion on these issues.
181. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he supports decriminalisation of abortion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19884/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister for Health commenced the Review of the operation Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 in line with statutory and Government commitments. The Review, led by an independent Chair, assesses the extent to which the Act’s objectives have, or have not, been achieved. Recommendations to address any barriers identified have been suggested within the Report. The Report, which was informed by service users, healthcare professionals and the views of the public, was submitted to the Minister for Health in recent weeks. It makes a range of recommendations most of which are operational in nature, with some proposing legislative change.
The Report was considered by Cabinet on April 25th. The Government has agreed that the HSE will establish an implementation group to progress the operational recommendations. The proposals recommending legislative changes are to be referred to the Joint Committee on Health for consideration. The outcome of these deliberations will inform further discussion on these issues.
182. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19727/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has governance responsibility for Water Safety Ireland (WSI). WSI has statutory responsibility for the promotion of public awareness of water safety; advancement of education related to the prevention of accidents in water; instruction in water safety; and the establishment of national standards for lifeguards.
I am pleased to confirm that Water Safety Ireland will continue to support the voluntary marine rescue work of the Community Rescue Boats Ireland, including through the D4H contract for those who require it.
183. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason swim instructor courses are not held (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19730/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has governance responsibility for Water Safety Ireland (WSI). WSI has statutory responsibility for the promotion of public awareness of water safety; advancement of education related to the prevention of accidents in water; instruction in water safety; and the establishment of national standards for lifeguards.
WSI has informed me that swimming instructor courses are held in County Kerry and, although Covid-19 slowed the number of instructor courses available nationwide, as we emerge from the pandemic there will be swimming lessons in Kerry this Summer. Instructors will run 32 courses over 8 weeks starting on the 26 June, which will provide 3,080 spaces for children to learn swimming and water safety classes. Further details of upcoming courses will be available on www.watersafety.ie.
184. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide a breakdown of the amount of LEADER funding allocated in County Kerry in each of the years 2018 to 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [19689/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LEADER Programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development launched in 2021 which aims to deliver a range of actions to rural communities over the lifetime of the policy. It is a multi-annual programme for rural development co-funded by the EU through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The programme is based on a community-led approach to rural development and plays an important role in supporting communities and enterprises in progressing job creation, social inclusion and environmental projects at local level.
The 2014-2020 LEADER programme for Ireland had an allocation of €250 million. €225 million of this budget was allocated at the outset of the programme to Local Action Groups (LAGs) who deliver the programme and approve projects at local level.
€70 million was allocated for the Transitional LEADER Programme which covered the period 2021-2022 of which €65 million was allocated to the LAGs to deliver the programme.
For the period 2023-2027 €180 million has been allocated to the programme bringing the total for the seven year period of 2021-2027 to €250 million equalling the level of funding provided for the previous seven year period.
Funding is provided for the duration of the period rather than on an annual basis to allow more flexibility to the Local Action Groups to manage the programme budget in their areas of operation.
The allocation covers both core project expenditure and the administration costs of the LAG.
In situations where the LAGs administration and animation allocations are utilised, I approved additional funding in this area, subject to a maximum monthly contribution from the Exchequer, the limits of which were notified to each LAG in April 2021. This contribution is based on the average monthly administration and animation allocation over the period July 2016 to December 2020.
Table 1 below provides the allocation for County Kerry for each of the programming periods and includes the amount of administration and animation funding provided to Kerry LAG in 2022. This funding will continue to be paid to the Kerry LAG in 2023 on submission of completed vouched expenditure claims.
Table 1 – LEADER Funding provided in County Kerry
|
Programme Period |
Allocation to County Kerry |
|
2014-2020 |
€10.2m |
|
2021-2022 |
€3.02m |
|
2023-2027 |
€8.1m |
|
Additional Administration funding provided by Exchequer in 2022 |
€0.1m |
185. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when a decision will be made regarding who is to avail of the community recognition fund 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19733/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January I launched the Community Recognition Fund which aims to support the development of community infrastructure and facilities in recognition of the contribution being made by communities across the country in welcoming and hosting significant numbers of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries.
The funding is specifically targeted at projects that are located in communities, towns and villages that are hosting the beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection applicants.
The Fund will support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community. It is separate in its objectives and scope to any other public funding streams which aim to support the development of public service needs arising from the significant number of arrivals from Ukraine.
The Community Recognition Fund is being administered at a local level by the relevant local authority. A funding proposal, comprising of projects selected and prioritised locally, was submitted to my Department by each local authority for final approval.
A key principle of the Fund was the need for local authorities to engage with impacted communities. The funding proposals submitted by each local authority were developed based on direct engagement with impacted communities and in consultation with the Municipal Districts, Local Community Development Committee and the local Community Response Fora.
I am happy to confirm that over 830 proposed projects are included in the funding proposals received from local authorities, with the full €50 million being applied for. I would like to thank all those who were involved in the consultations and the development of these proposals in communities all across Ireland. It was important to me that the projects were developed in consultation with communities so that the best value for money could be achieved in a way that ensures clear impacts and benefits for those communities.
The funding proposals are under consideration in the Department and I expect to make an announcement on them shortly as I am aware that local authorities and communities are anxious to commence work on projects. As part of that announcement all the successful projects will be published on my Department’s website.
