Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for articulating the very difficult situation of Jack and his family and the issues they are dealing with, especially during the Covid crisis. Developing all aspects of mental health, including improving links with other care programmes such as disabilities, is a priority for me and for the Government. This is underpinned by our new mental health policy, Sharing the Vision, the HSE service plan for 2021 for both mental health and disability care programmes, and the range of initiatives developed by Government to maximise all healthcare provision in the light of Covid-19.

Recommendation 48 of Sharing the Vision aims to improve intensive supports for people with complex mental health difficulties and intellectual disabilities. The HSE and its service partnership agencies, particularly their front-line staff, have met various serious Covid challenges so far and will continue to do so. If the Deputy sends in the details of Jack's situation, we will try to address the issues. The Department and HSE continue to plan for the evolving situation overall, including any surge in demand as it arises.

In line with Government recommendations to minimise the spread of Covid-19, children's disability services were stepped down, as the Deputy noted, in March 2020. In July, the HSE issued guidance to support resumption of the services. Throughout the pandemic, specialist mental health services have operated at 80% to 90% of pre-Covid levels, but the remaining 10% are causing issues. Children and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, intellectual disability teams have continued to work with children with intellectual disabilities and their families, with the aim of offering the best possible service throughout the pandemic.

However, service delivery has changed, based on restrictions and considering the additional physical needs of service users. There has been a significant shift to online service delivery, teleconference clinics and meetings, including the Attend Anywhere initiative, and telephone consultations. Where needed, face-to-face appointments and hospital visits have been maintained. Families are being facilitated by not having to travel to clinics for prescription collection, as this can be done with pharmacies via secure health mail accounts. Where there are appropriate facilities, regular medication reviews with families, schools and teams are taking place via telemedicine arrangements. Due to school closures, school assessment visits were not happening. However, any new assessments are similarly being held via video consultations. Before the school closures, there were online forums and teleconference meetings to provide school observations and meetings with teachers and special needs school staff. This approach was also taken to liaise with respite services and other services, as needed. CAMHS intellectual disability teams also aim to maintain care through regular contact with residential homes in their areas. In addition, all telehealth and online cognitive behavioural therapy, CBT, supports are available to people with disabilities. Counselling for those with sight impairment can be delivered by telephone.

I do not have all the answers to the issues the Deputy has raised but if there is any way we can address the situation for Jack and his family, we will try to do so. I ask that the Deputy send the details to me and I will try to address the matter as quickly as possible. He has articulated a very difficult situation and I thank him for taking the time to come in here and do so. I hope it can be resolved.

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