Results 38,061-38,080 of 49,836 for speaker:Stephen Donnelly

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Reform (3 Nov 2020)

Stephen Donnelly: A clear governance and accountability framework was identified as a key building block of Sláintecare by the Committee on the Future of Healthcare. As part of its recommendations in this area, the Committee called for the HSE to become a more strategic and patient-focused ‘national centre’ carrying out national level functions, and the establishment of regional bodies with...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Staff (3 Nov 2020)

Stephen Donnelly: Since March, the HSE, the Health sector Trade Unions and the Department have engaged, up to twice weekly and as required, on all matters pertaining to the evolving COVID-19 public health emergency. This engagement has been constructive in progressing industrial relations issues that have arisen since the beginning of the pandemic. With regard to the public health doctors, my Department...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Vaccination Programme (3 Nov 2020)

Stephen Donnelly: The Government has expanded the provision of seasonal influenza vaccination without charge to all of those in the HSE-defined at-risk groups, including healthcare workers, and to all children aged from 2 to 12 years. Vaccines are being administered via GPs and pharmacists, as in previous years. GP practices and pharmacists commenced their vaccination programmes in early October with...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (3 Nov 2020)

Stephen Donnelly: It is vital that people in Ireland adhere to public health guidance and advice in order to suppress the spread of Covid 19 and the vast majority of people in Ireland are doing just that. Unfortunately, however, enforcement is sometimes required but always as a last resort. In that respect, the Deputy will be aware that the Health (Amendment) Act 2020 was passed by the Oireachtas on 23 October...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (3 Nov 2020)

Stephen Donnelly: A Memorandum of Understanding was formally agreed by the Chief Medical Officers of the Department of Health and the Department of Health in Northern Ireland on 7 April 2020. This built on the long-standing cooperation and collaboration between health authorities and across the health systems in Ireland North and Southand strengthened that cooperation in relation to the public health response...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Carer's Support Grant (3 Nov 2020)

Stephen Donnelly: Family carers provide selfless and dedicated care to their loved ones, and the Government recognises that the caring role can be challenging, particularly in the current circumstances. Budget 2021 contains additional funding for initiatives to support carers in their vital role, including funding for a range of measures to support service users. Such measures include five million additional...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Vaccine Damage Compensation Scheme (3 Nov 2020)

Stephen Donnelly: Proposals regarding a no-fault vaccine compensation scheme have been under consideration for some time. My Department asked the Health Research Board (HRB) to carry out an evidence review on vaccine injury redress programmes in other jurisdictions. The review was completed in March 2019 and can now be found on the HRB website. This matter is under consideration by my Department. In...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Disability Services Funding (3 Nov 2020)

Stephen Donnelly: In the first budget of this Government, my Department has secured €100 million in additional funding to start delivering on the commitments made in the Programme for Government to people with disabilities. The additional investment will increase the total disabilities budget for 2021 to around 2.2 billion, of which €100 million will fund new initiatives targeted at five key...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Cancer Screening Programmes (3 Nov 2020)

Stephen Donnelly: As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Tests (3 Nov 2020)

Stephen Donnelly: The recruitment campaign for the role of community swabber ran during September, closing on the 21st September. The campaign received great interest from the public. The high number of applicants is a further testament to the community spirit and willingness to help in any way possible by members of the public to the ongoing response to the pandemic. The Health Service Executive received...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Facilities (3 Nov 2020)

Stephen Donnelly: This winter is expected to be particularly challenging due to the presence of Covid-19 and the uncertainty around the level of Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 healthcare demands. The Department of Health is working with the HSE to increase critical care and general acute bed capacity in hospitals throughout the country to meet demand. Significant work has been underway in 2020 to increase...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Facilities (3 Nov 2020)

Stephen Donnelly: As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Nursing Home Accommodation (3 Nov 2020)

Stephen Donnelly: As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly in relation to this matter.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (3 Nov 2020)

Stephen Donnelly: As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Tests (3 Nov 2020)

Stephen Donnelly: As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Nursing Staff (3 Nov 2020)

Stephen Donnelly: Nurses, and other healthcare professionals, are engaged by the HSE on various contracts. These include permanent, temporary, full-time and part-time contracts. Both the needs of the service and the wishes of the employee are considered when determining the type of contract. Some nurses will wish to accept and keep a temporary contract, depending on their current circumstances. The change from...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medicinal Products (3 Nov 2020)

Stephen Donnelly: The issues and risks associated with the use of sodium valproate by women of childbearing age are well recognised by medicines regulators and healthcare professionals in Ireland. I am aware of the recent publication of the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review in the UK, and of the French Government’s compensation scheme, and I have agreed to meet relevant patient...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Cancer Services (3 Nov 2020)

Stephen Donnelly: A sum of €12m has been allocated as part of Budget 2021 for the restoration of cancer services, with a further €2.3m committed to as part of the Winter Plan. Due to the need for physical distancing and related infection prevention and control measures, capacity across many cancer services has been reduced. The funding provided for the restoration of cancer services will...

Written Answers — Department of Health: National Cancer Strategy (3 Nov 2020)

Stephen Donnelly: A total of €20m additional funding will be allocated for the National Cancer Strategy in 2021. This brings the total extra funding allocated to the Strategy to €26.3m. The 2021 funding will facilitate significant progression of key priorities of the Cancer Strategy, including prevention measures, improved access to diagnostics, the further development of medical, radiation...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (3 Nov 2020)

Stephen Donnelly: There has been significant engagement between the Ministers for Health, the Chief Medical Officers in Ireland and Northern Ireland throughout this pandemic. All parties recognise that, in terms of public health measures in both jurisdictions, it is of utmost importance to maintain strong North-South collaborative arrangements. A Memorandum of Understanding was formally agreed by the...