Results 11,081-11,100 of 45,510 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 634, 636, 637 and 647 together. As this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Harris: In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity, including outpatient clinics. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the  National Public Health...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Harris: There has been significant engagement between the Ministers for Health, the Chief Medical Officers, and the Departments of Health in Ireland and Northern Ireland throughout this pandemic. There have also been regular ‘Quad’ calls co-chaired the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland with the First Minister and deputy First...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Services (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Harris: In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity, including outpatient clinics. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the National Public...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Appointments Status (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Harris: Under 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. The National...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Appointments Status (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Harris: Under 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. The National...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Harris: While the evidence relating to the SARS-CoV-2 virus is evolving, it is clear now that the risks of transmission of any respiratory pathogens such as the type that causes Covid-19 are lessened when greater distance is maintained between people. The current advice is that you should follow social distancing guidance everywhere outside the home, including keeping a physical distance of 2 metres...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Tests (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Harris: As the HSE has responsibility, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Vaccination Programme (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Harris: I recently announced my intention to extend the influenza vaccine to children without charge for winter 2020 to 2021.  In addition, all of those in the HSE-defined at-risk groups, aged from 6 months to 69 years inclusive will also be able to access the vaccine without charge. All persons aged over 70 already have access to the vaccine without charges. Work is currently underway to...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Harris: Data is collected on COVID-19 for confirmed and probable cases and mortality, in line with recommendations from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in both hospitals and the community. We committed from the outset to collect the most extensive data possible in order that the information could inform and guide the public health actions necessary to respond to the very...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Harris: The HSE has worked intensively since the onset of Covid-19 to develop national testing and contact tracing infrastructure. Contact tracing operations are at the centre of the health service response to Covid-19 and protecting our communities in the phases ahead. Key to effective contact tracing is the capacity to get quick and comprehensive notification to all close contacts of people...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Healthcare Infrastructure Provision (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Harris: As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public health care property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Harris: The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business, published on 1 May 2020, sets out an indicative path to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and other actions in order to facilitate the reopening of Ireland’s society and economy in a phased manner. Phase 1 was introduced on 18 May 2020 and the Government confirmed the move to Phase 2 of Roadmap for Reopening...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Cards (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Harris: On 16 December 2019, the Government approved the drafting of legislation which, inter alia, would give effect to the Budget 2020 commitment to increase the medical card income thresholds for persons aged over 70.  Substantial work has been undertaken by officials in this regard.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Harris: As the document referred to in the question is a Health Service Executive (HSE) document, the question is referred for direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Harris: The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) provided guidance in relation to face coverings in its advice to Government in relation to Phase 2 of the Roadmap for Reopening Business & Society on 4 June.   The NPHET advice sets out circumstances under which the wearing of a non-medical face covering is recommended.  These are when using busy public transport, when in...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 663 and 711 together. The measures taken are underpinned by a clear public health rationale. As the number of indigenous cases here declines and Ireland eases some restrictions, the relative importance of the risk of importation of cases from overseas increases. Ultimately, the progress towards suppression of community transmission which has been achieved and...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Screening Programmes (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Harris: As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Infectious Diseases (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Harris: In relation to any potential cases of tuberculosis in private or State-run nursing homes I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply directly to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Screening Programmes (16 Jun 2020)

Simon Harris: As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.