Results 12,501-12,520 of 46,456 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Facilities (27 May 2020)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 528 and 529 together. As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Tests (27 May 2020)

Simon Harris: The HSE, together with my Department and other bodies, has worked hard in the last two months to develop Ireland’s testing and tracing process, to expand capacity and to reduce turnaround times, and significant progress has been made. On 14 May the HSE published its Roadmap on Testing and Tracing which confirms capacity is now in place across the full testing pathway to test 15,000...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (27 May 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 World Health Organization, and...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Aids and Appliances (27 May 2020)

Simon Harris: Most personal protective equipment (PPE) is designed for single use and immediate disposal so as to minimise the risk of spreading infection. However, this practice creates a number of issues in terms of cost, sustainability of supply, and environmental impact. With these issues in mind, the HSE is already investigating the possibility of procuring more sustainable PPE, such as reusable...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Appointments Status (27 May 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: General Practitioner Services (27 May 2020)

Simon Harris: On the 16th December 2019, the Government approved the drafting of legislation which, inter alia, would give effect to the Budget 2020 commitment to provide for the phased expansion of GP care without fees to all children aged 12 years and under. The initial stage of this phased expansion is the provision of GP care without fees to all children aged between 6 and 8 years. Substantial work has...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Qualifications (27 May 2020)

Simon Harris: The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) is the independent statutory body with responsibility for standards of education in pre-hospital emergency care. Its functions include the conduct of examinations leading to the award of NQEMT. Accordingly, the matter raised by the Deputy has been referred to PHECC for a direct response.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Appointments Status (27 May 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: Health Services (27 May 2020)

Simon Harris: I can confirm that the correspondence was received in my Department. A response will issue to the Deputy in due course.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (27 May 2020)

Simon Harris: A robust process of testing, isolation and contact tracing is central to Ireland’s public health strategy for containing and slowing the spread of COVID-19, as advocated by the World Health Organization and the European Centre for Disease Control. A testing and tracing process with sufficient capacity and quick turnaround is one of a number of core criteria in determining when it is...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (27 May 2020)

Simon Harris: This information has been shared with the Department of Health COVID-19 team who are managing and co-ordinating offers of assistance.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (27 May 2020)

Simon Harris: The HSE through the Health Protective Surveillance Centre has developed an extensive body of guidance and support tools to assist in the management of COVID-19 cases, including in relation to decisions on transfer of patients/residents between care facilities where appropriate. The current relevant guidelines are the: “Interim Public Health and Infection Prevention Control...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (27 May 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: Hospital Appointments Status (27 May 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 (27 May 2020)

Simon Harris: Responsibility for international protection applicants and the operation of the direct provision services referred to in the question are the responsibility of the Department of Justice and Equality. As part of the whole-of-government direct provision support system the Department of Justice and Equality provides accommodation, food and utilities to those seeking international protection in...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Nursing Staff (27 May 2020)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 555, 575 and 605 together. The Health Service Capacity Review 2018 projected that demand for adult critical care beds will increase by 43% by 2031, and recommended that additional 190 critical care beds be put in place by 2031. My Department and the HSE continue to work together to address critical care capacity requirements, including intensive engagement...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Procedures (27 May 2020)

Simon Harris: As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Cards (27 May 2020)

Simon Harris: On the 16th 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 Tests (27 May 2020)

Simon Harris: I have no plans in this regard.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Emergency Departments (27 May 2020)

Simon Harris: According to HSE, there was a 21.1% reduction in Emergency Department (ED) attendances nationally this year up to the end of April 2020 compared to the same period last year. The number of attendances for patients in the over 75 age group also decreased by 15.8% nationally. In relation to ED attendances at Wexford General Hospital, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond...