Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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338. To ask the Minister for Health the terms of reference of the emergency department task force set up in December 2014; the frequency with which it has met; and the frequency with which it expects to continue to meet. [27219/15]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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340. To ask the Minister for Health the time-defined actions recommended by the emergency department task force in its action plan to address the crisis in emergency departments; and the actions that have already been implemented. [27221/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 338 and 340 together.

I convened the ED Taskforce in December 2014 to provide focus and momentum, and to develop sustainable long-term solutions to ED overcrowding. The Taskforce met on a monthly basis and published an action plan on 2 April 2015 which sets out a range of time defined actions to (i) optimise existing hospital and community capacity; (ii) develop internal capability and process improvement and (iii) improve leadership, governance, planning and oversight.

Based on the Task Force's Action Plan, additional funds of €74 million were provided in 2015 to increase the number of long term nursing home care places and reduce the waiting time for the funding of such places, as well as providing additional transitional care beds and home care packages to provide viable supports for those no longer needing acute hospital care. This additional funding came on top of measures already taken in Budget 2015, when the Government provided €25 million to support services that provide alternatives to, and relieve pressure on, acute hospitals.

In June, I convened an ED Taskforce Implementation Oversight Group. The Group met on 15 and 29 June and is scheduled to meet again on 20 July. The HSE is engaged in a focussed programme of work to ensure immediate actions are being taken to effect a reduction in delayed discharges and to drive improved performance in EDs. Overall the emphasis in implementing the ED Taskforce Action Plan is on driving a more integrated approach between primary care, acute hospitals and community care. Progress against the various actions in the plan, including the €74 million Delayed Discharges Initiative will be reported on a monthly basis to the ED Taskforce Implementation Oversight Group.

In relation to the specific question raised on the actions which have already been implemented, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.