Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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153. To ask the Minister for Health the action taken since the passing of a motion (details supplied) in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23871/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Paediatric Home Care Packages (PHCPs) are in place to support the discharge of seriously ill children from acute hospital into the care of their families. They are designed to maximise a child’s quality of life and developmental opportunities while also helping to keep children out of hospital as much as possible.

The in loco parentisrule reflects the fact that PHCPs are intended to serve as a clinical support and is in place to ensure that a second person will be present in the event of an acute emergency such as respiratory arrest, decannulation of a tracheostomy or status epilepticus.

I would like to reassure the Deputy that I am fully aware of the concerns raised about the operation of the in loco parentisprovision and that I recognise that respite can be an issue for parents of children with complex medical needs. I have asked my officials to engage closely with the HSE on this issue, and I am informed that it is currently being examined as part of the Quality Assurance Process for PHCPs. This process will inform how PHCPs should be delivered, including the operation of the in loco parentisprovision.

Many parents have already contributed to the Quality Assurance Process, and further engagement will take place in the coming weeks and months. Furthermore, the HSE intends to establish a Parental Reference Group that will help shape how care is delivered to children with complex medical needs.