Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2886. To ask the Minister for Health the number of meetings between the Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People and representatives of a group (details supplied) each month since appointment; the number of meetings between the Minister of State and any owners or directors of private nursing homes since July 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39480/21]

Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2888. To ask the Minister for Health the number of meetings between him and any owners, directors of private nursing homes since July 2020; the number of meetings between him and representatives of a group (details supplied) each month since appointment; the number of meetings between officials or advisers of his and any owners, directors of private nursing homes and representatives of the group since July 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39482/21]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2886 and 2888 together.

Both Minister Donnelly and I have held a number of virtual meetings with the representative body referred to by the Deputy. During 2020 we held two meetings in July, one in November and December and further meetings have taken place in May and more recently in July this year. Nursing home directors are represented at these meetings also.

Over the last year I have had several phone conversations with the CEO of the body referred to by the Deputy. During the height of the pandemic, phone calls took place almost every second day. Also in January Minister Donnelly had one further virtual meeting about the launch of the Nursing Homes vaccination programme.

In addition, officials from the Department have had continuous and ongoing engagement with the stakeholder referred to by the Deputy. As a key stakeholder, it is important to maintain constructive engagements with this representative body as we continue the ongoing response to COVID-19 and beyond. The engagements to date have related to issues such as visiting guidance, staffing, PPE, testing and related matters to the COVID-19 pandemic and nursing homes as well as the Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme (TAPS) and ongoing matters relating to the operation of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme.

Finally I must advise the Deputy that there continue to be IT access issues arising from the cyber security incident and therefore it has not been possible to conduct a definitive search of all possible sources of information at this time.

Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2887. To ask the Minister for Health the number of meetings between the Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People at his Department and between officials of the older persons unit each month since July 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39481/21]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have on-going engagement with officials in my Department. My diary records 24 formally scheduled meetings since my appointment. However, in the normal course of my work as a Minister of State, officials provide briefing material before many of my engagements, including stakeholder engagements and parliamentary appearances. These briefings typically include a discussion with officials, who often attend those engagements. In addition informal meetings and discussions happen on a daily basis.

I must advise the Deputy that there continue to be IT access issues arising from the cyber security incident and therefore it has not been possible to conduct a definitive search of all possible sources of information at this time.

Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2889. To ask the Minister for Health the number of meetings between him and families bereaved by Covid-19 related deaths in nursing homes; the number of meetings between the Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People and families bereaved by Covid-19 related deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39483/21]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented challenge across our health services and none more so than in our nursing homes. The pandemic has been a hugely difficult time for all residents, relatives, and staff of nursing homes and I would like to express my condolences to all those who have lost a loved one during this period.

Both Minister Donnelly and I have met with families who had experienced bereavement of a loved one in a nursing home. I also met with representatives from the Care Champions group on 12 July this year, including members of bereaved families. I am grateful to those families for sharing their difficult, personal experiences with me as I believe that it is vital that our learning throughout this pandemic is informed by listening to families.

Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2890. To ask the Minister for Health the number of meetings between officials and advisers at his Department and advocacy groups for older persons since his appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39484/21]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Over the last year, officials from my Department and I have met with a number of bodies, including advocacy agencies and groups that advocate for the interests of older people among others.  In November 2020, my officials and I met with representatives from the Alliance of Age Sector NGOs. This group includes representatives from Third Age, Age Action, The Irish Hospice Foundation, The Irish Citizens Parliament, Age & Opportunity, Active Retirement Ireland and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. I also met with Care Champions recently. Furthermore, I have had several individual meetings with organisations such as Alone, Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Active Retirement Ireland.  Officials, in the normal course of business, periodically engage with advocacy groups for older people either directly or through participation in stakeholder groups that are brought together for a variety of purposes, related to the pandemic or otherwise.

I must advise the Deputy that there continue to be IT access issues arising from the cyber security incident and therefore it has not been possible to conduct a definitive search of all possible sources of information at this time.