Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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781. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are only three neurology nurse specialists based at the mid-west regional centre for neurology in UHL instead of the recommended 11; his plans to deal with this shortfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50686/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. 

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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782. To ask the Minister for Health the supports provided to assist adult day services for persons with disabilities to return to full capacity by 22 October 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48708/21]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Day services re-opened at 39% capacity at service locations throughout August and early September of 2020, and by end of January 2021 this had increased to 51%. The combination of supports in the location, outreach supports, and remote supports provides an overall quantum of support to service users of over 60% at the end of January. The increase in day service capacity was supported by additional funding of €30 million provided in Budget 2021 to increase capacity in buildings and provide extra staff. This funding provided an increase in day services by an average of one day a week for 14,940 people against September 2020 service levels. 

I was very pleased to announce last month that adult day services for people with disabilities will return to full capacity by October 22nd, in line with our COVID 19 response  ‘Reframing the Challenge’ roadmap for the lifting of restrictions.   

Day service providers have been requested to develop their individual day service location roadmaps to increase the level of day service provision to 100% restoration for each day service user by October 22nd.  

Infection prevention and control measures that have been introduced to support the safe delivery of adult disability day services since the onset of COVID 19 will remain in place after October 22nd. These arrangements include risk assessments, enhanced environmental hygiene, and pod like arrangements in day service locations. Mask wearing will remain in place in day services, except for those who are exempt from wearing a face covering. 

I also note that on 2nd September, also in line with the government statement on ‘Reframing the Challenge’, the HSE issued guidance to all providers that day service transport can now return to 100% capacity, with all relevant infection prevention and control measures still to be observed, including the wearing of face coverings where possible and appropriate for service users.  

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible. 

Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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783. To ask the Minister for Health if additional funding will be made available in Budget 2022 for respite provision for children and adults with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48514/21]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that under the 2021 National Service Plan, the HSE has committed to developing  an additional respite house in each CHO area – 9 in total. This investment will add 10,400 additional respite nights in a full year. In addition, in 2021 HSE funded services provided a range of alternative respite projects including Saturday clubs, breakaway holidays and summer camp activities to support families. The HSE is also providing 214 intensive respite support packages to children and young adults this year.

I am keenly aware of the critical importance of respite for the loved ones and families of those with a disability. I can confirm that additional funding for Respite Services has been secured in Budget 2022 as part of a package of €105m provided for our disability services in 2022. This additional funding will further build disability service capacity including our respite services in each CHO for children and adults, as well as providing alternative models of respite. Further details will be published as part of the HSE National Service Plan.