I thank the Ceann Comhairle very much. Today at 2 o'clock, I am meeting with all the heads of the HSE from right around the country to first and foremost understand their plan with regard to how they are addressing the virus, but most importantly also to note that the therapist staff, who are part of my 91 network disability teams, are to remain within the teams and therapy is to be delivered as an essential service.

I thank the Deputies for raising this issue today. The cost of disability can be measured by the costs faced by people with a disability in their day-to-day lives that others in society do not face, that is, the direct costs approach. It can also be measured by the amount of additional income a household containing a person with a disability would require to achieve the same standard of living as a comparable household that does not contain a person with a disability. That is the equivalence approach. To get a bett…

On the next step, I am happy to inform the Deputies and the House that the report has now been referred to the NDIS steering group, which I chair. This group will then consider what actions are needed. The NDIS steering group, which is meeting later this morning, will hear from the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, and me as well as Indecon, which will make a presentation of its findings. When we talk about what makes up the NDIS, it is made up of disability stakeholder group, DSG, 5 but I have also invited the new membe…

I thank the Deputy for bringing this to the floor of the Dáil. I am taking this debate on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Butler. I will read into the record her response, or some of it anyway. I happen to know St. Francis Nursing Home. It is important for me to put that on record as well. I am aware of the work that goes on there. I am further aware that when we have a service that is working and functioning, sometimes we should think twice before we try to break it. Day centres are fundamental to the heal…

When I leave here today I will set up a meeting with Breda Crehan-Roche in relation to this. I believe food is part of how people engage.

I will. When I put out my hand like that, it was to include both of us. We will have a meeting to understand exactly what is the thought process, first and foremost, but also for Deputy Connolly and I to articulate our views on this. I know from the day care centre in Portumna that the kitchen is the most important part. It is the heart and soul of a building. It is very important that a person who might not show up for one or two days is able to bring the food home. I do not know how that would work operationally …

All statutory instruments regarding the Acts referred to in this amendment are made under the Health Act 1947. As far as the Minister for Health is concerned, the matter is already covered under that Act.

The Minister for Health acknowledges that the powers in these Acts are wide-ranging and they will only be in place for as long as is absolutely necessary. They are short-term public health measures to enable us to act swiftly to protect public health and the progress that everyone in this country has made sacrifices to achieve. The Minister has listened to the concerns from the House and in that regard, he is working with his officials to streamline the information flow regarding regulations for public health measu…

The Houses have the power to annul these regulations, which are made under the Health Act 1947, if they so wish. Under section 5(5) of the Health Act 1947, every regulation made under the Act must be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as possible after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the regulation is passed by either House within the subsequent 21 days on which that House has sat after the regulation is laid before it, the regulation shall be annulled accordingly. Basically, there is a proc…

I thank all Senators who spoke on these amendments. The public health measures are kept under constant review in order to take account of changing circumstances. The public health measures in place from time to time to suppress disease transmission are intended to minimise the risks to public health while striking the right balance in prioritising some activities over others and protecting key societal interests. The Government has adapted measures to address the public health risk at a given time, in addition to t…

Did the Senator see it on the 6 o'clock news?

I thank Senators Keogan, Clifford-Lee and Gavan for their contributions. I want to respond to what has been said, and, as Senators can imagine, my reply is not scripted. I have no choice but to answer Senator Keogan because she posed the question. Last night, the Taoiseach appeared on the news. He clearly stated that schools will not be closing. On mixed messaging, one could say the Senator and I are creating a conversation around mixed messaging today because, as we know, the Taoiseach has clearly stated that scho…

This matter has been discussed previously with the Minister, Deputy Donnelly. While we are not accepting the amendment, we take on board the Senator's points.

I think the Senator understands perfectly why I cannot accept this amendment. We have discussed this previously. It is repetition at this stage so I will stand back and let the process take its course.

The Senator certainly brings a colourful approach to the debate and I thank him. There is no script that could be prepared for me that would have the answers for that. I will take on board much of what he has said and I will respond. I can only talk from a health perspective at all times because that is where I sit. I am a Minister of State within the Department of Health. For me to talk about education would be misusing my time and misinforming people. The amendment relates to openness and transparency and the les…

I will make one last contribution before I finish. We will not force vaccinations on anybody.

Vaccination is a choice. I need to make that clear. It is a choice for parents. I believe in a choice-based approach. The only people I forgot to mention when I spoke about what has been successful were retired people who got involved in the vaccination process. Perhaps we could put out a cry for help for them to come back on board. The retired community gave invaluable time. They have experience and a skill set that should be embraced and used at this time. On medical exemptions, I have already worked with the HSE…

I wish to make a personal explanation pursuant to Standing Order 56 and to correct the record of the House concerning my concluding statement on Thursday, 11 November, during the Dáil debate on the Farrelly commission of investigation. Deputy Ó Cathasaigh asked me if there were other national independent review panels, NIRPs, in place in disability services. I indicated that two NIRP reports were under way in community healthcare organisation, CHO, area 5. After making this statement, it was brought to my attention…

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this issue and for giving me to the opportunity to respond. I also thank the Deputy for putting this Topical Issue matter down for debate. From the outset, I wish to acknowledge that there have been considerable challenges in certain parts of the country in the implementation of the PDS programme by the HSE. This has resulted in delays for families to access much-needed therapies for their children. I, of course, regret that and I wish to put on the record my sincerest apol…

Absolutely. The Deputy is right in respect of retention and recruitment and the challenges that exist in the context of trying to make disability attractive as a workplace. This week, I met Mark Smyth of the Psychological Society of Ireland, who sent me a submission relating to various grades and preferences. In fact, if there are more senior posts, it may be easier to attract and train in staff. We also need to look at the panels. I am sure the Deputy is considering that in his role as a member of the Opposition. …