Written Answers Nos. 569-591
569. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he can provide information on the new agency being set up to deal with emerging health threats; who is involved in the design, creation of terms of reference and membership of the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4283/24]
View answerIn July 2021, the Minister for Health and Government agreed to establish a Public Health Reform Expert Advisory Group to examine the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report of the Public Health Reform Expert Advisory Group went to Government on 6 September 2023 and following a government decision, the report was published.
Following publication of the report, Government also agreed to the appointment of an independent expert who will design a dedicated, emerging health threats function, building on existing assets and infrastructure to focus on infectious diseases, pandemic preparedness, and other emerging threats to public health. On 21 November, the Minister for Health announced the appointment of Professor Mary Horgan to this role and it is expected that her proposal on the optimal institutional arrangements will be bought to Government in the middle of 2024.
570. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he can provide information on what aspects of public health it is envisioned the new agency being set up to deal with emerging health threats will deal; if the agency will deal only with infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness; what definition of "emerging threats to public health" will be used; if threats to public health will be broader to deal with risk factors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4284/24]
View answerIn July 2021, the Minister for Health and Government agreed to establish a Public Health Reform Expert Advisory Group to examine the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report of the Public Health Reform Expert Advisory Group went to Government on 6 September 2023 and following a government decision, the report was published.
Following publication of the report, Government also agreed to the appointment of an independent expert who will design a dedicated, emerging health threats function, building on existing assets and infrastructure to focus on infectious diseases, pandemic preparedness, and other emerging threats to public health. On 21 November, the Minister for Health announced the appointment of Professor Mary Horgan to this role and it is expected that her proposal on the optimal institutional arrangements will be bought to Government in the middle of 2024.
571. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health who is working on the proposal on the scope and functions of the new agency being set up to deal with emerging health threats; what unit has responsibility for this within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4285/24]
View answerIn July 2021, the Minister for Health and Government agreed to establish a Public Health Reform Expert Advisory Group to examine the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report of the Public Health Reform Expert Advisory Group went to Government on 6 September 2023 and following a government decision, the report was published.
Following publication of the report, Government also agreed to the appointment of an independent expert who will design a dedicated, emerging health threats function, building on existing assets and infrastructure to focus on infectious diseases, pandemic preparedness, and other emerging threats to public health. On 21 November, the Minister for Health announced the appointment of Professor Mary Horgan to this role and it is expected that her proposal on the optimal institutional arrangements will be bought to Government in the middle of 2024.
572. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that a community (details supplied) which provides residential addiction service to vulnerable women and children in collaboration with HSE Mid-West at Westbourne House, Limerick city, requires an alternative property; what efforts have been made to identify and provide a suitable residential premises to ensure that the service continues uninterrupted after December 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4286/24]
View answerAs this refers to a service matter, I have sent this PQ to the HSE for direct response. As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
573. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health to make a statement on the closing of the primary care centre in Tyrrelstown, Dublin 15 and lack of GP practices taking new patients in the general Dublin 15 area.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4305/24]
View answerGPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community.
Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Currently, there are 2,518 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme.
Where a vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes actively involved in the recruitment process to find a replacement GP. While recruitment is ongoing, the HSE put a locum or other suitable arrangement in place to provide continuity of care for the area concerned.
The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice, including the limited access to GP services in certain areas, and is working to ensure that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future.
Under the 2019 GP Agreement additional annual expenditure provided for general practice has been increased now by €211.6m. This provides for significant increases in capitation fees for participating GMS GPs, and new fees and subsidies for additional services. Improvements to GP’s maternity and paternity leave arrangements and a support for GPs in disadvantaged urban areas, have also been provided for. In addition, the enhanced supports package for rural GP practices was increased by 10%.
The recent GP Agreement 2023 announced in July, which provides for the expansions of GP care without charges to those who earn up to the median household income and to children aged 6 & 7, includes additional capacity supports to enable the expansion and retention of staffing within general practice. It includes additional supports for GP Out of Hours services also.
These measures help make general practice in Ireland a more attractive career choice for doctors and will see an increase in the number of GPs working in the State, improving access to GP services for patients throughout the country. Figures recently released by the ICGP show that 1,311 medical graduates have applied for GP training in 2024, a notable increase on last year and higher than any previous years.
The number of doctors entering GP training has been increased in recent years, with 287 new entrants for this year and 350 places for new entrants planned for next year. Annual intake to the GP training scheme has been increased by over 80% since 2015.
With respect to the practice referenced I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as this is a service matter.
574. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the Connolly Hospital endoscopy unit closure; can he look at reopening the endoscopy unit or increasing bed capacity in Connolly Hospital to avoid shutting down day services to manage inpatients. [4306/24]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible.
575. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health when he plans to establish an alongside birth centre in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4329/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
576. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on his Department's work on the borrowing framework for technological universities; if there is a proposed timeline for when such a framework would be published; if he recognises the disadvantage that the inability to borrow places on technological universities compared with traditional universities in respect of borrowing for the provision of student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3651/24]
View answerIn recognition of the need to stimulate supply of student accommodation, the Government has supported my Department to develop policy responses to activate delivery of new and additional student accommodation for public higher education institutions.
In November 2022, I received Government approval for funding to assist the TUs in developing a student accommodation programme, which will be based on a regional needs and feasibility assessment. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) appointed consultants to undertake the first phase of this work.
The objective of the feasibility study is to establish an accurate “as is” account of available student accommodation supply; project future supply and demand for accommodation; and to ascertain what opportunities are available to meet the future demand for student accommodation.
Phase one of this study, a supply and demand analysis, is being finalised by the HEA. This Phase involved extensive data-gathering across all TUs, Universities and Colleges, comprising a data collection framework, 1-to-1 meetings with HEI representatives, and a centralised student survey on student accommodation.
In parallel with the data collection, the HEA is overseeing the development of a standardised Preliminary Business Case (PBC) process and templates. The intention of this work is to develop a programmatic approach to facilitate future TU student accommodation proposals. It is proposed that this will be achieved by using the demand analysis from the data collection process to inform a framework of delivery models and funding options as part of the second phase of the study.
Phase two of this study is to design and assess a framework for student accommodation for the TU sector and will commence this week with correspondence issuing to the sector outlining the timelines and requirements for this work. In addition, in the coming weeks a call for student accommodation proposals will be sought from the sector for assessment as part of process.
The Housing Finance Agency Act 1981, as amended, facilitates lending by the HFA to institutions of higher education, including TUs. My Department is working with relevant Government Departments to explore the development of a specific borrowing framework for TUs. The options arising from the TU feasibility study will inform this ongoing engagement. It is anticipated that any borrowing framework would in the first instance prioritise the provision of student accommodation in line with commitments in the Government's Housing for All plan.
577. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has availed of services and-or consultancy from a list of related companies (details supplied) in the past five years to date; if so, if he will provide a schedule of costs and the purpose for which the company was engaged; and if he continued to use services provided by it. [3782/24]
View answerMy Department has not availed of services or engaged any consultancy from the companies in question over the past five years. As such, no records of contractual arrangements exist.
578. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for the full list of craft apprenticeships, along with the latest taught version of the syllabuses; the date it was first published; the date of last review by QQI, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3836/24]
View answerThe information requested by Deputy Farrell is presently being compiled by SOLAS. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
579. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the total allocation of capital grants, devolved capital grants and the further education capital grants to the Laois-Offaly Education and Training Board and if the Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3849/24]
View answerFET capital funding allocated to Laois and Offaly and Education and Training Board (LOETB) in 2023 was made under the Devolved Capital Allocation which allows LOETB to address a range of small-scale projects at a local level and the Apprenticeship Fund with capital investment primarily for extensive equipment requirement for craft apprenticeships, to deliver off-the-job training in LOETB training centers. I wish to advise the Deputy that LOETB was allocated just over €1.35 million from the 2023 FET Capital Budget.
580. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide the total allocation under the Student Assistance Fund provided to each higher education institution for the past three academic years including 2023-2024, in tabular form. [3879/24]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is being collated and I will provide a written response to the Deputy when available.
581. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the date his new Student Accommodation Strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4071/24]
View answerThe first National Student Accommodation Strategy was launched in July 2017 and runs to the end of 2024. I recently received Government approval for the long-term student accommodation policy and methodology. The aim of this policy is to increase the supply of student accommodation and to examine alternative solutions that will remove accommodation as a barrier to higher education. Through this policy;
• The Government will fund the delivery of purpose built student accommodation;
• A call for proposals for accommodation projects for Technological Universities will open;
• Vacant properties will be repurposed into housing for students, including properties on college owned lands;
• Standardised design will reduce the cost of construction and increase the pace of delivery;
• Improved public transport will be explored for students;
• Continued support of the digs scheme with local authority and medical card changes coming into effect.
This long-term policy will inform the future student accommodation strategy which will be developed throughout 2024.
582. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the date that the funds for the running of the WorldSkills Ireland event 2024 will be disbursed; if the limited time left runs the risk of the event not proceeding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4072/24]
View answerMy officials have referred Deputy Farrell's query to the National Apprenticeship Office where the information requested is presently being compiled. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.
583. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the date that the HEA will publish its supply and demand analysis for student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4073/24]
View answerIn November 2022, funding was approved to assist the Technological Universities (TUs) in developing a student accommodation programme based on a regional needs and feasibility assessment. The HEA appointed consultants in June 2023, to oversee and assess the levels of supply and demand for student accommodation across our public higher education institutions (HEIs).
Phase one, a supply and demand analysis, has involved extensive data-gathering across all TUs, Universities and Colleges, comprising a data collection framework, one-to-one meetings with HEI representatives, and a centralised student survey on student accommodation. The comprehensive student accommodation supply and demand framework is currently undergoing analysis and data validation by the Higher Education Authority.
My intention is to collate and updated this survey and data on an annual basis. The regional supply and demand information will be shared with the Technological Universities and Traditional Universities as part of phase two of the study, which will commence in January 2024. It will be published in tandem with with the New Student Accommodation Strategy.
584. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students enrolled in level 5 pre-nursing courses in the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years. [4074/24]
View answerSOLAS has advised that the numbers of students enrolling in Level 5 pre-nursing PLC courses were 1,369 in 2022/23 and 1,281 in 2023/24.
In addition, for the first time in September 2023, students entered new tertiary programmes outside of the CAO system. Starting their programme in further education, they will progress seamlessly to guaranteed places to complete a fully-accredited degree in higher education. 54 students commenced new tertiary BSc (Honours) Degrees in Nursing.
585. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the percentage of alternative education settings, including Youthreach and related schemes, that have a canteen. [4075/24]
View answerSOLAS surveyed the ETBs in 2022 and reported that 20% of Youthreach Centres and 26% of Community Training Centres operated serviced canteens.
My officials are currently gathering information on the provision of lunches and breakfast clubs in Youthreach programmes and an update will be provided to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
586. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a schedule of the number of civilian drivers and Garda drivers attached to him and to Ministers of State of his Department; to provide the official work pattern for each driver and the total annual hours worked by each driver; and to indicate the number of drivers assigned to each Minister and Minister of State. [4221/24]
View answerThe Minister of State Niall Collins has two civilian drivers. Their rota is one week on, one week off starting their week on a Tuesday, working on average 920 - 960 hours per year, holidays included. The contract of employment for civilian drivers is coterminous with that of the Minister of State to whom they are assigned.
I do not have any civilian drivers. Responsibility for provision of Ministerial transport and the specific arrangements relating to it are a matter for the Department of Justice.
587. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 123 of 19 October 2023, where it was stated that "the total stock of purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) equates to over 48,000 beds (Q2 2023)"; the source for this figure; the breakdown of publicly owned versus privately owned PBSA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4261/24]
View answerThe figures provided in Parliamentary Question No. 123 of 19 October 2023 were based on Q3 2023 not Q2 2023 as stated in the answer to the original question.
The first National Student Accommodation Strategy, published in 2017, reported that there were circa 33,441 existing student accommodation beds. Building Information Ireland provides monthly reports to the Higher Education Authority regarding the construction of student accommodation. The September report indicates that 14,530 student accommodation beds have been built since 2017.
Data collected from individual universities in December 2023, indicate that there are 15,521 public purpose built student accommodation beds. Of these, 1,021 publicly funded beds were completed in 2023, 674 in UG, 80 in UL, 9 in TCD, 3 in MIC and 255 in UCC.
|
PBSA beds |
DCU |
TCD |
UCC |
UCD |
UL |
UG |
MU |
SETU |
MIC |
Total |
|
Existing |
1,455 |
1,843 |
1,536 |
4,154 |
2,934 |
1,891 |
1,146 |
426 |
136 |
15,521 |
589. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she and her Department will consider the purchase of Rawlton House, Sherrard Street Lower, Dublin 1, as part of the community recognition fund to be repurposed as a community centre. [3724/24]
View answerThe Community Recognition Fund recognises the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Funding of €50 million for some 900 projects is supporting towns and villages nationwide that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.
The Fund aims to support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community. It is important to note that this is separate from other public funding streams which aim to support the development of public services arising from the significant number of new arrivals into Ireland.
Through this initiative, communities are being assisted to develop projects such as large-scale multi-purpose sports facilities, walkways, cycle paths, playgrounds, equipment for sports clubs and community festivals. Vehicles have also been funded to address transport needs in communities.
A key priority for me now is to ensure that the range of projects approved across the country are delivered in a timely manner.
I have also been discussing the implementation of the Community Recognition Fund with Government colleagues in recent days, including the potential to introduce a second iteration of the scheme to further assist impacted communities. I have asked my officials to advance this work with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery & Reform and, subject to the outcome of that process, I expect to make an announcement shortly.
It should be noted that under the Community Recognition Fund it is a matter for each local authority to engage with impacted communities to identify the best projects to propose to my Department. In the event that a new iteration of the fund is announced, I would advise the Deputy to engage with Dublin City Council as regards any potential projects that might be put forward.
590. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has availed of services and-or consultancy from a list of related companies (details supplied) in the past five years to date; if so, if she will provide a schedule of costs and the purpose for which the company was engaged; and if she continued to use services provided by it. [3787/24]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has availed of services from the company referenced in the details supplied.
Following a public procurement procedure in 2023, they were the successful tenderer to undertake a feasibility study on the extension of the Connected Hubs platform to include remote working hubs in Northern Ireland. The value of the contract is €84,500 (ex. VAT) and is currently ongoing.
Following a public procurement procedure in 2021, they were the successful tenderer to support my Department to develop a new People Strategy 2022 –2024, and design and roll out a bespoke Leadership development programme for all staff. The value of the contract was €140,742 (ex. VAT). The contract was completed in July 2023.
591. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will advise what grants or funding streams are available for an organisation (details supplied) affiliated community events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3968/24]
View answerMy Department provides a number of funding streams for a wide range of community and voluntary organisations, and I would encourage all interested groups to regularly engage with their Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), Local Development Company (LDC) and Public Participation Network (PPN) in order to ensure they are informed of a range of funding opportunities as they arise.
My Department does not provide dedicated funding in relation to the organisation or activity in question, however they may be eligible for locally administered schemes and should contact their LCDC, LDC and PPN directly.
