Written Answers Nos. 336-359
336. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) by a concerned parent of a child in Dublin 11; the steps he is taking to address the issues raised by the parent; if he will examine this particular case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18623/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise that hospital waiting lists are too long and that many patients including children, are waiting an unacceptably long time for care. I acknowledge the impact this has on patients and their families, and especially the impact on children.
As the particular case raised by the Deputy relates to service issues, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
337. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health for an update on the implementation of the termination of pregnancy review with respect to recommendations concerning legislative amendments, including the criminalisation of health care providers, the mandatory three-day wait, and the ambiguity for clinicians interpreting section 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18634/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe final Report of the Independent Review of the Operation of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 made a range of recommendations, most of which are operational in nature, with some proposing legislative change.
The Report was considered by Cabinet in 2023. Following the meeting the Government agreed that the HSE would establish an implementation group to progress the operational recommendations, while the proposals recommending legislative changes were referred to the Joint Committee on Health for consideration.
The Joint Committee on Health submitted a report on the proposed legislative recommendations in December 2023, which was considered by me and my Department. I have now asked for further consideration of this issue at the Cabinet Committee on Health.
The HSE established the national Termination of Pregnancy Service Improvement Group to oversee the implementation of the operational recommendations from the O’Shea Report.
An action plan for the implementation of the recommendations has been developed.
This action plan comprises 10 workstreams which are in various stages of implementation. There have been 12 meetings related to these workstreams since December 2023.
338. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health for a response to the calls from healthcare providers to address the gaps in training and data collection by recruiting a Primary Care Lead for Termination of Pregnancy, in light of the fact more than 90% of abortions take place within primary care settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18635/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply.
339. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a call for applications for section 39 funding for organisations will next be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18637/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
340. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health what steps are being taken to ensure there are a sufficient number of beds available in Galway University Hospital to meet demand, particularly as cancer treatments have been delayed as a result of a lack of beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18641/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
341. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists in Galway city and county treating patients under the medical card scheme; the number of these accepting new patients at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18645/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra“As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
342. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health why there is no dedicated adult ADHD team operating in Galway who carry out assessments of people suffering from ADHD; whether his Department have received an application from the HSE that such a service would be provided in GUH; the response to such an application, if any, from the Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18651/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
343. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health for an update on a case (details supplied); and when the person concerned can expect an appointment with the ENT Department, Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore. [18652/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra“As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
344. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of epilepsy specialist nurse posts in the State; the number of these which are currently unfilled; the location of each epilepsy specialist nurse post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18653/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra“As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
345. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a medical card review application can be urgently reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18684/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
346. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) qualifies for the over-70s full medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18688/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
347. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a medical card might issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18690/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
348. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if home support might be made available in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18691/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
349. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18703/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
350. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a full medical card will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18704/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
351. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of electrical, plumbing and carpentry apprentices who completed their course in 2023, broken down by the year in which they first registered for their course, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18500/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra2,583 electrical, plumbing and carpentry apprentices completed their course in 2023, the table below gives the breakdown by the year in which they first registered for their course.
It should be noted that registration may take place on any date, while completion takes place on all days of the year following completion of the mandatory requirements of on-the-job and off-the-job phases. In addition, there may also be a short time between completion of a programme and certification.
The table below therefore represents the number of QQI certifications for 2023 in apprenticeships requested - electrical, carpentry & joinery, plumbing - by their year of apprentice registration. QQI process certifications every two months culminating in six certification runs per annum.
Craft apprenticeships take a minimum of 48 months to complete. Following that there is a period of approximately 3 months to process their certification, depending on QQI timelines. Therefore, apprentices registered in 2018/2019 should expect to complete their apprenticeship and be certified in the 2023/2024 period.
Apprentices in this data set may have paused their apprenticeship, changed employers, or had outstanding assessments leading to a longer completion time. The data set takes account for interruptions to training during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Table 1. QQI Certifications for 2023 by year of registration – Craft apprenticeships
|
Year of Apprentice Registration |
2019 |
2018 |
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
Before 2015 |
Total |
|
Electrical |
450 (25%) |
1,073 (61%) |
148 (8%) |
36 (2%) |
12 (1%) |
52 (3%) |
1,771 |
|
Carpentry & Joinery |
209 (52%) |
149 (37%) |
20 (5%) |
8 (2%) |
6 (2%) |
9 (2%) |
401 |
|
Plumbing |
65 (16%) |
287 (70%) |
24 (6%) |
11 (3%) |
6 (1%) |
18 (4%) |
411 |
352. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on whether alignment of the Youthreach calendar year with the second level schools' calendar would be a cost-saving measure to public expenditure as well as a contribution to the educational delivery of the service, going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18531/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Youthreach programme is a national full-time programme for unemployed early school leavers generally between 16 and 20 years of age and is delivered in two settings, Youthreach Centres and Community Training Centres. The Youthreach year is 225 days, with learners being required to attend for 208 days. Individual learner plans are developed for each Youthreach learner. While the precise configuration of the programme in each location is decided locally having regard to the individual learner and community needs and potential, the programme includes general education, vocational training and work experience as well as a variety of complementary experiences that build confidence and broaden horizons.
The Youthreach programme is staffed by Co-ordinators, Resource Persons and teachers with nationally agreed terms and conditions of employment. They have specific, clearly defined job descriptions. which were designed very much with the programmes structure in mind. Template contracts of employment for Youthreach were negotiated and agreed by all stakeholders.
Many Youthreach providers offer summer programmes, with opportunities for extra curricular activities, community projects and work experience modules to build the transversal skills of participants. The value of summer programmes has been identified in inspection reports of Youthreach undertaken by the Inspectorate in the Department of Education.
I am also aware of references to staff concerns raised in the ESRI’s Evaluation of the Youthreach Programme regarding learner attendance during the summer, Easter and Christmas holidays when schools were on holidays. A union representing Youthreach Co-ordinators and Youthreach Resource Persons has submitted a claim in respect of both grades, which officials are engaging with under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission. During this engagement, the length of the Youthreach year was raised and my officials undertook an analysis of Youthreach attendance data which found that overall average attendance levels were 6% lower during the summer programme than the rest of the year. There were issues with attendance evident in some ETBs, but not all.
There is an Operational Guidelines Working Group operating under the auspices of Education and Training Boards Ireland, which is developing revised and updated guidelines for the sector, including for the Community Training Centres who offer the Youthreach Programme. The work of the Group is expected to be completed in June 2024.
My primary concern is to ensure the best possible outcomes for participants on the Youthreach programme are realised and there is a continuity of supports available for learners.
353. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science how the Youthreach programme functions above the 166 days for students, given the reduction in staff who are employed as pro-rata teachers/resource persons; the percentage breakdown, by centre to indicate the way staffing levels change during this time (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18532/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Youthreach programme is a national full-time programme for unemployed early school leavers, generally between 16 and 20 years of age, and is delivered in two settings, Youthreach Centres and Community Training Centres. The Youthreach year is 225 days, with learners being required to attend for 208 days. Individual learner plans are developed for each Youthreach learner. The programme includes general education, vocational training and work experience as well as a variety of complementary experiences that build confidence and broaden horizons.
Within the ETBs, the Youthreach programme is staffed by Co-ordinators, Resource Persons and teachers with nationally agreed terms and conditions of employment. They have specific, clearly defined job descriptions. which were designed very much with the programmes structure in mind. Template contracts of employment for Youthreach were negotiated and agreed by all stakeholders. The programme is staffed by Managers, Instructors and administrative staff in the CTCs grant funded by the ETBs.
While the information requested on individual Centre staffing levels is not readily available, the overall numbers reported in the Youthreach Grades in the ETB Staffing Returns for Q4 2023 are as follows:
|
Grade |
Head Count |
WTEs |
|
YR Coordinator |
113 |
112 |
|
YR Resource Person |
536 |
467 |
|
YR Teacher |
339 |
249 |
|
Total |
988 |
827 |
Details of the staffing in the CTC Youthreach Centres is not routinely collected and the latest available data relate to 2022 when there were 297 staff, including 31 Managers, 224 Instructors and 42 administrative staff employed across the 31 CTCs.
The precise configuration of the programme in each location is decided locally having regard to the individual learner and community needs and potential. In a needs-based service it is the learners’ needs that must define the curriculum rather than the competencies and preferences of providers. All full-time Co-ordinator and Resource staff are expected to be present on the days that learners are in attendance.
All centres are required to have a programme plan for work experience and while there is no set proportion of the programme that must be dedicated to work experience, it is recommended that no more than six weeks per annum per learner is spent on work experience.
354. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if principal officers and deputy principal officers who work within the Youthreach education service read the Youthreach Employee Wellbeing Report 2022: A review of employees’ experience of working in the Youthreach Sector, published in January 2023; if he has concerns which may have been raised by the Youthreach Employee Wellbeing Report 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18533/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Youthreach Employee Wellbeing Report 2022: A review of employees experience of working in the Youthreach Sector was published by Maynooth University in January 2023. The relevant officials in my Department are aware of the findings of this report.
This report was based on a survey of 325 staff, or some 33% of the sector. It reported challenges facing frontline Youthreach sector staff and workplace stress but also found higher levels of wellbeing by comparison to teaching staff at other levels of education. The report highlighted the dedication and commitment of Youthreach staff to their student cohort.
The Youthreach programme is staffed by Co-ordinators, Resource Persons and teachers with nationally agreed terms and conditions of employment. They have specific, clearly defined job descriptions. which were designed very much with the programmes structure in mind.
I understand that Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) issued a follow-up sectoral response survey to the 16 ETBs. ETBI will consider the individual ETB responses and prepare a report for SOLAS and my Department on the issues raised and measures taken in relation to issues raised.
355. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total expenditure in the form of grants or relief given to social enterprises for research and innovation in each of the years 2020 to 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18570/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper on Enterprise 2022 – 2030 states that Social Enterprises, mostly micro-enterprises or SMEs, are an important and growing part of Ireland’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, creating jobs and stimulating local economic activity, and are recognised as an integral part of Ireland’s broad enterprise policy landscape. Requests for information in relation to grants or relief given to social enterprises for research and innovation would fall within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
356. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 754 of 16 April 2024, the specific legislation that his officials and those from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are looking to amend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18575/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you are aware, Officials from my Department have been engaging with officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the decision of private student accommodation providers to move to 51-week leases. Officials from both Departments are examining a number of potential legislative amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 2004-2022, which will require Government approval.
Student specific accommodation is within the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). The RTB provides a confidential dispute resolution service. This service offers a choice of resolution types to parties – telephone, mediation or adjudication – and the option to appeal through a tenancy tribunal. Investigations can commence based on information received from a member of the public. It is open to a student to make contact with the RTB with any complaints or disputes regarding their accommodation.
357. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of an application by an organisation (details supplied) to Pobal for funding for an additional full-time worker; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18463/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) supports over 430 community-based organisations, to provide local services through a social enterprise model. CSP provides an annual co-funding contribution towards each full-time equivalent (FTE) position being supported, and, where warranted, towards the cost of employing a manager.
An application window for funding additional staff posts for existing CSP funded organisations was opened on September 1st 2023 with a closing date of 29th September 2023.
Pobal, who manage and administer the programme on behalf of my Department, received a huge volume of applications from CSP supported organisations under this call for applications.
Pobal undertook an assessment of all applications received, with their recommendations submitted to my Department. I can confirm that the organisation in question did submit an application for additional supports. However, due to the huge volume of applications received, the assessment process has taken longer than anticipated. I hope to notify organisations of the outcome of this call in the coming weeks.
358. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the outdoor recreation application by a group (details supplied). [18603/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €156 million has been allocated to more than 1,700 projects across Ireland.
In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, TVRS priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities and to respond to changing needs and opportunities.
The 2023 Scheme has a renewed focus on town centre economic and social vibrancy. This will be achieved through projects focusing on town centre regeneration, enhancing our streetscapes, and the development of green spaces / recreational amenities which will encourage more people to work, live and socialise in town and village centres.
The 2023 Scheme is now closed and the competitive assessment process is currently ongoing. I can confirm that an application has been received in relation to the project referred to by the Deputy. I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects shortly.
359. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of valid applications received under the new build module set up to deliver new-build community centres in Rural Ireland under the Community Centre Investment Fund; the number of these granted funding to date; whether the applications not funded under this round of funding will be considered for funding under further funding rounds of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18625/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra360. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the scoring system that was applied to the evaluation of applications under the new build module set up to deliver new-build community centres in rural Ireland under the Community Centre Investment Fund; if unsuccessful applications will be debriefed on the score their application achieved and the lowest score of any successful application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18626/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 359 and 360 together.
Under the range of capital investment schemes implemented by my Department I have prioritised in recent years the development and enhancement of community centres across the country as they are a vital resource for any community.
Under the 2022 Community Centre Investment Fund in particular, over €45.8 million was committed for improvement and refurbishment works on over 860 existing community centres across Ireland.
Last year I announced a new fund to support communities with shovel-ready projects on green or brownfield sites for the construction of new community centres. Following the closing date, a total of 22 applications were received covering 14 counties and seeking funding of over €59m.
All applications were initially assessed for minimum eligibility taking account of a number of requirements including readiness to commence, ownership/lease status, evidence of matching/bridging finance and the completion of a Public Spending Code financial analysis.
Following this, applications were subject to a competitive assessment against the following criteria: Collaboration (100 marks), Financial Sustainability (100 marks), Capacity (100 marks), Demonstration of Need (150 marks), Value for Money (150 marks), Additionality (50 marks), Sustainability/Climate Action (50 marks). There were 700 marks in total.
I was very pleased to recently announce approval of twelve new build community centres in nine counties with a total fund of €30 million. This is well in excess of the anticipated 4 to 6 centres that were initially anticipated. The lowest of the successful applicants received a score of 360.
My officials are available to discuss any elements of an unsuccessful project with the applicant body. Applicants not shortlisted for funding are of course free to apply for other funding streams provided by my Department and indeed to reapply in the event of any future iteration of the Community Centre Investment Fund.
I will, of course, now give consideration to the need for further rounds of funding and any conditions that might be attached to any future iterations of the scheme in the context of available funding.
