Vol. 620 No. 6
7 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the Government asked the Irish Health Services Accreditation Board to draw up standards for nursing homes if she is not going to publish or implement same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21247/06]
13 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she intends publishing and implementing the Residential and Non-Acute Care Accreditation Scheme as prepared by the Irish Health Services Accreditation Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21216/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 13 together.
A Working Group has been established by the Department of Health and Children to develop national standards, in line with best international practice, for residential care settings for older people. These will be the minimum standards which will have to be met in both private and public long term care settings. Membership of the Group comprises officials from the Department, the Health Service Executive, the Social Services Inspectorate and the Irish Health Service Accreditation Board (IHSAB). A draft of the national standards will be available in July and a consultation process will be undertaken to enable all interested parties to give their views.
IHSAB was established to operate accreditation programmes. Accreditation is an effective, internationally recognised evaluation process used by many countries world wide to assess and promote quality in healthcare. Accreditation is a voluntary process. The Residential and Non Acute Accreditation Scheme developed by IHSAB is therefore a voluntary scheme. This Accreditation Scheme sets out standards for the very highest level quality of care which service providers could work towards. These accreditation standards will be published by IHSAB once national standards are established. The Department and IHSAB are in ongoing consultation in relation to both national standards and accreditation standards.
8 Mr. English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied herself that the level of donor organ retrieval in acute hospitals here is working at optimal levels or if she has some concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21248/06]
There is a declining trend over recent years in Europe and worldwide in relation to donor numbers, due in part to improved systems in Intensive Care Units which reduce the number of potential donors. It is therefore essential that we examine the practices and procedures within individual hospitals which deal with potential donors to ensure that the potential for organ donation is being maximized.
The National Organ Procurement Service, which is based at Beaumont Hospital, produces an annual report which includes details of the number of donor organs retrieved at the participating hospitals. The 2005 Report shows that organs were retrieved from 76 donors during the year, a reduction on the 2004 figure of 89. A significant number of donations were made at Beaumont Hospital and Cork University Hospital where there are neurosurgical units in place. There was a relatively low level of retrieval at other hospitals.
In the context of seeking to increase the number of donor organs available for transplant, the Health Service Executive was asked by my Department to undertake a review and analysis of the factors that impact on organ procurement and retrieval rates in hospitals around the country. This review has recently commenced and will be completed over the coming months. One of the main issues that is being examined is whether there is potential to increase the level of donor organ retrieval across the acute hospital sector.
10 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she is committed to Action 78 of Quality and Fairness — A Health Strategy for You which promised 650 additional acute hospital beds by the end of 2002 and 3,000 additional beds by 2011; her views on whether an additional 3,000 beds are required; if so, the projected annual increase and means of delivery of these beds up to 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21303/06]
The Health Strategy (2001) contained a commitment to increase the number of acute hospital beds by a total of 3000 over a ten year period. The Strategy did not set a mid-way target or a target of beds to be provided by year.
In 2001, the year of the publication of Health Strategy, the average number of in-patient beds and day places available for treatment of patients in public acute hospitals was 12,145. Hospital returns for 2005 show that this number has risen to 13,255, an increase of 1,110 in-patient beds and day places. 90% of treatment places in acute hospitals are overnight in-patient beds. In addition, a further 450 acute beds/day places are in various stages of planning and development under the Capital Investment Framework 2005-2009.
In July 2005, I announced an initiative to have private beds built on the campuses of public hospitals. The aim of this initiative is to enable up to 1000 beds in public hospitals, which are currently used by private patients, to be re-designated for use by public patients. The HSE recently advertised for expressions of interest to construct private hospitals on the sites of 11 publicly funded hospitals. These additional in-patient beds/day places will mean that our commitment to increase total acute hospital capacity will be virtually complete.
A Steering Group has been established under the chairmanship of the National Director of the National Hospitals Office to review our acute hospital bed requirements up to the year 2020. The Group includes representatives of the HSE, my Department, the Department of Finance and the Economic and Social Research Institute.
11 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she expects to publish the report by a person (details supplied); if she will act on their recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21298/06]
I am advised that the report referred to by the Deputy is currently being considered by the Health Service Executive. It has not yet been submitted to the Tánaiste or myself. I am not therefore, in a position to say when it will be published or to offer any comments on its recommendations.
The Department of Health and Children has been working on two important areas which will have a significant impact on the inspection of Nursing Homes. The first is a Working Group which has been established by the Department to develop the standards for residential care settings for older people. Membership of the Group comprises officials from the Department, the Health Service Executive, the Social Services Inspectorate and the Irish Health Service Accreditation Board.
The Group is developing standards for the inspection of both public and private residential care for older people. A draft document is nearing completion and will be circulated to interested and relevant parties in the summer. In addition, the Irish Health Services Accreditation Board has examined the development of accreditation standards for both public and private residential care for older people. These will be introduced once national standards are established. The IHSAB and the DoHC are in ongoing consultation in relation to national and accreditation standards.
Secondly, the Department is in the process of drafting the Health Bill 2006 which provides for the establishment of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) and the Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services, as an office within HIQA, on a statutory basis.
In addition, the HSE established a Working Group on Nursing Home Inspections in July 2005. It has now reported. The report makes a number of initial recommendations in specific areas in relation to nursing homes inspections which it regards as priority issues. The Group is addressing standards in respect of the inspection process. The HSE is committed to publishing inspection reports on nursing homes and these are expected to be published from mid-July onwards.
Priority is being given to the appointment of dedicated multi-disciplinary inspection teams whose remit solely covers all aspects of nursing home inspections, registrations, investigations and dealing with FOI requests. Standardised documentation will be used by all inspection teams throughout the HSE. An Integrated Checklist will be adopted by all Inspection Teams and completed at each inspection by team members.
12 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her Department’s interpretation of the 2001 Health legislation that gives statutory in-patient care to every person over the age of seventy; if this provides for free nursing home care in either a public or private nursing home to all patients over the age of seventy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21220/06]
Section 53 of the Health Act, 1970, provides for charges to be made in respect of in patient services generally. In regard to public long-stay care, Section 53 was amended by the Health (Amendment) Act, 2005 to provide for a charge where in-patient services have been provided for a period of not less than 30 days, or for periods aggregating not less than 30 days within the pervious 12 months.
This was implemented by the Health (Charges for In-Patients Services) Regulations 2005 which provided for the levying of charges in respect of the maintenance of person in public long-stay care. Services are not, therefore, free in public units and in respect of private nursing homes, the financial support given by the State to patients is at present governed by the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990 and subsequent Regulations, which allow the State to pay a subvention towards the cost of private nursing home care. The Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2001 does not give statutory entitlement to free nursing home care in either public or private nursing homes.
The Report of the inter-departmental Working Group on long term care which examined funding issues relating to residential and community care, is at present being considered by the Cabinet.
14 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she intends to take to improve the situation for chronic pain sufferers here; the numbers and locations of pain specialists, pain clinics and pain management programmes here; her views on whether these services are adequate for the needs of the large number of people in pain; if she has figures of those experiencing chronic pain here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21333/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Patients requiring treatment for chronic pain are seen in a number of different settings. The majority of patients are treated on an out-patient basis at an acute hospital and return home after treatment. Where required, patients are also treated on a day-care or in-patient basis under a more intensive and structured treatment programme.
The HSE has advised that hospitals which provide this service include Beaumont, St. James's, the Mater, St. Vincent's, The Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children's Hospital at Tallaght (AMNCH), Waterford Regional, St. Luke's Kilkenny, Cork University Hospital, Limerick Regional, University College Hospital, Galway and the Cavan/Monaghan Hospital Group. The HSE further advises that St. Vincent's Hospital is the only fully multi-integrated pain management service in Ireland and is a pioneering unit in the use of SENS (Subcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation). The AMNCH also provides a dedicated Pain Management Programme. Pain Management, is also delivered in a Primary Care setting by General Practitioners and where necessary, supported by specialist services.
The HSE also advises that the need for further investment in Pain Management Services will be examined in the context of the 2007 Estimates.
15 Ms Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if emergency medical technicians trained to paramedical grade are using their skills in the ambulance service; if the roll-out of this vital service has been delayed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21251/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004. As part of the reform of the health service a National Ambulance Office has been established under the auspices of the National Hospitals Office within the HSE. The Office has responsibility for the provision of pre-hospital emergency care nationally.
The most significant development in the sector for many years is the roll-out of the Advanced Paramedic Training Programme. The introduction of the programme required two legislative changes which were completed in August 2005. The National Ambulance Training School (NATS), which operates under the auspices of the HSE, in conjunction with University College Dublin, is providing training for Advanced Paramedic candidates. The NATS graduated 29 Advanced Paramedics in 2005 and proposes to train a further 48 in the current year.
A Group Authority Licence was required for the administration of three controlled drugs — morphine, lorazepam and diazepam — by Advanced Paramedics. This Licence was issued by the Irish Medicines Board on the 5th May 2006. Completion of the training programme allows ambulance personnel to administer an additional 19 medications. This includes, for example, cardiac medications, which they could not administer previously.
The HSE has advised that, to ensure that a quality assured service can be rolled out, policies, protocols and structures are required to be in place around the issue of medicines management, including clinical oversight and security. The HSE has advised that it is finalising the operational policies and supporting infrastructure to allow for the rollout of the operational component of the service. This includes the development of policies in relation to medicines management and the management of controlled drugs carried by Advanced Paramedics working alone. These operational policies are undergoing final risk assessment at present. The Executive is also developing requisition and record management systems which are required to meet the demands of the regulatory bodies in this area. A clinical advisory group has been established in each area of operation around the country to provide a clinical oversight of the process.
The HSE ambulance service expects to be in a position to deploy Advanced Paramedics in an operational capacity from the end of this month.
16 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason parliamentary questions are being answered in a piecemeal fashion; the further reason they often correspond to the old health board structure when the Health Service Executive is lauded as a single entity system that has brought uniformed reform to a previously disjointed system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21228/06]
Contrary to the view indicated in the Deputy's question, I believe that a rational and coherent approach is being taken to answering parliamentary questions, in the context of the establishment of the HSE. It is also clear that a high priority is being given to this work, through the establishment of the HSE's Parliamentary Affairs Division in April of last year, and its subsequent positioning within the Office of the Chief Executive Officer.
The Parliamentary Affairs Division allows for the centralised receipt, assignment and tracking of PQs within the HSE's extensive network of operations. More generally, it has the capacity to monitor overall performance in relation to the timely issue of replies and to initiate further developments in that regard. In addition, it provides a central contact for all requests from Oireachtas members for information relating to matters within the statutory remit of the Executive.
Last year the Ministers of State in my Department and I answered 5,305 PQs which represented a significant increase on the previous year's total of 4,132. Approximately half of these questions, relating to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, were appropriate for referral to the HSE for investigation and direct reply. These questions covered a broad scope of issues, ranging from the provision of services to individuals to national operational or infrastructural matters.
It is logical that questions of a different nature will involve a different approach to the preparation of a reply. In effect, the type of question determines how it should be most appropriately and expeditiously answered. Where a question relates to the provision of a service by the HSE on a national basis it is dealt with by the relevant HSE National Directorate. Questions involving the collation of information from across the system are coordinated and managed by the Parliamentary Affairs Division to ensure that a complete and comprehensive reply is compiled. Where a question relates to the provision of a service to an individual patient, to a particular hospital or to services in a particular administrative area, the response is issued, under the CEO's authority, by the appropriate manager at local or regional level.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department continues to work closely with the HSE, and particularly its Parliamentary Affairs Division, in relation to the monitoring of performance and the development of capacity in this key area of activity and accountability.
17 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the major hospital building projects which are in the planning pipeline; the stage each has reached; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21322/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for progressing major hospital projects under the health capital programme.
In this context, following extensive discussions involving my Department, the Department of Finance and the Health Service Executive (HSE), approval recently issued to the Executive to proceed with its capital plan for 2006. This provides for an overall capital expenditure limit of €555.5 million and is subject to the Executive delivering its programme, including individual projects, consistent with relevant Government policies and in line with overall funding and staffing resources for 2006 or beyond.
The HSE Capital Plan 2006 contains proposals to progress a number of major hospital projects, where the total capital cost in each case would exceed €25million. The name and current status in relation to each is as shown in the following table.
|
Project |
Current Status |
|
Mater & Children’s Hospital |
Planning |
|
St. Vincent’s University Hospital — Phase 1 |
Equipping |
|
Beaumont Hospital (Various projects) |
Planning, construction & equipping |
|
Cork University Hospital — Cardiac Renal |
Planning |
|
Cork University Hospital — Maternity |
Equipping |
|
Cork University Hospital — A&E, DPU |
A&E open, DPU equipping (Day procedures Unit) |
|
University College Hospital Galway — Phase 11 |
Equipping |
|
Naas General Hospital — Phase 3B & 3C |
Planning |
|
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda — Interim works |
Planning |
|
Louth County Hospital — DCP Phase 1 |
Planning |
|
Cavan General Hospital — DCP Phase 1 |
Planning |
|
Monaghan General Hospital — Interim works |
Planning |
|
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Navan — DCP Phase 1 |
Planning |
|
Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore |
Equipping |
|
Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar — Phase 2B |
Planning |
|
South Tipperary General Hospital — Phase 1 |
Equipping |
|
National Rehabilitation Hospital |
Planning |
|
Brú Chaoimhín (H&S) |
Planning |
The Health Capital Investment Framework 2006 — 2010 also provides for a National network for Radiation/Oncology services at Dublin, Cork and Galway, with satellite centres at Limerick and Waterford. This project is currently at early procurement stages.
18 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she plans to take following a recent report on concealed pregnancy which found that there are women who continue to conceal and deny pregnancy; and if she intends to follow the suggestion in the report. [21320/06]
The report Concealed Pregnancy: A case-study approach from an Irish setting was jointly commissioned by the Crisis Pregnancy Agency (CPA) and the Health Service Executive (West). It was launched on 23rd May 2006 and it is the first report of its kind that looks in depth at women's experiences of concealed pregnancy in Ireland. I welcome this report and I wish to acknowledge that this research represents an important contribution to our understanding of the phenomenon of concealed pregnancy.
The report makes recommendations to guide and inform the planning and development of a national framework of services responding to concealed pregnancy in medical, social, counselling and support service settings throughout the health services on a national basis. The CPA will be examining how the findings in this report may best inform its work programme, particularly in the areas of: Education and working with young people; the Positive Options campaign and the provision of crisis pregnancy counselling; its ‘Key Contacts' information project; and other information resources being developed by the Agency for parents, GPs, etc.
In particular, the report recommends that the CPA host a forum for continued sharing of information on concealed pregnancy. The CPA has informed me that it will be convening such a forum to involve all of the parties that come into contact with women who may conceal a pregnancy, including medical social workers, GPs, crisis pregnancy counsellors, ante-natal educators, midwives, etc. The Agency views the establishment of such a forum as a first step towards developing a framework for managing concealed pregnancies and to further co-ordinate services.
In addition, the CPA has informed me that its Chairperson intends to write to the National Union of Journalists, the media (written and broadcast), the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, and the Garda Commissioner about this report; and to invite these interests to workshops in order to discuss the conclusions of the report and to examine whether guidelines would help those who handle communication of information on this sensitive issue. Furthermore, crisis pregnancy counselling services are an important means of connecting with women who might conceal their pregnancies. The Agency has indicated to me that it looks forward to further developing its co-operation with the Health Service Executive, especially in the delivery of additional counselling services nationally.
19 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she agrees with the ICTU that the workforce participation of women in their 30’s is low by EU standards (details supplied); her views on whether the lack of childcare contributes to this with many women leaving the workforce after the birth of their second child; the figures for same; the special social or employment and in-work supports her Department provides or intends to provide for these women; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17672/06]
The participation of women in the Irish labour force has risen dramatically in recent years, from 40.1% in 1994 to 55.8% in 2004, and this trend is continuing alongside record numbers in employment. The CSO study "Women and Men in Ireland 2004" provides an interesting picture of how women's role in the labour force is changing and how this pattern may continue to develop as older age women exit the workforce.
The Study reported that, in 2004, 41.7% of the labour force was female. The highest participation rate by women, at 75.6%, was in the age group 25-34. While the rate of female participation declined in respect of later age groups, to 65.9% for women aged 35-44 and to 60.2% for women aged 45-54, the most steep decline was found in the age group 55-64, for which the participation rate was 33.6% a little over half of the male rate for this age group. The CSO concluded that as this age group exit the labour force and are replaced by women entering the labour force at a higher participation rate, the overall employment rate of 60% of women set by the Lisbon Council may become attainable.
While I do not have comparative rates of female workforce participation in EU member states by reference to age, in 2003 the overall rate of female employment in Ireland was just above the EU 25 rate of 55%. Taken together with relatively low rates of participatory decline between the age groups 25-34 and 35-54, I believe it is reasonable to assume that the upward trend in female workforce participation will continue.
With regard to the issue of childcare, as the Deputy will be aware, I have been assigned responsibility for this key area of Government policy in my role as Minister for Children and the Government's major investment programmes in this area are now administered on my behalf by the newly established Office of the Minister for Children. The Deputy will also be aware that the growing demand for quality childcare services to meet the needs of working parents and their children was identified by this Government as far back as 1997 when steps were taken to set up the first major investment programmes in childcare provision.
Under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) 2000-2006, which is co-funded by the EU, almost €500 million has been invested in developing a quality childcare infrastructure. By the end of this Programme next year, I understand that over 40,000 additional childcare places will have been created. While the EOCP is still in place, in December last, the Government announced its new National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006-2010 under which further funding amounting to €575 million has been committed and a target of creating 50,000 additional childcare places has been set. The new investment programme is also designed to further develop the quality of childcare services in a way which meets the needs of parents and their children for a range of childcare services centred on the needs of the child.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Colleague the Minister for Finance, Mr Brian Cowen, T.D., announced a range of other childcare measures in Budget 2006 which I will now outline. Paid and unpaid Maternity Leave were both increased by 4 weeks from 1 March 2006. These will be increased by a further 4 weeks from March 2007, bringing the total duration of paid Maternity Leave to 26 weeks and the total duration of unpaid Maternity Leave to 16 weeks.
A new Early Childcare Supplement of €1,000 per annum was introduced for all children less than 6 years of age and is effective from April 2006. This is a direct, non-taxable payment of €250 per quarter year, in respect of each eligible child. It is expected that the first payment will be made in August, followed by further payments in October and December 2006 and payments will be made quarterly thereafter. Child Benefit was increased from April 2006 by €8.40 per month for the first two children to €150 per month and by €7.70 per month for the third and subsequent children to €185 per month.
An exemption from tax on income earned from childminding has also been introduced. Where an individual minds up to three children in the minder's own home, no tax will be payable on the childminding earnings, provided the amount is less than €10,000 per annum. While the tax exemption which is being introduced for income from childminding is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners in the first instance, in order to avail of it, a Childminder must elect to make a voluntary notification of his or her childminding service to the person recognised by the HSE for this purpose, effectively the local City or County Childcare Committee (CCC). This will further strengthen the voluntary notification system already operated by the CCCs and supported by the Childminder Advisory Officers.
Budget 2006 also included increased funding for childcare training which will be allocated between now and 2010, to ensure an adequate supply of staff for the additional facilities coming on stream. The aim is to create 17,000 additional qualified childcare personnel as part of the new National Childcare Training Strategy. Together, these childcare initiatives should assist working parents, including women with more than one child, to balance their work and family commitments.
However, while the Government's childcare policy will undoubtedly facilitate female participation in employment, this is not the sole or primary aim of the Office of the Minister for Children in implementing that policy. In addition, the Deputy may wish to note the responsibilities of other Departments in providing supports for parents in employment. In particular, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment is responsible for promoting enterprise and employment development, while the Equality for Women Measure of the National Development Plan 2000-2006, a positive action programme designed to tackle attitudinal, cultural and structural barriers to women's equal participation in the economy, is a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
20 Mr. Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the recent study by researchers at National University of Ireland, Galway and Queen’s University Belfast showing that almost one in five people here with a medical problem are not going to see their general practitioner due to the cost, as opposed to less than two percent in the six counties; if, in view of this statistic, she will revisit her previous statement that the cost of a general practitioner visit is a private matter and not her Department’s concern; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21306/06]
The study the Deputy refers to has not been submitted to my Department. I understand that while it was recently published that its findings are based on information collected in 2003. Since that time there have been many improvements in the public provision of GP services under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme including the introduction of the GP visit card and the significant reform of the income assessment guidelines for both that benefit and the medical card.
€60 million was provided to the Health Service Executive under the 2005 Estimates for Health to improve access to primary care by providing 30,000 additional persons with medical cards and an additional 200,000 people, particularly those people on low incomes with free access to GP visits with the introduction of the GP visit card. I increased the medical card income guidelines from 1st January, 2005 by 7.5% generally and more so in the case of dependant children so as to assist low income families in accessing primary care services.
In June 2005, I amended the means test for both medical cards and GP visit cards. It is now based on an applicant's and spouse's income after tax and PRSI, and is more generous in treating family outgoings on rent or mortgage payments, childcare and the costs of travel to work. This is much fairer to applicants. I announced in October, 2005 that the income guidelines for both medical cards and GP visit cards would be increased by an additional 20%. This means the income guidelines are now 29% higher than they were at the end of 2004.
It will be noted that the income assessment guidelines for GP visit cards are 25% higher than those used for medical cards. Details of the guidelines and how to apply can be found at offices of the HSE, on the HSE website, www.HSE.ie and on the HSE National Information Line, 1850 24 1850, (between 8.00am and 8.00pm Monday to Saturday). I have introduced these changes because I believe that no one should be put off visiting their doctor because of cost.
As at 1st May 2006, 1,181,089 persons held medical cards. This is an increase of 36,006 persons covered since January 2005 and therefore the target of providing an additional 30,000 people with medical cards has been met.
As at 29 May 2006, 16,920 persons held a GP visit card. I am concerned that there are many people who are missing out on having free GP care. I have asked the HSE to develop a targeted information campaign and this will be launched in the coming weeks. My Department and the HSE are concluding a review of the GP visit card guidelines and I expect to introduce further improvements shortly.
Fees charged by general practitioners for private consultations are a matter of private contract between the GP and the private patient, the doctor as the service provider and the patient as the user. My Department has no role in the setting of these fees.
21 Mr. Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the average working week and the amount earned in overtime by the highest earner in each health profession in all the acute hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21227/06]
It has not been possible for the Health Service Executive to compile the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will communicate again with the Deputy in this matter as soon as I receive the information.
22 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on claims from the Irish Hospital Consultants' Association that the numbers quoted by her of 13,255 acute public hospital beds includes outpatient and day-case beds and that the numbers of in-patient beds according to the Health Service Executive as of May 2006 is 12,158; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21314/06]
36 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the planning which has been done in her Department to give effect to the commitment to deliver 3,000 additional acute hospital beds as outlined in the National Health Strategy, apart from those already provided; the progress which has been made in identifying the regions and specialties where further beds will be located; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21323/06]
45 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of public in-patient beds that have been delivered since 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21217/06]
61 Mr. McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether there are enough public hospital beds in the health system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21264/06]
68 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she intends to take to combat the excessively high bed occupancy rates in some hospitals that reach 100 per cent and over despite internationally agreed best practice of occupancy at 85 per cent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21319/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 36, 45, 61 and 68 together.
In 2001, the year of the publication of the Health Strategy, the average number of in-patient beds for HSE Network Hospitals was 11,375 in-patient beds and 770 day places. Provisional figures for 2005 indicate that the average number of beds available for use in HSE Network Hospitals was 12,042 in-patient beds and 1213 day places. This is an increase of 667 in publicly funded acute hospitals in-patient beds and an increase of 443 day places. It is important to note that the numbers of beds available in any hospital may fluctuate over time depending on service demands and other factors such as seasonal closures and refurbishment. A further 450 acute beds are at various stages of development under the HSE Capital programme.
In addition, I have launched an initiative which aims to provide 1,000 additional beds for public patients. This will be achieved through the development of private hospitals on the sites of public hospitals, transferring private activity to those hospitals and freeing up beds currently reserved for private patients. The HSE has recently advertised for expressions of interest for the development of private hospitals on the sites of 11 publicly funded hospitals.
In the light of the progress made to date and following discussions between the HSE and my Department, it has been decided to carry out a review of our acute hospital bed requirements up to the year 2020. A Steering Group has been established under the chairmanship of the National Director of the National Hospitals Office. The Group includes representatives of the HSE, my Department, the Department of Finance and the Economic and Social Research Institute.
It is envisaged that the Group will engage in consultation with key service providers and stakeholders within the Irish health care system in the course of its work. It is expected that the review will consider the number and type of acute beds required nationally and by HSE Administrative area. The high rate of bed occupancy in some hospitals will also be examined in the context of the review.
23 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent to which the number of incidents of MRSA has been monitored with a view to setting out procedures and practices to eliminate the problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21270/06]
47 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the most recent figures of the number of cases of MRSA in each of the past four years and to date in 2006; the number of fatalities attributable to MRSA; the steps which are being taken to reduce the incidence of MRSA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21332/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 47 together.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) collects data on MRSA bacteraemia (also known as bloodstream infection or "blood poisoning") as part of the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (EARSS). EARSS collects data on the first episode of blood stream infection per patient per quarter. EARSS was designed to allow comparison of antimicrobial resistance data between countries and possibly regions but not between hospitals. The Irish data for EARSS, which is published on a quarterly basis by the HPSC, showed that there were 445 cases in 2002, 480 cases in 2003, 553 cases in 2004 and 586 cases of MRSA reported in 2005. Data in respect of the 1st Quarter of 2006 is not yet available. It is difficult to identify number of fatalities attributable to MRSA as many people also have significant co-morbidity factors.
This year Ireland is participating in the Hospital Infection Society's "Prevalence Survey of Health Care Associated Infections" in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The survey will provide accurate and comparable data on the prevalence of Health Care Associated Infections (including MRSA) in acute hospitals in Ireland. The data gathered from hospitals can also be used to compare with similar data being obtained in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The data is being analysed over the summer and the results should be available in October/November.
The control of Health Care Associated Infections (HCAIs) including MRSA continues to be a priority for the HSE. The HSE recently announced that additional funding is being provided in 2006 for a range of initiatives for prevention and control of HCAIs including MRSA. The implementation of the revised SARI Guidelines on the control and prevention of MRSA in hospitals and in the community, the "Clean Hands Campaign", the National Hygiene Audits and the development of national standards in relation to infection control and hospital hygiene are also aimed at addressing the challenges presented by HCAIs.
24 Ms Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on a subcommittee which was set up to look into the feasibility of setting up a third neurological unit in Galway; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this subcommittee was convened in 2001 and 2002 and that to date no report has been produced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21326/06]
In 2002, a committee was established by Comhairle na nOspidéal, to review the existing arrangements for the provision of neurosurgical services and consultant staffing nationally, and following consultation with the interests concerned, to make recommendations on the future organisation and development of neurosurgical services. My Department has been informed that the report will be published by the Health Service Executive in the coming weeks.
25 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the call from the Royal College of Surgeons for an improvement in services for breast cancer patients across the State; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that six years on from the publication of a report on the development of services for symptomatic breast disease here that inequalities of access to high quality, modern standards of care still exist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21324/06]
The Government is fully aware of the impact of breast cancer on women's health and has made the development and improvement of diagnostic and treatment services for breast cancer patients a major priority in the development of cancer services. A national breast screening programme combined with quality assured symptomatic services nationally are key elements of our cancer control programme. Since 2000, more than €60 million has been made available for the development of symptomatic breast disease services. I have invested significantly in BreastCheck to meet its capital and revenue requirements and it is confident that the target date of next year for commencement of screening in the remaining regions of the country will be met.
One of the key issues raised by the Royal College of Surgeons is the fragmentation of surgical care for women with breast cancer. The reality is that a low volume of surgical procedures is being carried out in too many hospitals at present which is not in line with best international practice. I recognise the importance of quality care and adherence to best practice in the provision of quality services for breast cancer patients. Last year I established a National Quality Assurance Group, under the Chairmanship of Professor Niall O'Higgins, President of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. I am aware of the success of the recent stakeholder symposium organised by the Group as part of the process of developing expert guidelines for the management of symptomatic breast disease. It will also be necessary to establish effective mechanisms to ensure that the guidelines are applied in the best interests of patient care.
The National Cancer Forum has recommended in its National Strategy for Cancer Control a national governance and organisation structure including accreditation to improve the quality of cancer care. The Strategy is currently being examined by my Department in conjunction with the HSE. I will bring proposals to Government shortly.
26 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the ratio of cardiac surgeons, dermatologists, rheumatologists, neurologists and other specialties to population are far below ratios in other developed countries; the number of each of the above specialists and the regional breakdown; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21313/06]
The Deputy will be aware that the management and delivery of the health and personal social services is now the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. This includes responsibility for the appointment of additional hospital consultant posts. Therefore, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond to the Deputy in relation to the issues raised and to provide the information requested.
27 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress of each point from her accident and emergency ten point plan; the numbers of MRI scanners, acute medical units, minor injury, chest pain and respiratory clinics since publication of the plan; the location of each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21330/06]
Tackling the current difficulties with A & E is the Government's top priority in health. Our objectives are to reduce the numbers waiting for admission, the time spent waiting for admission, and the turnaround time for those who can be treated in A & E and do not require admission.
The HSE is continuing to implement the 10 Point Action Plan. I have written to the Deputy giving him some information on the progress in relation to each of the actions, and my Department has also asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE to provide the Deputy with additional information relevant to the specific matters raised.
In addition to the actions contained in the Action Plan, it has been agreed with the HSE that a number of additional measures will be implemented by the Executive. These include in particular the setting of performance targets for individual hospitals.
In the immediate term, the HSE is introducing a series of measures to improve facilities for patients and staff in A & E departments. Long-term care beds are being secured from within the private sector to facilitate the discharge of patients who have completed the acute phase of their care. The acute beds that become available as a result of this initiative will be ring-fenced for those patients awaiting admission in A & E departments. Funding is being made available within the capital programme to develop admissions beds and other facilities to ensure that patient privacy, dignity and comfort are preserved while awaiting admission to an acute bed.
The HSE has established a dedicated Task Force to oversee the implementation of the framework for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of services in our A & E departments. The Task Force will work with hospitals to introduce a system of "whole hospital" performance measures to improve the patient's journey not alone through the A & E department but through the hospital system from admission to discharge.
The achievement of improvements in A & E services is dependent on fundamental changes both in hospitals and in other areas of the health service. I am confident that by improving hospital processes and procedures, by providing additional step-down beds for those patients who do not require acute hospital care, and by expanding and enhancing primary and community care services we can achieve a sustained improvement in our A & E services.
28 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when as outlined in Parliamentary Question No. 259 of 21 February 2006, the Health Service Executive, National Ambulance Office will be reviewing the transportation needs of all patients; if this new promised policy will result in patients paying for transport costs in relation to their cancer care or chronic illness care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21259/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal, social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.
29 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on progress to date in implementing the Lourdes Hospital Inquiry Report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21308/06]
The Report of the Lourdes Hospital Inquiry was published on 28th February last. Since the publication of the report, I have met with many of the key stakeholders including Patient Focus, the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Medical Council, and the management and medical board of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. I have listened carefully to the views of these bodies on the recommendations in the report.
The Report of the Inquiry highlighted the urgent need for change and reform in our hospitals and particularly in the area of clinical governance. The recommendations in the report underline the importance of the approach being taken by my Department in a number of areas: the preparation of the new Medical Practitioners Bill which I intend, subject to Government approval, to bring to the House later this year; the new contract for hospital consultants, which is urgently needed for the recruitment of many more consultants. The report will help to inform the continued approach of my Department to these very important issues.
The Inquiry also made a series of recommendations of an operational and service nature, the implementation of which is a matter for the HSE. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
30 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the consideration she has given to the follow up care for patients who present with acute symptoms at private hospitals for conditions that are chronic in nature such as rheumatoid arthritis; her proposals for such circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21131/06]
Decisions on the provision of hospital services to an individual in a private hospital are a matter for the hospital management. Any person can opt to be a private patient, and is then liable for the appropriate charge for private or semi-private treatment.
It is open to patients who receive treatment in a private hospital to seek appropriate follow-up services in the public system. If the private hospital has not already done so, patients are advised to contact their General Practitioner to determine the type of services required. If the Deputy has a particular case in mind, I will ask the HSE to have it examined.
31 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on remarks made by the IHCA that the extended working day for hospital consultants was put forward by consultant in previous negotiations with her Department but were rejected as an option; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21245/06]
An IHCA representative indicated, in his presentation to the Joint Committee on Health & Children on 27th April 2006, that the IHCA had discussed the issue of an extended working day for consultants with the Department of Health & Children in 2002. It should be noted that the IHCA representative did not state that the Department had rejected its proposals. I have been advised that it was acknowledged by all parties at the time that, in addition to reaching any agreement with consultants on the matter, it would also be necessary for appropriate support services to also be made available for the period of the extended day.
I welcome the willingness of the IHCA to consider this issue and it should form part of the forthcoming discussions on a new consultants' contract. I might also mention that, in the context of the national pay talks, health service employers have pressed the trade unions to commit to agreeing new arrangements for an extended time span of the working day in order to enhance the availability of more accessible services for patients and other users of our health and personal social services.
32 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent to which home help hours to individual recipients has been cut back in the past two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21271/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
33 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will provide the funding of €6 million required to introduce a universal neonatal hearing screening service on a three year phased basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21304/06]
My Department has recently received a copy of the Report of the Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening Working Group and is in discussion with the Health Service Executive in relation to its implementation.
34 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a formal code of governance and code of conduct has been adopted by the Health Service Executive for HSE staff; if she approved same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21222/06]
Section 35 of the Health Act, 2004 requires the Health Service Executive to submit to me a code of governance. This code is to include amongst other things an outline of the guiding principles applicable to the Executive, the structure of the Executive including its roles and responsibilities, the methods to bring about the integration of health and personal social services, the Executive's internal controls and the nature and quality of service to its clients and a code of conduct.
The Executive is drafting its code of governance at present and it is due to submit it to me shortly for my approval. Once approved the Executive will arrange its publication. My officials have been and continue to be in contact with the Executive concerning the code of governance.
35 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of all elective procedures cancelled at Wexford General Hospital in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21258/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
37 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the decision was taken by her Department to locate the proposed school of podiatry in a large centre of population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21133/06]
As outlined in my response to the Deputy's previous question on the matter, responsibility for the establishment of a school of podiatry, including its location, will be a matter, in the final instance, for the Department of Education and Science. However, as the Deputy may be aware, the delivery of clinical training, which is a significant core component of the course, has been the subject of discussions between officials of my Department and the Department of Education and Science in terms of how best it could be facilitated in an integrated fashion with Health Service Executive (HSE) services.
The HSE have now submitted its report on the issue to my Department and are of the view that the school of podiatry would be best located in a large centre of population, one that is associated with a multi-disciplinary health professional environment and which is linked to a major teaching hospital. Both my Department and the Department of Education and Science are currently considering the HSE's report.
38 Ms Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that at present there are only about 60 per cent of accident and emergency units that have a co-ordinated response to cases of self harm; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that there is a link between self harm and suicide and that Ireland has the fifth highest youth suicide rate in the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21325/06]
"Reach Out" — A National Strategy on Suicide Prevention — was launched in September 2005 and one of the key priorities of the Strategy is the development of an effective service response for people who have engaged in deliberate self harm. The Strategy acknowledged that a history of one or more acts of deliberate self harm is the strongest predictor of future suicidal behaviour, both non-fatal and fatal. It recognised that there was a need to develop support services in the hospital setting and also to develop active outreach for those who do not currently access services.
Following the launch of the Strategy, the Health Service Executive established the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) to oversee the implementation of the Strategy. This Office coordinates suicide prevention activities across the State and will consult widely in relation to the planning of future initiatives and will work to ensure best practice in suicide prevention.
At the end of 2004, 24 A&E Departments had a crisis nurse response to incidents of deliberate self harm (DSH). In recognition that the speedy follow-up at home or in a day/out patient setting can reduce the rate of DSH, there has been further investment in this service through the NOSP in 2005 and 2006 and it is now expected that the service will be extended to all A&E Departments by the end of this year. Most DSH staff work in A&E Departments but receive professional support from the local mental health services. As liaison mental health services develop DSH staff will become part of the multidisciplinary liaison mental health teams.
Liaison services intervene in A&E departments where the presentation of suicidal behaviour and substance abuse requires expert assessment and management. The main benefits of liaison mental health services are the identification and treatment of mental health problems in the general medical and A&E settings. "A Vision for Change" acknowledges gaps in the current provision of liaison mental health services and makes several recommendations for the further improvement of these services.
The Report states that every acute admitting hospital in Ireland should have access to liaison mental health services. The number of teams required will depend on the volume and type of workload. In addition to the existing nine teams operating in general hospitals, the Report recommends that a further four mental health liaison teams be established nationally, to result in a complement of one liaison mental health team per regional hospital.
In relation to child and adolescents liaison mental health services, the Report recommends that complete multidisciplinary liaison mental health teams should be established in the three national children's hospitals. It also recommends that liaison child and adolescent mental health services should be provided by a designated child and adolescent Community Mental Health Team, one per 300,000 population.
The Government has accepted the Expert's Group report as the basis for the future development of our mental health services. In this connection, an additional €25m was made available this year to the Health Service Executive for the further enhancement of our mental health services. A further €1.2m was provided for suicide and DSH prevention.
39 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the advantages to patient care by giving public hospital property to developers to build private hospitals rather than letting the developers source their own greenfield sites; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21254/06]
57 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the terms of references for interested parties in relation to the tendering process regarding the profit hospitals on public hospital grounds; the stages all tendering process are at; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21329/06]
75 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the plan to put private hospitals on the grounds of public hospitals is still Government policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21253/06]
I propose to take QuestionsNos. 39, 57 and 75 together.
This Government is committed to exploring fully the scope for the private sector to provide additional capacity in the health system. In this context, my Department issued a policy direction to the Health Services Executive (HSE) last July which is aimed at freeing up 1,000 additional beds in public hospitals for public patients. This will be achieved through the development of private hospitals on the sites of public hospitals and the transfer of private activity to those hospitals thereby freeing up capacity for public patients in public hospitals.
Apart from providing up to 1,000 additional beds for public patients over the next five years, the initiative will also have the following benefits:—
·encouraging the participation of the private sector in generating extra capacity;
·maximising the potential use of public hospital sites;
·promoting efficiency among public and private acute service providers;
·promoting greater competition in the supply of hospital services; and
·offering improved quality and choice to all patients.
The HSE recently advertised for expressions of interest for the construction and operation of private hospitals on the sites of 11 publicly funded hospitals. Proposals will be subject to detailed evaluation which will have regard to a detailed assessment of need, and existing and planned capacity on a particular site and within the relevant region. It will also provide for a rigorous value for money assessment of any proposal and will take account of the value of the public site and the cost of any tax expenditure. Any transaction will be done on a commercial basis and will fully protect the public interest. In addition, there will be full adherence to public procurement law and best practice.
40 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on data from surveys that indicate that one in five boys and girls here are overweight and one in twenty are obese; the steps she is taking to address this growing problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21317/06]
The Department of Health & Children is concerned about the increase in childhood overweight and obesity. I presume the Deputy is referring to The National Survey of Children's Dental Health (2005). Their research showed that at least 18% of children aged 4 to 16 years were overweight and at least 5% were obese.
The following steps are being taken to address this growing problem. A National Taskforce on Obesity was established by this Department which reported in 2005. This report made comprehensive recommendations aimed at tackling overweight and obesity. These relate to actions across six broad sectors: high-level government; education; social and community; health; food, commodities, production and supply; and the physical environment. A proposal for a Health Improvement Forum through which the recommendations of the Taskforce Report could be implemented is being developed. This Forum will focus on the broader determinants of health and reducing health inequalities in our society.
The implementation of some of the health sector recommendations of the Taskforce report is already underway. The Health Service Executive have been allocated €3 million revenue funding, which is being used to provide Specialist Community Dietitian and Physical Activity posts for obesity and weight management and for the development of Specialist Hospital Services for obesity treatment at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin. The Department of Health and Children is currently developing a National Nutrition Policy and this policy will provide strategic direction on nutrition for the next 10 years. The target group is young people, 0-18 years, and the priority actions are obesity and food poverty. A national consultation has taken place and the policy is due to be published later this year.
41 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of reports submitted to her Department and to the Health Service Executive for each year since 1997; and the number of reports where recommendations were accepted or rejected by the Government. [21130/06]
Further to contact by my Department with the Deputy, I understand that his question relates to reports commissioned by my Department since 1997 and reports commissioned by the Health Service Executive since its establishment. The information in relation to reports commissioned by my Department is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to identify reports commissioned by the Executive since its establishment and to furnish the information requested directly to the Deputy.
42 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on concerns expressed by Schizophrenia Ireland that when the Government’s plans to sell off 200 plus acres of land occupied by 15 psychiatric hospitals is implemented that developers who buy land may buy their way out of an obligation to provide accommodation for mentally ill patients in new housing developments; the steps she intends to take to ensure same does not happen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21318/06]
The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, "A Vision for Change" was launched on 24th January. This policy envisions an active, flexible and community-based mental health service where the need for hospital admission will be greatly reduced. The report recommends that steps be taken to bring about the closure of all psychiatric hospitals and to re-invest the resources released by these closures in the mental health service. The closure of large mental hospitals and the move to modern units attached to general hospitals, together with the expansion of community services, has been Government policy since the publication of Planning for the Future in 1984.
The Health Service Executive has stated that it anticipates the closure of mental hospitals and the reinvestment of the proceeds to take place on a phased basis. It has also emphasised that hospitals can only close when the clinical needs of the remaining patients have been addressed in more appropriate settings such as additional community residences, day hospitals and day centres together with a substantial increase in the number of the well-trained, fully staffed, community-based multidisciplinary Community Mental Health Teams as is recommended in "A Vision for Change".
The Deputy's question relating to the provision of accommodation for people with mental health problems in new housing developments is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. Dick Roche, T.D.
43 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number and location of each of the planned admission lounges for accident and emergency; the number that are currently in operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21263/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
44 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views following comments made by a person (details supplied) that it could be calculated that between 350 and 500 lives are lost each year due to the lack of such units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21261/06]
Organised care of stroke patients within a single unit has been shown to reduce mortality and disability. I understand that a Stroke Unit was established in June 2002 in the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin and that the Health Service Executive is supporting the development of stroke care in a number of other acute hospitals.
In addition, a national audit of stroke services commenced in March 2006. This is an Irish Heart Foundation initiative in association with my Department. The entire study is scheduled to take 18 months to complete. The result of this audit will inform future policy and strategy for the development of services for patients with stroke in Ireland.
46 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of elective procedures cancelled at Waterford Regional Hospital in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21256/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
48 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of ENT procedures cancelled at Waterford Regional Hospital in the past 12 months due to the fact that accident and emergency patients were occupying these beds when ENT patients had their procedures cancelled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21255/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
49 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that pneumococcal meningitis has a fatality rate of approximately 20 per cent and that it is associated with a higher risk of permanent neurological damage such as deafness and epilepsy; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that many countries around the world provide for the routine immunisation of babies against this disease yet Ireland does not have a pneumococcal vaccination as part of the childhood immunisation schedule; the steps she intends to take to address same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21321/06]
I am well aware of the potential consequences of pneumococcal infection. Ireland's recommended immunisation programme is based on the guidelines of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. These guidelines are prepared with the assistance of an active committee from associated disciplines in paediatrics, infectious diseases, general practice and public health.
The inclusion of the pneumococcal vaccine in the Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme is being considered by the National Immunisation advisory Committee as part of its review of the immunisation guidelines. No decision has yet been reached. My Department and the Health Service Executive will be guided by the expert advice from the NIAC in this regard
50 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the regional imbalance in the provision of health services is still a major issue five years after the publication of the health strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21252/06]
The National Health Strategy Quality and Fairness — A Health System for You was announced by the Government in 2001 to provide vision and strategic direction for the health and personal social services. The Strategy sets out the key objectives for the health system up to 2010, which are centred on four national goals:
·Better Health For Everyone
·Fair Access
·Responsive and Appropriate Care Delivery
·High Performance.
It was recognised that in order to achieve these goals that the health system would need to be reformed. The Prospectus Report ‘Audit of Structures and Functions in the Health System' identified fragmentation as a core issue to be addressed as part of the Reform Programme. The Health Act, 2004, provided the statutory basis for the replacement of the former health boards with a single unitary health system the Health Service Executive (HSE), on 1st. January, 2005. The achievement of consistency in the standard and range of services available in each region of the country is a key objective of the health service reforms.
The Health Act 2004 sets out in broad terms the performance framework for the Health Service Executive. As part of that framework, the HSE must submit to the Tanaiste, for approval, a Corporate Plan and an Annual Service Plan. The HSE Corporate Plan for 2005 — 2008 commits it "to develop a consistent approach to access to service throughout the country, based on identified need". The Service Plan format is currently being revised within the Department. The 2007 Plan will, very specifically, include a section devoted to Consistency and Social Inclusion which is to contain details of initiatives being pursued by the HSE to ensure, amongst other things, a geographical equity in the provision of services.
Successive Governments have pursued a policy of regional self-sufficiency in relation to the provision of hospital services in order to ensure that patients are in a better position to access services locally. The benefits of this policy are evident through a series of major infrastructural developments in hospitals around the country which has resulted in the availability of more services and new specialties on a regional basis.
51 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of recipients of the carer’s allowance who hold a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17684/06]
It is understood from the Health Service Executive (HSE) that the statistics the Deputy has requested are not kept in this format and are not available.
The assessment of eligibility to medical cards is statutorily a matter for the HSE and is determined following an examination of the income and medical need of the applicant and his/her dependants. Under Section 45 of the Health Act 1970 medical cards are provided for persons who, in the opinion of the HSE, are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. Persons aged 70 and over are statutorily entitled to a medical card, regardless of income. In all other cases an assessment of income is undertaken.
In assessing eligibility income guidelines are used by the HSE. These guidelines are not statutorily binding. Medical cards may be granted by the HSE to persons in circumstances where the income guidelines are exceeded but the particular circumstances of the case warrant such a decision. Under the HSE's assessment guidelines income received in respect of Carers Allowance is not taken into account when assessing eligibility to a medical card. The assessment guidelines also provide that where an applicant's weekly income is derived solely from Social Welfare or HSE allowances/payments, a medical card will be granted.
In January, 2005 I increased the income guidelines used in the assessment of medical card applications by 7.5% and in October 2005, I announced that the income guidelines for medical cards would be increased by additional 20%. This means that the income guidelines are now 29% higher than they were at the end of 2004.
52 Ms Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the cervical screening programme will be rolled out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21250/06]
I am fully committed to the national roll out of a cervical screening programme in line with international best practice. My Department has requested the Health Service Executive to prepare a detailed implementation plan for a national programme. The plan is to have cervical screening managed as a national call/recall programme via effective governance structures that provide overall leadership and direction, in terms of quality assurance, accountability and value for money. All elements of the programme, call/recall, smear taking, laboratories and treatment services must be quality assured, organised and managed to deliver a single integrated service.
Significant preparatory work is well underway involving the introduction of new and improved cervical tests, improved quality assurance training and the preparation of a national population register. An additional €9m is available to the Executive for cancer services development in 2006, including the continuation of preparations for the roll out.
I consider that the programme should be best rolled out in the primary care setting, subject to affordable and acceptable arrangements being agreed. A review of the contractual arrangements for the provision by general practitioners of publicly-funded primary care services is being conducted at present, under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission. I have requested that the general practitioner elements of a national cervical screening programme be tabled at these discussions. Any remuneration arrangements agreed must be capable of delivering a high uptake among women. Payments must be primarily based on reaching acceptable targets.
I am convinced that we must also have in place tailored initiatives to encourage take up among disadvantaged and difficult to reach groups. I wish to see the programme rolled out as quickly as possible but only when the essential infrastructure, organisation and services are in place that are quality assured and meet international standards.
53 Mr. Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the average working week and the amount earned in overtime by the fifty highest paid non-consultant doctors and the position they hold in the hospital concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21226/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004. It has not been possible for the Health Service Executive to compile the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. My Department has requested the HSE to provide the information directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
54 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the case of a person (details supplied); if she intends to set up an inquiry into same; her views on whether it is acceptable that there was no ambulance available for this person; the existing or proposed protocols in place for a general practitioner to request an ambulance on behalf of a patient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21328/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
55 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the legislation she plans to publish before the end of 2006; the legislation she expects to pass through before the end of this Dáil; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21219/06]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Health (Repayment Scheme) Bill 2006 and the Health (Nursing Homes)(Amendment) Bill 2006 are currently being debated in the Oireachtas and I expect that they will be enacted during the current Dáil.
The following Bills are those which I intend to publish before the end of 2006 and have enacted during the lifetime of the current Dáil:
56 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she intends publishing the Government’s policy on funding care of the elderly in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21218/06]
The Report on funding long term care for older people is being considered by Cabinet. It will be published as soon as possible after Cabinet has completed its consideration of the Report.
58 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the Coombe Hospital study into drinking of alcohol during pregnancy will be published; and if she will make a statement on its findings. [21309/06]
The final report of the Coombe Women's Hospital Study of Alcohol, Smoking and Illicit Drug Use, 1988-2005 has now been received by my Department. It is currently being considered by officials and a meeting will be arranged with the authors of the report to discuss its findings. I intend to make the findings public in the near future.
59 Mr. McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the waiting time experienced by drug misusers attempting to get a placement on a methadone maintenance programme is satisfactory; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18159/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
60 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce preventative health proposals for the primary care sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21262/06]
A review is being conducted at present under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission of the contractual arrangements for the provision of general practitioner services to General Medical Services (GMS) clients and for the provision of other publicly funded GP services. It is intended that the outcome of the review should provide the basis into the future for the delivery of comprehensive, multidisciplinary services in the primary care setting. The aim is to reform the contract for the delivery by GPs of the existing range of GMS services and also to extend the nature of service beyond the traditional diagnosis and treatment model potentially to accommodate management of chronic illness, disease prevention and screening programmes, dealing with minor injuries and minor surgery work.
62 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the recent European Court of Justice decision that empowers patients to seek treatment elsewhere in the EU if they can prove they face a long wait for a procedure here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21223/06]
The judgement to which the Deputy refers, known as the "Watts case", relates to the question of prior authorisation for hospital treatment abroad where a patient would otherwise be subject to undue delay in their country of residence.
My Department is studying the implications of the ruling and has had a preliminary meeting with the HSE to review current practices.
My main concern is to continue to ensure that patients who require hospital treatment can do so without delay and that there are effective procedures for reviewing their cases where they are awaiting treatment. The National Treatment Purchase Fund is already playing an important role in this regard.
63 Mr. Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on progress to date in the delivery of Action 89 of Quality and Fairness — A Health Strategy for You, which promised agreement on a revised consultants’ contract to provide greater equity for public patients in acute hospital services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21305/06]
The aim of the negotiations on the new consultants' contract is to resolve a number of key elements of the current system in order to promote equity of access, organisational improvements, flexible work practices and more clinical involvement in, and responsibility for, management programmes.
Talks on a new contract commenced on 24th November 2005 under the independent chairmanship of Mr. Mark Connaughton SC. At that meeting, and at a further plenary meeting in December, both the IHCA and the IMO indicated that they required a number of issues to be addressed before they could engage in substantive negotiations on a new contract.
A position paper outlining proposals on a new employment contract for consultants working in the public health system was tabled by management at a plenary meeting on 26 January 2006. This paper includes such items as: Consultant-provided service — a service delivered by teams of consultants, where the consultants have a substantial and direct involvement in the diagnosis, delivery of care and overall management of patients. As part of a consultant-provided service, consultants will treat all patients and will be remunerated exclusively on a salaried basis. i.e they will not receive additional remuneration for treatment delivered to insured patients. A commitment to public sector service alone will mean that consultants will treat patients only within the public hospital or public community facility. Each consultant's commitments will be set out in an Annual Work Plan — supported by a series of performance indicators and review mechanisms. Work Plans will be in line with clinical need, the nature and volume of clinical workload and the 24/7 nature of health services. Consultants will work a 39-hour commitment over the 24/7 period agreed and detailed in the Work Plan — varying by specialty and location. Work Plans will follow a framework developed at national level and will be agreed / reviewed annually by consultants, Clinical Managers and management. Each Work Plan will detail specific duties — for example; emergency commitments, operating time, ward rounds, outpatient clinics and diagnostic work; regular on-call commitments and involvement in supporting professional activities, audit and competence assurance. Each consultant will work as an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team which is led and managed by a Clinical Director. As a member of the team, consultants will make decisions regarding the care, treatment and discharge of patients during the absence of a consultant colleague who has lead responsibility for such patients. As a member of a team, each consultant will be incentivised to increase productivity through a performance-related awards scheme. The primary role of a Clinical Director will be to manage and plan how services are delivered. Clinical Directors will be appointedby the employing authority; develop and implement protocols for service delivery; will have significant responsibility for how services are delivered and will be accountable for the use of resources. Medical Education and Training — Contracts can be constructed for certain Consultants that will allow for a defined and measurable commitment to medical education and training/research.
The medical organisations have thus far not engaged in substantive discussions on these proposals.
At a further meeting on 9 February the talks were adjourned without any further date being set for their resumption. The independent chairman has, however, maintained contact with both sides.
I met a delegation from the IHCA on 12th May 2006. At that meeting, I indicated to the delegation that any outstanding issues would be most appropriately addressed in the context of direct discussions with management. To this end, I emphasised the need for talks to resume as soon as possible. I understand that in response to this, the IHCA has now made contact with the independent chairman with a view to arranging a further meeting with health service management.
64 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the new pilot projects for cross-Border access to out of hours general practitioners services; when the projects will be extended along the entire Border; if discussions are underway for the establishment of a public general practitioner on-call service in the Dundalk and North Louth area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21307/06]
I am advised by the Health Service Executive (HSE) that Work has been underway over the last year under the auspices of Co-Operation and Working Together (CAWT) to introduce Cross-Border co-operation in the area of GP out of hours services. Interreg funding has been obtained for the project. This service will be of benefit to people across the border area who live closer to a GP out of hours centre in the other jurisdiction. Approximately 65,000 people across the border area live closer to a GP out of hours centre in the opposite jurisdiction.
A feasibility study has recommended the setting up of two pilot areas, each with populations of approximately 13,000 along the border, one where patients in the Republic will have access to a centre in Northern Ireland and one where patients in Northern Ireland will have access to a centre in the Republic.
I have been informed by the HSE that the two pilot areas are: Patients from Inishowen will be able to obtain a service in Derry commencing by end 2006. Patients from Keady will be able to obtain a service in Castleblaney commencing early 2007.
The respective Government Health Departments — the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety have met with the CAWT team and the Health Service Executive (HSE) to review progress. I welcome this service initiative and my Department will assist in addressing and resolving any obstacles at Government level to enable the service to begin.
In relation to the expansion of the doctor on call service to Dundalk and North Louth, the HSE have advised that GPs from this area have again recently been invited to give this matter their favourable consideration and to enter into discussions with the HSE in this regard.
65 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps that will be taken to ensure the quality of care will be properly monitored and audited in the new private sector venture for elderly people in their homes, known as comfort keepers; the criteria whereby persons will be entitled to a level of support from home care packages that part fund this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19275/06]
The draft General Scheme and Heads of the Health Bill 2006 provide for the establishment of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) incorporating the Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services on a statutory basis.
It is intended that under the provisions of the Bill, HIQA will set standards on safety and quality of services provided by or on behalf of the HSE. It will monitor and advise the Minister and the HSE on the level of compliance with those standards. It will also have the power to investigate, at the request of the Minister or the HSE, the safety, quality and standards of any service and make any recommendations it deems necessary.
The Health Service Executive has advised that the Dublin Mid-Leinster Area is currently finalising documentation prior to inviting tenders from private and voluntary sector organisations for inclusion on a panel of preferred providers to provide high quality home support and personal care services for older people. At three month and six month intervals, the Health Services Executive will review contractors performance using the criteria included for awarding contracts, and determine whether the contractor should remain on the panel of ‘preferred providers' or be removed.
This tender will ensure that home care services contracted in by the Health Services Executive will reach the highest standards, and, by regular review and audit in line with the tender provisions, these standards will be carefully monitored. Persons who make private arrangements with contractors included in the list of preferred providers can be assured that the organisations they deal with have reached the standards outlined above and that evidence of maintaining those standards will be regularly monitored.
Home Care Packages consist of a mixture of grants, contracted care services, therapeutic input, equipment and other such community services as determined by a needs assessment to facilitate an older person to remain living in their own home. Home Care Packages are targeted at those people who have maximised their usage of existing core community services.
66 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when BreastCheck will be extended to the north west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21265/06]
I have met with representatives of BreastCheck and they are fully aware of my wish to have a quality assured programme rolled out to the remaining regions in the country as quickly as possible. For this to happen, essential elements of the roll out must be in place including adequate staffing, effective training and quality assurance programmes. I have made available additional revenue funding of €2.3m available to BreastCheck to meet the additional costs of roll out. I have also approved an additional 69 posts.
BreastCheck recently interviewed for Clinical Directors for the Southern and Western regions and appointments have been made and both will take up their positions later this year. Both are currently undergoing additional training in relation to their role as Clinical Director. This month BreastCheck will begin recruiting Consultant Radiologists, Consultant Surgeons and Consultant Histopathologists for both centres. BreastCheck are also recruiting radiographers. While the recruitment of radiographers is difficult at present as there is a shortage internationally of trained personnel, BreastCheck is confident that it will be in a position to employ sufficient radiographers at both sites.
BreastCheck also requires considerable capital investment in the construction of two new clinical units and in the provision of five additional mobile units and state of the art digital equipment. I have made available an additional €21m capital funding to BreastCheck for this purpose. BreastCheck is in the process of shortlisting applicants to construct its two new clinical units. The BreastCheck clinical unit in the Western Area at University College Hospital Galway will have two associated mobile units. 58,000 women are in the target population for invitation to screening. This is expected to result in the detection of in excess of 141 cancers per year in the first round of screening and a minimum of 71 per year in the subsequent rounds. BreastCheck is confident that the target date of next year for the commencement of roll out to the Southern and Western regions will be met.
67 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the increasing numbers of caesareans here, a full review is to be considered by her Department with direct reference to current obstetric practices employed in all maternity hospitals here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21316/06]
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of births by caesarean section in Ireland. Approximately one in five births are now performed through this procedure.
The decision to perform a caesarean section is a clinical one that is taken by qualified medical practitioners. Reasons suggested for the increasing caesarean rates include more widespread availability of foetal monitoring with subsequent earlier surgical intervention and greater patient awareness and demand.
At the request of the Chief Medical Officer of my Department, the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists considered the increase in rates in this country. In their view, there is unlikely to be a single cause responsible. However, it is suggested that better and more comprehensive data would allow the issue to be considered in greater depth.
In March 2006, I announced the establishment of a new National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre in Cork University Hospital that will be up and running in the Autumn of this year, with annual funding of €630,000. Every time a mother gives birth in this country, the important interventions, including caesarean sections, the good outcomes and the complications will be recorded and analysed at the centre.
69 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to ensure the appointment of a full-time cardiologist at Kerry General Hospital. [21310/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
70 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress to date in improving access to diagnostic services for general practitioners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21260/06]
The HSE has informed me that in November 2005, a sub-committee of the Executive's National Primary and Community Care Reform Working Group was established to review the current status of GP access to diagnostics; to explore current and potential capacity; and make short, medium and long-term recommendations.
I am advised that work is being undertaken at present to progress two specific initiatives:
·The development of a service to facilitate the transportation of diagnostic specimens from GP surgeries to laboratories. The key objective of this initiative is to increase the current national provision of such a service from 36% of the population to 60% in 2006. Implementing this initiative requires the examination of both existing and development capacity of transportation and laboratory services, together with the development of joint protocols to encompass delivery of the service. The HSE has indicated that this work is in progress.
·The development of a radiology/ultrasound initiative. The key objective of this initiative is to reduce waiting times for GP referrals nationally to a maximum of four weeks for plain film X-rays and eight weeks for ultrasound tests. In order to meet this objective there are a number of complex factors to be considered relating to the capacity of the current services; the use of both public and private providers; infrastructure; hours of service and engagement arrangements.
The HSE has established a Governance Group to oversee the implementation of these specific initiatives. In addition, the Group will also be progressing other medium and longer-term recommendations in relation to referral guidelines; as well as developing diagnostic capacity at primary and community service level in order to reduce the reliance on the acute sector and to enhance clients' experiences of diagnostic services and their outcomes.
Improving direct access for GPs to diagnostic services is also one of the actions in the Ten Point Plan to improve Accident and Emergency Services. Arrangements have been put in place with private providers for the commissioning of Computerised Tomography scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging to facilitate direct access for GPs. To date, more than 1,500 CT scans and 100 MRI scans have been carried out under this initiative.
Funding was also provided for GP direct access for Ultrasound at Mercy University Hospital, Cork.
71 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on criticisms made by Health Service Executive internal auditors on the manner in which computer consultancy services were commissioned for the PPARS payroll system and that it was maintained that official public procurement policy was not followed strictly enough; the steps which have been put in place to ensure that these criticisms will be addressed; if appropriate guidelines will be published and adhered to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21315/06]
The HSE CEO has supported the recommendations of the Internal Audit Unit's review and report in respect of PPARS' recruitment of the companies providing computer consultancy services (technical contractors) and acknowledged that deviation from official public procurement policy is not acceptable.
The recommendations of the Internal Audit Unit's report are being implemented and together with the introduction of HSE's National Procurement Policy which came into effect earlier this year will facilitate compliance with official public procurement policy. Furthermore the CEO of the HSE has asked the National Director of Finance (HSE) to ensure all necessary procurement and financial procedures are being followed by the PPARS project office.
The following specific measures are being taken following a review of tax clearance procedures around procurements for computer consultancy services: 1) A designated Manager must be formally appointed for each major contract. 2) Tax Clearance status must be established prior to the award of a contract. 3) The recommendation to award a contract must include a certification by the contract manager that all policies, procedures and other requirements (including tax clearance) have been complied with in the tender process.
Finally the public procurement process requires notification of award of contract to be published thereby giving transparency to each procurement.
72 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she intends implementing a public only contract for consultants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21246/06]
Talks on a new hospital consultant contract commenced on 24th November 2005 under the independent chairmanship of Mr. Mark Connaughton SC. At that meeting, and at a further plenary meeting in December, both the IHCA and the IMO indicated that they required a number of issues to be addressed before they could engage in substantive negotiations on a new contract.
Proposals for a new employment contract for consultants working in the public health system were tabled by the management side in January this year in the context of the consultants' contract negotiations.
The new contract will be a first step towards the introduction of a consultant-provided service and the appointment of large numbers of dedicated public hospital and community based consultants, working in teams. This will be matched by a reduction in the number of non-consultant hospital doctors.
The medical organisations have thus far not engaged in substantive discussions on these proposals. Talks on 9 February were adjourned without any further date being set for their resumption. The independent chairman has, however, maintained contact with both sides.
I met a delegation from the IHCA on 12th May 2006. At that meeting, I indicated to the delegation that any outstanding issues would be most appropriately addressed in the context of direct discussions with management. To this end, I emphasised the need for talks to resume as soon as possible. I understand that in response to this, the IHCA has now made contact with the independent chairman with a view to arranging a further meeting with health service management.
73 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of people that have received a general practitioner only card; her views on the low uptake on these cards; the action taken to increase this uptake; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21312/06]
Information supplied to my Department by the Health Service Executive (HSE) indicates that as at 29th May 2006 there were 16,920 persons holding a GP visit card.
Since 2005, I have made significant improvements to the way in which people's eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is assessed. In January 2005, I increased the income guidelines used in the assessment of medical card applications by 7.5%. In June 2005, I simplified the means test for both medical cards and GP visit cards. It is now based on an applicant's and spouse's income after tax and PRSI, and takes account of reasonable expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, childcare and travel to work. This is much fairer to applicants. I announced, on 13 October 2005, that the income guidelines for both medical cards and GP visit cards would be increased by an additional 20%. This means the income guidelines are now 29% higher than they were at the end of 2004. It will be noted that the income assessment guidelines for GP visit cards are 25% higher than those used for medical cards. The HSE has publicised these changes to encourage people to apply and has made the application process as simple as possible.
My Department and the HSE are at present considering whether any further changes to the guidelines for GP visit cards are appropriate.
74 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the use the iodine tablets which were distributed to each household here would be if there was an explosion at the Sellafield plant involving the highly active liquid waste which are stored in tanks awaiting vitrification. [16523/06]
Iodine tablets offer protection from radioactive iodine of which iodine-131 is normally the most significant in terms of radiation dose. Radioactive iodine is no longer produced at Sellafield since the closure of the Calder Hall reactors in March 2003 and there is no iodine-131 stored in the HASTs (highly active storage tanks). An accident at Sellafield would not result in a release of radioactive iodine and the use of iodine tablets as a counter measure in such an instance would not be indicated.
76 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on the enforcement on the food labelling laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18816/06]
The enforcement of food labelling regulations is included in the service contracts between the official agencies and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). The European Communities (Labelling, Presentation and Advertising of Foodstuffs) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 483 of 2002 — as amended) is the main legislation in Ireland dealing with the general labelling of pre-packaged foodstuffs. However, there are many other separate labelling provisions in national and European legislation, such as provisions relating to nutrition, beef, fish, natural mineral waters, novel foods, food additives, food supplements, sweeteners and declarations on price indication, weights and measures and merchandise markings.
Labelling inspections are carried out as part of the routine control work of the official agencies. The official agencies include the Health Service Executive, the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs and the local authorities.
My Department is in touch with officials of the FSAI on an ongoing basis and regular meetings are held to discuss a wide range of issues. Any issues which arise in relation to the enforcement of food legislation, including enforcement of labelling legislation, are discussed where necessary, in this context.
78 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the staffing in Dublin and Cork has not met the recommendation of the 1995 nor the 2000 reports that were produced on behalf of neurosurgeons in the UK and Ireland; the steps she intends to take to address same; the timeframe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21327/06]
The Deputy will be aware that the management and delivery of the health and personal social services is now the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. This includes responsibility for the appointment of additional hospital consultant staff. Therefore, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond to the Deputy in relation to the issues raised and to provide the information requested.
79 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Health Information and Quality Authority legislation will contain a section on whistleblower’s legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21221/06]
In line with the recent Government Decision to introduce ‘whistleblowing' provisions on a sector by sector basis, I am proposing to include specific provisions concerning protected disclosure of information in the draft Heads and General Scheme of the Bill establishing the Health Information and Quality Authority and the Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services, which I will be bringing to Government soon. It is my intention to publish the legislation during the Autumn session.
Although I will be including these specific provisions in the forthcoming Health Bill, I would point out that there are already in place statutory provisions in respect of governance in the health services. Under section 35 of the Health Act 2004 there is a provision obliging the Health Service Executive (HSE) to draw up a code of governance which will include guiding principles applicable to the HSE as a public body. My Department has issued a framework document for corporate and financial governance for the HSE and requested it to draw up a code of governance in line with the framework.
Under the section dealing with codes of conduct and quality customer services, the framework document specifically highlights that the Government approved in 2001 a code of practice for the governance of state bodies under which such bodies need to set out objectives in relation to maintaining proper standards of integrity and disclosure of confidential information. Under the 2004 Act, the HSE is obliged in its Annual Report to indicate its arrangements for implementing and maintaining adherence to the code.
The HSE submitted an update on progress in relation to its Code of Governance to me in December. The HSE is still working on the contents of the Code and my Department is in communication with it in this respect.
In addition, section 25 of the Health Act 2004 provides that members of the Board of the HSE, members of any committees of the Board, employees of the HSE or any person engaged by it as an adviser shall maintain proper standards of integrity, conduct and concern for the public interest. In order to ensure the implementation of such standards, the HSE is obliged to draw up a code of conduct for the employees not covered by standards applied by the Ethics in Public Office Act 2001 and advisers and their employees. The code must indicate the standards of integrity and conduct to be maintained by them in performing their functions. Such a code should more than adequately cover the rights and obligations of employees, advisers and consultants in disclosing confidential information in appropriate circumstances to the appropriate authorities.
In addition under statutory frameworks governing health professionals there are provisions concerning the ethical conduct of these professions. The Health and Social Care Professions Act 2005 provides for the establishment of registration boards for each of the professions covered by the Act, the functions of which include giving guidance concerning ethical conduct and support to those registered with the boards in relation to the practice of their professions. The Medical Council has a guide to ethical conduct and behaviour which deals with matters of confidentiality and consent under circumstances where there are exceptions to the rules of confidentiality and where doctors should report on the behaviour and competence of other doctors. An Bord Altranais has a code of professional conduct for nurses and midwifes which provides that any circumstances which could place patients or clients in jeopardy or militate against safe standards of practice should be made known to the appropriate person or authorities.
I am confident that these provisions together with the provisions that I intend to include in the Health Bill will provide appropriate protection to those who raise concerns regarding the health and welfare of patients in the health service.
80 Mr. English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the projected overruns of the budgets of each acute hospital here; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that patient care could be compromised in any of these hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21249/06]
The management of expenditure against budget for individual acute hospitals is a matter for the Health Service Executive. However, in reporting on expenditure to the end of the first quarter of 2006, the HSE indicated some concerns regarding emerging trends in major acute hospitals. I am informed by the HSE that the National Hospitals Office is now undertaking an assessment of the situation to determine the overall position to the end of the year. Notwithstanding these pressures and further spending pressures within the Primary, Community and Continuing Care pillar of the HSE, the Executive have indicated financial break-even by the year end.
81 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will establish a citizen’s information type service in children’s hospitals specifically designed to give parents who have received a diagnosis for their child that will require long-term health care, education and other types of support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21132/06]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the Executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the children's hospitals. I would be very supportive of such a service being available for parents and my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to arrange to have the matter examined and to reply directly to the Deputy.
82 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the timeframe for a new Medical Practitioners Act; her views on the concerns raised by the Medical Council that there are no national audit figures; her further views on the fact that a doctor struck off for misconduct abroad could not also be struck off the medical register here without the council holding its own fitness to practise inquiry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21331/06]
The Heads of Bill for a new Medical Practitioners Act are at an advanced stage of preparation. It is my intention to make the Heads of Bill available as soon as possible, in order to allow for interested parties to make comments on the proposals. These comments will then assist in the drafting of the Bill proper, which I intend to publish in the Autumn.
The concerns raised by the Medical Council in relation to audit are under consideration in my Department in the context of clinical governance and the role of the Health Information and Quality Authority.
I am informed by the Medical Council that if a doctor whose name is on the General Register of the Medical Council in Ireland is struck off for misconduct in another jurisdiction, the Medical Council can only impose a sanction following the holding of its own fitness to practise inquiry. This situation is underpinned by the Supreme Court in a judgment from 2004, which reaffirmed the constitutional rights of an accused doctor to a fair hearing. The effect of this judgment is that individual complainants must give evidence and this evidence may be cross-examined. The individual who makes the complaint must be willing to give evidence to that inquiry and, if living overseas, cannot be compelled to do so. The Medical Council informs me that it has accommodated overseas witnesses by use of video-link thus avoiding the need to travel. The Medical Council states that it cannot simply rely on the findings and transcripts of medical regulatory authorities in other jurisdictions.
I am informed by the Council that if a doctor is struck off for misconduct in another jurisdiction and then applies for registration in Ireland, the application can be refused.
83 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the latest estimate or assessment available to her Department in regard to the planned introduction of the early childcare supplement of the likely number of claims that could be made in respect of children not resident here and the estimated cost in respect of such payments; the procedures which will be put in place to ensure verification of claims made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17372/06]
The Early Childcare Supplement, or ECS, was introduced in Budget 2006. The scheme is under the remit of the Office of the Minister for Children. The administration of the scheme is being undertaken by the Department of Social & Family Affairs, on an agency basis.
The scheme is a universal one and all parents or guardians of children up to six years of age are eligible. It is expected that over 260,000 families will qualify for the Supplement in 2006, in respect of over 350,000 children. Funding amounting to €265 million has been allocated to the Office of the Minister for Children for the ECS in 2006, and in a full year it is estimated that the cost will be in the region of €350 million.
Eligibility for the ECS is identical to that for the Child Benefit scheme, in that parents who receive Child Benefit in respect of children under the age of six will also receive the Early Childcare Supplement. Both schemes fall within the definition of a "family benefit" under EU Regulation 1408/71. One practical effect of this is that where a national of an EU state is working in Ireland the worker is entitled, if she or he has a family resident in the EU, to payment of this benefit.
This situation is the same as for the Child Benefit scheme. The Department of Social & Family Affairs is currently making Child Benefit payments to 700 families, in respect of approximately 1,400 children, where the children are resident in another state covered by EU regulations. About 490 of these children are aged under six years and will be eligible for payment of the ECS. The vast majority of these children are resident in the United Kingdom, most of which are in Northern Ireland.
In addition to this stock of cases, figures supplied by the Department of Social and Family Affairs indicate that the weekly intake of Child Benefit claims in respect of non-resident families currently varies between 300 and 400. It is estimated that these families will have a total of approximately 200 children under the age of six. It is likely that many of these claims are from workers who have been present in Ireland for some time, but who were unaware of their entitlement to Child Benefit prior to recent media attention. If this is the case, the rate of new claims would be expected to decline over the course of the year. If however the rate remained constant, ECS payments of €9.5 million would have accrued by the end of 2006, which would be 3.6% of the total projected cost of the Supplement this year. It is likely however, that only between €1 million and €1.5 million of this would be paid by the end of 2006 — less than 0.5% of projected expenditure. This is due to the protracted nature of the claim decision process which involves communication with the authorities in the country in which the family resides.
The Department of Social & Family Affairs operates a strict verification process for Child Benefit claims and this will also apply to the ECS. The work status in Ireland is checked and birth certificates for the children obtained. It is necessary to correspond with the relevant authorities in the country where the family reside to see what entitlements may be in place there and what effect the Supplement will have on payments in both countries. In the course of this correspondence, particulars of the children in the family are re-checked and verified.
Officials are currently reviewing these verification and other control measures currently operated for the Child Benefit scheme with a view to adapting and expanding them as appropriate for the ECS.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is not possible at this point to forecast with total accuracy the future number of non-resident children qualified for this payment. This will depend on future immigration flows, the numbers of immigrants who bring their children with them, the number of immigrants who decide to return home, the number of Irish workers with children living outside the state (e.g. in Northern Ireland) and of course future birth rates. Based on current figures the expenditure in respect of non-resident children is unlikely to be significant in the context of the overall spending on the scheme.
84 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures cancelled at Wexford General Hospital in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21257/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
85 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of an application for grant aid to fund a creche after school service (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21448/06]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000 — 2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006 — 2010, which are being implemented by the newly established Office of the Minister for Children.
With regard to the application for capital grant assistance under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000 — 2006 referred to by the Deputy, I understand that the Group in question was not recommended for capital grant assistance as the project did not represent value for money when considered in line with building costs guidelines, and there is a risk of duplication and displacement of existing services.
86 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the fact that breast cancer is a terrible killer, that health care apartheid exists here and that 260 more women will die needlessly in the west and south before BreastCheck is up and running, she will take up an alternative option whether private or otherwise to provide a BreastCheck service to the women of the west until a unit is built in Galway thus saving 260 women’s lives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21375/06]
A breast screening programme is a complex multidisciplinary undertaking that requires considerable expertise and management involving population registers, call recall systems, mammography, pathology and appropriate treatment and follow up. A programme must be quality assured and acceptable to women who attend for screening. The first phase of the programme is of a high quality and a similar quality in the West and South is essential.
I have met with representatives of BreastCheck and they are fully aware of my wish to have a quality assured programme rolled out to the remaining regions in the country as quickly as possible. For this to happen, essential elements of the roll out must be in place including adequate staffing, effective training and quality assurance programmes. I have made available additional revenue funding of €2.3m available to BreastCheck to meet the additional costs of roll out. I have also approved an additional 69 posts.
BreastCheck recently interviewed for Clinical Directors for both regions and appointments have been made and both will take up their positions later this year. Both are currently undergoing additional training in relation to their role as Clinical Director. This month BreastCheck will begin recruiting Consultant Radiologists, Consultant Surgeons and Consultant Histopathologists for both centres. BreastCheck are also recruiting radiographers. While the recruitment of radiographers is difficult at present as there is a shortage internationally of trained personnel, BreastCheck is confident that it will be in a position to employ sufficient radiographers at both sites. BreastCheck is also confident that the target date of next year for the commencement of roll out to the Southern and Western regions will be met.
BreastCheck also requires considerable capital investment in the construction of two new clinical units and in the provision of five additional mobile units and state of the art digital equipment. I have made available an additional €21m capital funding to BreastCheck for this purpose. BreastCheck is in the process of shortlisting applicants to construct its two new clinical units. The BreastCheck clinical unit in the Western Area at University College Hospital Galway will have two associated mobile units. 58,000 women are in the target population for invitation to screening. This is expected to result in the detection of in excess of 141 cancers per year in the first round of screening and a minimum of 71 per year in the subsequent rounds. The BreastCheck clinical unit in the Southern Area at South Infirmary/Victoria Hospital will have three associated mobile units. 71,000 women are in the target population for invitation to screening. This is expected to result in the detection of in excess of 174 cancers per year in the first round and a minimum of 87 per year in the subsequent rounds. On full roll-out, all women in the target age group in every county will have access to breast screening and follow up treatment where appropriate.
Any proposal received by BreastCheck to support the roll out of its screening programme is carefully examined to assess the extent to which it complies with existing standards. As I have previously informed the Deputy, BreastCheck has advised my Department that it has engaged in extensive discussions with the Galway clinic. BreastCheck has conducted an evaluation of this proposal and has concluded that the clinic in question would not be in a position to provide a population based screening programme in line with BreastCheck's requirements.
87 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in providing a medical or occupational therapist report relative to an application under the disabled persons grant scheme in the name of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if she will expedite a decision in the case in view of the fact that the application was made in November 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21355/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services for people with disabilities, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
88 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive an appointment date for an operation at Tallaght Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21356/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
89 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive their home care grant in view of the fact that they have been sanctioned for same for over three months and have not received moneys due; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21357/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
90 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the provision of primary healthcare facilities in Dublin 15; and if there are plans for additional primary healthcare facilities in the Health Service Executive capital programme. [21358/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
91 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the plans which are in place for primary healthcare facilities in Corduff, Mulhuddart, Castaheany and Hartstown, County Dublin. [21359/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
92 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of people who have presented themselves with alopecia in Dublin 15. [21360/06]
Alopecia is a recurrent non-scarring type of hair loss that can affect any hair-bearing area. Although medically benign, alopecia can cause tremendous emotional and psychosocial stress in affected patients and their families.
The pathophysiology of alopecia remains unknown. The most widely accepted hypothesis is that alopecia is a T-cell mediated autoimmune condition that is most likely to occur in genetically predisposed individuals. Genetic factors are likely to play an important role in determining susceptibility and disease severity. The role of environmental factors and stressful events in initiating or triggering the condition is yet to be determined.
As alopecia is not a notifiable disease and does not generally require hospitalisation, information on the number of persons presenting with this condition is not available.
93 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 149 of 4 April 2006, if the working group has been set up; the agencies represented on it; the membership of same; and if the community and voluntary sector will be represented on it. [21371/06]
The Mid-Term Review of the National Drugs Strategy recommended that a working group involving key stakeholders of both the alcohol and drugs areas should be established to explore the potential for better co-ordination between the two areas and how synergies could be improved. The working group, which is to be chaired by my Department, will also examine and make recommendations on whether a combined strategy is the appropriate way forward. The establishment of the working group is under consideration by my Department and it is intended that it should report by end 2006.
94 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the establishment of a centre (details supplied) in Cork in view of the number of persons from the Munster area attending the existing centre in Dublin. [21385/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
95 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the appointment of additional neurologists in the southern Health Service Executive area. [21386/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
96 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of beds which are vacant in the public nursing homes in Galway as a result of there not being adequate staff to keep all of the beds opened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21397/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
97 Mr. McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the implementation of an insurance scheme for persons infected with HIV or Hepatitis C through provision of contaminated blood or blood products by the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21400/06]
I wish to assure the Deputies that I am committed to ensuring that an insurance scheme for persons infected with Hepatitis C and HIV through the administration of blood and blood products within the State is established on a statutory basis as soon as possible. The legislation is included as a priority in the Government's Legislative Programme for the current session and it is my firm intention that the enabling legislation will be enacted before the Summer recess. The process of drafting the legislation, which is both complex and innovative, is almost complete. As soon as I receive the final agreed text from my legal advisors I will submit it to the Government for approval and will publish it as soon as Government approval is received.
98 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there have been no funding increases for a considerable length of time for projects mainstreamed in local drug task force areas which are funded by the Health Service Executive; and her views on increasing the HSE’s funding for these projects. [21401/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
99 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when tenders will be sought for the construction of phase 3C of Naas Hospital. [21424/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for considering new capital proposals or progressing those in the health capital programme. Accordingly, my Department is requesting the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
100 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the waiting time for hearing tests for children at the Newbridge, County Kildare and Tallaght, Dublin 24 clinics. [21430/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
101 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in issuing a response to Parliamentary Question No. 288 of 21 March 2006. [21436/06]
BreastCheck in conjunction with my Department is preparing an estimate of the costs of extending the breast screening programme nationally to women over the age of 64. My Department expects to be in a position later this month to forward the information requested by the Deputy.
102 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in issuing a response to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 11 May 2006. [21438/06]
As I indicated in my response on 11 May the Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, at that time, my Department requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy. The HSE has advised me that a reply to the Deputy's original question will issue in the near future.
103 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the estimated cost of building a new mental hospital in north Dublin; the funds likely to be raised by the sale of the lands of the Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21445/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for considering new capital proposals or progressing those in the health capital programme. Accordingly, my Department is requesting the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
104 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the proportion of persons aged over 70, who are in receipt of a medical card on grounds of age alone, who are also covered by health insurance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21453/06]
Information on the number of persons aged 70 or over and who hold a medical card under the provisions of section 45(5A) of the Health Act 1970 is held by the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Statistics on health insurance coverage of persons aged over 70 and who hold a medical card are not available. Research commissioned by the Health Insurance Authority in 2005 found that 52% of the population had health insurance, with 3% of adults having both a medical card and health insurance.
105 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange for payment of a Labour Court recommendation of 21 July 2005 in relation to pay claim to the staff of an organisation (details supplied). [21454/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
106 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan was denied a contract of indefinite duration by the Health Service Executive north east in 2004; the further reason the Rights Commissioner’s decision in 2005 to overrule this decision was appealed to the Labour Court by the HSE north east; the reason the Labour Court’s upholding of the Rights Commissioner’s ruling in April 2006 has not been implemented by the Health Service Executive Dublin north east region; the further reason the Corporate Employer’s Relations Manager into the human relations department refuses to communicate with this person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21491/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
107 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of posts, medical, nursing or surgical currently vacant in the Health Service Executive and affecting the delivery of services throughout the country; her intentions regarding the filling of these posts; the deadline for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21493/06]
As the information requested by the Deputy relates to human resource management issues which are matters for the Health Service Executive, the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy in regard to the information sought.
I should also explain that employment information collected by my Department refers to numbers employed rather than to vacancies. The Deputy may wish to note that my Department's Health Service Employment Census, which encompasses staff employed by the Health Service Executive, the voluntary hospitals and some intellectual disability agencies, shows a total of 101,978 wholetime equivalent staff (excluding home helps) at end December, 2005. This compares with a total of 67,814 at end December, 1997 and represents an increase of 34,137 or 50.32%. There has been an increase of 2,290 or 46.06% in medical and dental personnel and an increase of 7,902 or 28.9% in nursing personnel.
108 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of positions for occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and child psychological assessment positions currently vacant or about to become vacant throughout the Health Service Executive; her plans to fill the posts in early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21494/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
109 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of personnel dedicated to dealing with children at risk throughout the Health Service Executive; the degree to which her Department interacts with other Departments on such issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21495/06]
The first part of the Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy. The Office of the Minister for Children interacts as required with Government Departments, State Agencies and other bodies in relation to children at risk from a policy perspective.
110 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of consultant posts currently vacant or about to become vacant throughout the Health Service Executive; her timetable for the filling of these posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21496/06]
The Deputy will be aware that the management and delivery of the health and personal social services is now the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. This includes responsibility for the appointment of additional hospital consultant staff. Therefore, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond to the Deputy in relation to the issues raised and to provide the information requested.
111 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of children currently in receipt of orthodontic treatment through the aegis of the Health Service Executive; the number awaiting treatment; the number who have sought alternative treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21497/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
112 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of beds currently available in hospitals or nursing homes for those requiring full-time nursing care throughout the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21498/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
113 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the areas throughout the Health Service Executive most seriously affected by a shortage of accident and emergency staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21499/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
114 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the location of the unit specialising in tuberculosis and respiratory care which was previously located at Peamount Hospital, Newcastle, County Dublin; the degree to which isolation or other required facilities are available in its current location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21500/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
115 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if all ambulance units throughout the Health Service Executive are adequately staffed and equipped with particular reference to the needs arising from a natural disaster or other emergency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21501/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
116 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical, surgical and nursing beds available to public hospitals throughout the country; the number of such beds in 1990; the number of staff employed by the health services for the respective periods; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21502/06]
The bed complement at 31 December 1990 for hospitals which are now classified as HSE Network Hospitals was 11,154 in-patient beds and 284 day places. In 1993 a new system of counting hospital beds was introduced. This is based on the average number of beds available for use over the year taking into account beds that are temporarily opened or closed. Provisional figures for 2005 indicate that the average number of beds available for use in HSE Network Hospitals was 12,042 in-patient beds and 1,213 day places. It is important to note that the numbers of beds available in any hospital may fluctuate over time depending on service demands and other factors such as seasonal closures and refurbishment. The total number of staff employed in the public health, including hospitals, community and primary care services, was 57,781 at end 1990 and 101,978 at end 2005 an increase of 44,197.
117 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to upgrade or extend the health centres throughout County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21503/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
118 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she expects to issue instructions to the Health Service Executive to proceed with the next phase of the development of Naas Hospital; if same will involve a total redevelopment of the site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21504/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for considering new capital proposals or progressing those in the health capital programme. Accordingly, my Department is requesting the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
119 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of personnel currently employed in the delivery of health services throughout County Kildare; the number employed in 1990; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21505/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management of human resources which is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
120 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has studied reports available to her relating to the number of incidents of the various forms of cancer reported throughout the country; the success rate of treatment; if particular areas, counties or regions have higher reported levels of one or other form of cancer than others; the reason for the variation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21506/06]
The National Cancer Registry has routinely collected data on county of residence for all incidences of cancer since 1994. This data has been published in a number of reports, including ‘Cancer in Ireland 1994-2000' and two all-Ireland cancer reports, ‘All-Ireland Cancer Statistics' for 1994-1996 and 1998-2000. Up-to-date tables describing cancer incidence by site, sex and county of residence are also available to the public on the Registry website www. ncri.ie. In addition to this routine analysis, the Registry has carried out a number of analyses of cancer incidence for single counties in response to specific local issues.
The most recent detailed analysis of the relationship between cancer incidence and county of residence was carried out for the second All-Ireland cancer report (1998-2000) which was published in 2004. While this report showed some relationship between region of residence and cancer incidence, there was few instances where this relationship could be shown at county level. In general, the number of cancer cases diagnosed at county level were too few, and the variation in incidence between counties too small, for any meaningful conclusions to be drawn. The only clear exception to this was for lung cancer, where incidences and mortality was significantly higher in Dublin than elsewhere. This variation in lung cancer incidence between urban and rural setting was also found in Belfast and Derry and is consistent with the pattern of incidence of lung cancer in other countries.
The National Cancer Registry published a report in 2003 entitled ‘Patterns of Care and Survival from Cancer in Ireland, 1994-1998', which found many significant differences in treatment patterns for prostate, lung, colorectal and breast cancer between former health board areas. It established that there are clear differences in treatment and survival depending on area of residence. An important additional finding was the lack of consistency between geographical regions in treating the same cancer at the same stage. The Department has funded the National Cancer Registry to undertake a follow-up of this Report, which will look at variations and outcome up to 2001 and is expected to be published in early Autumn.
I have received a new National Cancer Strategy from the National Cancer Forum. The Strategy makes recommendations in relation to organisation, governance, quality assurance and accreditation across the continuum of cancer care from prevention and health promotion through to treatment services, palliative care and research. The Department is currently examining the Strategy in conjunction with the HSE. I will bring proposals to Government shortly.
121 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of reported incidents of tuberculosis throughout the country; the extent to which the level has increased or otherwise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21507/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
122 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there are treatment services provided by the State for people with eating disorders who live outside the Dublin area; if not, if assistance is made available for them to access treatment services, that is, clinics and treatment programmes; if there is a waiting list for such services and the breakdown of the waiting list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21539/06]
As part of a comprehensive community-oriented psychiatric services, persons presenting with eating disorders are generally treated in their area. Where in-patient treatment is deemed necessary, it is provided in child and adolescent psychiatric in-patient units or the local acute psychiatric unit or hospital. Outpatient psychiatric services are provided from a network of hospitals, health centres, day hospitals and day centres.
The future direction and delivery of all aspects of our mental health services, including services for persons with eating disorders, were considered in the context of the work of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy. The Group's report entitled "A Vision for Change" was published on Tuesday 24th January, 2006. The report sets out how positive mental health can be promoted generally in our society, and how specialist mental health services can be delivered efficiently to persons with eating disorders who need them.
"A Vision for Change" acknowledges gaps in the current provision of mental health services for persons with eating disorders and makes several recommendations for the further improvement of these services. Recommendations include support for health promotion initiatives that encourage greater community and family awareness of eating disorders, the further development of primary and community care services and the provision of a full multi-disciplinary team in a National Centre for Eating Disorders. It is recommended that this National Centre be located in one of the national children's hospitals for complex cases that cannot be managed by local child and adolescent community mental health teams. The Government has accepted the Expert Group's report as the basis for the future development of the mental health services. In this connection an additional €25 million was made available this year to the HSE for the further development of our mental health services.
The Health Service Executive, which has primary responsibility for implementing the recommendations of "A Vision for Change" is in the process of establishing an implementation group to ensure that the recommendations are realised in a timely and coordinated manner. Also, I have recently appointed an independent monitoring group, as recommended in the Report, to oversee the implementation of "A Vision for Change". This group recently held its inaugural meeting.
Certain aspects of the Deputy's question refers to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
123 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 271 of 21 February 2006 the reason a person (details supplied) in County Sligo has not been called for their hip operation in Sligo General; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21544/06]
The Deputy will be aware that the management and delivery of the health and personal social services is now the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. I understand that the Health Service Executive replied directly to the Deputy in March. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond to the Deputy in relation to this case and to provide the information requested.
124 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance the mechanism a person (details supplied) in County Kildare must use to obtain a P60 or P45 for a period finishing on 3 May 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21365/06]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a Form P45 was issued to the taxpayer on 4 May 2005 by the employer with whom he ceased employment on 3 May 2005. A PAYE balancing statement for 2005 issued to the taxpayer dated 29 May 2006. This outlined his certified income from all sources, together with tax deducted thereon, for the year 2005.
125 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance if the contract documents for the purchase of a site for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare are near resolution. [21415/06]
I refer to my responses to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 15542/06 of 25th April 2006 and No. 14035/06 of 6th April 2006. The updated position remains unchanged.
126 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 329 of 25 April 2006, when the catchment flood risk assessment for the Rye River will commence; and if he will employ additional staff in the Office of Public Works, if as he stated, they have limited staff resources. [21417/06]
The Commissioners of Public Works are in the process of recruiting additional staff at this time. The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management study for the Rye River will commence as soon as possible.
127 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance if the tender has been awarded for the roof repairs to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if so, the details of same. [21425/06]
Tenders have been received for the replacement of the roof at the school referred to in County Kildare. These tenders are currently being assessed and it is hoped that a contract for the work can be placed this month.
128 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance the costs of providing a SSIA style pension incentive scheme where the State matched every euro privately invested with an equal contribution, the scheme being confined to those on the standard rate of income tax or lower; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21446/06]
The cost of the proposed scheme mentioned in the question would depend upon the extent to which taxpayers availed of the incentive, the savings rate, the amount saved and whether there was a cap or not on the maximum amount saved. In the absence of any indication of these parameters, I am unable to give any accurate projection.
129 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the annual travel pass scheme, whereby employees can receive tax relief on travel expenses, being extended to all commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21447/06]
The position in relation to travel tickets is that where an employer provides an employee with an annual or monthly bus or train pass, the cost of such a pass is not taxable. In addition, where an employee foregoes salary, and such salary foregone is used by the employee to purchase an annual or monthly bus or train pass, then the salary foregone is not taxable. Both of these instances are subject to certain conditions.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that employees are not required to include in their tax returns income arising from the provision of travel passes by their employers. In the case of employers the expense of travel passes to employees is allowable as a deduction in arriving at profits for tax purposes. However, the employer's tax return of income does not contain an entry in respect of this item and the employer's profit and loss account does not normally distinguish between this particular expense and other employment-related expenses.
Data available to my Department from Dublin Bus suggests that in 2005 approximately 40,000 travel tickets were issued by them covering not only their own services but also the Irish Rail and Luas services. On the basis of ticket sale receipt figures supplied by Dublin Bus and assuming an average tax rate of 30% plus the value of PRSI//Health levies forgone the cost in revenue forgone in respect of those service is estimated at approximately €7million. These, however, are not comprehensive figures and, in these circumstances it is not possible to provide a totally reliable estimate of numbers or costs involved at present. As a result existing data does not provide a sound basis on which to estimate the cost of extending the scheme to all commuters.
The extension of the scheme to all commuters i.e. to almost the entire working population, would be likely to have serious cost implications for the Exchequer. In addition, it would place a significant administrative burden on the local offices of the Revenue Commissioners who would have to process the reliefs/credits for each employee. One of the advantages of the scheme as it currently stands is that it is well controlled, easily administered and reasonably well targeted. The widening of the exemption in the manner suggested would significantly dilute these advantages.
130 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the number of women who were affected by the marriage bar; the number of women who will not be entitled to a pension in their own right as a result of the bar; his views on the implications of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21477/06]
The Deputy will be aware that I have primary responsibility for Civil Service pensions. The position is that, prior to 31 July 1973, the law required female employees to resign on marriage. In such cases, employees under pension age who had at least five years service (six years prior to 1 January 1968) qualified for marriage gratuities of 1/12th of salary per year of service, subject to a maximum of one year's salary. In the period 1962 to 1973 a total of 1,240 marriage gratuities were paid. This figure does not include officers who resigned on marriage but who did not have the requisite service to qualify for the gratuity as such records were not kept at the time.
The Marriage bar was removed in 1973. Various initiatives, providing for reinstatement, in certain circumstances, of persons who had resigned on account of this were then introduced by my predecessors. These initiatives were formally removed in 1996 following a successful challenge that they discriminated in favour of a particular category of women.
The requirement to resign on marriage was part of the law in force at the time and was subsequently changed in line with developments in employment, equality law etc. I have no plans to change the Superannuation Acts to provide pensions for officers who resigned on marriage before 1973.
131 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will liaise with ComReg to ensure that parish church radio transmitters are allowed to continue to transmit to their parishioners as heretofore; if he will further ensure that no parish church radio transmitters be shut down until an alternative wavelength is provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21399/06]
The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is the statutory body responsible for the management of the radio spectrum in Ireland.
ComReg has drafted regulations permitting the safe use of public address systems to transmit local church services and other public events. These regulations require my consent as Minister for Communications, under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1926 and should be in place shortly.
ComReg recently met with representatives of the Catholic Church to explain the proposed new scheme to them. I understand from ComReg that the Church representatives expressed satisfaction with the new arrangements.
ComReg also advised the Church representatives that while they have not required churches to discontinue relaying services they would expect all parishes to comply with the new licensing arrangements once the regulations have been signed and come into force.
132 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the towns in Kildare which have access to broadband at present; the towns without broadband; the amount of funding being provided by the State to provide broadband in Kildare towns under MANs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21426/06]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the independent regulator.
My Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie lists all service providers offering broadband services in all towns in Kildare, and gives contact details for each company, together with prices for the various service levels on offer.
It has been clear for some time that the sector has failed to invest at the level necessary to keep pace with the demand for broadband, so my Department's regional broadband programme is addressing the infrastructure deficit by building high speed, open access broadband networks, in association with the local and regional authorities, in the major towns and cities. These Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.
Twenty-seven MANs are now completed and a further seven are nearing completion. The second phase of the programme involves the building of MANs in a further 94 towns with a population of 1,500 and above that do not have a satisfactory broadband offering from the private sector. Kildare is developing projects in respect of the following towns: Kildare, Newbridge, Rathangan, Sallins, Maynooth, Clane, Monasterevan, Kilcock and Prosperous at an estimated grant aid of €12.7 million. The route designs are currently being developed in conjunction with Kildare County Council. Construction on these projects is expected to commence in 2007.
For rural communities and the hinterlands of larger towns, my Department offers funding under the County and Group Broadband Scheme to enable these communities to become self-sufficient in broadband, in association with the service providers. To date schemes have being approved for the North, North East and South West regions of Kildare. These projects are currently being constructed by the service providers. Full details of the scheme, including application procedures, are available on the website www.gbs.gov.ie.
133 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources further to the purchase of a site in Cavan Town for the decentralisation of his Department, the amount the site cost; the amount the current Department headquarters expect to be sold for; the number of staff members who have signed up to move to Cavan; the number of senior staff members who have agreed to move to Cavan; when he expects to finalise the move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21487/06]
The property element of the Government's Decentralisation Programme, including the acquisition of sites and associated costs and the disposal of State property is a matter for the Office of Public Works (OPW). I have no function in this matter.
Twenty-seven staff members have formally signed up to decentralise to Cavan. Of that number, five are of senior rank (Assistant Principal and above).
134 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the types of torture depicted in the documentary film The Road To Guantánamo have been confirmed as having taken place; and if the Government has made any formal complaint to the US Government regarding these occurrences. [21518/06]
Ireland holds the view that those detained in Guantánamo must be treated in accordance with the requirements of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. This position is shared by our EU partners, and the issue was most recently discussed at last weekend's meeting of Foreign Ministers. It was agreed that human rights and humanitarian standards have to be maintained while combating terrorism. Dialogue with the United States is continuing, in particular among legal advisers.
Following the publication on 16 February 2006 of the joint report of the UN Commission on Human Rights' Special Procedures, I endorsed the view of the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, that those held in Guantánamo Bay should either be charged or released, and that the US should close the facility.
The Government has repeatedly raised its concerns on this issue with the US, most recently during the Taoiseach's meeting with President Bush on 17 March 2006.
135 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report the meeting or the arena in which the Government raised with the DUP the issue of the DUP’s role in sectarianism. [21538/06]
The Government has discussed the issue of sectarianism with the DUP on a number of occasions in recent months. On 18 November 2005, a meeting was held between the Government and a DUP delegation at Government Buildings. The context at that time included the attacks that had taken place in North Antrim and elsewhere during the summer of 2005 and the violence that had occurred during the Whiterock parade in September 2005. At that meeting, the Government raised the issue of sectarian attacks and intimidation and called for strong political leadership in condemning such incidents.
At discussions which took place between the two Governments and the DUP on 6 February 2006 in Hillsborough, I raised directly with the DUP Delegation our concerns about the patterns of attacks in North Antrim, and about the need for that party to play an active part in trying to combat all forms of sectarianism and sectarian attitudes.
However, this is not solely an issue for any one political party in Northern Ireland. All those in positions of leadership have a major role to play in eradicating sectarianism. It is vitally important that all incidents of sectarian violence be condemned consistently, unequivocally and unambiguously by every political party in Northern Ireland. Leaders must condemn sectarian attitudes and actions that can poison minds and create the climate for violence. Above all, leaders should be working to reduce tensions and promote reconciliation, particularly during the summer months.
The Government has emphasised to all parties the need to work towards a society based on tolerance and mutual respect, as envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement. We believe that the full implementation of the Agreement would be an important step towards achieving this aim.
136 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of an application for a work permit for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21467/06]
The Work Permit Section has confirmed that an application for a work permit in respect of the above individual was refused in August, 2005 in line with my Department's policy to only consider work permit applications for highly skilled and highly paid positions which are not possible to fill from within the EEA and on the grounds that the company had been dissolved.
The employer was notified of this decision in writing and of the right of appeal. An appeal was received from the employer in November 2005. The employer was contacted in relation to this appeal requesting further information. To date the employer has not submitted a response to this request, accordingly the file has been closed.
137 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in relation to a work permit application for a person (details supplied), account was taken by his Department of the fact that, despite exhaustive efforts including repeated and prolonged advertising and assistance from FÁS, it has proved impossible to recruit a suitably qualified Irish, EEA national or non-EEA national already legally resident here for the position in question; if, in these circumstances, he will review this work permit application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21369/06]
The Work Permit Section has confirmed that an application for a work permit in respect of the above individual was refused on 23 May, 2006 in line with my Department's policy to only consider work permit applications for highly skilled and highly paid positions which are not possible to fill from within the EEA.
The employer was notified of this decision in writing and of the right of appeal. To date no such appeal has been received by the Work Permit Section. If the employer lodges an appeal by 20th June, I will arrange to have the case reviewed.
138 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway who was refused work permits for persons in view of the fact that it has not been possible to source a person with the skills required in Ireland or the EU. [21514/06]
The Work Permit Section of my Department has informed me that applications for work permits in respect of the above individuals were refused on 8 March 2006. New work permit applications are only being considered for skilled positions where it is not possible to recruit suitable persons from within the EEA.
In ethnic restaurants where there is significant investment, significant employment of EEA nationals and where a business case can be made for highly skilled and qualified non-EEA staff, my Department will consider such applications on a case by case basis. However in this instance my Department is of the view that the applications did not meet these criteria. The employer was notified of this decision in writing and of the right of appeal.
The employer submitted an appeal on 11 April 2006. The Work Permit Section upheld the decision to refuse on 10 May 2006. There has been no further correspondence from the employer on the issue.
139 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an oral hearing will be scheduled for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo to finalise their carer’s allowance appeal. [21366/06]
The person's application for carer's allowance was disallowed by a Deciding Officer on the grounds that he is employed outside the home for more than ten hours per week.
The person appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. In accordance with the statutory requirements the relevant departmental papers, including a submission from the Deciding Officer were sought. The papers have been referred to the Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in the case. The hearing will be arranged as soon as possible.
Under Social Welfare Legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
140 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded unemployment assistance. [21379/06]
Following a review, a Deciding Officer disallowed the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned from 28 December 2005 on the grounds that he is not available for, or genuinely seeking work.
The person concerned appealed this decision. However, the Appeals Officer was not satisfied that he has made sustained efforts in genuinely seeking work and accordingly disallowed his claim. An Appeals Officer's decision is final in the absence of new facts, or fresh evidence.
Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
141 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if he has received proposals for park and ride facilities under Transport 21. [21431/06]
My Department has approved a Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) strategy for rail-based Park and Ride facilities, which envisages facilities at 22 locations on the existing and proposed rail network within the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and Irish Rail are currently working on plans to implement the strategy.
My Department has also been in touch with key local authorities to generate proposals within and outside the GDA and while to date no applications have been received, there have been several expressions of interest.
I have made capital funding of €5 million available for the development of appropriate Park and Ride projects in the Greater Dublin area during 2006. I have also made €12 million available for bus priority and park and ride measures in provincial cities. Capital funding will also be provided in succeeding years under TRANSPORT 21.
142 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the delay in issuing information sought under Parliamentary Question No. 264 of 6 April 2006. [21437/06]
I understand that a reply issued to the Deputy recently. A copy of this response has been forwarded to him on 29th May 2006.
143 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 191 of 25 May 2006, if a breakdown of the figures in the age categories provided is available by the numbers on their first, second, third, fourth, fifth and subsequent licenses; and if he will he provide it. [21515/06]
The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government who hold and administer the National Driver File has advised that the breakdown of the figures given in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 191 of 25 May 2006 by provisional count is shown in the table.
|
Age |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
5th and subsequent licences |
Total |
|
Under 17 |
2,453 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2,453 |
|
17 — 19 |
53,849 |
5,994 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
59,843 |
|
20 — 24 |
66,402 |
37,444 |
9,538 |
2,649 |
294 |
116,327 |
|
25 — 29 |
33,915 |
22,965 |
12,193 |
7,441 |
2,970 |
79,484 |
|
30 — 34 |
19,641 |
12,604 |
7,594 |
6,471 |
4,722 |
51,032 |
|
35 — 39 |
11,762 |
7,186 |
4,512 |
4,332 |
4,363 |
32,155 |
|
40 — 44 |
7,166 |
4,427 |
2,873 |
3,136 |
3,928 |
21,530 |
|
45 — 49 |
4,475 |
2,998 |
1,984 |
2,199 |
3,076 |
14,732 |
|
50 — 54 |
2,947 |
2,120 |
1,506 |
1,724 |
2,436 |
10,733 |
|
55 — 59 |
1,848 |
1,484 |
1,087 |
1,281 |
2,095 |
7,795 |
|
60 — 64 |
807 |
678 |
499 |
716 |
1,428 |
4,128 |
|
65 — 69 |
427 |
353 |
252 |
345 |
853 |
2,230 |
|
70 — 74 |
184 |
207 |
135 |
164 |
504 |
1,194 |
|
75 — 79 |
81 |
78 |
57 |
78 |
278 |
572 |
|
80 — 84 |
40 |
30 |
12 |
25 |
87 |
194 |
|
85 and over |
163 |
8 |
2 |
12 |
20 |
205 |
|
Total |
206,160 |
98,576 |
42,244 |
30,573 |
27,054 |
404,607 |
144 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he or his Department have had or intend to have discussions with the relevant parties involved in relation to the allegations made by the International Transport Federation regarding a company (details supplied) in relation to pay and work conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21363/06]
I am aware that the International Transport Workers' Federation has had concerns for some time in relation to the pay and work conditions on the ship operated by the company referred to by the Deputy.
The Department of Transport has certain responsibilities in relation to Irish registered ships; the operation of ships on other ship registers is governed by applicable national and international law. The Department of Transport has no function in relation to seafarers' wages.
The ship operated by the company is not registered on the Irish Ship Register. Obligations on the ship's owners regarding maintenance, crewing standards and certification of those matters are appropriate to the Flag State operating the ship's register, St. Vincent and The Grenadines.
Foreign registered vessels using Irish ports, including the ship operated by the company, are inspected regularly by the Marine Survey Office of the Department of Transport in the exercise of Ireland's Port State Control obligations. These inspections are aimed at ensuring that such vessels are maintained and operated in compliance with international safety standards laid down by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and, in relation to seafarers' social conditions, by the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) maritime conventions, together with relevant EU initiatives in the maritime area. Deficiencies identified are brought to the attention of the owner and Flag State Administration and may have to be rectified before the ship continues its journey. These inspections do not deal with pay and pay related working conditions.
145 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the confirmation received from the EU Transport Commissioner that an individual State may not enter talks with the US in advance of a full agreement on open skies between the EU and US, the ratio of Dublin-Shannon flights will move from 1.1 to 3.1 from November 2006; if the deadlock in EU and US open skies negotiations is not resolved and if he intends changing the ratio in November 2006, the mechanism through which he intends introducing that change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21364/06]
As I have stated in previous Questions the text of a first-phase EU-US Open Skies agreement was unanimously endorsed at the December 2005 Transport Council subject to sufficient progress by the US side on opening up ownership and control of US airlines to EU investors. It had been expected that the process of changing the ownership and control rules would have been concluded early in 2006 so that a final decision could be taken at the June Transport Council. However, due to difficulties on the US side the rule-making process has been extended but they have indicated that the matter will be concluded in August in time for agreement at the October Transport Council. I therefore have every confidence that the issue will be resolved at the October Transport Council. It is neither possible nor appropriate to give definitive views in relation to the options that may exist if this does not happen.
146 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if he has concluded his reviews of the reform of the bus market; and when he will make a decision in relation to the Dublin Bus application for funding. [21418/06]
I have given a public commitment to modernizing the regulatory framework governing public transport, not just in Dublin, but nationally.
In particular, at the launch of Transport 21, I said that I was convinced that we need a new approach to transport in the Greater Dublin Area, delivered through a single authority with the power to ensure joined-up thinking and delivery across all transport modes.
In advancing the regulatory agenda, discussions have taken place with the key stakeholders including the CIE Companies and the Unions. These discussions form part of a process of engagement that will facilitate and inform the determination of the appropriate structure for the new framework and supporting legislation.
This process is also being informed by the work of the team of experts which was appointed to finalise the remit, structures and human resource requirements of the proposed Dublin Transport Authority. I have now received the report of the team. A draft Memorandum for Government is currently the subject of consultations with other Minister's and will be submitted to Government in the near future.
I will finalise my consideration of how best to proceed with public transport reform in the context of the institutional structures recommended by the team. I would hope to be in a position to publish legislation on the matter in the current year.
My Department is currently considering an application from Dublin Bus for funding for 200 additional buses to be delivered in 2006 and 2007. The application is being considered in the context of Transport 21, the bus network review completed recently by Dublin Bus and the bus market reform process. I will make a decision on the application having regard to the outcome of my deliberations on the reform of the bus market, which I intend to conclude in the coming weeks.
147 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport when he will consider the granting of the Railway Order for the Kildare route project in view of the fact that he has the inspector’s report into the public inquiry and the submissions he received during the display of the application for the Railway Order. [21419/06]
I received the Inspector's report of the public inquiry in relation to the Railway Order for the Kildare Route Project on Friday 5 May 2006. I am now obliged, under Section 43 (1) of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001, to consider the report of the Inquiry as well as the submissions I received in respect of the project, CIÉ's application for a Railway Order, and the draft Order and documents that accompanied the application.
I am currently considering the inspector's report and the other documents mentioned above. I will make my decision as to whether to grant the Railway Order when I have given all these documents due and proper consideration.
148 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the number of appeals that were made in each of the past three years for which figures are available against the result of a driving test; the percentage this number represents of the number of driving tests that year; and the number of appeals that were successful. [21479/06]
The information requested is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
No. of Appeals |
% of tests |
No. Successful |
|
2006 |
1 |
— |
0 |
|
2005 |
5 |
.004 |
0 |
|
2004 |
9 |
.006 |
2 |
|
2003 |
3 |
.002 |
0 |
149 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the budget available to the Road Safety Authority in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21485/06]
Funding in 2006 in my Department's Vote for road safety activities which will transfer to the Road Safety Authority amounts to €9.5m. In addition there is a contribution of €1.1m from the Irish Insurance Federation. This does not take account of staffing and administration costs, which are included in my Department's administrative budget. Nor does it include cost of services provided without direct charge at present. These include, for example, accommodation services provided by OPW.
150 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the statutory instruments signed by him in 2004, including the relevant statutory instrument reference. [21489/06]
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table and includes Statutory Instruments signed by my predecessor, Seamus Brennan and the former Minister of State Ivor Callely.
|
Statutory Instrument Number |
Title |
|
11 of 2004 |
Córas Iompair Éireann Superannuation Scheme 1951 (Amendment) Scheme (Confirmation) Order 2004 |
|
12 of 2004 |
Córas Iompair Éireann Spouses’ & Children’s Superannuation Scheme (Amendment) Scheme (Confirmation) Order 2004 |
|
18 of 2004 |
Roads Act 1993 (Classification of National Roads) (Gormanstown to Dundalk Route and Dundalk Western Bypass) Order 2004 |
|
19 of 2004 |
Roads Act 1993 (Classification of Regional Roads) (Red Cow to N52 Link Road) Order 2004 |
|
61 of 2004 |
European Communities (Interoperability of the Trans- European conventional rail system) Regulations, 2004 |
|
71 of 2004 |
Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 (Line A — Tallaght to Abbey Street Light Railway) (Amendment) Order 2004 |
|
98 of 2004 |
European Communities (Random Roadside Vehicle Inspection) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 |
|
99 of 2004 |
Road Traffic (Construction & Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 |
|
116 of 2004 |
Iarnród Éireann (Portarlington — Athlone) (Ashfield Level Crossing) Order 2004 |
|
157 of 2004 |
Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles)(Amendment) Regulations 2004 |
|
209 of 2004 |
Córas Iompair Éireann Pension Scheme for Regular Wages Staff (Amendment) Scheme (Confirmation) Order 2004 |
|
243 of 2004 |
European Communities (Vehicle Testing) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 |
|
244 of 2004 |
European Communities (Motor Vehicle Type Approval) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 |
|
245 of 2004 |
European Communities (Passenger Car Entry into Service) Regulations 2004 |
|
246 of 2004 |
European Communities (Mechanically Propelled Vehicle Entry into Service) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 |
|
248 of 2004 |
Road Traffic Act 2002 (Commencement of Certain Provisions) Order 2004 |
|
249 of 2004 |
Roads Act, 1993 (Classification of National Roads) (Fermoy, Rathcormac and Watergrasshill Bypass) Order, 2004 |
|
255 of 2004 |
Light Railway (Speed Limits — Luas Line A) Regulations 2004 |
|
256 of 2004 |
Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 (Line A — Tallaght to Abbey Street Light Railway) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2004 |
|
257 of 2004 |
Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 (Line B — St Stephen’s Green to Sandyford Industrial Estate Light Railway) (Amendment) Order 2004 |
|
260 of 2004 |
Taxi Regulation Act 2003 (Section 37(1)) (Commencement) Order 2004 |
|
261 of 2004 |
Córas Iompair Éireann Superannuation Scheme 1951 (Amendment) Scheme (Confirmation) (No. 2) Order 2004 |
|
262 of 2004 |
Córas Iompair Éireann Spouses’ & Children’s Superannuation Scheme (Amendment) Scheme (Confirmation) (No. 2) Order 2004 |
|
263 of 2004 |
Córas Iompair Éireann Pension Scheme for Regular Wages Staff (Amendment) Scheme (Confirmation) (No. 2) Order 2004 |
|
264 of 2004 |
Córas Iompair Éireann Spouses’ & Children’s Pension Scheme for Regular Wages Staff (Amendment) Scheme (Confirmation) Order 2004 |
|
402 of 2004 |
Road Traffic (Removal of Exemption from Wearing Seat Belts by Taxi Drivers) Regulations 2004 |
|
403 of 2004 |
Road Traffic (Signs)(Amendment) Regulations 2004 |
|
404 of 2004 |
Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 |
|
495 of 2004 |
Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 (Kilkenny Diversion) Railway Order 2004 |
|
523 of 2004 |
Taxi Regulation Act 2003 (Part 2) (Establishment Day) Order 2004 |
|
529 of 2004 |
Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 (Line A Tallaght to Abbey Street Light Railway) (Amendment) (No.3) Order 2004 |
|
531 of 2004 |
The State Airports Act 2004 (Dublin Appointed Day) Order |
|
643 of 2004 |
European Communities (Allocation of Railway Infrastructure Capacity and the Levying of Charges for the use of Railway Infrastructure and Safety Certification) Regulations, 2004 |
|
705 of 2004. |
The Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers)(Amendment) Regulations 2004 |
|
771 of 2004 |
European Communities (Vehicle Testing) Regulations 2004 |
|
858 of 2004 |
Road Traffic (Construction & Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2004 |
|
866 of 2004 |
European Communities (Passenger Car Entry into Service) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 |
|
867 of 2004 |
European Communities (Mechanically Propelled Vehicle Entry into Service) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2004 |
|
868 of 2004 |
European Communities (Motor Vehicle Type Approval) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2004 |
151 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport when a subsequent driving test will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21536/06]
A driving test will be arranged in due course for the person concerned. An application for a driving test was entered on computer on 4 April, 2006. There was no indication given, or received since, that there is any urgency about this application.
152 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a committee (details supplied) in the Inishowen area of County Donegal which is lobbying to make it compulsory for Gardaí to breathalyse all drivers involved in road traffic accidents or to obtain a blood or urine sample for testing for alcohol levels; if he has looked at or intends to consider implementing their proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21537/06]
The position in relation to drivers involved in road accidents and testing for alcohol levels is outlined in the Road Traffic Acts. The Acts provide that a member of the Garda Síochána may require a person in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle to provide a preliminary breath specimen where the vehicle is involved in a road collision. There may be circumstances, especially in the context of a road collision, where it may not be possible for a member of the Gardaí to require that a person submit to a preliminary breath test. I do not propose to alter the legislation to make it mandatory to breathalyse all drivers involved in road accidents.
The Road Traffic Acts also place an obligation on a person to provide a blood or urine sample in a hospital. This applies where an event occurs involving a vehicle which results in a person being injured, or a person claiming or appearing to have been injured, where the person is admitted to or attends a hospital, and a member of the Gardai is of the opinion that, at the time of the event, the person had consumed an intoxicant. An intoxicant includes alcohol and drugs or any combination of alcohol and drugs.
153 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will expedite a decision on the submission from the Inter Sectoral Crack Cocaine Strategy Group to the National Drug Strategy Team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21372/06]
I am advised that the Inter Sectoral Crack Cocaine Strategy Group arose from the North Inner City Community Policing Forum and that this Group is formulating proposals that may lead to a submission to the National Drug Strategy Team. As proposals from the Group have yet to be formulated, I cannot indicate what my response to them is likely to be. However, I will consider any submission in the matter if and when it is forwarded to me through the National Drugs Strategy Team.
154 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will allocate a grant under the CLÁR primary school outdoor play facilities grant 2006 programme to a school (details supplied) in County Galway. [21398/06]
The school referred to by the Deputy is included in the recently extended CLÁR areas. As I have previously outlined, the measures that are currently open to the extended CLÁR areas are as follows: LIS Roads; Flashing Amber Safety Lights at Schools; Small Public Water & Sewerage Schemes; Group Water schemes; CLÁR Water Conservation Measure; Village and Countryside Enhancement Scheme; Bi-lingual Signage Scheme; Gaeltacht Grants top-up; Single to Three phase Electricity Conversion; Community Initiatives of a Capital Nature; and Coastal and Harbour Development. Further announcements will be made in due course on the expansion of other measures to the new areas, including the CLÁR School Outdoor Play Facilities Enhancement Scheme.
155 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department will consider or if he will recommend increasing the core funding for those projects mainstreamed in local drug task force areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21475/06]
When Local Drugs Task Force projects are mainstreamed the associated funding provision passes from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to the relevant Department or Agency. The subsequent issue of core funding for mainstreamed drugs projects is a matter for the State Agency involved, following consultation with the project promoter and the relevant Local Drugs Task Force.
156 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of funding applications submitted for socially monitored alarms during the years 2002 to 2005 and to date in 2006 with regard to the community support for older people scheme; the number of these applications which were approved for funding in each of these years; the number of older persons who received socially monitored alarms under this scheme in each of the years; the amount expended by his Department on funding for socially monitored alarms under this scheme in each of the years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21513/06]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No.174 of the 28th April 2005. The details in respect of grants paid under the 2005 scheme are available on my Departments website: www.pobail.ie. The figures for Socially Monitored Alarms in 2005 are as follows:
|
Year |
Number of Groups Approved |
Number of Applications (Individuals) |
Number of Applications (Individuals) Approved |
Amount (€millions) |
|
2005 |
389 |
5,425 |
5,118 |
€1.5 (approx) |
The 2006 scheme was advertised in May; no applications have been processed under the 2006 scheme to date.
157 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be awarded a REP scheme payment. [21376/06]
The application from the person named was selected for a pre-payment inspection and deficiencies were found. A registered letter issued to the applicant on 27th April 2006 and he was advised that he could submit a new plan with the outlined deficiencies corrected. To date no such application has been received.
158 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding an application for the single farm payment in the name of persons (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21402/06]
An application under the Force Majeure measure was submitted in this case on 06/02/2004. Having examined the circumstances and documentation submitted it was deemed that the application did not satisfy the criteria laid down in Article 40 of Council Regulation EC No. 1782/2003, determining Force Majeure/Exceptional Circumstances. Notification of this decision issued on 15/06/2004.
The applicants were advised that they may be eligible to make an application under the New Entrant/Inheritance Scheme. No application under this Scheme has been received to date.
159 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 580 of 25 April 2006 the reason the single farm payment to a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not been made; when same will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21405/06]
The person named submitted a Private Contract Clause application under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme. The application has been processed and the entitlements transferred. Payment of €28,320.45 will issue to the person concerned within the next few days.
160 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 581 of 25 April 2006 the reason the single farm payment to a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not been made; when same will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21406/06]
Further to my reply to Parliamentary Question No.581 of 25 April, 2006 in this case, all outstanding errors, including one that arose during the subsequent processing of the application, have now been resolved and payment of €31,683.27, which represents the full amount due, will issue to the person named in the coming days.
162 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the latest date for submission of a 2005 single farm payment national reserve application; when the 2006 application must be submitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21457/06]
My Department sought applications for the 2005 National Reserve in December 2004. The closing date for receipt of completed applications was extended to 16 May 2005 to coincide with the closing date for the 2005 Single Payment Scheme applications. The question of the categories to be included in the 2006 National Reserve and the timing of applications will be discussed with the Single Payment Advisory Committee in the near future following which I will make an appropriate announcement.
163 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason an application to stack for a person (details supplied) in County Cork was refused; if there is a mechanism to appeal the decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21458/06]
The person named submitted a Single Payment Application on the 6 May 2005. This person also applied under the consolidation measure of the Single Payment Scheme. The consolidation application was processed and rejected on the 15 April 2006, as it is more beneficial to the applicant under Article 13 of EU Regulation 795/2004 whereby the reference amount will on transfer by way of inheritance be divided by the hectares inherited. This will result in full consolidation through the Inheritance measure.
The person named has had her entitlements amended as a result of the successful Inheritance application, to include Consolidation on Inheritance. The outstanding Single Payment will issue shortly.
164 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 142 of 11 May 2006 when payment will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21459/06]
The person in this case initially applied under the Inheritance measure of the Single Payment Scheme. In processing this application, it became apparent that the transfer was appropriate to the Private Contract Clause procedure. A PCC application to transfer in entitlements under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme was subsequently received. The application has now been successfully processed, and payment of €5,538.08 under a Private Contract Clause agreement will issue to the person concerned within the next few days.
165 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she will receive a report from Indecon International Economic Consultants on the implementation of the restructuring aid for the sugar industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21460/06]
166 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she will receive a report from Greencore consultants on the allocation of the restructuring aid for the sugar industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21461/06]
167 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if in her assessment of the restructuring aid for the sugar industry factors such as the value remaining sugar assets and Siúcra brand will be taken into account; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21462/06]
168 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her intentions for the €43.6 million sugar diversification fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21463/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 to 168, inclusive, together.
Indecon International Economic Consultants were appointed by the Government to provide me with independent expert advice on matters relating to the implementation of the restructuring aid. Last month my Department issued a public call for submissions from interested parties in relation to the implementation of the aid and these submissions will be subject to scrutiny by Indecon. The deadline for the receipt of submissions is 2 June 2006.
Following Greencore's decision to cease sugar production, it is anticipated that the company will submit an application for restructuring aid in the first year of the new sugar regime, which comes into effect on 1 July 2006. The relevant Council Regulation requires that such an application, including a detailed restructuring plan for the industry, must be submitted by 31 July 2006 following consultations with the beet growers. A decision on the granting of the aid must then be made by the Member State by 30 September 2006 at the latest.
The Council Regulation provides that at least 10% of the aid shall be reserved for sugar beet growers and machinery contractors who have worked under contract with their agricultural machinery for the growers. That percentage may be increased by the Member State after consultation of interested parties provided that an economically sound balance between the elements of the restructuring plan is ensured. A decision on the percentage, taking account of all relevant factors, will be made in due course after the consultation process has been completed, the submissions have been examined by Indecon and following the adoption in the near future of the Commission Regulation laying down the detailed implementation rules. That Regulation will also cover the diversification aid which is to be drawn down in the framework of a national restructuring programme to be prepared and submitted to the EU Commission in due course.
169 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her rights via the golden share interest which she has in Irish Sugar; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21464/06]
As Minister I hold a Special Share in Greencore plc. That share has the same monetary value as any other share in the company but has conditions attached which prevent the company from engaging in a number of activities without the prior written consent of the Minister. In summary, the Special Share prevents the disposal of the controlling interest in Irish Sugar Ltd, or the sale, transfer or disposal of more than 20% of specified assets, including lands and properties, of Irish Sugar Ltd in Carlow and in Mallow used in the production of sugar. It also prevents a single shareholder or group of shareholders from gaining control of Greencore plc. The Special Share does not empower me to get involved in operational matters or normal business decisions made by the company.
170 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon received a single farm payment; the value of same; the date on which it was issued; if the lands under forestry were taken into consideration in the calculation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21465/06]
When processing the Single Farm application for the person named, an over-claim was found on one of the land parcels declared. The over-claim of 71.43% arose because an area of 5.40 hectares that was claimed as forage was, in fact, found to be planted in forestry since June 2004, and grant aided under the Afforestation Premium Scheme. Under the EU Regulations, lands under afforestation are ineligible for the Single Payment.
In accordance with the Single Payment Scheme regulations, a 100% penalty was applied to the Single Farm application of the person named as the over-claim was in excess of 20% of the area claimed.
171 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon received a single farm payment top-up payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21466/06]
The person named submitted an application under the Single Payment Scheme on the 15 May 2005. The applicant established 29.45 entitlements, but had only declared 18.52 eligible hectares on his 2005 SPS application. Payment in respect of 18.52 entitlements to the value of €4,644.34 issued on 1 December, 2005.
The person named subsequently submitted an application under the Consolidation measure of the Scheme on 25 February, 2006. The Consolidation application was processed and accepted and a supplementary payment of €2,740.82 issued on the 9 March, 2006. Full payment has issued on this application.
172 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the terms of reference of the remit given to the steering group comprising representatives of the Forest Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Coillte to examine the impact of forestry operations on the freshwater pearl mussel catchments areas and to draw up operational guidelines. [21512/06]
The Forestry and Margaritifera Group was established last year to identify and address the potential impacts of forestry operations on the freshwater pearl mussel. It consists of a Steering Group and a Technical Working Group.
The terms of reference of the Technical Working Group are to produce agreed guidance for all relevant forestry operations which could affect Margaritifera populations in the rivers designated SAC for the species; the guidance to apply to all relevant forestry operations within those portions of the catchments of these rivers upstream of the Margaritifera populations.
The Working Group is currently finalising draft guidelines and these will be subject to a consultation process shortly.
173 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the new Garda station in Derrinturn, County Kildare is fully operational. [21416/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the Gardaí have been operating from the new Station at Derrinturn since yesterday.
174 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when permission to remain here on the basis of being part of a family unit where the adult of the family has been granted residency will be approved for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1. [21362/06]
The person in question made an application for residency on the basis of being a family dependent of a person who was granted permission to remain in the State as the parent of an Irish born child. The application was received in May 2006. Applications of this nature are dealt with in chronological order, in fairness to all other such applicants and currently take approximately four months to process following receipt of all relevant information.
175 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in relation to the visa application in respect of a person (details supplied) which is the subject of a review by his Department under the scheme of family reunification, he will ensure that a review decision is made. [21368/06]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 444 of Tuesday, 16 May, 2006 (ref18428/06) and the written reply to that question. There is no record of receipt to date of a new visa application from the person in question.
176 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for residency by a person (details supplied) County Donegal. [21390/06]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 15 March, 2003 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 5 November, 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.
This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
177 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of successful prosecutions brought under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003 in 2006 in County Kildare; and the details of same. [21427/06]
Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003 provides for a member of an Garda Síochána, not below the rank of Inspector, to apply to the District Court for an order to temporarily close catering premises in certain specified circumstances as defined in the Act. Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003 provides the procedures by which a closure order may be obtained but does not provide an offence for which a prosecution can be taken. Therefore, the question of prosecutions under section 4 of Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003 does not arise.
178 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of on the spot fines issued by an Garda Síochána for breaches of the control of consumption and possession of alcohol by-laws in Maynooth, Leixlip and Celbridge, County Kildare in 2005. [21428/06]
I have made enquiries with the Garda authorities in relation to the information requested by the Deputy. Details of the number of on the spot fines issued by an Garda Síochána for breaches of the control of consumption and possession of alcohol by-laws in Maynooth, Leixlip and Celbridge, County Kildare in 2005 are as outlined in the table below.
|
No. of Fines |
|
|
Maynooth |
5 |
|
Leixlip |
36 |
|
Celbridge |
70 |
179 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the outstanding documentation required by his Department in order to continue with the processing of an application by a person (details supplied) for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21449/06]
Officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department wrote to the person referred to by the Deputy on 21 October 2005 seeking a copy of her expired passport or her expired Garda Certificate of Registration in order to determine if she satisfies the statutory residency requirements for naturalisation. A reminder was issued to the individual in question on 4 March 2006. To date, a response has not been received to the letter of the 21 October and it has not been possible to advance the processing of the application of the person concerned.
180 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 208 of 18 May 2006, if he will provide the full answer based on the information at his disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21450/06]
Further to the Deputy's question of 19 May 2006 and the person's application for Family Reunification. Following a review of the application and the verification of the authenticity of the documents, mentioned in the Deputy's previous question, by the embassy of the issuing country, a decision was made to grant the application for Family Reunification. I hope that this clarifies the matter.
181 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps to obtain stamp 4 residency for a person (details supplied) who has lived here since May 2001, has a valid work permit and is the parent of two Irish born children; if it is possible to obtain a stamp 4 without first being approved naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21451/06]
The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years (ie: 60 months) on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.
The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years (ie: 60 months) may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not exempt the person from employment permit requirements.
The Immigration Division of my Department is currently giving priority to applications for a long term residency extension in respect of persons who fulfil the legal residency criteria and whose permission to remain expires in the coming weeks.
The documents concerned are: 1. Clear and legible copy of passport (all pages). In the event that the passport has been renewed since commencing employment, a copy of the previous passport must be provided. 2. Copy of Certificate of Registration. 3. Copies of work permits/working visa endorsements/work authorisation endorsements.
Persons who obtain a Certificate of Naturalisation are Irish citizens from the date of issue of the certificate. Such persons do not need to apply for permission to reside in the State.
182 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the European legislation that obliges Ireland to criminalise the possession of hard drugs, to which he referred to in the Dáil Éireann on 24 May 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21452/06]
I would draw the Deputy's attention to the Council Framework Decision laying down minimum provisions on the constituent elements of criminal acts and penalties in the field of drug trafficking that was adopted at the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 25 and 26 October 2004 (OJ L 335/8 11.11.2004). The objective of that instrument is to target illicit drug trafficking by providing a common EU definition of drug trafficking to be punishable in all the Members States. It also provides minimum rules in relation to punishment levels as well as liability of legal persons and jurisdiction and prosecution.
Article 2 of that Framework Decision provides for crimes linked to trafficking in drugs and precursors. The article obliges the Member States to make it a criminal offence to engage in certain conduct such as the production, manufacture, distribution, sale, importation and exportation of drugs and to possess or buy drugs for any of these purposes or to cultivate opium poppy, coco bush or cannabis. The manufacture, transport or distribution of precursors (the substances used to make up drugs) knowing that they are to be used in or for the illicit production or manufacture of drugs will also be an offence. Provision is also made for the exclusion from the scope of the instrument of conduct committed exclusively for a person's own consumption as defined by national law.
The instrument also provides for minimum rules in relation to penalty levels. The penalties range from effective, proportionate and dissuasive criminal sanctions to a maximum penalty of at least 10 years.
183 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied that adequate numbers of Gardaí are deployed to all Garda stations throughout the west Dublin area with particular reference to the need for extra staff to combat the drugs problem; if he has further satisfied that the strength of the force facilitates an early response when members of the public reports incidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21509/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána as at 31 March 2006 was 12,439. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June 1997 and represents an increase of 1,737 (or 16.2%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period.
I have been further informed that the personnel strength (all ranks) of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) West Division as at 1 June 2006 was 679.
In addition, I would point out to the Deputy that the Dublin Metropolitan Region West Division's resources are further augmented by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units.
Garda management state that all members of the Force are tasked with enforcing the law in respect of drug related criminality. Currently, there are 28 Gardaí in the DMR West Division attached to the divisional and district drug units, who are supported and supplemented by members attached to the Garda National Drugs Unit, which has the national remit for enforcement of drug legislation. Local Garda management also states that they are satisfied that adequate resources are available to combat the drugs problem in the area.
Local Garda management also report that they are satisfied that the current allocation of resources is adequate to provide early responses to incidents reported by members of the public.
It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends, administrative functions and other operational policing needs. Such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.
I should add that the current recruitment drive to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members, in line with the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government, is fully on target. This will lead to a combined strength, of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the first group of newly attested Gardaí under the accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in March and a further 275 newly attested Gardaí will do so every 90 days thereafter.
The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of DMR West Division will be given the fullest consideration.
184 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if all reports of drug trafficking in west Dublin are being investigated; if a report is furnished in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21510/06]
185 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the need for a serious crackdown on drug trafficking throughout west Dublin; if his attention has been further drawn to the number of incidents reported to the Gardaí; the action he proposes to take to deal with the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21511/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 185 together.
The Gardaí are in fact conducting a crackdown on drug-related crime in West Dublin. Elements of this crackdown include "Operation Anvil", which in the Dublin Metropolitan Region includes monitoring of pharmacies, "Operation Clean Street", which targets street dealers and the local "Dial to Stop Drugs" programme.
The Garda National Drugs Unit and local Garda drugs units are conducting ongoing intelligence-driven operations to target individuals in West Dublin suspected of involvement in the distribution of drugs. Drug units and community policing personnel are engaged in intelligence gathering on individuals and groups suspected of involvement in the sale and distribution of drugs in the area. There is also targeted patrolling by uniform and plain-clothes personnel of problem areas in West Dublin in order to detect and disrupt persons involved in such activity.
I am assured by the Garda authorities that all reported incidents of drug trafficking in west Dublin are the subject of investigation by An Garda Síochána. Where appropriate, investigation files are submitted to the law officers for direction as to what charges, if any, should be preferred.
I am further informed that local Garda management is satisfied that the current allocation of Garda personnel in the area is at an appropriate level to combat the local drugs problem. Gardaí in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) West Division attached to the divisional and district drugs units are supported by members attached to the Garda National Drugs Unit. It should also be noted that all members of An Garda Síochána are tasked with enforcing the law in respect of drug related criminality and can be deployed, where necessary, to support the activities of drug units.
186 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will arrange to have the greenbook of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow updated which will allow them to leave the State temporarily if required. [21519/06]
I assume that the greenbook the Deputy refers to is the Certificate of Registration issued to non EU nationals which records an individuals legal residency status in the State. The person in question was granted permission to remain under the revised arrangements for non EU national parents of Irish children born before 1 January 2005.
On registration the person in question was granted leave to remain in the State for an initial period of 12 months. He should now return to his local Registration Office to have this period extended. The endorsement stamp placed in the passport of the person concerned will indicate that he has legal residency in the State for the period recorded on the endorsement. This will assist him in leaving the State but as a visa required national the person concerned must obtain a re-entry visa before his departure from the State.
187 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if extended residency status has been or will be awarded on health or humanitarian grounds in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 whose appeal file made reference to the person’s Angolan birthplace and that a return to Romania would not militate against the person’s health, well-being or welfare interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21520/06]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 22 May, 2002 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, she was informed by letter dated 20 September, 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made; or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.
This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
188 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a holiday visa will issue in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21521/06]
There is no record of any current visa applications received in my Department in respect of the persons in question.
189 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residential status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Mayo; if due regard will be taken of the existence of potential danger to them if returned to their homeland; if the persons could be transferred to Mosney Accommodation Centre, County Meath on health grounds in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21522/06]
The persons concerned arrived in the State on 6 September, 2004 and applied for asylum. Their applications were refused following consideration of their cases by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, the first named person was informed by letter dated 25 May, 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. The second named person was informed by letter dated 13 May, 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her and her child. They were given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made; or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the second named person.
These persons' case files, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
The Reception & Integration Agency is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in the State, including Mosney accommodation centre. The Agency has received no request for a transfer to the Mosney centre on medical grounds from this couple and it is unclear as to what medical supports there are at Mosney which would not be available at their current accommodation. In that regard, the RIA will not be arranging a transfer for the couple at this time.
190 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if permission to remain in the State will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if particular attention will be given to the sensitivities in the case including health issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21523/06]
I would refer the Deputy to my Reply to Dáil Question No. 152 of 27 April 2006.
The up to date position in relation to the person concerned is that she has sought, through the Immigrant Council of Ireland, to be considered for residency in the State on the basis of her parentage of a child born in the State in June 2005. My officials have written to the Immigrant Council stating that the revised arrangements which I introduced relating to applications for permission to remain from the non-national parents of Irish Born Children, born in the State before 1 January 2005, did not extend to children of non-national parents born in the State on or after that date. Such children are not Irish citizens, based on the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 2004. Furthermore, the closing date for the scheme in question was 31 March 2005. The child of the person concerned, born in the State on 10 June 2005, does not therefore confer any entitlement to residency in the State on his non-national parents.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, an application for revocation of her deportation order has been submitted on behalf of the person concerned, pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), based on her relationship with a man granted refugee status in the State. This application is currently under consideration. The Deputy can be assured that the person concerned will be notified of the outcome of this application as soon as a decision has been reached.
191 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which was previously refused but in course thereof reference is made to the person as being of male and female gender; if there has been confusion with another case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21524/06]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the submission which was forwarded to me by officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department and a copy of which was forwarded to the person concerned with the letter conveying my decision on her application. I understand that this submission, which was compiled using a template form, refers to the applicant in the male gender on a number of occasions.
To ensure that my decision was correct in this instance, I have asked my officials to review the file and resubmit it to me as soon as possible. I will advise the Deputy and the applicant of my decision in due course.
192 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of the application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; the residency status in the case of the person’s spouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21525/06]
An application for Family Reunification from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in October 2004.
As the person in question was informed by my Department on the 7 March 2006 the application for Family Reunification is under consideration. The person in question will be notified of the decision in due course.
With regard to the status of the spouse of the person in question, she was refused refugee status in July 2005.
193 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will authenticate the information contained in his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 203 of 18 May 2006 in view of the seriousness of the content and the fact that the person named has never been accused or charged of the offence referred to and has never been in Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21526/06]
I have asked that the matter be further reviewed and will correspond directly with the Deputy on the outcome of that review.
194 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will forward a copy of a letter sent to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [21545/06]
I wish to advise the Deputy that once a non EU national parent of an Irish born child has already registered with the Garda National Immigration Bureau it is not the policy of my Department to re-issue the notification letter advising that they have been granted permission to remain in the State.
However a letter outlining the conditions and status of the permission to remain granted to the person in question can be issued on receipt of a written request to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.
195 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that a school (details supplied) in County Wexford has an enrolment quota of 270 pupils for 2006; if, in the event that this quota is not fully taken up by applicants from the school’s catchment area, the school will be permitted to enrol, up to the quota limit, applicants who reside outside the catchment area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21367/06]
The post primary school to which the Deputy refers is heavily oversubscribed as a result of a significant number of pupils enrolling from outside its catchment area in the past.
The school was built for a long-term projected enrolment of 1350 and currently has an enrolment of 1540. It is unlikely that there would be adequate space to accommodate pupils other than those from the catchment area of the school in question.
196 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if the conveyance stage in the acquisition of a site for a new school (details supplied) in County Mayo has been completed; when this project will progress to the next stage; when it is envisaged that the construction phase will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21377/06]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a meeting has been arranged between officials of my Department and the vendor of the site in order to address outstanding issues in relation to the site acquisition.
Although the design for the new school is already complete, Planning Permission cannot be lodged pending resolution of the outstanding site issues. However, In the meantime, the School Building Section has been working on other aspects of the project, namely the topographic survey and the compilation of the Planning Permission Forms.
Progression of the project to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2005-2009.
197 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if the maximum support and assistance will be given to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3 in 2006; and if she will work with the school on improving the quality of life for all pupils. [21382/06]
The school to which the Deputy refers will be the subject of a major building redevelopment project.
On 28 April last, the School Building Section of my Department advertised for suitably-qualified consultants to form a project design team. The closing date for expressions of interest is 23 June 2006 and following on from the assessment exercise and the formal appointment of the design team embers, architectural planning of the redevelopment project will commence.
198 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9 and their new school. [21383/06]
Discussions are ongoing among the parties concerned to agree the structure of the amalgamation of the schools to which the Deputy refers.
In the meantime, officials in the School Planning Section of my Department are in the process of drawing up a brief for the Design Team which will be appointed for the refurbishment project at the schools.
A timeframe has not yet been agreed for the completion of the work as this is dependant on the scope of the works identified by the Design Team.
199 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if the 20 custom built school buses ordered by Bus Éireann are fully operational within the school bus fleet; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21384/06]
Bus Éireann has placed contracts for these new buses and they are expected to be put into service in the next school year.
200 D'fhiafraigh Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an bhfuair a hoifig nó an Roinn Oideachais achainí agus moladh an-chuimsitheach i dtaca le forbairt scoile ó choiste eagraithe Mheánscoil Charmain i mí na Bealtaine agus i mí Mheán Fómhair 2005 agus cad iad na céimeanna atá glactha ó shin chun gníomhú ar na pointí atá ardaithe sa litir sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina leith. [21391/06]
201 D'fhiafraigh Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an bhfuair a hoifig nó an Roinn Oideachais nó an eol di go bhfuil moladh curtha ag coiste eagraithe Mheánscoil Charmain faoi bhráid an Bhoird Forbartha do Chontae Loch Garman chun talamh a chur ar leataobh d’fhonn scoil a thógáil agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina leith. [21392/06]
202 D'fhiafraigh Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cén uair a dhéanfar cinneadh maidir leis an méid a bhí in achainí agus sa mholadh cuimsitheach a fuair a Roinn i mí na Bealtaine agus i mí Mheán Fómhair 2005 i dtaca le forbairt scoile ó choiste eagraithe Mheánscoil Charmain; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina leith. [21393/06]
Tógfaigh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 200 go dtí 202 uilig le chéile.
Tá iarratas faighte ag mo Roinnse i ndáil le Meánscoil Lán-Ghaeilge a bhunú i gContae Loch Garman. Tá sé curtha in iúl don iarratasóir go bhfuil Rannóg Pleanála Scoile mo Roinne i mbun athbhreithnithe ar sholáthar oideachais i Loch Garman i láthair na huaire. Tá an t-iarratas atá i gceist á bhreithniú sa chomhthéacs sin. Déanfar teagmháil go díreach leis an iarratasóir arís chomh luath agus a bheidh an t-athbhreithniú curtha i gcrích.
203 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in relation to an examination (details supplied) being carried out; and when the service will be restored. [21394/06]
The circumstances of the case raised by the Deputy, in the details supplied, are being reviewed at present by my Department. Arrangements will be made to notify all relevant parties as soon as a decision has been made.
204 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount being set aside under the DEIS initiative for the school book rental scheme; the number of schools and their details which will benefit from this aspect of the DEIS initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21395/06]
An additional €1m is being made available under the School Books Grant Scheme for 2006/2007 to primary and second-level schools in the School Support Programme under DEIS. Schools participating in the SSP that indicate that they will operate a book/loan rental scheme in 2006/2007 will, in the case of primary schools, receive grant aid at a higher rate per eligible pupil than will apply in the case of schools generally and will, in the case of targeted second level schools, receive a seed capital allocation. The extra funding will be aimed at supporting the establishment, development and ongoing operation of book loan/rental schemes. It is intended that grants under DEIS will be paid into schools' bank accounts by end June 2006.
205 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has had communication from persons who attended day schools and who alleged that they had suffered abuse while students; if she has taken action as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21396/06]
Following the Taoiseach's apology in May 1999, my Department received correspondence from a number of former pupils of day schools who alleged they suffered abuse while attending those schools. A number of actions have been, and continue to be taken, in response to these former pupils as part of the package of measures announced at that time.
The Government established the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse to afford victims of abuse in childhood an opportunity to tell of the abuse they suffered to a sympathetic and experienced forum and to establish as complete a picture as possible of the causes, nature and extent of physical and sexual abuse of children in institutions and in other places, including day schools. The amendments made to the Statute of Limitations Acts have assisted day school survivors of sexual abuse in bringing civil actions in the courts. The Government also put in place a regional professional counselling service, dedicated specifically to providing support and help to survivors of child abuse.
It was decided not to establish a compensation body for victims of abuse in day schools on the basis that the State had a very different role to play in relation to ordinary schools and that the duties were both quantitatively and qualitatively quite different from the situation obtaining in residential institutions. In the latter case, the State took the place of the family and had a corresponding duty to provide for effective methods of protection for them. Public bodies had important powers to exercise and duties to carry out in respect of children who were abused. The State's failure to exercise those powers and to carry out those duties contributed directly to an environment where the abuse could occur.
206 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if a design team has been appointed for the extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [21409/06]
The process of appointing a design team to the building project referred to by the Deputy is underway. An advertisement seeking design team consultants will be posted on the public procurement portal, www.etenders.gov.ie, shortly.
207 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if a design team has been appointed for a new school (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the fact that the closing date for advertisements seeking design teams was 5 May 2006. [21410/06]
Officials in the School Building Section of my Department are currently assessing tenders received from various consultants who have expressed an interest in the design team make-up for the building project proposed for this school. This exercise will be completed shortly, and the architectural planning of the project will commence shortly thereafter.
208 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of new national schools which have opened here, not including gaelscoileanna, in the past 20 years, which have been subject to growth on an incremental basis as two stream or one stream; and the list of the new national schools opened in the past 20 years. [21411/06]
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available.
209 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of pupils in a school (details supplied) in County Kildare who are accommodated in permanent buildings and temporary accommodation; the agreed long term enrolment for the school; and the numbers anticipated at the school for intake in September 2006. [21412/06]
The school in question had an enrolment of 412 pupils as of 30 September, 2005. Its current accommodation comprises 12 permanent mainstream classrooms, 2 prefabricated mainstream classrooms and 3 prefabricated resource rooms. The school has also been given approval to rent an additional prefabricated mainstream classroom from September 2006.
Officials in the School Planning Section of my Department have assessed the long-term needs of the school and have recommended the provision of an extension to the school to cater for an overall accommodation need of Principal + 24 mainstream assistants. The school authority has accepted this recommendation.
The project has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects and has been assigned a Band 2 rating. Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2006 onwards.
The school is a two-stream fully vertical school and it is therefore expected that it will have an intake of two junior infants' classes in September, 2006.
210 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if a formal letter of offer has issued in relation to a new school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if the letter of offer was accepted; and if contracts have been signed for the project, the details of same including cost and building timeframe. [21413/06]
A formal letter of acceptance of the tender for the new 16 classroom building for the school referred to by the Deputy, issued on 25 May, 2006. It is envisaged that the contract will be signed shortly and that the project will commence on site as soon as the contract is signed. Once the project goes on site it is estimated that it will take 12 to 15 months to complete.
211 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has concluded the assessment of the long term accommodation needs of a new school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the details of same; and if there has been further progress in relation to the acquisition of a site for the new school. [21414/06]
Officials in my Department are currently examining the demographics of the Kill area to determine the optimum school size required to meet the long term accommodation needs of the school to which he refers. This matter will be finalised as quickly as possible.
With regard to the site issue, the Property Management Section of the Office of Public Works was requested to source a site for the new school. A suitable site has been identified and an agreement on price, subject to contract, has been reached. The Office of Public Works is now awaiting receipt of the relevant Contract documents.
It is my intention to progress the building of the school as soon as the site has been acquired.
212 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if additional educational psychologists will be appointed to Kildare national schools in 2006; and the number of schools in County Kildare which have no direct service. [21429/06]
All primary and post primary schools in Co Kildare have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA) that is administered by NEPS and full details of which are available on my Department's website.
In addition, NEPS provides a service to every school in the event of a critical incident regardless of whether the school already has a dedicated service from a NEPS psychologist. Also in relation to all schools, NEPS processes applications for Reasonable Accommodations in Certificate Examinations and responds to queries and requests for assessments in relation to individual children from other sections of my Department and from the specialist agencies.
Since the establishment of the NEPS in 1999, the number of NEPS psychologists has increased from 43 to 122 at present. The Public Appointments Service concluded a new recruitment competition for the appointment of Educational Psychologists to NEPS. Regional panels have been established to allow my Department give greater priority in filling vacancies to areas with the greatest need. My Department is currently in the process of recruiting a further 9 psychologists.
According to the latest information, approximately 50% of schools in Co Kildare (64 schools out of a total number of 129) have access to a dedicated service from NEPS and this represents more than 65% of the student population. 65 (61 primary and 4 post-primary) schools do not have access to a dedicated service. Five NEPS psychologists (4.4 wholetime equivalents) are currently involved in servicing Co Kildare. Consideration will be given to the assignment of a further psychologist to national schools in Co Kildare when the current recruitment process has been completed.
213 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the terms of reference and the timeframe for a decision she has arranged regarding the meeting in June 2006 between her officials and the other interested parties in connection with a project (details supplied). [21441/06]
Officials in my Department are currently in the process of making arrangements to meet the various interested parties regarding the proposed Ionad Náisiúnta Gaeilge, Baile Bhuirne this month. My aim is to complete these discussions in as thorough and prompt a fashion as possible.
214 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 498 of 16 May 2006 when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with home tuition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21442/06]
The Deputy will be aware that the pupil in question is enrolled in a mainstream primary school with appropriate supports. My Department considers that school-based education provision is the most appropriate intervention for all children and has discontinued the practice whereby children who are in full-time education provision would also be able to avail of home tuition grants.
My Department wrote to this pupil's parents confirming its intention to discontinue the practice of sanctioning home tuition grants for pupils who are also in full-time education. In this particular case, the home tuition grant was sanctioned until 28 April 2006. My officials have recently been in contact with the parents and will be in further contact shortly.
215 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding allocated for school capitation grants in 2005 and 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21443/06]
The 2005 estimates provision for capitation grants at primary level was €66.338 million in 2005. The provision for 2006 is €73.5 million.
The capitation grant at primary level has been increased substantially in recent years. Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from €57.14 per pupil to €133.58 with effect from 1 January, 2005 and has been further increased by €12 per pupil with effect from 1 January, 2006 bringing the standard rate to €145.58. This represents an increase of almost 155% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 1997.
This grant is in addition to the Ancillary Services Grant which provides additional funding for primary schools towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services. The standard rate of grant per pupil under the scheme, which was increased from €102 in 2002 to €127 in 2004, was increased by a further €6 to €133 in 2005. The rate was increased by a further €6 this year bringing the current rate to €139. The estimates provision for the Ancillary Services Grant at primary level was €56.917 in 2005 and this has been increased to €61.639 million in 2006.
Significant improvements in the levels of direct funding to second level schools have been made in recent years. Since January 2005, the standard per capita grant has been increased by a cumulative €24 per pupil and now stands at €298 per pupil.
Secondary schools have also benefited under the school services support fund initiative. Introduced with effect from the 2000/01 school year, the school services support grant has been increased since January 2005 by a cumulative €28 per pupil bringing the annual grant from €131 per pupil to €159 per pupil. These grants are in addition to the funding of up to €40,000 per school that is also provided by my Department to secondary schools towards secretarial and caretaking services. These increases are reflected in the estimates provision for capitation at second level that was increased from €66.4 million in 2005 to €93 million in 2006.
The significant increase in the funding of schools at both Primary and second level over recent years is a clear demonstration of my commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of all schools.
216 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the States rating within the OECD for second level funding; the OECD average; the costs of bringing the State to the OECD average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21444/06]
The up to date figures are not readily available in the Department. As soon as the details become available I will arrange to have them forwarded to the Deputy.
217 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare on invalidity benefit who does not qualify for a top-up grant; her plans to address this anomaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21480/06]
Under the terms of the student support grant schemes assistance is awarded to students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those which relate to nationality, residency, means and previous academic attainment.
The process of assessing eligibility for third level or further education grants is a matter for the relevant Local Authority or VEC.
Officials of my Department contacted Higher Education Grants Section of Laois County Council, the awarding authority referred to by the Deputy in this case. It is understood that there is no record of an application being received under the surname referred to by the Deputy.
218 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects to be in a position to notify the various authorities who administer third level education maintenance grants the details of the scheme for the forthcoming year; the expected income limits of such a scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21481/06]
The process of reviewing the thresholds for eligibility and the grant levels for the 2006/07 academic year is currently on-going. Decisions on the 2006 schemes will be announced as soon as this process is completed.
The application forms and notes for the 2006/07 academic year have issued electronically to the awarding bodies and the forms and notes are also available on the Department's website www.education.ie.
219 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress being made regarding the extension to a school (details supplied) in County Monaghan in view of the ongoing danger to pupils and teachers who have to cross the N2 national primary road; when funds will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21490/06]
An application for an extension has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria and is being considered for progression in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.
220 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the action she will take to ensure that an assessment is carried out in 2006 for a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim; if her attention has been drawn to the circumstances of the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21540/06]
I asked my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) to look into this case. I understand from the enquiries made by NEPS that the first name of the child in question is Mícheál. A NEPS psychologist has discussed with the school their areas of concern and outlined some strategies for the school and parents to implement over the coming three months in order to address those concerns.
I also understand that the NEPS psychologist has advised the school to review Mícheál's progress at the end of September and to consult with NEPS regarding further intervention or assessment should that be considered necessary at that stage.
221 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will ensure that a concessionary post is allocated to a school (details supplied) as there are 50 pupils on the roll for September 2006 which is one above the appointment figure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21543/06]
The staffing of a primary school for a particular school year is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30th September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. This staffing schedule for the 2006/07 school year is outlined in Primary Circular 0023/2006 which was issued to all primary schools.
To ensure openness and transparency in the system an independent Appeal Board is now in place to decide on any staffing appeals. The criteria under which an appeal can be made are set out in Department Primary Circular 0024/2006.
The staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the 2006/2007 school year was considered by the Appeal Board on 25th May, 2006. The Board, having considered the appeal with regard to the criteria outlined in Circular 0024/2006, was satisfied that a departure from the staffing schedule is not warranted in this case. The Board of Management of the school was notified in writing of the decision of the Appeal Board on 26th May, 2006.
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operations of the Independent Appeal Board.
222 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, arising from air pollution monitoring outposts throughout the country, he has noticed an increase in any particular form of pollution; if he proposes action in response thereto; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21508/06]
The EPA's Ambient Air Quality in Ireland Report 2004 (available in the Oireachtas Library) contains details of the monitoring and assessment of national air quality, and incorporates data from all air quality monitoring stations operated by the EPA and local authorities. Air quality was good throughout the country in 2004 and complied with all air quality standards in force for all pollutants.
223 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Fingal County Council has not appointed all of the community and environmental pillar representatives to its Strategic Policy Committees; and the measures which will be taken to ensure that same is done. [21378/06]
It is a matter for local authorities to adopt a scheme for the establishment and operation of Strategic Policy Committees in accordance with guidelines issued by my Department. I understand Fingal County Council has been in communication with the Fingal Community Forum (a nominating body for the Community/Environment pillar) with a view to finalising the remaining nominations in accordance with its scheme.
224 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has approved the contract documents for the Lower Liffey Valley sewerage scheme. [21420/06]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 426 of 6 April 2006.
225 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will approve the Upper Liffey Valley sewerage scheme. [21421/06]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 428 of 6 April 2006.
226 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if under the review of the disabled persons grant scheme, he will consider funding 100 per cent of the cost to the maximum grant available, rather than requiring local authorities to contribute 33 per cent. [21422/06]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 314 of 17 May 2006. The position is unchanged.
227 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if local authorities require Departmental permission before consultants are hired by local authorities. [21423/06]
While in general local authorities do not require sanction from my Department to engage consultants, sanction may be required in instances where local authorities wish to charge consultants' fees against projects funded by my Department. Local authorities are in all cases required to comply with guidelines issued by the Department of Finance in relation to the employment of consultants, and with EU procurement requirements.
228 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has concluded his consultations with local government interests regarding the creation of new town councils; if not, when he will conclude same; and when he will make a decision on the matter of new town councils under the Local Government Act 2001. [21432/06]
The Local Government Act 2001 modernises the legislative framework, supports community involvement with local authorities in a more participative local democracy and underpins generally the programme of local government renewal. The 2001 Act also facilitates improved access, interaction, linkages and service provision for all towns and areas with their respective county councils.
I am considering the steps necessary to commence the provisions of the 2001 Act in respect of new town councils. The creation of new town councils and their prospective functional responsibilities under the Act also feature in my discussions with local government interests as the opportunity arises. I will continue to keep the position under review, in tandem with consolidating progress on quality customer service measures, with the aim of ensuring good accessible local government service delivery for all towns.
229 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the taking charge of housing estates by local authorities at the request of residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21471/06]
230 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the taking charge of housing estates by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21472/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 230 together.
In relation to traditional housing estates, with their own front and back gardens, I have already stated my position that these estates should be taken in charge by the planning authorities when they have been completed by the developer in accordance with the terms of the planning permission. The Planning and Development Act 2000 contains clear and effective provisions in this regard. Section 180 refers to housing estates which were granted planning permission and provides, in relation to an estate which has been completed satisfactorily, that the planning authority must if requested to do so by the majority of the owners or occupiers, initiate the procedures for taking the estate in charge. There is a similar duty on the planning authority in relation to an estate which was not completed in accordance with the permission, except where enforcement action has been taken by the authority within the relevant period. The final decision as to whether to take an estate in charge must be endorsed by the elected members.
In order to ensure that these provisions are being properly applied, my Department wrote to all planning authorities in January 2006. In circular letter PD 1 of 2006 planning authorities were reminded of the legal obligation imposed by section 180. The circular also stated that planning authorities must establish a policy on completion and taking in charge of estates, a policy which would include:
—requirements on developers to complete estates to a standard that is acceptable to the authority for taking in charge and to provide adequate levels of security;
—procedures to begin taking in charge housing estates promptly on foot of requests; and
—sufficient funding to be made available.
It was also stated that the existence of a management company to maintain elements of common buildings, carry out landscaping, etc. must not impact upon the decision by the authority to take in charge roads and related infrastructure where a request to do so is made.
The traditional housing estate is, in many areas, being replaced by the mixed estate which contains apartments, duplex houses and terraced houses, with shared facilities such as car-parking and gardens. High specification paving, lighting and landscaping are frequently features of such estates. Genuine questions arise as to whether it is appropriate that all these facilities should be taken in charge and maintained at public expense. Many of these facilities are replacing the traditional gardens which, in a conventional housing estate, would fall to be maintained by the residents rather than the local authority.
It may be appropriate that in the case of these newer estates, a management company should be in place to maintain facilities on behalf of the residents. In some cases the residents of such estates may have purchased their homes on the basis that the development should remain a private one and should not be taken in charge by the local authority.
I published a new Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities last December. This sets out an agenda for an integrated package of policy initiatives on matters which included supporting higher densities and compact urban settlement through design innovation in the creation of new homes, new urban spaces and new neighbourhoods. In line with this, my Department is at present updating the residential density guidelines. It will be appropriate to examine further the issues of taking in charge and management companies in this context.
231 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if all outstanding bog top-up payment has been awarded to persons (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21484/06]
I understand that all outstanding bog top-up payments due to the persons named have been made.
232 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons employed by town councils in 2005 by town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21488/06]
The information requested is not yet available in my Department. Local authorities have been asked to supply it and, when it is received and collated, I will send it to the Deputy.
233 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the timeframe for the recommencement of work on the main Carrigart Milford road R245 at Cratlagh Wood; the funding allocated for the works; and the timeframe for completion of the project. [21516/06]
The provision and improvement of non-national roads in County Donegal is a matter for Donegal County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants provided by my Department. Over the period 2003 to 2005, grants totalling €967,314 were provided by my Department for improvement works on the R245 Milford to Carrigart road in the vicinity of Cratlagh Wood, under the EU Co-Financed Specific Improvements Grant scheme. This year a sum of €350,000 was allocated to Donegal County Council for further improvement works at this location. The timing of commencement of works on foot of this grant is primarily a matter for Donegal County Council.
My Department will again be seeking applications under the EU Co-Financed Specific Improvements Grant scheme later this year and it will be open to Donegal County Council to submit an application for consideration for further funding of works at this location in 2007.
234 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the instructions he issued to the Irish Farmers Association in relation to the implementation of the installation of water meters; if consultations took place; if the IFA agreed to participate in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21542/06]
The Irish Farmers' Association was one of a number of organisations and bodies consulted by my Department in 1999 on proposals being developed for the application of the polluter pays principle to water and waste water services.
The Association indicated inter alia their view that charging for water and waste water services should be based on the use of these services by the individuals, companies or households concerned and that the programme of installing metered services on all users should be expedited.
The metering of non-domestic users by the end of 2006 is being progressed as part of the Government's water pricing policy. Sanitary authorities are currently advancing implementation of the metering programme within their areas and I expect the metering programme for non-domestic users will be substantially completed by the end of 2006.
