Vol. 737 No. 2
11 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health his staffing plans for opening the primary care reimbursement service in Finglas, Dublin 11, to ensure speedy processing of medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17868/11]
The Health Service Executive's decision to centralise the processing of medical card applications and renewals at the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Finglas, Dublin is aimed at providing a more efficient and consistent quality of service to members of the general public. The PCRS started processing medical card applications in January 2009 and has gradually expanded its role since then. In addition, its on-line medical card service is increasingly being used for processing of applications. Under the new arrangements, staff in local health offices will continue to provide information and assistance to individuals in relation to applications and renewals of medical cards. Almost 90 staff have moved to the PCRS to cope with the increasing workload and the HSE is now using redeployment, under the parameters of the Public Service Agreement, to increase the number to 150. The previous system of locally based processing required some 400 staff and the balance will be freed up for redeployment to key frontline services around the country.
I have expressed concern to the HSE that the full complement of staff should be in place before full centralisation takes place.
12 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health if there are any chief executive officers of hospitals, health facilities or organisations funded by the State who are paid bonuses on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17855/11]
A number of Performance Related Award schemes were introduced in the health service following a decision by the then Government on the implementation of recommendations of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector in a report published in September 2000.
These schemes covered a number of senior management grades in the Health Service Executive, the Chief Executives of the Voluntary Hospitals, the CEOs and Deputy CEOs of the five Dublin Academic Teaching Hospitals and the CEOs of some non-commercial health agencies.
In May 2009, in the context of the serious deterioration in the public finances and in view of the cessation of such awards in the civil service, my Department wrote to the Chairpersons of the Boards of the agencies and hospitals concerned stating that bonus payments should be suspended pending the issue of further guidelines.
Following a subsequent Review Body recommendation my Department instructed the HSE, hospitals and agencies that the schemes should be suspended on an indefinite basis. The schemes remain suspended.
In relation to bonus payments other than those comprehended by the PRA schemes, my Department has instructed the HSE that such payments should not be made by any bodies in receipt of funding under Section 38 of the Health Act 2004. The HSE has been asked to confirm that no such payments are currently being made and that no such payments will be made in the future.
13 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in placing the national quality standards for residential services for people with disabilities on a statutory footing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17870/11]
16 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Health the action he will take to address the unacceptable conditions in residential care for many persons with intellectual disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17897/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 16 together.
This Government is committed to ensuring that vulnerable people with disabilities in residential services are safeguarded and protected, and that their quality of life is enhanced.
National Quality Standards: Residential Services for People with Disabilities were published by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) in 2009. The standards will provide a national framework for quality, safe services for people with disabilities in residential settings.
The current Programme for Government includes a commitment to put these standards on a statutory footing and ensure that the services are inspected by HIQA. I am pleased to confirm, as I announced on 16th June last, that discussions have begun between the Department of Health and HIQA to progress this commitment.
Compliance with the HIQA standards is already included in the Service Level Arrangements between the HSE and service providers in the disability sector. Service providers are required to have systems in place to assess quality and standards and to specify the actions being taken to maintain and monitor quality and service standards. Examples of such monitoring actions could include audit tools appropriate to the service, service user evaluations and satisfaction surveys, and carer and service evaluations. I understand that some service providers have also commenced a review of their services in the context of the HIQA standards.
It is now generally accepted that large residential institutions are no longer appropriate for the provision of accommodation for people with disabilities. In this context, a report on ‘Congregated Settings' was published on Tuesday 28th June 2011 by the HSE. ‘Congregated Settings' are defined as living arrangements (whose primary purpose is the provision of services to people with intellectual, physical or sensory disabilities) where ten or more people share a single living unit or where the living arrangements are campus-based. The report recommends a move away from congregated/institutional type settings for the 4,000 people who resided in such settings in 2008, to community based settings over a seven year time frame. Since 2008 the numbers residing in such settings have been reduced to approximately 3,600 and there are plans in place to move a further 50 people to community based settings in 2011.
The HSE has informed my Department that it will engage with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that an action plan to address the recommendations of the report is developed and implemented. The Department of Health is also engaging with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in relation to the development of a housing strategy for people with disabilities, which will take account of the findings of the Congregated Settings report.
14 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the bed complement available to the Health Service Executive in each region throughout the country; the extent to which the beds available have been adequate to meet requirements based on bed occupancy in each of the past three years to date in 2011; the extent to which the relevant support staff has been available at the same locations throughout this period; the extent of any discussions he has had or intends to have with the HSE with a view to ensuring the provision of the full complement of services to meet current or anticipated demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17875/11]
The HSE National Service Plan 2011 which was approved in December 2010 requires the HSE to operate within the limits of its Voted allocation of €13.456 billion. This represents a net reduction of €683m on the 2010 provision. The HSE National Service Plan also commits the HSE to delivering service levels for 2011 which are broadly in line with 2010 levels.
Activity in acute hospitals has been increasing year on year. The most important priority is to drive out costs by relentlessly challenging practices which affect efficiency. I have made it clear to hospitals that they must increase the proportion of day case work, reduce the average length of stay and perform surgery on the patient's day of admission to the greatest extent possible. There is clear evidence of major variations in performance under these headings across the system. This means we are not getting the best value for patients and the taxpayer from the beds we have. I want to shift the debate away from beds to focus on the actual number of patients treated and on achieving equitable access to services based on need. The services should be provided in the most appropriate place, be that a big or small hospital, the community or a GP's surgery. I want to see a health system that is providing a service quickly, efficiently and safely.
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs.
15 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken since his appointment to address waste and inefficiency in the health system in order to finance his plans for universal health insurance. [17887/11]
29 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health if he has established a universal health insurance commission as previously committed to within the first 30 days of government. [17891/11]
41 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when he will publish estimated costs for the implementation of free general practitioner care and universal health insurance. [17890/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 29 and 41 together.
The Government is embarking on a major reform programme for the health system. The aim of this reform is to deliver a single-tier health service that will deliver equal access to care based on need, not income.
While universal health insurance is the ultimate destination of this Government's reform programme, there are a number of important stepping stones along the way and each of these will play a critical role in improving our health service in advance of the introduction of universal health insurance.
A key immediate priority is the establishment of the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) which I announced on the 1st of June. The purpose of the SDU is to tackle hospital system inefficiencies and unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system and by streamlining waiting lists. The SDU's priorities will encompass reducing the waiting times for admission to Emergency Departments, reduction in in-patient and out-patient waiting times and improved access to diagnostics.
I have appointed Dr Martin Connor, an international expert, to head up the SDU. His principal task will be to build up the SDU and to prepare proposals on how best it can be placed on a permanent footing within the next six months. The resources of the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) will be refocused to align with the work of the SDU, and crucially, will allow for a progressive improvement in the performance of the nation's hospitals.
A further fundamental element in the reform process involves significant strengthening of primary care services to deliver universal primary care with the removal of cost as a barrier to access for patients. This commitment will be achieved on a phased basis to allow for the recruitment of additional doctors, nurses and other primary care professionals. The specific cost of free GP care will be contingent upon a number of factors including a new GP contract. My Department, in consultation with the HSE, is progressing proposals for this new contract.
Reform of the funding system for hospital care is also necessary. This will involve the introduction of a more transparent and efficient "Money Follows the Patient" funding mechanism and the introduction of a purchaser / provider split, whereby hospitals will be established as independent, not for profit trusts.
Other important initiatives which will prepare the system for universal health insurance include the establishment of a new risk equalisation scheme for the private health insurance market, and the financial restructuring and authorisation of the Voluntary Health Insurance Board. I commissioned a report in April on the opportunities for rebalancing risk in the private health insurance market. This report will be submitted to me by the end of July 2011. In addition, I have asked the Health Insurance Authority, as the regulator of the private health insurance market, to examine the issue of provider costs in the market and to revert to me within one month on this issue.
The Government is committed to the publication of a White Paper on Financing Universal Health Insurance which will outline the estimated costs associated with the introduction of universal health insurance. However, it must be emphasised that the precise cost of universal health insurance will significantly depend on the success of reform measures, such as those outlined above, over the next 3-4 years.
Finally, I can confirm that the Government has given approval for an Implementation Group on Universal Health Insurance. I am currently finalising details of the Implementation Group and I will announce these in due course.
17 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will implement the recommendations of Health Information and Quality Authority’s Report and Recommendations on patient referrals from general practice to outpatient and radiology services, including the national standard for patient referral information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17894/11]
I welcome this Report from the Health Information and Quality Authority which sets out a number of recommendations to improve the quality and safety of the referral system for patients to outpatient and radiology services. The HIQA Report also includes a recommendation for a new national standard for the provision and communication of information between General Practitioners and hospitals. A pilot project is underway in hospitals in Cork, Kerry and in AMNCH Tallaght on an electronic generic referral system for public outpatient appointments. Following feedback on the experience with the pilot project I will consider mandating the proposed national standard for patient referral information. I have also asked the newly appointed head of the Special Delivery Unit, (Dr Martin Connor), for his views on how to ensure that the excellent work done by HIQA on this issue can best be integrated into the plans and priorities of the SDU to tackle patient access to emergency, elective, outpatient and diagnostic services.
18 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Health the action he will take to address the excessive waiting list for orthopaedic treatment at Cork University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17908/11]
The current situation in relation to the waiting lists for orthopaedic services in Cork University Hospital is totally unacceptable. Patients need a service that is timely and effective.
There are a number of initiatives underway in HSE South to alleviate this problem.
Additional Consultant Posts.
In the HSE South, there are 5 permanent consultant orthopaedic surgeons in post in the trauma and elective service, with 2 additional locum consultants.
The HSE South has approval to recruit 3 (1 replacement and 2 new posts) consultant orthopaedic surgeon posts at Cork University Hospital/South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital. These are:
2 orthopaedic surgeons with a special interest in paediatric orthopaedic surgery — new posts
1 orthopaedic general surgeon — a replacement post
Recruitment has been completed and it is anticipated that formal letters of appointment will be issued soon.
Physiotherapy Initiative
Physiotherapist-led clinics were introduced HSE South in 2010, to address the waiting list for OPD appointments. The physiotherapists triage patients based on the longest waiters, primarily from the hip and knee lists. 35% of the patients seen at these clinics were referred to an orthopaedic consultant for surgical review. A review of this initiative has been completed, in order to continue to improve patient flows.
Approval for 3 additional physiotherapists under the Outpatient Programme for Rheumatology and Orthopaedics has been sanctioned, and the recruitment process has begun. These posts will allow for more musculo-skeletal physiotherapy led clinics.
HSE National OPD Project:
At national level, an Outpatients Department (OPD) Performance Improvement Group has been established to improve OPD services throughout the country. The project aims to address the significant numbers on waiting lists for some specialties. It will standardise all aspects of OPD, including waiting lists validation, management of DNAs, improvement in new to return ratios and improved triaging.
Cork University Hospital and South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital have been selected to participate in the initial phase of this project.
Cork University Hospital is undertaking a validation exercise on its OPD waiting lists. This exercise will link in with the National OPD Programme on the validation protocol, particularly for the clinical governance process for removing patients from waiting lists and for GP involvement in the process. It is expected that this exercise will reduce the numbers on the waiting list.
GP Referral Project
Under the reorganisation of acute hospital services in Cork and Kerry, electronic GP referral to acute hospitals is being piloted. This will enable more efficient processing of referrals and allow patients and GPs to see waiting times for individual consultants.
I believe that the implementation of these initiatives will greatly improve waiting list numbers and I will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that these statistics become a thing of the past.
19 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if he will report on his consultations with the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology regarding symphysiotomy; if the independent academic researcher to which he referred in his reply of 24 March 2011 has been appointed; if the promised assistance to the women affected is being provided; if he will heed the call of the women for truth and justice and a proper independent inquiry into symphysiotomy. [17907/11]
The Chief Medical Officer of my Department has commissioned an independent research report into the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland. The aim of the report will be to provide an accurate picture of the extent of use of symphysiotomy in Ireland, and an examination of the Irish practice relative to other countries. It will include an assessment of the circumstances in which the procedure was carried out, what protocols or guidance existed at the time to guide professional practice, and details of when the practice changed and why.
The academic researcher was formally appointed on 1 June 2011. It is my intention that this researcher will carry out this work on an objective and independent basis. Following receipt of this report, which I understand is due to be received in September 2011, my Department will further engage with patient representative groups and the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. I will then quickly decide on the next steps required to address this situation.
It is my intention that the report be published, subject of course to the usual legal and related considerations, which are as of now not expected to create any significant barriers to publication.
I am very conscious of the distress that this procedure has caused to a number of women in the past and recognise the pain that this issue has caused to those affected by it. The Government is committed to dealing with it sensitively, so that if at all possible, closure can be brought to those affected by it. In the first instance, it is important to make sure that the health needs of those who have had a Symphysiotomy are met quickly and effectively.
With this in mind I am committed to ensuring that the greatest possible supports and services are made available to women who continue to suffer effects of having undergone this procedure. The women concerned continue to receive attention and care through a number of services which have been put in place including:
the provision of medical cards to all who requested them,
the nomination of a Liaison Officer for a patients' group comprised of women who underwent a symphysiotomy procedure,
the availability of independent clinical advice for former patients by Liaison Officers who assist in co-ordinating the provision of services to those patients,
the organisation of individual pathways of care and the arrangement of appropriate follow-up, including Medical Assessment, Gynaecology Assessment, Orthopaedic Assessment, Counselling, Physiotherapy, Reflexology, Home Help, Acupuncture, Osteopathy and fast tracked hospital appointments,
the refund of medical expenses related to symphysiotomy in respect of medication/private treatments and
the establishment of a triple assessment service for patients at Cappagh Hospital, Dublin in January 2005.
The HSE has assured my Department that it will continue to monitor and oversee the provision of necessary support services for women. In doing so the HSE is committed to being proactive in seeking out and offering help to women who had symphysiotomies and who may wish to avail of the services offered by the HSE.
I am committed to bringing this matter to a satisfactory conclusion as soon as possible. I believe that the women who have had this procedure deserve nothing less.
20 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if he will elaborate on his statement that smaller hospitals will struggle to cope in the context of the non consultant hospital doctor shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17904/11]
42 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which it is intended to provide the full complement of junior hospital doctors at all hospitals throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17876/11]
45 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Health the measures that he has implemented since his appointment to address the shortage of junior doctors in hospitals here. [17879/11]
61 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to deal with the shortage of non-consultant hospital doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17865/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 42, 45 and 61 together.
I am working with the HSE and other stakeholders to ensure the filling of as many as possible of some 475 NCHD posts which are due to be filled from 11th July 2011. The HSE conducted an extensive recruitment drive in India and Pakistan in recent months and succeeded in identifying 439 potential candidates for NCHD positions in Ireland. I have held meetings involving my Department, the Medical Council, medical training bodies and the HSE with a view to identifying measures to facilitate the appointment of suitably-qualified doctors from abroad. Drafting of a Bill to amend the Medical Practitioners Act, 2007, to enable the Medical Council to register doctors in supervised posts for a defined period, is at an advanced stage.
Notwithstanding this and other initiatives, it is unlikely that all NCHD vacancies can be filled by 11th July. Hospital management are working with Clinical Directors in a planned way to devise contingency arrangements which can be implemented if required, to ensure that any resulting impact on services is minimised and that safe delivery of hospital services is assured. In the medium-term, ongoing reform of the system will result in changes in how care is delivered in certain locations. This will be done on a basis that takes account of the need to reduce the current reliance on NCHDs.
While there is no plan to cease any current services, the configuration of services is constantly reviewed and from time to time re-arranged to improve access and quality of service and minimise risk to patients. This programme of realignment of services has received recent impetus from HIQA in relation to the need to implement the recommendations from the Ennis and Mallow reports. The reports deal in particular with the type of services that can safely be provided in smaller hospitals and the structures required for good governance and accountability. The HSE must ensure that this happens and I will be monitoring the situation closely in conjunction with HIQA. I can assure the public that no hospitals will close, regardless of the difficult economic situation we find ourselves in. However, ongoing reform of the system will result in some changes in how care is delivered in particular locations across our health system.
21 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health the reason the Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Dublin, and/or Temple Street, Children’s Hospital in Dublin, is unable to support the urgent need for an insulin pump in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, after this child’s type 1 diabetes medical needs could not be treated by the paediatric diabetes department of St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17857/11]
My officials have made enquiries with the HSE in relation to this case. I understand that the patient concerned received an outpatient appointment date of 16 June 2011 in Children's University Hospital, Temple Street and another appointment has been scheduled for 14 September 2011. I understand from the HSE that a decision on the appropriateness of the provision of an insulin pump can only be made following a second consultation with the relevant consultant.
22 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on the value of home help and the issue of the cutting of their hours and the detrimental effect that this is having on highly dependent persons who need to be cared for in the home, the ongoing campaign of CITCAAT whose campaign came about after a debate about difficulties that carers of persons with disabilities, be they physical, mental, emotional or intellectual, have in sourcing entitlements and services for the adults and children in their care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17861/11]
I understand that the CITCAAT — Autism Support campaign raises a number of concerns in relation to the provision of services for children with disabilities, including children with autism.
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive is responsible for the provision of health and personal social services, including the provision of disability services for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Specialist Disability services are provided to enable each individual with a disability to achieve his or her full potential and maximise independence, including living as independently as possible. Services are provided in a variety of community and residential settings in partnership with service users, their families and carers and a range of statutory, non-statutory, voluntary and community groups.
The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to home help has been refered to the HSE for direct reply to you.
Should the CITCAAT organisation wish to write to me on health related issues, I will arrange to have the matters examined.
23 Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding persons awaiting treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund; his plans to ensure that waiting times will not get longer for those on public health in the absence of the NTPF; the location at which those on public health will now go to register for treatment; if they will have to go to the end of the queue as before; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17859/11]
38 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when the Special Delivery Unit will be fully operational and if he will ensure that public patients do not have to wait longer than three months to receive surgical treatment under the SDU from the time they first present. [17883/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 38 together.
I announced the establishment of the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) on 1 June. This has been one of my key priorities since becoming Minister for Health. The SDU is a key part of the Government's plans to radically reform the health system in Ireland, with the ultimate goal of introducing a system of Universal Health Insurance (UHI).
I have appointed Dr Martin Connor as the head of the SDU. Dr Connor is an international expert, with a proven track record in health service transformation. He has extensive experience in the NHS and led a similar initiative in Northern Ireland with considerable success. His principal task will be to build up the SDU and to prepare proposals for me on how best it can be placed on a permanent footing within the next six months. I will be meeting Dr Connor this week to review his progress to date.
The SDU will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU will work closely with the HSE, building on initiatives already underway including the clinical programmes.
The SDU's priorities will encompass:
Emergency Departments — waiting times for admission have been unacceptably high in a number of hospitals, often breaching the current 6-hour maximum waiting time target
In-patient waiting times — the trend has been upwards recently, despite the work of the NTPF
Out-patient waiting times — the time from GP referral to an appointment with a consultant is unacceptably long in many specialties
Access to diagnostics — this forms an essential part of the patient journey for all of the areas of access above
Its success will allow for an alteration in the current role of the NTPF. Its resources will be re-focused to align closely with the work of the SDU, and crucially will allow for a progressive improvement in the performance of the nation's hospitals.
For the moment the NTPF will continue to operate as normal, accepting applications from persons who have been waiting for over three months for treatment.
An immediate priority for the SDU will be to ensure that waiting lists for inpatient services are managed properly and that hospitals take responsibility for managing patient flows. I have already stated that in the transition period, while the SDU is being established, there may be some increase in waiting lists but this will be avoided if at all feasible. However I cannot accept a position where some hospitals allow small numbers of patients to wait more than a year for their procedures and expect this to be tackled quickly. The NTPF has welcomed the new initiative and has confirmed it will work proactively with the Unit to achieve the best possible result for patients.
24 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health the action he will take to provide a more rigorous regulatory regime for nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17911/11]
It is important that we have effective mechanisms in place to maintain and enhance public confidence in the delivery of quality services. Residents, their families and the public need to be assured that an independent regulator is monitoring the care people receive. The Health Act 2007 provides this, with a regime designed to protect through an independent inspection and registration system for residential services.
On 1 July 2009 statutory responsibility was given to the Chief Inspector of Social Services, part of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) for inspecting and registering nursing homes. This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising the Health Act 2007, the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations and the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland.
HIQA registers and inspects nursing homes to make sure they are safe and that residents are being cared for properly. The inspections aim to ensure that poor services are not allowed to operate and to support nursing homes to provide quality, person-centred care.
As of 26 June 2011 there are 590 designated centres (nursing homes) — this includes all active designated centres and new builds. Inspection frequency in terms of an actual site inspection varies on a centre by centre basis. While all centres receive a registration inspection every three years, inspections are carried out on an on-going basis with their frequency determined by the case holding inspector. The inspections are a mixture of both announced and unannounced visits, which could happen by day, at weekends and at night.
In 2010 HIQA carried out 815 inspections. This year 368 inspections were completed between 1 January and 24 June. An inspection report is produced by the Authority after each inspection. These are published and any necessary actions required on the part of the provider will be clearly indicated in the report.
Recent events have highlighted that the independent regulator is getting on with the job it was established to do. I am satisfied that the Authority continues to play a key role in maintaining public confidence in residential care and there are no plans to change the current regulatory framework. I can, however, advise the Deputy that the Department is carrying out a review of the Care and Welfare Regulations which is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
25 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if he has begun a full review of the nursing homes support scheme; and if this will be completed before the end of 2011. [17886/11]
28 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will report on his review of the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17895/11]
56 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when he expects that the examination of funding for the nursing homes support scheme to be completed; when he will publish this examination; and when he will commission a full review of the nursing homes support scheme. [17889/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 28 and 56 together.
In response, the Minister asked for a full examination of the funding situation, to be conducted jointly by the Department of Health and the HSE.
A report on the examination was submitted to the Minister on the 3rd June. It identified a number of factors that are putting pressure on the overall Fair Deal budget for 2011. These included:
an unexpected and so far unexplained increase in the average length of stay for nursing home patients,
a resultant higher net demand for nursing home places, and
an increase in nursing home costs.
Following this examination, the Minister is considering a range of increased governance and monitoring arrangements and it is hoped to convey these to the HSE within the next few days. These will include issues already signalled by the Minister such as a clinical audit of the Common Summary Assessment Report (CSAR) process to establish the levels of dependency for those accessing care and to attempt to explain the unforeseen increase in average length of stay.
The processing of approvals for financial support under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme re-commenced the week beginning the 13th June. Approvals are being issued to those applicants processed to final stage in the chronological order in which they were received in the Central Office in Tullamore. Approvals are currently being issued to the first 400 of these applicants. Funding is being assigned on a daily basis. There are approximately 700 further applications processed to final stage and now awaiting approval and these will be dealt with as a priority.
The key focus of the Minister for Health is to ensure that those who require nursing home care will be able to access it and, to this end, the Department estimates that almost 24,000 people will be in long-term nursing home care by year end. This would mean a net increase of around 1,700 people between now and the end of the year.
In order to fund this increase, and to offset other pressures on the subhead such as increases in average length of stay, cost increases, etc., the Minister identified a range of savings and income sources, one of which is a potential saving of up to €30 million in non-service related spending. This funding will come primarily from ICT capital spending which is running significantly behind budget so far this year.
The Minister stated in the Dáil that a lack of historical data, combined with a multiplicity of different accounting systems, made it difficult to drill down into the scheme in the way he wanted. As a result, the report's conclusions were not as definitive as he would have wished. The matter, therefore, will continue to be examined until he is satisfied. The main findings and outcomes so far have already been set out by the Minster in the Dáil and by myself in the Seanad. Officials from the Department of Health will monitor developments closely between now and the end of the year.
The Programme for Government commits us to review the system of financing nursing home care with a view to developing a secure and equitable system of financing for community and long term care. This commitment will be carried through.
In addition, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme is due for formal review commencing in 2012. The Scheme will be three years in operation at that stage. The reason for allowing this period to elapse is to ensure that established and validated trends and statistics will be available in order to inform this work. It is still intended to proceed with this review and it will look at the ongoing sustainability of the Scheme, the relative costs of public versus private provision and the balance of funding between residential and community care.
27 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce amending legislation to discontinue the practice of compulsory fluoridation of public water supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17910/11]
The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, which operates under the aegis of my Department, monitors new and emerging issues on fluoride and its effects on health and related matters. The Expert Body advises that the balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, does not cause any ill effects and continues to be safe and effective in protecting the oral health of all age groups. There are no plans to discontinue the policy of fluoridation of public water supplies, which continues to make an effective contribution to oral health in Ireland.
30 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the action he will take to improve the provision of neurological care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17905/11]
The Office of Clinical Strategy and Programmes in the HSE has established three key national programmes in relation to neurological care which shows the HSE's commitment to improving access to neurological services and gives these services a major focus in the HSE.
The first programme deals with neurology out patient departments and aims to provide standardised care for neurology patients and to increase access so that patients will not wait more than 30 days for an appointment. The programme is due to establish referral guidelines and encourage the increased use of neurolink. The second programme deals with epilepsy services and aims to introduce rapid access clinics to assist with admission avoidance and reduce the number of attendances to emergency departments. The third programme deals with stroke services and aims to establish robust clinical governance systems for stroke care, including local stroke teams and regional stroke networks.
The HSE has emphasised to my Department that all national programmes, including those concentrating on neurology, will have a focus on patient advocacy. These inter-related programmes aim to improve service quality, effectiveness and patient access and to ensure that patient care is provided in the service setting most appropriate to individuals' needs. I believe that the clinical programmes being developed by the HSE are vital to ensuring the most appropriate organisation of acute services.
35 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the progress made on the establishment of a medical assessment unit at Monaghan General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17893/11]
In order to fully consider the issues involved, I recently met with public representatives from Monaghan and requested a detailed clinical and financial feasibility study on such a development from the HSE. I understand that arrangements for conducting the study are currently being made by the HSE.
36 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if he will give an assurance that medication is not being used to subdue patients exhibiting challenging behaviour at residential institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17858/11]
The use of medication in residential institutions operated by or on behalf of the HSE is governed by medication management policy and procedures that comply with legislative and regulatory requirements and best practice guidelines. It should not generally be used as a restraint or to subdue patients, or administered for reasons other than medical necessity and as prescribed by a medical practitioner legally authorised to do so. Under the Service Level Arrangements agreed by HSE with all disability service providers, governance arrangements require that care is service user centred and appropriate clinical governance and audit arrangements are in place.
The HSE is committed to providing safe and quality care, and it has put in place a range of standards, guidelines and procedures to protect all service users, with a particular focus on children and vulnerable adults, from potential abuse or harm. The most recent development in ensuring best practice in this area is the Standards and Guidelines for Health Service Providers for the Prevention of Harm to Health Service Users: CARE SAFE, which recommends that restraint may be used as a therapeutic intervention in a variety of care settings, including older persons' services, mental health services, disability services and children's services. The Care Safe Standards and Guidelines were developed to address the risk of abuse or harm to all health service users but particularly for defined vulnerable persons while in receipt of health care services from HSE service providers. The standards and guidelines cover the following areas:
Protection of Service Users
Human Resources and Service providers Conduct
Consent
Providing Services, clinical interventions and treatments
Medication, Restraint and Managing Challenging Situations
Wills and associated financial management issues
Care Safe is currently being piloted in nominated areas in the country involving all of the care groups, including Disability. The outcome of this process will further inform full implementation.
The requirement for the use of restraint can arise in a number of different circumstances and is only used in exceptional circumstances as an intervention of last resort. In this context, restraint can be defined as any physical, chemical or environmental intervention used specifically to restrict the freedom of movement of a person. It is a requirement that all managers within the health service ensure that service providers are aware of the Care Safe Standards and Guidelines. Managers within the HSE, and of all organisations which provide services on behalf of the HSE, are required to ensure that service providers (including all front line staff and support staff) have an appropriate written policy on the use of restraint in place in that setting, and that their agents are aware of the standards and guidelines outlined above.
44 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health if he has received the report of Amnesty International, Healthcare Guaranteed? The Right to Health in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17898/11]
I received a copy of the Amnesty International Report, Healthcare Guaranteed? The Right to Health in Ireland, earlier this month and it is currently being reviewed by officials in my Department.
The Report provides a brief overview of the current health system in Ireland. It analyses access to healthcare in Ireland, in particular, economic access, and reviews current monitoring and accountability mechanisms relating to health.
The Report acknowledges the need for substantial reform of the health system. I understand that a key message emanating from the Report is the proposal that Government should commit to a legal guarantee to the right to health. This guarantee would require equity of access and ensure that cost is not a barrier to care.
The Government shares many of the concerns regarding the health system which are raised in the report; that is why we have committed to a major reform programme. The fundamental aim of our reform programme is to deliver a single-tier health service, supported by universal health insurance, which will deliver care based on need, not on income. The universal health insurance system will give patients a choice of insurer and will guarantee that every citizen has equal access to a comprehensive range of curative services, including both primary and hospital care.
Finally, it is important to acknowledge that all countries — no matter how prosperous — must make choices in meeting healthcare demands with finite resources. This involves legitimate policy choices to be debated and resolved as part of the democratic process.
46 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health his policy on the practice in some hospitals of contracting routine clerical work outside of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17909/11]
It is not a matter of Government policy that hospitals or other health services contract clerical work outside of Ireland, as suggested by the Deputy. However, all bodies in receipt of public funding, not just in the health sector, must manage their resources in the most cost effective and efficient manner possible.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Government is also carrying out a Comprehensive Review of Expenditure. Under this review, it is committed to examining all aspects of public expenditure, with a view to ensuring that all resources are used in the optimum manner to deliver services to citizens.
47 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will restore confidence by outlining, the way the funding through the fair deal scheme will be provided; the amount over the coming years through the fair deal scheme thata will be allocated in view of the fact that private nursing homes are needed to complement our existing community hospitals. [17863/11]
The processing of approvals for financial support under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme re-commenced the week beginning the 13th June. Approvals are being issued to those applicants processed to final stage in the chronological order in which they were received in the Central Office in Tullamore. Approvals are currently being issued to the first 400 of these applicants. Funding is being assigned on a daily basis. There are approximately 700 further applications processed to final stage and now awaiting approval and these will be dealt with as a priority.
The key focus of the Minister for Health is to ensure that those who require nursing home care will be able to access it and, to this end, the Department estimates that almost 24,000 people will be in long-term nursing home care by year end. This would mean a net increase of around 1,700 people between now and the end of the year.
In order to fund this increase, and to offset other pressures on the subhead such as increases in average length of stay, cost increases etc., the Minister identified a range of savings and income sources, one of which is a potential saving of up to €30 million in non-service related spending. This funding will come primarily from capital spending which is running significantly behind budget so far this year. Funding for the scheme in future years will be determined in the context of the estimates process.
The Programme for Government commits us to review the system of financing nursing home care with a view to developing a secure and equitable system of financing for community and long term care. This commitment will be carried through.
In addition, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme is due for formal review commencing in 2012. The Scheme will be three years in operation at that stage. The reason for allowing this period to elapse is to ensure that established and validated trends and statistics will be available in order to inform this work. It is still intended to proceed with this review and it will look at the ongoing sustainability of the Scheme, the relative costs of public versus private provision and the balance of funding between residential and community care.
48 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health the person he will be charging with making the final decision on the negotiation of the new general medical services contract. [17892/11]
54 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Health the person who will be assigned responsibility for carrying out negotiations with general practitioners on the new general medical services contract. [17888/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 54 together.
The Programme for Government provides for the introduction of a new contract with General Practitioners (GPs) with an increased emphasis on the management of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. I would envisage that the new contract will also focus on prevention and will include a requirement for GPs to provide care as part of integrated multidisciplinary Primary Care Teams.
The preparation of a revised contract will be advanced by officials of the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive. There will be a full consultation process with relevant stakeholders. I will oversee the work of the officials, in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Health.
51 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the discussions he has had with the Health Service Executive in relation to the opening and staffing of the PET CT scanner unit in Cork University Hospital; if he has received any indication from the HSE as to when the PET scanner will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17869/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
53 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will consider lifting the moratorium on recruitment to appoint the staff necessary to run the Primary Care Reimbursement Service in Finglas, Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17874/11]
The Health Sector Employment Control Framework 2011-2014 gives effect to Government priorities on employment policy in the public sector and provides that there will be a net reduction in employment of approximately 6,000 WTEs to 2014. The Framework is designed to maintain tight control on the cost of providing public services while protecting front line services as far as possible. There are no plans to relax the terms of the moratorium. However, the Framework also allows for the targeted growth of certain grades which are exempt from the moratorium on recruitment, including Medical Consultants, Physiotherapists and Social Workers, to deliver on key priority services. It also provides for the filling of non-exempt posts on exceptional grounds to maintain essential services and meet priority service change and reorganisation requirements. The HSE is in the process of centralising the administration of the medical card system, as an efficiency measure and to ensure a nationally consistent approach. In order to put the necessary staffing resources in place, staff are being redeployed to Finglas in line with the procedures set out in the Health Service Redeployment Protocol (Chapter 6) contained in the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014. It is recognised in this Protocol that there will be greater need to use redeployment, having regard to the Government moratorium on recruitment in the Public Service. It should also be noted that this Protocol has been agreed between the HSE, health service employers funded by the HSE and trade unions representing staff employed throughout the health services.
55 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health his views on whether health authorities moved sufficiently promptly to address concerns regarding the standard of care for patients at a nursing home (details supplied), County Meath, from the point at which concerns were first raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17896/11]
The Deputy's question refers to a matter that is currently subject to court proceedings. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment at this time.
57 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will find alternative positions for the staff of a nursing home (details supplied) in Dublin 6 who bravely drew attention to the inadequate levels of care in their work place and have, as a result, been left without jobs. [17872/11]
With regard to the Deputy's question, the Minister for Health has no function in the sourcing of employment for individuals in any circumstances. However, I have been advised by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation that it will deal sensitively with the permit holders and liaise with the Health Service Executive and the Health Information and Quality Authority and issue new permits for the three individuals concerned when they are successful in obtaining new employment.
58 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if there have been changes for those who are being cared for under the long term illness scheme whereby some medications associated with their condition are no longer being paid for by the Health Service Executive; if so the instructions he has given to the HSE in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17864/11]
Under the Long Term Illness Scheme the HSE provides drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances without charge to patients with specified conditions for the treatment of that condition. There have been no changes to the scheme.
63 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health the salaries that are paid to chief executive officers of all hospitals, both voluntary and those funded by the Health Service Executive; the annual leave, expenses and other conditions of employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17854/11]
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. Therefore, my Department has asked the Health Service Executive to supply the necessary information and I will respond to the Deputy's enquiry as soon as this becomes available.
64 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the recommendations outlined in Health Information and Quality Authority’s update on the implementation of the recommendations of the Ennis Report published in February 2011 that will be implemented this year. [17880/11]
I am fully aware of the recommendations of the Health Information and Quality Authority in relation to Ennis Hospital and its subsequent report on Mallow Hospital. Both reports deal with the type of services that can safely be provided in smaller hospitals and with the structures required for good governance and accountability within our hospitals. The report on Mallow reiterates the implications of the Ennis report for all hospitals of a similar size.
I have said on many occasions that I believe local hospitals can and should be a vibrant element of local health services, providing treatment and care at the appropriate level of complexity to the patients in their area. I have also said that I will not stand over unsafe care which puts patients at risk.
The recommendations in these HIQA Reports need to be implemented in order to ensure that the standards of care delivered in smaller hospitals are as high as possible and that the type of care provided is appropriate to the clinical setting and to the needs of patients.
I have had a number of meetings with clinicians and officials in my Department and the HSE about the progress being made in implementing the HIQA recommendations both generally and in relation to specific hospitals. I intend to keep myself fully briefed about ongoing developments.
This Government is strongly committed to developing the role of smaller hospitals in Ireland so that they play a key part in the services provided to local communities. Patients should only have to travel to the larger hospitals for more complex services. HIQA's reports on Ennis and Mallow are entirely in keeping with this approach.
65 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the human rights situation in Nepal; if he has had, or will have, discussions with his European counterparts on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18027/11]
Since the signing of the 2006 Comprehensive Peace Accord, which signalled the end of the civil war, Nepal has undergone political, economic and social transformation as part of its continuing peace-building process. Although there have been difficulties in drafting a new national Constitution, I remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached which guarantees the long term peace and stability of Nepal. With regard to human rights, Nepal underwent its Universal Periodic Review at the Tenth Session of the UN Human Rights Council in January 2011. Ireland actively participated in the process. In response to questions posed, Nepal expressed its intention to address issues related to human rights, including the independent and impartial investigations of allegations of human rights abuses during the war, combating domestic violence and violence against women, the rehabilitation of child soldiers and the continued strengthening of human rights through government policies and programmes.
Ireland also supports the work of the UN human rights mission in Kathmandu which independently monitors and reports on human rights developments in Nepal.
Under the 2007 Interim Constitution of Nepal, the National Human Rights Commission was established as an independent constitutional body with responsibility for protecting and promoting the human rights of the Nepalese people. It supports the development of Nepalese society based on respect for human rights, freedom, equality and social justice with no tolerance for impunity.
Although many challenges remain in Nepal, particularly with respect to human rights, the Nepalese people have unequivocally voiced their desire for peace, security and democracy. Ireland and the international community will continue to support the peace building process in Nepal and its development into an inclusive, democratic society. A society based on these fundamental principles provides the best environment for lasting human rights in Nepal. While European Union Foreign Ministers have not specifically discussed Nepal recently, senior officials regularly discuss and review developments there, including human rights.
66 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise his concern with the Brazilian ambassador on the recent deaths in the past month of Amazon forest residents who have questioned the legitimacy of loggers and if he will call on the Brazilian Government to redouble its efforts to halt deforestation in the unique ecosystems of the Amazon rain forest and reverse the new forest codes being adopted that will accelerate denuding of these irreplaceable forests that are a global treasure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18075/11]
I'm aware of reports that a number of rural activists have been killed in the Amazon region since May which represents a worrying escalation of intimidation and violence in the region. Our Embassy in Brasilia is closely monitoring the situation and has already been in contact with the Department of Human Rights at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders at the Office of the President in this connection.
Both offices have assured us that they will do all they can to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice, and have informed us that, in addition to the activities of the National Programme for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, an inter-ministerial working group has been established to consider a list of people considered to be at-risk. It has also been announced that Federal Police and Army personnel will be deployed into Amazonas, Pará and Rondónia to assist in the investigation of the murders and to prevent further attacks.
A session of the EU-Brazil human rights dialogue took place in Brasilia on 26 May, at which Ireland was represented. The recent deaths of environmental activists were raised by the EU side as a matter of serious concern. The EU has also been active in promoting the adoption of human rights defender legislation, which is currently before the Brazilian Congress. Proposed amendments to Brazilian forest protection laws, which would effectively relax long-standing legislation designed to protect the Amazon and curb deforestation, are a matter of concern.
Ireland supports the sustainable management of forests both in developed and developing countries and condemns the activities of those involved in illegal logging activities. In response to illegal logging and the trade in illegally logged timber, Ireland supports the EU Action Plan for Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT), and also the introduction in 2013 of the EU Timber Trader Regulation (995/2010), which places obligations on timber importers to source only legal timber products. Ireland also ratified the International Tropical Timber Agreement 2006, in December 2009 along with many other countries.
67 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the proposed closure of accommodation and conference facilities at a centre (details supplied) due to reduced funds to the centre from private and public sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18165/11]
I am highly conscious of the centre to which the Deputy refers and of its track record in relation to peace-building on the island of Ireland and beyond. My Department has worked closely with the centre on its programming activities in the peace-building area. Most recently, the centre received an award of €112,500 from my Department's Reconciliation Fund towards its work in three key aspects — political dialogue and training, reconciliation dialogue and a training programme for women from disadvantaged backgrounds who are involved in local peace-building. This award followed on from close to €3 million which the centre has received in support from the Reconciliation Fund since the early 1980s and in addition to almost €400,000 through my Department's Conflict Resolution Unit since 2009.
Several meetings have taken place over recent months between officials from my Department and representatives of the centre with a view to assisting it to adapt to the current very difficult economic climate by reviewing its programmes and overall budgetary position, thereby permitting it to focus upon its core competences and considerable experience in the area of peace-building, and these are ongoing. Last week my Department was notified that for budgetary reasons and of its own accord, the centre had decided it was appropriate to cease offering accommodation and conference facilities at their current location with effect from 10 July.
Arrangements have been negotiated by the centre to permit it to use accommodation and conference facilities at another nearby location as these are required. The centre's operations will continue to function in full from another building at their current site and a café at the centre will also remain open. I welcome the constructive way in which the centre has approached these difficult decisions in the face of resource constraints and pressures upon Government finances.
68 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance his views on customers seeking to move to a different insurer must pay the health insurance levy for the unexpired part of the year that this could result in individuals having to pay the levy twice as presumably the levy would also be charged for the unexpired part of the year by the new insurer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18149/11]
Under section 125A of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 health insurance providers are required to pay a levy, in the form of a stamp duty, in respect of each insured person on their books. The levy is payable by health insurance providers in respect of each insured person for whom the provider has renewed an existing contract or with whom the provider has entered into a new contract of health insurance during an accounting period. The current accounting period runs from 1 August 2010 to 31 July 2011.
The legislation ensures that, where an individual changes insurance providers during an accounting period, only the provider with whom the individual took out or renewed the initial contract of insurance is required to pay the levy in respect of those insured under that contract for that accounting period. In such cases, where the individual concerned shows to the satisfaction of the second provider that the levy for that accounting period has been accounted for by the original provider, the second provider is not required to pay any levy for those insured under the contract for the unexpired part of the accounting period.
69 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if incoming tour operators who bring business into Ireland will be included as a category in the forthcoming jobs initiative scheme to be implemented on 1 July 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18007/11]
It is understood that the question relates to the Air Travel Tax (ATT). The ATT is currently applied at the rate of €3 to all passenger departures from Irish airports whose passenger departure numbers are greater than 50,000 in the preceding year. The Finance (No. 2) Act 2011 provides for the suspension of the ATT to all departures. The ATT rate will now be reduced to zero on or after such a day as the Minister for Finance may appoint by Commencement Order.
This measure is subject to an agreement being reached with the airlines to bring in additional passenger numbers. The Minister for Transport is holding discussions with airlines in that regard. Consequently, the measure would affect all passengers independent of the place of establishment of the tour operator that may have organised their travel.
70 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 261 of 7 June 2011, if he has given consideration to a lease arrangement for the provision of new premises for An Garda Síochána at a location (details supplied) in order that initial capital costs by the State can be minimised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18015/11]
Bailieborough Garda Station is currently located in a building which is deemed inadequate by An Garda Síochána for policing needs and has been prioritised for replacement. In light of the requirement for more modern facilities, OPW has advised An Garda Síochána that the optimum solution in this case is the construction of new purpose-built facilities on a greenfied site.
Bailieborough Garda Station is responsible for carrying out a range of different functions specific to a District Headquarters such as traffic control and management, investigation of serious crime, detention of prisoners, etc. These functions require specific custom designed spaces which are not generally available in leased buildings and which are best provided in purpose-built Station premises. Additionally, given current building standards in regard to requirements such as universal access, energy efficiency and sustainable design, it is clear that no suitable premises exists in Bailieborough currently which would meet the needs of An Garda Síochána or which could be adapted economically for its purposes.
71 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance his views on a need to establish a European Bank restructuring agency funded from the European Financial Stability Facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18024/11]
I am not aware of any proposals to use European Financial Stability Facility to establish a European Bank Restructuring Agency. The Euro Area Member States agreed in May 2010 to create a European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) in order to financially support euro area Member States who are in difficulties caused by exceptional circumstances beyond their control. The EFSF was incorporated on 7 June 2010 for the purpose of providing stability support to euro area Member States in the form of guaranteed loans of up to EUR 440 billion within a limited period of time. There is currently no mechanism within the EFSF that could be used to establish such an agency.
The European Commission has been working to develop a proposal for an EU Framework for Bank Recovery and Resolution and has issued a number of consultation documents and communications on their proposed framework, most recently in January 2011. This consultation document set out three steps in the development of this framework. The first step is the development of a harmonised EU regime for crisis prevention and bank recovery and resolution — the Commission has indicated that it will publish a legislative proposal for such a regime in September 2011. This will include a common set of resolution tools and reinforcement of cooperation between national authorities in order to improve the effectiveness of the arrangements for dealing with the failure of cross border banks.
As a second step, the Commission has indicated it will examine the need for further harmonisation of bank insolvency regimes, with the aim of resolving and liquidating them under the same substantive and procedural rules, and will publish a report, accompanied if appropriate by a legislative proposal, by the end of 2012. Finally, the Commission considers that a third step should include the creation of an integrated resolution regime, possibly based on a single European Resolution Authority, by 2014.
Ireland supports the Commission's work to develop a proposal which gives national authorities a common resolution tool kit. We look forward to the publication of this legislative proposal in the autumn. From a domestic perspective the Central Bank and Credit Institutions (Resolution) (No. 2) Bill 2011 provides for a special resolution regime to allow the Central Bank to deal in an effective way with credit institutions that are failing or likely to fail in the future.
72 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance in view of Ireland’s compliance with the IMF/ECB bailout, his views on the present spread between Irish and German tenure bonds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18025/11]
Ireland is meeting its targets under the EU/IMF Programme and the troika teams have concluded that we have made a strong start. Nevertheless, yields on Ireland's sovereign bonds are remaining at elevated levels and it is clear that this position is being exacerbated by the ongoing uncertainties due to the wider situation in Europe. Clearly, the current market view of Ireland as illustrated by our sovereign bond spreads is not what we would wish it to be.
However, based on conservative projections of our funding needs and taking account of funding possibilities, there is no urgency about a return to the markets and Ireland has not issued bonds at these elevated yields. Indeed, the purpose of a programme such as the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland is to provide the space necessary for economic and fiscal adjustment to take place. Based on current projections and without going back to the markets in the meantime, the State has access to sufficient funds for its needs well into the second half of 2013.
We are barely half a year into our Programme, so it is still very early in this process. However, as I have already said, we are meeting our targets and, as long as we continue to do so, we expect that the Programme will achieve its objectives. The steps necessary to enable such a return to the markets include resolution of the banking sector issues and continued progress in the reduction of the budget deficit in line with the targets agreed in the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support, together with the implementation of policies that will see us return to sustainable economic growth.
The NTMA is in constant contact with market participants and will advise me when it feels that the time is right to re-enter the markets. This is an issue that is under constant and close review by all concerned.
73 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the redundancy packages available to public service workers in the public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18041/11]
There are no redundancy ‘packages' available currently in the Civil/Public Service. As part of the programme to correct the public finances, the Government is committed to reducing numbers in the Public Service in the period to 2015 and is currently carrying out a comprehensive review of expenditure to examine all areas where savings and numbers reductions might be identified. Part of the overall policy on Public Service numbers may involve voluntary staff exit mechanisms, and the options in this regard will be considered by the Government in this overall context when the review is completed in the Autumn. Any such scheme would be carefully targeted to protect front-line services.
74 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance if funding has been ring-fenced to subsidise the flood relief works in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18045/11]
Kilkenny County Council has been allocated total funding of €838,000 by the Office of Public Works under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works Scheme from the beginning of 2010 to date, to undertake flood alleviation measures at six locations in the county.
The progression of these projects is a matter for the Council. To date, the Council has drawn down funding of €603,000 in respect of these projects, and further funding may be drawn down this year as the projects progress.
The Council has submitted seven applications under the above Scheme for flood mitigation projects in 2011. These are currently being assessed in accordance with the criteria of the scheme and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.
75 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Finance if the National Assets Management has put in place a strategy with local authorities to protect period buildings and protected structures under the control of NAMA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18049/11]
NAMA advises me that the most efficient way to deal with issues arising in connection with period buildings and protected structures controlled by NAMA debtors, is to consider circumstances on a case by case basis. Should it be brought to NAMA's attention that one of its debtors is failing to comply with his or her obligations as regards protected buildings or structures, the Agency's first option is to put pressure on the debtor to resolve the issue. Should the debtor fail to take the appropriate action, NAMA can appoint a receiver to take control of the property concerned or under the provisions of section 141 of the NAMA Act, NAMA can apply to the District Court for an entry and maintenance order for which the overall costs can be charged back to the debtor. NAMA informs me that it has not been necessary to move beyond the first option in the very few cases relating to period buildings and protected structures which have arisen to date.
NAMA's engagement with local authorities regarding protected buildings or structures has also taken place on a case-by-case basis. Should local authorities wish to discuss, more generally, the issue of protected buildings within their respective areas, NAMA will be happy to do so.
76 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to obtain additional structural funds in view of the grant of one billion euros being made available to Greece due to austerity measures. [18056/11]
The purpose of EU Regional/Cohesion policy is to reduce the significant economic, social and territorial disparities that still exist between Europe's regions. The budget for the 2007-2013 round is €347bn. Most of this budget is allocated for those countries and regions whose gross domestic product per capita is less than 75% of EU average (81.5% for convergence objective). The remainder is for all other countries and regions (16.5% for regional competitiveness and employment objective) and for cooperation across borders (2.5% for territorial cooperation objective). The overall budget and country allocation is agreed between the EU Commission and Member States in advance of the programming period. Ireland has been allocated in total €901m in Structural Funding for the 2007-13 Programming period with €750 million assigned to the Regional Competitiveness and Employment (RCE) Objective. Ireland's NSRF sets out the strategic context within which the €750m block of funding may be applied; the delivery is via three operational programmes, the National ESF Human Capital Investment OP and the Border Midland and Western and Southern and Eastern Regional ERDF OPs. The balance of €151m is for smaller Territorial Cooperation programmes including the PEACE III (Ireland/NI), INTERREG IVA (Ireland/NI and Western Scotland) and the Ireland Wales Programme.
It should be noted that annual indicative financial allocations are agreed with the Commission, expenditure has to be incurred, certified, verified and audited in accordance with complex EU eligibility and audit criteria. Therefore, there is a time lag between the allocation and drawdown of funding. However, Ireland's performance in drawing down its EU Structural Fund 2007-13 allocation is among the best in Europe.
I assume the Deputy is referring to a statement by President Barroso of the European Commission following a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Papandreou on 20th June which was reported in the media in the following days. President Barroso said that "if Greece can demonstrate that it is genuinely committed to the reform package agreed with the EU/IMF, we will accompany Greece on its journey back to growth". He went on to say that they discussed a more strategic use of the EU Structural Funds under Cohesion Policy to increase their rate of absorption and accelerate delivery. However, this would be done within their existing structural funds allocation. Therefore, there is no question of any additional structural funds allocation to Greece, just a potential acceleration of delivery of the funding.
I should also say that we are successfully implementing our programme of assistance from the EU/IMF. We have satisfied our programme commitments to date. The review of our programme in April found that we had met all our targets — on fiscal consolidation, financial sector reform, structural reform and structural fiscal reform.
Ireland is funded until well into 2013. Based on current projections and without going back to the market, in the meantime the State has access to sufficient funds for its needs well into the second half of 2013. This access is through the EU, bilateral and IMF funds along with our own resources. Our continued adherence to programme targets will ensure access to this funding.
77 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of vehicles in AIB’s fleet of company cars for staff members; and the number of new vehicles purchased or leased for each of the years 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011. [18060/11]
I am advised by the institution that the statistics, covering the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom areas, sought by the Deputy are listed in the following table:
|
Year |
Total Cars |
Cars purchased/leased |
|
2009 |
730 |
102 |
|
2010 |
671 |
90 |
|
2011 (to May) |
571 |
81 |
78 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of vehicles in Bank of Ireland’s fleet of company cars for staff members; and the number of new vehicles purchased or leased for each of the years 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011. [18061/11]
The total number of cars in the Bank of Ireland fleet is 567. Their year of purchase or lease commencement is shown in the following table:
|
Year of purchase or lease commencement |
||||
|
Total Fleet |
2011 |
2010 |
2009 |
Pre 2009 |
|
567 |
74 |
167 |
99 |
227 |
79 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of all the costs incurred to date and expected to be incurred in the coming months on the establishment of the new Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, including, for example, the cost of nameplates, new stationery and other printed material, office fit-out, website development, preparation of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011, any additional staffing costs and all other costs associated with the establishment of the Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18065/11]
In response to the Deputy's question some €47,211 can be attributed to costs incurred or due to be incurred in relation to the establishment of the new Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
The following table gives a breakdown of the costs. All figures include VAT.
Cost Breakdown
|
Costs € |
Details |
|
31,350 |
Fit-out of offices (inclusive of equipment such as photocopiers, etc.) |
|
4,538 |
Design of headed paper, compliment slips, business cards and new Departmental logo. |
|
2,782 |
Headed paper and complimentary slips |
|
2,310 |
Ministers Seal for use on official documents |
|
2,288 |
Name plates in respect of six buildings containing staff working in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. |
|
1,633 |
Work carried out on the new Department’s website. |
|
1,477 |
Printing costs associated with The Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011. |
|
833 |
Official Office Stamps such as receipt stamps, date stamps and other office supplies. |
The preparation of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011 was undertaken from within existing staffing resources of the Department of Public Expenditure and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.
80 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Finance the action being taken by him to enact legislation that will make bankers accountable for their actions over the past number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18096/11]
The day-to-day regulation of banks and other regulated financial service providers is primarily a matter for the Central Bank. The Central Bank has a range of enforcement tools available to it to ensure the regulation of the financial services industry up to and including the bringing of summary prosecutions. The Central Bank is also implementing a fitness and probity regime for all persons working in senior or sensitive positions in the regulated financial services sector. Other agencies such as An Garda Síochána, the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement and the Director of Public Prosecutions have their own role to play in enforcing financial services law.
I will be publishing the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill 2011 by the end of July, which will provide for the further enhancement of the supervisory and enforcement powers of the Central Bank.
81 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Finance his plans to address the four impediments (details supplied) in the Camlin and Shannon Rivers which cause severe flooding in the Longford and Clondra areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18100/11]
The position as stated in my reply to the Deputy of 18th May, 2011 remains the same, the Office of Public Works has no responsibility with regard to the specific issues raised.
However, during my visit to Longford on 26th May, 2011, I visited the site of the unfinished scheme at Tarmonbarry and met with a delegation in the matter. On foot of the concerns expressed, I have arranged for my officials to engage with Waterways Ireland regarding the unfinished scheme to ascertain if the matter can be progressed. With regard to the issue of the New Lock gates at Clondra, in order to be of assistance my officials will contact the person concerned to obtain further information.
As indicated in my previous reply the Office of Public Works is currently involved in a number of initiatives to alleviate the flooding risk in the catchment concerned. The primary initiative in this regard is the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study for the River Shannon, which commenced earlier this year. This study will identify and examine in detail the causes of flooding throughout the Shannon catchment, and produce an integrated plan of specific measures to address the significant flood risk factors in a proactive and comprehensive way.
82 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Finance the reason a company should struggle to keep VAT and PAYE and other taxes paid, be unable to pay their own wages and yet have to see public servants getting pay increases in this time of economic crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18111/11]
The financial crisis has affected and continues to affect all sectors of the economy and the public service has not been insulated from those affects. Public Servants have been required to make a significant contribution to the restoration of the public finances to a sustainable path. Among the measures introduced and impacting on the public service are:
The general round pay increases under the terms of the Review and Transitional Agreement due in 2009 were not paid;
A general moratorium on recruitment and promotion was applied to most of the Public Service, and incentivised early retirement and career break schemes introduced;
A pension related deduction of an average of nearly 7% was applied to all the earnings of all public servants;
A reduction in rates of pay and allowances took effect on 1 January, 2010;
The Public Service Agreement provides for an effective pay freeze up to 2014; and
More recently the Government has put in place pay ceilings for Senior Public Servants and CEOs of Commercial State Companies.
In addition to the specific measures applied to public servants, they are also subject to the general tax increases and expenditure cuts which have been the dominant feature of Government fiscal policy in recent years. While I understand the financial pressures which businesses are currently working under, similar pressures apply throughout the economy and no sector remains untouched by the economic crisis. However, the Government is determined that all sectors will make a fair contribution to the difficult measures necessary to effect our economic recovery.
83 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance the status of his investigation into the practise of purchasing company cars for management personnel in credit institutions which are in receipt of State funding, as part of his review of pay and conditions in such institutions. [18120/11]
As the Deputy may be aware, I have asked the NTMA to request on my behalf a review of remuneration policies and practices by the covered institutions. This review is intended to encompass all aspects of compensation and is not limited to salary. The specific practice referred to in the Deputy's question, therefore, comprises part of the review. The Deputy may wish to note that the relevant institutions were asked to provide proposals in relation to measures that could be taken to realign staff expectations in relation to such benefits. The review exercise is ongoing and my Department expects to receive the requested information from all the institutions shortly in order to allow a comprehensive evaluation to take place.
84 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance if he will investigate the possibility of increasing the fine to be imposed on credit institution employees found to have committed the offence of mismanagement of that institution, by failing to run the institution according to sound administrative and accounting principals, as per Regulations 16 and 33 of the European Communities (Licensing and Supervision of Credit Institutions), Regulations 1992, S.I. 395 of 1992. [18121/11]
The European Communities (Licensing and Supervision) Regulations 1992 (S.I. 395 of 1992), which give effect to EU legislation relating to the licensing and supervision of credit institutions, were amended in 2006 and 2007 to transpose relevant provisions of the Capital Requirements Directive (2006/48(EC). Regulation 16 sets out requirements for credit institutions in relation to governance arrangements, including the requirement to have: a clear organisational structure; effective processes to identify, manage, monitor and report risk; adequate internal control mechanisms; sound administrative and accounting procedures; and remuneration policies and practices that are consistent with and promote sound and effective risk management. These provisions have been supplemented by the Corporate Governance Code for Credit Institutions and Insurance Undertakings, published by the Central Bank in 2010.
Regulation 33 of S.I. 395 of 1992 provides that failure to comply with a provision of the Regulations is a summary offence attracting a fine of €1000 or six months in prison or both. The limitations in respect of the size of the penalties prescribed by Regulation 33, reflect the then existing provisions of the European Communities Acts as enacted by the Oireachtas.
The Deputy might also wish to note that the European Communities Act 2007 subsequently introduced provisions for offences committed in breach of Regulations made under the European Communities Acts to be prosecuted on indictment with a maximum fine of €500,000 and a maximum term of imprisonment of 3 years. These provisions may be applied to regulations made by any Minister of the Government under the European Communities Acts. In the context of any future amendments to S.I. 395 of 1992 which may be required to implement forthcoming provisions of EU law giving effect to the Basel III agreement, I will consider further the level of sanctions and penalties that will apply to breaches of these Regulations.
In addition to these provisions, Part IIIC of the Central Bank Act 1942 provides the Central Bank with the power to administer sanctions in respect of prescribed contraventions by regulated entities and persons concerned in the management of regulated entities. Breaches of provisions of S.I. 395 of 1992 may be subject to proceedings under Part IIIC of the 1942 Act. The following types of sanctions may be imposed by the Central Bank:
caution or reprimand;
direction to refund or withhold all or part of an amount of money charged or paid, or to be charged or paid, for the provision of a financial service;
monetary penalty (not exceeding €5,000,000 in the case of a corporate and unincorporated body, not exceeding €500,000 in the case of a person);
direction disqualifying a person from being concerned in the management of a regulated financial service provider;
direction to cease the contravention if it is found the contravention is continuing; or
direction to pay all or part of the costs of the investigation and inquiry.
In December 2010 the Central Bank published its Enforcement Strategy for 2011 - 2012 which sets out the Central Bank's approach to improving effective compliance by the application of its enforcement powers. Both the Enforcement Strategy and the Corporate Governance Code can be accessed at www.centralbank.ie. I will also be publishing the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement Bill) 2011 by the end of July. The bill will provide an opportunity to consider further the sanctions and penalties that apply to contraventions of Irish financial services law and the related supervision and enforcement powers of the Central Bank.
85 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for a P60 in respect of each of the past four income tax years to be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [18126/11]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Forms P60 are only issued by employers to their employees, as evidence of pay and tax deducted in their employment. Revenue has no function in this regard. However, Revenue has written to this person and has provided him with details of his pay and tax for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009. Revenue is in contact with the employer with a view to obtaining his pay and tax details for 2010. If any further details are required the person should contact Mr Diarmuid O'Connor at Revenue House, Blackpool, Cork, telephone 021 6027506 to discuss the matter.
86 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Cork was registered with the Revenue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18127/11]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested is subject to the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003. These Acts preclude Revenue from divulging any personal data to a third party. Revenue will accept any tax forms completed by the former employees without their employer's registration number, provided they include the employer's name and address. Revenue advises that the individuals affected should contact Mr. Diarmuid O'Connor at Revenue House, Blackpool, Cork, telephone 021 6027506 if they wish to further discuss the matter.
87 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm when the review of the universal social charge promised in the programme for Government will commence; the terms of reference of the review; the person that will conduct the review; when the outcome of the review will be presented to Cabinet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18135/11]
The review of the Universal Social Charge has commenced. A working group has been established consisting of officials from the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners and they will consult as necessary with other Departments. Submissions from other interested parties will of course be considered in that context.
The Terms of Reference of the review are broad and wide-ranging and include, but are not limited to, the following areas:
Low paid income earners;
Persons over 65;
Medical Card Holders;
Widows/Widowers;
Self-employed;
Public Service Pensioners;
Employer contribution to PRSA; and
Any other issues (including any operational issues that have arisen in the administration of the charge).
When the review is completed and the findings are presented to me, I will make any necessary decisions in the context of Budget 2012.
88 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the losses carried forward at the end of 2010, for each of the financial institutions participating in the National Asset Management Agency, which will be available for offset against future profits for taxation purposes. [18136/11]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that information in relation to cumulative tax losses being carried forward by financial institutions is derived from corporation tax returns filed for the year 2009, the first year for which this information is available. Data for the year 2010 is not yet available. The available information is the amounts of unused losses and capital allowances that are available for carryover to years following 2009 by financial institutions participating in the National Asset Management Agency and is estimated to be in the region of €17,877 million.
The figures are based on the amounts of unused losses and capital allowances as derived from the 2009 tax returns as being available for carryover to years following 2009before deduction of any losses and capital allowances that are used in the compilation of group relief. For technical reasons, it is not possible to provide a breakdown at company level of unused losses and capital allowances that are surrendered to other companies within a group structure and then claimed as group relief.
Special arrangements apply in the case of financial institutions, in the context of dealing with impaired loan assets. In this regard, provisions were included in the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009 to limit the amount of relief that can be claimed by participating institutions for losses carried forward from earlier years. This measure, which is provided for in section 396C of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, has the effect of restricting the amount of a participating institution's group trading income which can be reduced by losses brought forward from earlier periods to 50 per cent of such income. The measure will ensure that, when the institutions return to profitability, a minimum of 50% of their trading income will remain chargeable to tax in an accounting period notwithstanding claims for relief for losses carried forward into that period.
I am also informed by the Revenue Commissioners that their obligation to observe confidentiality in relation to the tax affairs of individual taxpayers and companies precludes them from providing the information requested by the Deputy on a company by company basis.
89 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to publish the results of the Central Bank’s stress tests of the credit union sector. [18140/11]
Under the EU/IMF Programme of Support for Ireland, stress tests on credit unions have been completed by the Central Bank of Ireland. Credit unions were subjected to a detailed stress testing exercise to make an assessment of the likely impact of given stress scenarios on the capital buffers of credit unions. The purpose of this work is to provide the Central Bank of Ireland with the necessary regulatory information to concentrate its supervisory focus and, where necessary, to take pre-emptive remedial action to maintain member confidence and protect the financial stability of the credit union sector. These stress test results also inform Government policy in relation to the credit union sector and, in this regard, I have prepared a strategy to underpin the solvency and viability of any undercapitalised credit unions.
I have no plans at present to publish the results of these stress tests. The Commission on Credit Unions will, however, review the future of the credit union movement and make recommendations to Government in respect of a strengthened regulatory framework for the sector. In consultation with the Central Bank of Ireland, I will consider what material may be published when the Commission has completed its work.
90 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if, as part of the negotiations currently underway regarding a reduction in the interest rate on our EU / IMF Programme, he will ensure that Ireland seeks to have any such interest rate reduction applied to full amount of the EFSF and EFSM funds and not just the amounts yet to be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18141/11]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Euro Area Heads of State and Government agreed in principle to a reduction in the interest margin charged to programme countries. This has been applied in respect of Greece and Portugal. However, a decision to apply it to Ireland's loans has not yet been taken. This is because another Member State is asking for Ireland to deliver a quid pro quo in return for an interest rate reduction in the form of a change in our Corporation Tax. However, we have made it clear that we will not agree to this. Contacts on interest rates are continuing at official level. I have raised it at EU Finance Ministers meetings, and in bilateral meetings with my EU counterparts, most recently at the Luxembourg meetings of the eurogroup/ECOFIN Council. Furthermore, this issue was raised in the recent contacts that the Taoiseach had with President Sarkozy on the margins of last week's European Council meeting.
We must recognise that the European focus is on the difficulties currently facing Greece. Nevertheless, the Government will continue to avail of every suitable opportunity to press our case for an interest rate reduction in respect of future interest payments both on funds already drawn down and those to be drawn down in future from the EFSF and EFSM. In this context, I would refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 152 of 15 June last.
91 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details, including the dates of the relevant Oireachtas committee meetings, of the oversight to date by the Oireachtas of the work of the National Assets Management Agency since its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18146/11]
The NAMA legislation provides for various reporting mechanisms that are designed to enhance the accountability of the Agency to the Oireachtas, such as: Provision for the Chairperson and CEO of NAMA to appear, if requested to do so, before a Committee of the Oireachtas which is examining matters relating to NAMA. NAMA's Chief Executive appeared before the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service on 13th April 2010 and, in conjunction with the Chairman of NAMA, appeared before the Public Accounts Committee on 18th November 2010 and on 13th January 2011. The transcripts of the discussions are available on the Oireachtas website.
NAMA is required to report on a quarterly basis on a wide range of matters, including details in relation to loans. I, as Minister for Finance, am required to lay these quarterly reports before each House of the Oireachtas. To date, four quarterly reports, in respect of each quarter of 2010, have been laid before the Oireachtas.
NAMA is required to prepare an annual statement, setting out the objectives and the projections for the performance of NAMA for the year, which I as Minister for Finance am required to lay before each House of the Oireachtas. The annual statement in respect of 2010 has been laid before the Oireachtas.
NAMA must submit annual accounts to be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General. I, as Minister for Finance, am required to lay the audited annual accounts before each House of the Oireachtas. The Committee of Public Accounts may examine NAMA on these audited annual accounts. I expect to receive the first annual report with audited accounts in respect of 2010, shortly.
As Minister for Finance I will continue to insist on the highest standards of transparency in NAMA's operations. I have already met with the NAMA Board and explained that I expect the agency to comply with this commitment to the maximum extent possible, and that this is an issue which I will be following closely.
92 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if any bonus payments have been paid to the chief executive or any of the management team at Anglo Irish Bank in respect of the 2010 calendar year; if so, if he will provide the relevant details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18166/11]
My Department has been advised by the bank that no discretionary bonus payments were paid to the Chief Executive or any of his management team, at the bank in respect of the 2010 calendar year. The bank has advised that it does not operate any performance-related bonus scheme.
I am concerned that the information just supplied to my Department by Anglo Irish Bank in answer to this question does not accord with material provided to my predecessor for previous Parliamentary Questions, most recently on 16th December last. I am making further enquiries so I am in a position to provide the fullest possible information to the House.
As the Deputy may be aware, I have asked the NTMA to conduct on my behalf a review of remuneration policies and practices by the covered institutions. This review is intended to encompass all aspects of compensation and is not limited to salary. This would include non-salary items such as annual discretionary bonus, guaranteed bonus, contractual bonus, cash long term incentives, deferred bonus and retention payments. This review exercise is ongoing.
In light of the discrepancy in the information that my Department has just received, I have requested an urgent report from the bank, which will provide full and accurate information and an explanation of why this was not forthcoming in December 2010. I will advise the Deputy further when this report is received and assessed by my Department.
93 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if any bonus payments have been paid to the chief executive or any of the management team at AIB in respect of the 2010 calendar year; if so, if he will provide the relevant details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18167/11]
I am advised by AIB that no bonus payments (defined as annual discretionary bonus, guaranteed bonus, contractual bonus, cash long term incentives, deferred bonus and retention payments) have been made to the Executive Chairman or any of the management team at the bank in respect of the calendar year 2010. However, in recognition of the fact that additional information regarding remuneration in the covered institutions has come to light previously, my request to the NTMA to review remuneration policies and practices in the covered institutions will cover all aspects of compensation within the covered institutions.
94 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if any bonus payments have been paid to the chief executive or any of the management team at Bank of Ireland in respect of the 2010 calendar year; if so, if he will provide the relevant details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18168/11]
I am informed by the Bank of Ireland that no bonus payments (defined as annual discretionary bonus, guaranteed bonus, contractual bonus, cash long term incentives, deferred bonus and retention payments) have been paid to the Chief Executive or any of the Group Executive Committee at the bank in respect of the 2010 calendar year. In the interest of clarity, the Deputy will be aware from the investigation carried out by the Department earlier this year, and as set out in the report published by the Department on 3 March 2011, senior executive team members on Bank of Ireland were previously paid contracted bonuses in 2009 and 2010 amounting to €4.3 million. The bank has informed my Department that €2.3 million of these payments were made in 2010.
95 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the precise stage of architectural planning of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16; the way the application has progressed since his previous response; the prospects for funding in the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17997/11]
The major building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. My Department issued authorisation in July 2010 for the Design Team to proceed to seek planning permission, fire certificate and disability access certificate. The Design Team lodged a planning permission application with South Dublin County Council in February 2011 and a request for further information was received in April 2011. The Design Team are currently in the process of completing same.
The Fire Certificate and the Disability Access Certificate have been granted. Progression of the project is contingent upon planning permission being secured.
96 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills in relation to the recent junior cycle review carried out by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, when he expects the rebalanced history syllabus to be introduced at junior cycle in post-primary schools; if the consultation process on the new syllabus has now been completed; when the report detailing feedback from the consultation will be completed and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18002/11]
The NCCA has been asked to review the junior certificate and advise on the scope for reform designed to strengthen literacy and numeracy, embed key skills, promote active learning and enhanced creativity and innovation, and ensure appropriate ways of generating evidence of learning. Concerns have also been raised about curriculum overload, and rote learning.
The Council has completed a public consultation process and has published a report of the consultation findings on its website www.ncca.ie. The Council is currently finalising its advice to me on the direction of reform, in consultation with the partners in education. I expect the Council’s advice in the Autumn. I am not in a position to set out the timeframe for implementation until the detail of the proposals has been examined.
97 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills with reference to the proposed changes to the school transport programme, if there will be concessions to the €200 per pupil charge for concessionary transport, for medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18008/11]
Under the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme concessionary transport is available subject to a number of conditions including payment of a charge which is currently €200 per annum. As these pupils are not eligible for school transport, under the terms of the scheme, there is no exemption from this charge.
98 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills when details of the 2011/ 2012 higher education grant scheme will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18009/11]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the student grant scheme and application form for the 2011/12 academic year was published on www.studentfinance.ie on 27 June, 2011.
99 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of retired teachers involved in oral Irish examinations, oral French examinations, oral German examinations and oral Spanish examinations in this year’s State examinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18020/11]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the holding of examinations, determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations and making arrangements for the marking of work presented for examination.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
100 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of retired teachers employed supervising this year’s State examinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18021/11]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the holding of examinations, determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations and making arrangements for the marking of work presented for examination.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
101 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of recently qualified graduates who applied for employment with the State examinations; the number that were offered employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18023/11]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the holding of examinations, determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations and making arrangements for the marking of work presented for examination.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
102 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the concerns regarding the leaving certificate 2011 honours maths paper 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18026/11]
The State Examinations Commission has operational responsibility for the certificate examinations. I have been advised that the State Examinations Commission (SEC) is satisfied that the questions asked on the Mathematics paper are within the parameters of the syllabus. In respect of specific queries which have been raised the SEC has confirmed that Question 7(b) as presented is correct and that the material examined in Question 8(c) is within the syllabus.
Comments and observations regarding test instruments are an intrinsic part of the feedback that SEC would expect to receive in any year. The well-tried methodology in place to deal with issues that arise in the course of the examination process is the development of the marking scheme by the Chief Examiner and his college of examiners in light of the circumstances of that year's examinations. All observations received in relation to a subject are reviewed by the Chief Examiner in the context of preparing the marking scheme for that subject.
I am satisfied that the SEC has well-established procedures in place to ensure that assessment procedures operate in accordance with the principles of fairness, equity and quality assurance.
103 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills the contact he has had with a school (details supplied) in County Kildare regarding staffing levels; the way he will honour commitments made in relation to staffing levels prior to the amalgamation of the three schools involved; the number of teachers that have taken the option of early retirement arising from the amalgamation; the number of teachers transferring into the new school; the number of new positions that have or will be advertised for the new school; if additional teaching posts have been requested to facilitate the development of the new school; the way he has responded to any such request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18051/11]
The staffing allocation for the amalgamated school has been dealt with in the normal manner.
The allocation to date for this school is 42 teaching posts and the allocation will be finalised over the coming weeks which will increase this figure.
My Department has recently met with the School Principal regarding the staffing allocation for this school.
104 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills when parents can expect a reply on whether their children will qualify for school transport (details supplied). [18068/11]
Bus Éireann which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department has advised that invoices for eligible pupils, who have applied for school transport, will issue over the next week.
105 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the vocational training opportunities scheme allowances are being curtailed, in view of the fact that this is affecting persons currently in the midst of adult education/third level courses. [18074/11]
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) training allowances rates are set in line with social welfare rates. Budget 2011 provided for a reduction in these rates of social welfare payments with effect from 1 January 2011 and so VTOS training allowances rates were reduced accordingly.
VTOS participants who have been in receipt of their welfare payment for at least 12 months (312 days) directly before their course commencement date are paid a weekly training bonus. Budget 2011 provided for a reduction in the weekly training bonus from €31.80 to €20 per week with effect from 1 January 2011.
Unemployed people who wish to participate in courses at third level may be eligible for the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA), which is administered by the Department of Social Protection. Any questions in relation to the BTEA are a matter for that Department.
106 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the closure of the Jobfit programme at the end of June, the body from which unemployed persons will receive the support which that organisation provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18107/11]
The Labour Market Activation Fund was launched in March 2010 in order to aid the creation of training and education programmes for specific priority groups among the unemployed. It is anticipated that approximately 11,500 unemployed people will have benefited from the Fund when it comes to completion.
No additional funding was made available in Budget 2011 for a further expansion of the 2010 Activation Fund. However, the impacts of the funded projects will be fully assessed and results made available to Government in the Autumn, with a view to informing the consideration of any further iterations of this funding model.
The Department of Social Protection and FAS provide a range of supports for the unemployed and for specific queries in relation to these supports the Deputy should contact the Department of Social Protection or FAS directly.
At the beginning of this year my Department was funding the provision of 148,500 Training places through FAS, Skillnets and the Labour Market Activation Fund, 168,000 Further Education places and 156,000 Higher Education places.
As you are aware the recently announced Jobs Initiative provides for an additional 15,900 places to be made available by the Department of Education and Skills bringing the total training places available for the unemployed this year to 154,500. It also brings places which the unemployed may access in the Further Education sector to 172,000 and in the Higher Education sector to 161,900.
107 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a student studying graduate entry medicine in UCD is not eligible for a student grant because the course does not represent progression under the terms of the scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18112/11]
It appears from the details supplied by the Deputy that the student in question is availing of the graduate entry option to pursue a primary degree in medicine. To avail of this entry route, a primary degree in another discipline is necessary.
In general, under the student grant schemes, students cannot qualify for grant assistance or free tuition fees for a second period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant or tuition fees were paid previously. The main objective of this policy is to assist as many students as possible in obtaining one undergraduate degree and in progressing, where appropriate, to a postgraduate course of study.
However, institutions participating in the graduate medical programme have been requested to provide accompanying services and supports to facilitate the participation of disadvantaged students in the programme. Details of these services and supports are available from the relevant institution.
In addition, Section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, as amended by Section 11 of the Finance Act 2011, provides for tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses in approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in E.U. Member States and in non EU countries. Further details and conditions in relation to this tax relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners website www.revenue.ie. This information may be of assistance to the student concerned.
108 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills when primary schools will be advised of allocations under the minor works grant scheme 2011-2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18144/11]
My Department has informed primary schools that they should not enter into any capital commitment in anticipation of the minor works grant in respect of the school year 2011/2012. It is the intention to decide in the autumn on the issuing of a Minor Works Grant in respect of the forthcoming school year.
109 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the issues of the catering industry in respect of the employment regulation orders and joint labour committee review (details supplied). [18033/11]
The overall finding of the Report of the Review of Employment Regulations Orders and Registered Employment Agreement Wage Setting Mechanisms was that the basic framework of the current ERO/REA regulatory system requires radical overhaul so as to make it fairer and more responsive to changing economic circumstances and labour market conditions.
The Report does not recommend, nor have I proposed, specific adjustments in wage rates and other conditions of employment for employees covered by EROs/REAs, including in the catering sector.
Workers are protected by contracts of employment and proposed reform of the wage setting mechanisms would not if implemented, change the terms of those individual contracts. What is proposed would have the effect of changing how pay and conditions are set in order to make the operation of the machinery more flexible and prevent businesses being left behind by changing economic circumstances. Existing employees would not have their current entitlement affected by future changes to EROs unless (a) it is already stipulated in their contract of employment that they be paid at the prevailing rate of pay and conditions set by the relevant ERO or (b) the application of alternative provisions to those specified in the ERO is agreed between the employer and the employee or the employee's representatives.
The Government is determined to proceed with urgency to a substantial reform of the current JLC / REA regulatory system in order to protect existing jobs in these vulnerable sectors of the economy and to increase the likelihood of employment in these sectors being increased. This will restore competitiveness in key sectors of the economy, including the hospitality sector which is crucial to our tourism product offering, and complement the restoration of the recent cut to the National Minimum Wage thereby providing an adequate floor for lower paid workers.
The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) is responsible for enforcing minimum statutory employment rights entitlements in the State. In undertaking its role, NERA carries out a range of functions, including inspections of places of employment and employment related records. NERA plays a central role in ensuring, on the one hand, that individual employees get their minimum employment rights entitlements, which are provided for in legislation and, on the other hand, in ensuring that there is a level playing for all employers in relation to compliance with statutory employment rights provision. The primary objective of NERA is to work with employers to seek compliance with the legislation and rectification of breaches where these are identified, including redress for employees concerned and payment of any wages underpaid to employees.
In 2010, the last full year for which figures are available, NERA carried out 415 inspections on employers covered by one of the two EROs applicable in the catering sector. Breaches were detected in 255 instances. Unpaid wages secured as a result of NERA's intervention amounted to €176,600.
The figures for inspections carried out in this sector during 2011 up until the end of May show 183 inspections undertaken, with breaches detected in 137 instances and unpaid wages secured of €139,858.
110 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the action being taken regarding the announcement by a company (details supplied) that it is moving more than 130 jobs in customer care services to off shore locations, having made considerable profits here and having availed of our low corporate tax. [18073/11]
I am very concerned about the job losses that have been announced and of the impact that they have had on the workers concerned and their families as well as the communities affected.
I understand that Vodafone Ireland, which is not an IDA or EI client, has announced this as a part of a review of its European operations and which will also impact on its operations in other EU Member States. I am advised, as part of this process, that the company has been in discussions with unions and its Irish Call Centre contract partner, Rigney Dolphin. I am aware that Vodafone has decided that a portion of the existing contracted call centre operations in Dundalk and Dublin will be moved to other locations — Egypt and India — within the Vodafone Group and to other specialist contractors in Ireland.
This decision will impact 45 Vodafone roles and 139 in Rigney Dolphin — the 139 staff are employed by Rigney Dolphin but are in-sourced to Vodafone and are based at its sites in Dublin and Dundalk. I have been assured that Rigney Dolphin will work through the implications of the redundancies with their employees.
I also understand that all impacted Vodafone employees will be offered the opportunity to transfer to alternative roles within Vodafone Ireland, and voluntary redundancy packages will be offered. A consultation process is now underway with all Vodafone employees affected by the decision to finalise the alternatives available. The changes to Vodafone Call Centre operations will take place in late 2011 and early 2012.
My officials and Minister of State Sean Sherlock recently met with Vodafone. The company explained that in the current market environment, cost efficiencies are a prerequisite so as to ensure their continued ability to compete in the Irish market where they employ over 1,000 people. In particular, this includes being in a position to make major funding investments in Ireland that will be required in the future to compete in the market. I have indicated that I am available to meet with the Communications Workers Union to discuss their concerns.
Job creation is central to economic recovery and the Programme for Government has job creation at its core. The role of my Department is to ensure that we have the right policies in place that will support and grow our enterprise base in order to facilitate both job creation and job retention. The programmes supported by my Department and its agencies will be critical in achieving economic growth through promoting the export potential of enterprise in Ireland and driving our Smart Economy.
111 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the action being taken by him, Forfás and enterprise agencies to create economic growth in County Longford, which has lagged behind the rest of Ireland in terms of industrial activity and output, inward investment, high technology composition and transport and communications infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18086/11]
Job creation is central to our economic recovery and the Programme for Government has job creation at its core. The role of my Department is to ensure that we have the right policies in place that will support and grow our enterprise base in order to facilitate both job creation and job retention. The Jobs Initiative announced on 10 May focuses our limited resources on measures that offer the greatest potential for expansion and employment creation in the domestic economy.
The Initiative has a significant focus on tourism and the reduction in the VAT Rate and the abolition of the travel tax will provide an important stimulus to tourism businesses in Co. Longford and around the country.
The programmes supported by my Department and its agencies will be critical in achieving economic growth through promoting the export potential of enterprise in Ireland and driving our Smart Economy. The allocation of €508 million in funding for 2011 will ensure that the core programmes of the enterprise agencies are sustained and targeted as well as driving investment in research and development. This investment in the Enterprise Development agencies will drive recovery in the economy by facilitating the winning of foreign direct investments, the growth of indigenous exports and the creation of sustainable jobs.
Two Industrial Development agencies under the aegis of my Department, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, together with Longford County Enterprise Board (CEB) support enterprise development in the County.
The primary role of IDA Ireland is the attraction of high quality Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Ireland. An integral and fundamental element of this role is the agency's mandate to promote sustainable and balanced regional development. Longford is traditionally a centre of manufacturing for foreign direct investment, and has been comprehensively marketed by IDA Ireland as part of an integrated Midlands Region. This marketing programme has already yielded significant results for the area and there are six IDA supported companies in Longford employing more than 600 people. In addition to marketing Longford as a location for new inward investment, IDA continues to work with its existing client base in the County encouraging them to expand their presence in the County.
Enterprise Ireland has 58 clients in Co. Longford employing over 1,700 people. Since 2008, the agency has made payments of approximately €6.4m to clients in the county. This funding has helped companies to create and retain employment, to explore new markets for products and services and to build innovative capacity. Some 21 innovation vouchers to the value of €105,000 have been awarded to companies in Co. Longford. The vouchers are designed to assist small Irish firms access innovative solutions available in the higher education sector and give them financial support to get on the first rung of the innovation ladder.
The fifth Midlands and West Enterprise Programme is due to commence in July 2011. This programme supports high growth entrepreneurs to incubate their business ideas. The programme is a one-year programme, run jointly between Athlone Institute of Technology and the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology and in partnership with Enterprise Ireland. Ten new high potential entrepreneurs from the Midlands have participated on the programme for each of the last four years. These entrepreneurs spend the year incubating their businesses with the assistance of a range of customised supports aimed at developing sustainable export oriented businesses.
In 2011, Longford County Enterprise Board has continued to assist micro-enterprises throughout the County by both direct grant aid to businesses and project promoters and through, where appropriate through the provision of a range of other important business supports such as mentoring, business training and business advice designed to help to stimulate indigenous enterprise creation and to boost employment creation and retention. At present there are 680 enterprises supported by Longford CEB, employing almost 1,000 people. Since its inception in 1993, the Board has paid out almost €5m in support to local enterprises in Co. Longford.
Issues regarding transport and communications infrastructure are matters for my colleagues the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
112 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the action being taken by him to improve the low levels of expenditure on research and development in the Longford and Westmeath region, in view of the fact that this low level of expenditure inhibits innovation and job creation in the region, particularly in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18087/11]
The drive to encourage Irish companies to use science, technology and innovation to increase competitiveness and value added is a significant pillar of government policy. As the government agency responsible for the development and promotion of the indigenous business sector, Enterprise Ireland provides support to maximise the R&D and innovative potential of Irish firms in order to increase their capability to create new products, services and exports, which result in additional employment opportunities within these firms and in the wider community with which they interact.
Cognisant of the difficulties and the investment requirements in starting an R&D activity for the first time, the programme of company R&D supports are designed to provide support for research, development and technological innovation relevant at all stages of company development and supports companies in their progress from an initial research project to higher level innovation and R&D activities.
The Innovation Voucher initiative in particular is playing an important role in opening up access for small companies to a wide source of innovative acumen available in Irish Institutes of Technology, Universities and other public research bodies. The Initiative aims to drive an innovation cultural shift within small enterprise by promoting and encouraging a transfer of knowledge between Ireland's public knowledge providers and the small business community and in the process creating on-going and lasting synergies between the two. The programme provides vouchers worth €5,000 that can be used by the average small Irish company to bring in knowledge that is new to the company. Since 2008, €380,000 worth of Innovation Vouchers has been awarded to companies in Westmeath and €30,000 worth of Vouchers has been awarded to Longford based companies. These Vouchers have been strongly promoted and feedback from companies has been positive, confirming that the application procedures, level of funding, the low level of bureaucracy and the frequency of calls are welcome features of this initiative.
Direct R&D funding for larger projects is also available under the R&D Fund, which will enable companies to progress from undertaking an initial research project to higher level innovation and R&D activities. Since 2008 €567,000 worth of funding has been awarded to Longford based companies and €1.4m awarded to Westmeath companies.
Increased innovation and start-ups particularly in the high technology sectors are vital to the future growth of the Midlands. In this context, a grant of €2.54m was approved in order to establish the Midlands Innovation & Research Centre (MIRC), which offers a range of supports to entrepreneurs who wish to start a new, export focused, technology based business. The 800m2 facility at Athlone Institute of Technology has, as of December 2010, seven companies occupying units, employing 24 people, as well as 13 emerging entrepreneurs making use of the hot-desk facilities at the centre.
Enterprise Ireland also funds applied research and supports the industry engagement capabilities of Universities and Institutes of Technology. Since 2009, Athlone Institute of Technology has been awarded over €4.6m in order to bolster their industry relevant research capabilities. This includes ongoing support for the Applied Research Enhancement Centre — SUNAT (Seamless Use through Network Abstraction Technologies), which is a translational research centre in the area of seamless communications and specialises in adaptive networking technologies.
Through the vote of my Department, funds will continue to be provided to support and encourage enterprises, in particular small enterprises, to engage in R & D through a mix of funding, advice and expertise in order to help businesses transform in terms of improved productivity, greater efficiencies and achieving necessary product and service innovation to support growth and jobs.
113 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will consider the possibility of creating a world class research base at a former school (details supplied) in County Longford, which would be recognised globally and capable of attracting world class researchers to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18090/11]
My Department's support for the development of a world class research base is carried out through Science Foundation Ireland, which was established under the Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Act 2003 to develop and assist the carrying out of oriented basic research in strategic areas of scientific endeavour that concern the future development and competitiveness of industry and enterprise in the State.
Under this legislation Science Foundation Ireland invests in academic researchers and research teams who are most likely to generate new knowledge, leading edge technologies and competitive enterprises in the strategic areas of research that fall within the Foundation's remit, i.e. biotechnology, information and communications technology, and sustainable energy and energy efficient technologie.
In order to achieve this objective, Science Foundation Ireland operates a range of funding programmes with funding determined on the basis of world-class research excellence and utilising a competitive process of international peer review. Funding of research proposals is dependent on the availability of funding at any given time and notifications of funding calls including eligibility criteria are publicised on the Foundation's website from time to time.
114 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Job, Enterprise and Innovation if he will detail the employees of Enterprise Ireland and the Industrial Development Agency who are physically based in Waterford city and county and if he will identify their positions within those organisations. [18147/11]
The allocation of staff between the various offices of both IDA and Enterprise Ireland is a day to day operational matter for each agency.
However, I am informed by IDA and Enterprise Ireland that between both agencies there are a total of 11 officials based in their Waterford offices. The positions of the officers within their respective agencies are set out in the following tabular statement.
|
Staff Member |
Position within Agency |
|
Staff Member 1 |
Senior Development Adviser, Engineering |
|
Staff Member 2 |
Senior Development Adviser, High Potential Start Ups |
|
Staff Member 3 |
Senior Regional Development Executive |
|
Staff Member 4 |
Senior Technologist, Food Division |
|
Staff Member 5 |
Development Executive |
|
Staff Member 6 |
Clerical Support |
|
Staff Member |
Position within Agency |
|
Staff Member 1 |
Manager |
|
Staff Member 2 |
Regional Executive |
|
Staff Member 3 |
Assistant Project Executive |
|
Staff Member 4 |
Executive Assistant |
|
Staff Member 5 |
Executive Assistant |
115 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the VHI’s treatment of the health insurance levy whereby customers seeking to move to a different insurer must pay the levy for the unexpired part of the year; if he considers that this is inhibiting competition; if he will direct the Competition Authority to take action in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18149/11]
The health insurance levy is first and foremost a matter for the Minister for Finance while the Minister for Health has overall responsibility for health insurance. I have no direct role in this area. I understand however that the levy, which is a replacement for the risk equalisation scheme deemed by the Supreme Court as an illegal state aid, was introduced to uphold the principle of community rating in the health insurance market.
The Competition Authority is the statutory body responsible for the enforcement of competition law in the State. Section 29(3) of the Competition Act 2002 provides that the Competition Authority is independent in the performance of its functions. If the Deputy has concerns about alleged anticompetitive practices in this or in any sector I urge her to bring these concerns to the attention of the Competition Authority.
116 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if, in respect of Government plans to increase the retirement age to 66 in 2014, there is a provision for those who are contractually obliged to retire at age 65 and will retire in 2014 and will therefore not be entitled to receive their contributory pensions until one year after they finish work. [18035/11]
The effective date for standardisation of State pension age is 1 January 2014. Therefore, anyone who retires in 2014 will not receive State pension (transition). Should an individual not be able to remain in employment past the age of 65, he or she would be entitled to apply for another social welfare payment for the period between the cessation of employment and the State pension age of 66.
The background to the changes in State pension age is that the challenges facing the Irish pension system are significant. Life expectancy is increasing. The population share of those aged 65 and over is expected to more than double between now and 2051, from 11% to approximately 22-26% around 2050 - 2060. In contrast, the share of the working age population is projected to decline gradually from 68% to 58%.
There are currently six people of working age for every pensioner and this ratio is expected to decrease to approximately two to one by mid-century. Spending on public pensions, that is, social welfare pensions and public service occupational pensions, is projected to increase from approximately 5½ % of GDP in 2008, to almost 15% in 2050.
Therefore, as provided for in the National Pensions Framework, State pension age will be increased gradually to 68 years. This will begin in 2014 with the standardisation of State pension age at 66. State pension age will be increased to 67 years in 2021 and to 68 in 2028. The legislative changes being included in the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2011 also fulfil one of the commitments in the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland.
117 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding rent allowance and other supports in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [18010/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that there is no record of an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. If the person concerned wishes to make an application for rent supplement she should contact the community welfare officer at her local health centre.
118 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a person (details supplied) who ceased claiming social welfare after having qualified for the enterprise allowance scheme, who is now not eligible for a paid position on a FÁS scheme as they have not been receiving social welfare payments. [18036/11]
Any unemployed individual may participate in the FAS Work Placement Programme. However, should an unemployed individual wish to be in receipt of a social welfare payment during their participation on the FÁS Work Placement Programme they must receive one of the following payments for at least 3 months prior to commencing the programme:
Jobseekers Allowance
Jobseekers Benefit
Disability Allowance,
Blind Pension,
Invalidity Pension,
Illness Benefit or
Lone parents allowance
Individuals who have been in receipt of the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance have been self-employed for two years. Jobseekers allowance is, in general, the most relevant scheme in these circumstances. When their entitlement to the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance expires they must, if they wish to claim jobseekers allowance, satisfy the conditions for that scheme which include a means test. If they are still self-employed the means test will take into account, inter alia, prospective income from self employment for the next 12 months.
For the purposes of receiving a social welfare payment while participating on the FÁS Work Placement Programme, time spent in receipt of the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance is ineligible as individuals in receipt of this allowance were self-employed.
119 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 96 of 23 June 2011, where it is stated that a TD is not a legal entity and therefore ineligible to participate in the national internship scheme; is the Oireachtas not a legal entity and will TD’s not then be able to hire interns under the national internship scheme through the Oireachtas. [18037/11]
The national internship scheme is open to private, public and community and voluntary sectors. The Houses of the Oireachtas, as a public body, could participate in the scheme as a host organisation. It is intended that officials in my Department will contact the Houses of the Oireachtas commission to discuss the possibility of the commission participating in scheme.
120 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will receive a disability allowance, which they applied for following their illness benefit claim, which was being paid as they had the necessary 104 paid contribution to establish their eligibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18103/11]
The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 29 April 2011.
The payment of disability allowance is subject to a means test. In order to determine his means the person has been asked to forward a bank statement for the previous six months and a recent payslip or a P45 from his last place of employment. A decision on his entitlement to disability allowance will be given on receipt of this documentation and the person will be notified directly of the outcome.
122 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection when she expects to publish the gender recognition advisory group report; when does she expect that legislation will be introduced to give legal recognition to trans-gendered persons and extend the protections of the equality legislation to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18116/11]
I received the report of the Gender Recognition Advisory Group two weeks ago. The Group was established last year to advise on the legislation required to give legal recognition to the acquired gender of transsexual or trans-gendered persons. I intend to bring the Report to Government for the consideration of my Cabinet colleagues at an early date, following which I will arrange for its publication. I cannot be definitive at this stage about when I will be in a position to introduce legislation to give legal recognition to trans-gendered persons but I would hope to do so later this year. Issues relating to the equality legislation are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence.
123 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite supplementary income supplement in respect of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18124/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that while the persons concerned have sought advice from the community welfare officer regarding entitlements, no formal application for assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme has been received to date.
124 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a review in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18125/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned has appealed the decision to reduce the rent supplement payment to the designated Appeals Officer in the HSE. The person concerned will be notified of the outcome of the appeal in due course.
125 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review a matter in respect of a person (details supplied) regarding back pay. [18133/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order. In the context of dealing with the considerable number of appeals now on hand, the Department has made a further 9 additional appointments to the office in recent weeks.
While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but she/he will be informed when arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
126 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will facilitate the domestic peat turf cutters on the proposed new Peatlands Council (details supplied) recently established by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18104/11]
As I informed the Deputy in reply to his question on the 18th May, I have endeavoured to ensure representation on the Peatlands Council for domestic peat cutters through the participation of the Irish Farmers Association, The Turf Cutters and Contractors Association and Irish Rural Link. The contribution of turf-cutters will play an important role in the work of the Council and it is open to individuals to input to the deliberations of the Council through the organisations mentioned above or through direct contact with the Council. The Council may be contacted at the following address: The Secretary, Peatlands Council, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2, by e-mail at peatlandscouncil@environ.ie or by phone at 01 8883207.
127 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will bring back the hedge cutting season from 1 September to 1 August, as it is in the UK and the rest of Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18110/11]
Under Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts, the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction by other means of vegetation growing on uncultivated land or in hedges or ditches is prohibited during the nesting and breeding season for birds and wildlife, from 1 March to 31 August. This is subject to certain specific exceptions. In most instances, it is required by law that work to hedgerows is undertaken outside this period. However, it is accepted that in some cases, trimming may be necessary, during the prohibited period, on grounds of public health and safety, notably when new road hazards are detected that require hedge trimming or vegetation clearance. Local authorities and relevant public bodies are reminded annually of their responsibilities in this regard. I have no proposals at this time to change the prohibition period.
128 D'fhiafraigh Dessie Ellis den an Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfoilseoidh sé ainmneacha na ndaoine a d’fhreastail ar an gcruinniú den fhochoiste idir-rannach ar an nGaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [17993/11]
Glacaim leis go bhfuil an Teachta ag tagairt don Choiste Rialtais don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht. Dírím aird an Teachta ar mo fhreagra ar Cheisteanna Uimh. 28 agus 110 den 22 Meitheamh 2011 a léirigh gur athbhunaíodh an Coiste sin ar 14 Aibreán 2011 faoi chathaoirleacht an Taoisigh. Is iad na baill ná an tAire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta; mé féin mar Aire Stáit sa Roinn sin; an tAire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe; an tAire Oideachais agus Scileanna; an tAire Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádurtha; agus an tAire Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil. Tá an Coiste tagtha le chéile faoi dhó ó athbhunaíodh é agus d'fhreastal na hAirí a bhí ar fáil ar na cruinnithe mar aon leis na hoifigigh a thacaíonn leo ina gcuid oibre.
129 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the names of persons who attended the meeting of the inter-departmental sub committee on the Irish language. [17994/11]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the Cabinet Committee on Irish and the Gaeltacht. I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 28 and 110 of 22 June 2011, which set out that the Committee was re-established on 14 April 2011 under the chairmanship of the Taoiseach. The membership comprises the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht; myself, as Minister of State at that Department; the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform; the Minister for Education and Skills; the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources; and the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The Committee has met twice since its re-establishment, comprising the available Ministers as above and with senior officials to support them in their work.
130 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the action the National Parks and Wildlife Service is taking to promote angling amongst visitors to Killarney National Park, County Kerry; if he is satisfied that the full potential of angling in Killarney National Park is being met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18129/11]
Primary responsibility for the promotion of angling rests with Inland Fisheries Ireland who are committed to ensuring that angling continues to be recognised as a valuable national asset and to achieve the maximum benefit to the Exchequer by promoting angling as a leisure pursuit and by developing the tourism potential of the resource.
As with all our national parks, a key objective of Killarney National Park is to ensure the conservation of the flora and fauna species within the area, including the conservation of certain fish species. However, in tandem with this principle, the park does provide for recreational activity which will not damage the protective status of the park and in this regard, provision is made for sustainable angling.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department has taken a range of measures to promote angling in the park while at the same time ensuring the conservation of the freshwater ecosystems and fish populations there. NPWS continuously maintain slipways & mooring points which are used by anglers and a purpose built weighing room & shelter for anglers was recently constructed. NPWS liaises with a number of angling organisations on an ongoing basis — such as Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the Laune Anglers Association, Lough Lein Anglers and Munster anglers — in relation to angling and conservation issues and has also worked with them to ensure that no invasive species are introduced into Killarney lakes.
During the summer months angling competitions are regularly held on the lakes — nearly on a weekly basis — and anglers come from all over Munster and further afield to compete in these. Recently, the European Ladies Freshwater angling championship was hosted there. Apart from organised competitions, anglers can independently fish using one of the many licensed boats on the lakes.
131 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, if he is satisfied that the gardens at Muckross House, County Kerry are being maintained to the highest standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18130/11]
As in previous years the Muckross Gardens continue to be managed and maintained to the highest possible standards, as evidenced by the many positive comments from visitors to the gardens and also the very favourable mention of the gardens in a magazine, The Irish Garden, last year. As with all gardens, climatic conditions can have a marked bearing on the appearance of the Muckcross Gardens. In this regard, it should be noted that the past two winters have been the coldest since records began at the weather station in Muckross. Unfortunately, due to these exceptionally cold winters many of the Southern Hemisphere and tender plants in the Gardens were damaged or lost. However the dedicated staff at Killarney National Park are continuing their work on the rehabilitation or removal and replacement of damaged shrubs and plants with a view to restoring Muckross Gardens to pristine condition.
132 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of broadband for Leitrim village. [18064/11]
The telecommunications market in Ireland has been fully liberalised since 1999 and, since then, has seen the steady growth and development of vibrant well-regulated competition in the provision of the full range of telecommunications products and services.
The Government is not a player in this market and can only intervene in cases of market failure. Such interventions, as in the case of the National Broadband Scheme, are subject to State Aid clearance by the EU Commission. Accordingly, the NBS is prohibited from providing a service in served areas where to do so would give rise to an unacceptable level of market distortion.
The mapping exercise carried out to determine which areas could be included in the NBS found that there was at least one commercial operator active in the Leitrim village area and consequently it was excluded from the scheme.
It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. I am aware that there continues to be a small percentage of premises throughout the country that are not currently capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc.).
The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Programme (EERP) funding for rural broadband initiatives. Using this funding, which will be augmented by an Exchequer contribution, I have recently launched a Rural Broadband Scheme. This scheme aims to identify the remaining individual premises in rural Ireland, outside of the NBS areas that are unable to obtain a broadband service and to provide a basic broadband service to those premises, where requested. Information in relation to acceptance of applications and the process of qualification under the scheme is available on my Department's website (www.dcenr.ie) or through contacting my Department on lo-call 1850 678100.
In addition, under the NewERA proposals in the Programme for Government, there is a commitment to co-invest with the private sector and commercial Semi State sector to provide Next Generation Broadband to every home and business in the State.
Earlier this month, I convened a meeting of the Next Generation Broadband Taskforce (NGBT), which I chair. The Taskforce comprises the CEOs of all of the major telecommunications companies currently operating in the Irish market and CEOs of some Internet Service Provider companies. Its purpose is to discuss how best to deliver the optimal policy environment and to identify a roadmap for the speedy delivery of high speed broadband across Ireland. The Taskforce will consider issues such as appropriate targets, investment plans, and the role of Government policy and actions in driving and facilitating investment.
I expect that the NGBT will be helpful in terms of identifying the optimal policy position to deliver wider customer access to high-speed broadband.
133 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will allay fears among anglers regarding rumours of the introduction of a rod licence for trout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18131/11]
My Department, in consultation with Inland Fisheries Ireland, is in the course of reviewing the existing provisions of the Fisheries Acts dating back to 1959 with a view to producing one consolidated and modernised piece of legislation for the inland fisheries sector. The structure of the existing licensing regime is one of the aspects being reviewed by Inland Fisheries Ireland. Once they have completed their review they will make recommendations to me on future management regimes in the context of any proposed legislation.
134 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to whether performance bonuses have been paid to the chief executive and senior management at the ESB in respect of 2010; if so, if he will provide the relevant details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18137/11]
I wrote to the Chairpersons of each of the commercial Semi State bodies under my aegis last month stating my view that payments of Performance Related Bonuses to CEOs should cease immediately. It is the case that the Chief Executive of ESB had already confirmed that he would forgo all potential bonus payments for the remainder of his contract.
The payment of salaries and performance bonuses to senior management at ESB is an operational matter for the Board and Management of ESB.
135 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to whether performance bonuses have been paid to the chief executive and senior management at An Post in respect of 2010; if so, if he will provide the relevant details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18139/11]
I wrote to the Chairpersons of each of the commercial Semi State bodies under my aegis last month stating my view that payments of Performance Related Bonuses to CEOs should cease immediately. The Chairman has confirmed that the Chief Executive of An Post has voluntarily waived his right to payment under the Performance Related Incentive Payment Scheme since 2008.
The payment of salaries and performance bonuses to senior management at An Post is an operational matter for the Board and Management of An Post.
136 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when it is envisaged that he will review the National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020 which is based around a framework for gateways and hubs, ignoring capital county towns, such as Longford and Portlaoise in the midlands region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18088/11]
The 2002 National Spatial Strategy is a 20 year planning framework designed to achieve a better balance of social, economic and physical development and population growth between regions. It provides the spatial vision and principles for statutory regional planning across the eight regions and for development plans at a local level.
The NSS identified nine gateway cities/towns and nine hub towns, including the linked midlands gateway of Athlone, Mullingar and Tullamore. The gateway in this region was identified as having the capacity to support the stronger urban-rural structure needed to drive development of the midlands region. In support of this gateway role, as the NSS notes, other county and large towns, such as Portlaoise and Longford, which are strategically placed on national road and rail links, can be enhanced in competitive terms to drive development at the county level. In addition, the NSS notes that Portlaoise has strong national development potential as a transport hub and distribution centre or inland ‘port', given its location on several national road and rail routes.
A comprehensive review of the implementation of the NSS was undertaken during 2010, culminating in the publication in October 2010 of the NSS Update and Outlook Report (available at www.environ.ie). This report reaffirms the commitment to implementing long-term planning frameworks such as the NSS and identifies new priorities and objectives to deliver more consistent implementation at all levels, taking account of experience since 2002 and the new environmental, budgetary and economic challenges that we are currently facing. In particular, the 2010 Report identifies a series of actions in respect of:
better alignment and prioritisation of sectoral infrastructure investment;
improved governance at national, regional and local levels; and
the promotion of more sustainable patterns of development, both in rural and urban contexts, through more effective, evidence-based planning policies,
with the aim of maximising the role of NSS implementation in supporting overall economic recovery.
In addition, the adoption of updated Regional Planning Guidelines in 2010 for the 12 year period to 2022 and the new legislative provisions to include core strategies in development plans, taking account of regional policies, targets and priorities, are further embedding the NSS principles into the forward-planning process and should help to deliver more co-ordinated, coherent and sustainable planning outcomes.
137 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if County Longford will be included in the Western Development Commission, which is responsible for social and economic development in the western region in view of the fact that it develops and supports a range of projects in tourism, renewable energy technology and organic agrifood, the commission also operates the €35 million western investment fund to provide loans and equity to businesses and local communities in the region and incorporates a venture capital business fund focused on high growth companies, strategic investment fund for flagship projects and a local investment fund for community enterprise groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18089/11]
I do not propose to extend the remit of the Western Development Commission beyond the seven Western seaboard counties for which it already caters.
138 Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 267 of 21 June 2011, if he will provide a breakdown of the number of local authority houses that have been completed in County Meath in 2009 and 2010. [18018/11]
Data on Local Authority completions, broken down by county and city, are displayed on www.environ.ie and the most recent data published in this regard relate to 2009. My Department expects that data for 2010 will be published before the end of the summer.
139 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will advise of the status of a CAAS application by an organisation (details supplied) in County Kildare for a community based residential unit for six intellectually disabled clients; when he first received notification from Kildare County Council of this proposed development; if the development was recommended for approval by Kildare County Council; if any issues were raised by him or by Kildare County Council regarding the delivery of this project; the correspondence if any that issued from him relating to this project; the outcome of any meetings held with his officials in relation to this development; if he will now issue approval for the project to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18028/11]
The CAS scheme is a devolved programme operated through the housing authorities. As such it is a matter for Kildare County Council to develop its social housing programme and decide on appropriate modes for its delivery, including through the CAS scheme, while taking into account existing funding commitments, available funding resources and specific social housing needs in its area. It is incumbent on the Council and my Department to focus the limited resources available towards meeting identified need as soon as possible through the most cost effective solutions.
The application referred to was first received by my Department from Kildare County Council in March 2007. Outstanding documentation required under such an application was subsequently requested from the Council, and submitted to my Department in September 2009.
In April 2010 Kildare County Council wrote to my Department indicating difficulties regarding the scheme, and requesting that no further consideration be given to the proposal in the interim, pending the outcome of discussions between the Council, the developer and the voluntary body. Therefore, approval to proceed with the proposal did not issue from my Department, which understands that there are still a number of outstanding issues which are the subject of discussion between the Council and the voluntary body in an effort to advance the project.
140 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 66 of 26 May 2011, if the legislation being prepared that relates to the dissolution of the Dormant Accounts Board is scheduled for publication during the summer session or if he intends to publish at a later date in the lifetime of the 31st Dáil; when money within the account will be available for disbursement; if he can explain past application procedures; and if community projects are entitled to allocation under part 6 of the Acts, including capital schemes. [18038/11]
The Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2011 is at an advanced stage of preparation and remains on schedule for publication during the current parliamentary session.
The Dormant Accounts budget for my Department for 2011 is fully committed to existing projects, and my priority must be to ensure that legal contractual commitments are met.
Under past application procedures, the Government made decisions on spending from the Fund, with three Interdepartmental Committees established to oversee the disability, educational disadvantage and social and economic disadvantage categories of Dormant Accounts Funding. Applications received in response to an invitation under section 43 of the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2005 were assessed in accordance with published criteria and the results of the assessments were reported to the Minister.
Following receipt of the results of each assessment and on agreement by the relevant Interdepartmental Committee, the Minister must submit to Government a list of the measures and projects recommended for disbursement from the account and the amounts proposed to be disbursed. The list of approved measures and projects and the amounts to be disbursed is laid before each house of the Oireachtas and is made publicly available.
Community projects are eligible for funding under Part 6 of the 2005 Act, including capital schemes; there are currently no measures open for application under the Dormant Accounts Fund.
141 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 130 of 16 June 2011, the classes of property that fall under the waiver scheme for commercial rates under the provisions of the Local Government (Rates) Act 1970, as referred to in the second part of his answer of 16 June 2011; if he or his predecessor have consented to any such schemes in the past seven years and if he has considered extending this scheme to classes or stages of business activity, for example, new businesses employing fewer than ten persons. [18039/11]
The Local Government (Rates) Act 1970 does not specify the classes of property and of ratepayers that may be included in a rate waiver scheme. Such a scheme is made by a local authority as a reserved function and considerations as to the specified class or classes of property and of ratepayers to be included in the scheme are matters for the local authority. The making of such a scheme is subject to my consent as Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
No rates waiver schemes have been consented to in the past seven years.
I recognise that these are difficult economic times for many businesses and I will continue to keep all matters relating to rates under regular consideration in my Department.
142 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the options available to a person (details supplied). [18042/11]
The national Building Regulations set out the legal requirements for the construction of buildings, including apartments. The related Technical Guidance Documents (TGD) provide technical guidance on how to comply with the Regulations.
The Building Control Act 1990 clearly and unambiguously assigns responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Building Regulations to the owners, designers and builders of the buildings involved. Under the 1990 Act, local building control authorities are empowered to monitor buildings for compliance with the Building Regulations, and to take enforcement action where appropriate.
The resolution of any problems arising between home owners and their builders are ultimately matters for resolution between the parties concerned — the homeowner, the relevant developer and the builder's insurer. Where the purchase of a new apartment is the subject of a contract between the client and the developer/builder, enforcement of this contract is a civil matter.
143 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will instruct local authorities to relax the regulations in relation to signage being used by businesses to promote their premises or businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18098/11]
Class 16 of Schedule 2, Part 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 provides an exemption from the requirement to apply for planning permission for advertisements announcing a non-commercial local event. It is now proposed to provide a similar exemption for advertisements announcing any local event promoted or carried on for commercial purposes. This exemption will be subject to a number of conditions e.g. related to the size of the advertisement, the duration it is left in place, the location of the advertisement and the frequency of display.
Section 254 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides for a licensing system for the placement of various structures and appliances on, under, over or along a public road, including town or landscape maps for indicating directions or places and advertisement structures. The licensing system ensures that the local authority can exercise control over the placing of structures on roads to prevent traffic hazards arising.
The licence fee for a directional fingerpost sign is currently €630, except in the case of signs for tourist accommodation, for which the fee is €50. I now intend to remove this limitation to tourist accommodation, thereby reducing the cost from €630 to €50 for all fingerpost directional signs on, under, over or along a public road.
Draft regulations which include both of the above amendments were laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 23 June 2011. The affirmative resolution of both Houses of the Oireachtas is now being sought to allow the Regulation to come into force.
144 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider a better estates scheme to encompass non-council unfinished estates in which residents’ associations have been established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18101/11]
Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) provides that, where estates have not been completed to the satisfaction of the planning authority and enforcement proceedings have not been commenced within the relevant period, the planning authority must, if requested to do so by the majority of owners, initiate the procedures for taking the estate in charge.
A further provision was added in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 to provide that a planning authority may take in charge an unfinished estate, at the request of the owners of the housing units, at any time after the expiration of the planning permission, in situations where enforcement actions have commenced or where the planning authority consider that enforcement action will not result in the satisfactory completion of the estate by the developer. Planning authorities have also been empowered to take in charge part of an estate or some, but not all, of the facilities in an estate.
The decision as whether to take an estate in charge is ultimately one for the elected members of a local authority.
Earlier this month, I published the Final Report of the Advisory Group on Unfinished Housing Developments along with my Department's action plan in response to the key recommendations. I am chairing a National Co-ordination Committee to expedite the implementation of the Report which will include, inter alia, a review of taking-in-charge standards for public infrastructure within unfinished housing developments, and other aspects of the taking-in-charge regime.
145 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding funding for the insulations of local authority houses in 2011, in view of the fact that many tenants were afraid to turn on storage heaters during the last cold spell this winter, as they remembered the cost of same during winter 2010, when electricity bills for two months were in excess of €700, as in County Longford there are over 400 local authority houses with electrical storing heating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18102/11]
Under my Department's Social Housing Improvement Programme, funding of up to 90% of the approved cost is provided to Housing Authorities to undertake improvement works to occupied and vacant social housing units, including works to improve the energy efficiency and general standard of the houses concerned. Some €31 million is being made available for this purpose in 2011. Typically the range of works include attic and wall insulation to reduce heat loss as well as replacement of windows and external doors.
Longford County Council received an allocation of €425,000 in respect of improvement works to their social housing stock in 2011. It is a matter for the Council to select the properties to be upgraded and to determine the nature and the scale of the works to be undertaken in each case. In 2010, some €473,000 was provided in respect of improvements to the social housing stock in County Longford.
146 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the cut off date that applies to the current tenant purchase scheme for council tenants; if he will confirm that a maximum 45% discount is available; if the 20 year stipulation applies regarding the re-sale of the property; if it is intended that the scheme will be replaced by an incremental purchase scheme; if so, when will this be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18108/11]
A new tenant purchase scheme under the provisions of section 90 of the Housing Act, 1966 - the 2011 Tenant Purchase Scheme — was introduced in February to allow local authority tenants to avail of a discount of up to 45% on the market price of a house they are eligible to purchase under the scheme. This scheme applies only to tenants of 10 years standing or longer, and will be open for applications only until the end of 2011.
The purchaser and/or his/her family must live in the house for 20 years, unless the local authority gives consent to relax this condition. If the purchaser wishes to sell the house within 20 years, the consent of the local authority must be obtained. This consent may be refused in certain circumstances. These conditions are similar to those applied in the 1995 scheme.
The new scheme does not replace the existing 1995 Tenant Purchase Scheme, which remains in place for tenants with up to 10 years tenancy and provides for a maximum discount of 30%. However, as announced in June 2010, it remains the intention that the tenant purchase arrangements be wound down in 2012 to be replaced by a new scheme based on the incremental purchase model. This change will require amending legislation.
147 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will increase the penalties that will apply to landlords who fail or refuse to register their properties and tenancies with the Private Residential Tenancies Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18114/11]
The PRTB enforces tenancies registration requirements in accordance with the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, specifically sections 144 and 145, which provide for the issuing of notices to landlords and/or occupiers of the dwellings in question and the prosecution of offenders for non-compliance with the registration requirement. Under section 9 of the Act, a person guilty of an offence under this Act is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both, and daily fines of €250, and it is not my intention to increase the penalties at this time.
My Department understands that the PRTB has successfully pursued prosecutions under the Act in this regard.
148 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider reversing the fee for obtaining a special exemption order to pre-2008 levels, half the price of the current fee. [18032/11]
The increase in fees applicable to Special Exemption Orders provided for in the District Courts (Fees) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 202 of 2008) was the first such increase since 2004. The current court fee is €300. A report on this matter was commissioned by the Irish Nightclub Industry Association and I recently met with members of the Association to discuss their concerns. While I am aware of the pressures on licensees, I am also aware that there is a need to maintain a balance in this matter and I have no proposals at the present time to reduce this fee.
149 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when legislation will be implemented to end upward only rent reviews for existing lease holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18069/11]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question Number 184 of 29 June 2011 which indicated the following:
I intend to bring proposals before Government in the near future to address the commitment in the Programme for Government to abolish upwards only rent reviews in existing business leases. No decision has yet been taken as to when any legislative proposals will be published.
150 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of members in the Garda Reserve and the functions they are serving. [17999/11]
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that as of 31 May 2011, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the number of attested members of the Garda Reserve was 761 with approximately a further 181 in training.
The range of powers and duties of Reserve Gardaí is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to determine under section 15 (5) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. The duties of a Garda reserve member include the following:
Station duty, other than the care and custody of prisoners.
Assistant to the station orderly.
Communications room duty, to include monitoring CCTV.
Foot patrol, accompanied by a member of the full-time Garda service.
Static security duty.
Road Traffic checkpoint duties, accompanied by a full time member.
Duty at the outer cordon of major events such as festivals and major sporting events.
Assisting in the event of accidents, fires and major emergencies.
Giving evidence in court.
Community / Neighbourhood Policing.
The role of the Garda Reserve has, as recommended by the Garda Inspectorate, been under review and I look forward to the outcome of that review.
The Government remains strongly committed to the development of the Reserve.
151 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the way a person becomes a peace commissioner. [18000/11]
Peace Commissioners are appointed by the Minister pursuant to section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924. The Office of Peace Commissioner is an honorary appointment for which there is no remuneration or compensation by way of fees or expenses for their services.
An application for appointment may be submitted by a person on their own behalf or a third party may submit a nomination in respect of a person considered suitable for appointment. Appointees are required to be of good character and they are usually well established in their local communities. Persons, who are members of professions engaged in legal work and members of the clergy are, as a matter of practice, not appointed because of their occupation. Civil servants are usually only appointed where it is a requirement for the performance of their official duties i.e. on an ex-officio basis. Persons convicted of serious offences are considered unsuitable for appointment.
The fact that an applicant or nominee may be suitable for appointment does not in itself provide any entitlement to appointment as these are made at the discretion of the Minister and with regard to the needs of particular areas.
152 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of known vacancies, due to statutory retirement, that are expected to arise for members of the judiciary within the lifetime of this Government; if he will provide a breakdown for each court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18017/11]
The maximum retirement age for judges of the High and Supreme Courts is 72 years for persons appointed prior to 15 December 1995 and 70 years for persons appointed on or after that date. A person serving prior to that date in the Circuit, District or European Courts who is subsequently appointed to the High or Supreme Court can also serve to 72 years of age.
The maximum retirement age for judges of the Circuit Court is 70 years and for the District Court it is 65 years. District Judges may be retained in pensionable service on a year-to-year basis up to age 70.
The details set out in the following table are based on a retirement age of 72 years where appropriate and age 70 in all other cases.
|
Court |
Number of Judges reaching maximum retirement age |
|
Supreme |
4 |
|
High |
10 |
|
Circuit |
6 |
|
District |
10 |
153 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce powers for members of An Garda Síochána to enable them to confiscate alcohol from persons drinking in public. [18031/11]
The position is that section 37A of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988, as inserted by section 14 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008, contains detailed provisions permitting a member of the Garda Síochána to seize intoxicating liquor in the possession of a person under 18 years of age. This power may be exercised where the member believes with reasonable cause that intoxicating liquor in a bottle or other container has been, is being or is intended to be consumed by the person concerned in a place other than a private dwelling.
Moreover, section 8A of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, as inserted by section 19 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008, provides that a member of the Garda Síochána may, in certain circumstances, seize and remove intoxicating liquor in a bottle or other container from a person. The circumstances in which this power may be exercised include those where the member believes with reasonable cause that the person concerned is acting in a place other than a private dwelling in a manner that gives rise to a reasonable apprehension for the safety of persons or property or for the maintenance of the public peace.
154 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he will ask the military authorities to desist from carrying out late night military manoeuvres at Magee Barracks, Kildare Town, close to residential areas or without prior consultation with affected local residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18029/11]
The military authorities, on occasion, make use of Magee Barracks for training. My Department will ensure that any future training will have due regard to the residential nature of the neighbourhood.
155 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding plans for the future of Connolly Barracks, Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18099/11]
Since the mid 1990s the Department of Defence has been engaged in a programme of disposing of surplus properties and using the proceeds for reinvestment in equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces. The former Connolly Barracks is one such property. I wish to advise the Deputy that I have received no proposal in relation to Connolly Barracks. The Midland Regional Authority undertook a feasibility study into the possible use of the former barracks for a range of activities. The acceptance and implementation of the recommendations of the Connolly Barracks Feasibility Study is a matter for the two Local Authorities who commissioned the study. The Department has no role in this regard. I understand that the Local Authorities are still considering the report and the challenges in providing funding for the acquisition of the barracks. In that context Longford County Council has expressed some interest in acquiring the Barracks and discussions with the Council are at a preliminary stage. In the event of these discussions not reaching a satisfactory outcome Connolly Barracks will be disposed of taking account of the market conditions so as to maximise the return to the Defence Forces.
In the meantime the Departmental officials concerned have been in contact with the County Council to see if a basis exists to bring the discussions to a mutually satisfactory conclusion. These discussions will be advanced once the Authorities have completed its consideration of the report.
156 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to whether performance bonuses have been paid to the chief executive and senior management at Coillte in respect of 2010; if so, if he will provide the relevant details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18138/11]
I have been advised by Coillte that no-one in the company has received a bonus or performance-related payment in respect of 2010.
157 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied). [18004/11]
An official of my Department has been in direct contact with the person named and has confirmed that an outstanding Single Payment is due to issue shortly, directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
158 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; the reason for the delay in payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18044/11]
The persons named commenced REPS 4 in March 2008 and received full payment in respect of year 1 and 2. The payment in respect of year 3 was approved by my officials on 28th June 2011 and will issue within 10 working days.
159 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to achieve a better targeting of aid in the form of less favoured areas payments, to farmers who work within areas that have been deemed disadvantaged due to agricultural handicaps; if there are new criteria for designating LFA’s; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18058/11]
In relation to the funding of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, in common with all areas of Government spending, a comprehensive review is currently being undertaken, with a view to achieving the best balance between the recognised benefits of the Scheme, while working within the unprecedented financial constraints in which the country currently finds itself.
With regard to the EU-wide Review, which is currently ongoing, this was undertaken in response to the strong criticism expressed by the Court of Auditors of the procedures for the designation of intermediate Less Favoured Areas (LFAs) in the European Union. These criticisms were based on the number and variety of criteria used to designate intermediate LFAs (Member States have used more than 100 criteria) and the lack of transparency.
Member States were asked to map areas of natural handicap against new biophysical criteria and send their simulations to the Commission, after which a reformed scheme can be drawn up. Member States, including Ireland, have submitted the requested simulations. It is intended that any new LFA proposals proposed by the EU Commission will form part of the wider proposals on CAP post 2013, which should be published later this year.
160 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Offaly has been refused a farm consolidation certificate on the erroneous basis that part of the land in question is bog, which is not the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18091/11]
Section 104 of the Finance Act 2007 amended the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 to grant stamp duty relief where a farmer sells qualifying land and purchases qualifying land in order to consolidate his or her holding. To be eligible to claim the stamp duty relief, the sale and purchase of qualifying land(s) must occur within 18 months of each other and before 30 June 2011. Land sold and purchased as part of a Farm Consolidation must comply with the following conditions: the land must be in the State; the land must be agricultural land or afforested land — it cannot include bog land; and the land must not contain residential buildings.
Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority, issues Farm Consolidation Certificates to qualifying farmers in respect of applications that comply with the conditions of farm consolidation. I understand that the application in respect of the individual concerned was refused in 2008 on the basis that one folio contains a residential dwelling and that the land sold contains an area of bog land which is also ineligible. Administration of the Farm Consolidation Certificate is an operational matter for Teagasc and accordingly the Minister has no role in resolving the issues referred to.
161 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when an overdue payment under the agri-environment option scheme for 2010 will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford. [18094/11]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1 September 2010.
Under the EU Regulations governing the scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. I expect that the checking process will be complete and that payments to participants in the scheme in respect of the first year will commence in August. Payments in respect of year two will commence in October.
162 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will rectify the mistake made with regard to a person's (details supplied) rightful position on the panel of candidates for promotion, which they were denied due to an error, which was made by the interview board with regard to their marks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18105/11]
The individual to whom the Deputy refers competed in an internal promotion competition in 2006. Initially an error was made by the interview board when listing the successful candidates. This error was subsequently corrected and the individual in question was placed on the panel of successful candidates in advance of any post being offered to the panel.
163 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the value of the various components of Coillte; the value of the following, the timber stock, the property, the potential mineral/mining rights, the hunting rights, the fishing rights and the carbon emissions absorption value under the European Union emissions trading scheme and if he has made, or is in the process of making contact with any potential international buyer, with a view to selling or leasing Coillte as EUETS trading blocks. [18117/11]
The Coillte Annual Report 2010 states the value of the forests and lands element of the Coillte group's tangible assets to be €1,367 million. I understand that, under Irish generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), there is no value included in the group accounts for the other assets to which the Deputy refers.
In relation to the query about contact with any potential international buyer, the Government is still considering the recommendations in the report of the review group on State assets and liabilities in relation to Coillte, and no decision has been taken on the future of Coillte.
164 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding headage payments. [18123/11]
An application under the 2010 single payment scheme was received from the person named on 9 February 2011. The closing date for receipt of applications under this scheme was 17 May 2010.
Having now received a copy of the proof of postage showing that the application was posted prior to the closing date, it has been decided by my Department to waive the penalty for late submission of this application. The payments are now being processed and these payments will issue shortly.
165 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will detail the number of appeals received by him in each of the past five years; the number of appeals that were overturned; if any appeal decisions that were originally rejected were overturned at a later stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18164/11]
The information required is set out on the following table.
|
Year |
Appeals Rec’d |
Overturned |
Decisions changed later |
|
2006 |
427 |
154 |
3 |
|
2007 |
394 |
150 |
3 |
|
2008 |
481 |
164 |
5 |
|
2009 |
692 |
400 |
2 |
|
2010 |
832 |
392 |
6 to date |
166 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will allow time to pay back a Pobal grant on hardship grounds, until the facility concerned, which is being forced to close due to the recession, leaving a person (details supplied) in County Longford in considerable debt; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18109/11]
I have responsibility for the implementation of the National Child Care Investment Programme (NCIP) under which capital funding was made available to community and commercial child care providers for the development and refurbishment of child care facilities.
The person referred to by the Deputy was approved under the programme for capital funding amounting to €100,000 in 2006. In order to protect this investment of public funding, applicants are contractually obliged to provide the child care service for which funding was granted for a set period from the date the final instalment was made, in this case for seven years which will end in August 2015.
As the service closed in August 2009, my Department is obliged to ensure that decommital and recovery procedures are instigated. I understand that Pobal, who assist my Department with the administration of the NCIP, are taking the necessary steps in this regard. I regret to advise the Deputy that as these are legal obligations, my Department is not in a position to exempt individuals from their contractual commitments under the programme.
167 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the degree to which adequate numbers of social workers are available to meet requirements throughout the health service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18156/11]
Social workers employed by the health service are deployed across a range of services, including hospitals, primary care, disability, mental health and the child welfare and protection service. The information which follows relates to the child welfare and protection service.
The Implementation Plan which was prepared arising from the findings of the Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse committed to the recruitment of an additional 270 social workers to this service.
An additional 200 social workers were recruited by the HSE in 2010. The HSE has made provision in its 2011 National Service Plan for the recruitment of a further 60 posts this year. The filling of social work vacancies and the recruitment of additional social workers was exempted from the current public sector recruitment moratorium. The recruitment of these additional staff is designed to assist the HSE in meeting its statutory obligations such that every child in care has an allocated social worker and a care plan.
168 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health his plans to review the issue of senior staff increments for nurses; the senior staff nurse position having been included under the Government moratorium on public sector recruitment of March 2009 in view of the fact that such positions would only be open to a small group who actually fit the criteria. [18034/11]
The inclusion of the senior staff nurse position under the moratorium was considered by the Labour Court last Autumn. In its recommendation (LCR19935) dated 1 November 2010, the Court stated that it would not for industrial relations purposes normally consider this a promotion post but rather an additional recognition of long service. However it also stated that interpretation of the moratorium and what comes within its scope was not a matter for the Court. It stated that the moratorium was a Government decision and that Government alone could clarify its intentions as to its scope and application. The Labour Court Recommendation is being considered at present by my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
169 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the measures he has taken to address the shortage of junior doctors in emergency departments here; if these measures will be in place by the 11 July; and the length of time before these measures are fully implemented. [18081/11]
I am working with the HSE and other stakeholders to ensure the filling of as many as possible of some 475 NCHD posts which are due to be filled from 11 July 2011. The HSE conducted an extensive recruitment drive in India and Pakistan in recent months and succeeded in identifying 439 potential candidates for NCHD positions in Ireland. I have held meetings involving my Department, the Medical Council, medical training bodies and the HSE with a view to identifying measures to facilitate the appointment of suitably qualified doctors from abroad. Drafting of a Bill to amend the Medical Practitioners Act, 2007, to enable the Medical Council to register doctors in supervised posts for a defined period, is at an advanced stage.
I can assure the Deputy that the necessary steps are being taken to ensure the ongoing safe delivery of service in hospitals and in emergency departments in particular. I am advised that while significant staffing problems remain at both SHO and registrar level in emergency medicine, it is anticipated that increasing the number of staff available to general surgery and general medicine will assist in the delivery and support of emergency department services. In this context, the HSE is focusing on addressing particular emergency department staffing issues in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda, the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick, the Midlands Regional Hospital at Mullingar, Tullamore and Portlaoise and Naas General Hospital.
Notwithstanding this and other initiatives, it is unlikely that all NCHD vacancies can be filled by 11 July. Hospital managements are working with clinical directors in a planned way to devise contingency arrangements which can be implemented if required, to ensure that any resulting impact on services is minimised and that safe delivery of hospital services is assured. In the medium-term, ongoing reform of the system will result in changes in how care is delivered in certain locations. This will be done on a basis that takes account of the need to reduce the current reliance on NCHDs.
170 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding speech therapy in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17995/11]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for this question to be transferred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
171 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the dental service for students who attend the Dental Clinic in Carnew Health Centre, Carnew, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17996/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
172 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if any services are currently being provided or have been requested in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if any assistance through social services will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18003/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
173 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many of the qualified physiotherapists on the panel are in private employment or abroad and this system is hindering young graduates from getting jobs. [18011/11]
174 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will interview the physiotherapists on the panel in order to find out the number that are available for work. [18012/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 174 together.
The HSE's National Recruitment Service implemented a centralised recruitment system for staff grade physiotherapists in 2008. Since this time 237 permanent posts have been filled from the panel established in February 2008 and a further 110 temporary appointments made. These appointments were to fill many of the service developments for both Primary Care Teams and Disability services, together with replacements for existing physiotherapists who were promoted or were on maternity leave. This panel is still live with 246 candidates currently on this panel and available for employment.
The HSE keeps the operation of panels under review and bases decisions on further recruitment campaigns on a number of factors including potential vacancies and whether the current panel is able to satisfy recruitment needs.
Notwithstanding the requirement in the Employment Control Framework for the health sector for a net reduction employment levels, the Framework permits the filling of replacement posts of physiotherapist, speech and language therapist and occupational therapists and also for the filling of up to 380 posts in aggregate for these occupations in addition to the end 2009 levels. The Health Service Personnel Census indicates that between December 2009 and May 2011 (latest available data), the combined number of additional physiotherapist, speech and language therapist and occupational therapists is 258 WTE since December 2009. Of this, the number of physiotherapists employed in the public health service increased by approximately 80 WTE.
175 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Health if he will review the ban on blood donations by gay men; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18022/11]
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) has a public duty to ensure a sufficient supply of safe blood to meet the needs of patients in Ireland. This includes a clear responsibility to minimise the risk of a blood transfusion transmitting an infection to patients. Decisions related to deferral policies are made on the basis of the best current scientific and medical research available and are constantly under review. The exclusion of men who have/or had sex with other men (MSM) from donation is based not only on risk factors for HIV but on other blood borne agents known to be associated with MSM behaviour. MSM continue to be over-represented in donors who test positive for blood borne infections. While there has been a reduction in the number of new cases of HIV, there is a continued rise in the number of new HIV cases among MSM, who are now the majority of new cases of HIV infection in Ireland (HIV Infection in Ireland 2010 — Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) Report). New cases of HIV infection among MSM have doubled since 2005.
The IBTS would require clear and compelling evidence that there would be no increase in risk to recipients from accepting MSM as donors. If any country changes its acceptance criteria to allow MSM to donate, the IBTS would consider the evidence on which the change was made, and observe the impact of such a change on the blood donation test results over a period of time.
The European Commission is undertaking a study project on ‘Risk behaviour having an impact on blood donor management'. The IBTS looks forward to considering the outcome of this project which will influence opinion across the EU.
176 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 385 of 21 June 2011, if the Health Service Executive identified any nurses who were in breach of various registration requirements; if so, the number of nurses who were non-compliant in this way; if he will provide a breakdown of the locations at which each nurse was based at the time of the investigation; the requirements they did not satisfy and the steps that have been taken since then in each individual case to correct this problem [18043/11]
The HSE have confirmed that procedures are in place in relation to the registration of health professionals, including nurses, who are subject to statutory registration and that these arrangements are currently under review. The HSE has been asked by my Department to provide an update in relation to the queries raised by the Deputy and this will be forwarded to the Deputy when the information is at hand.
177 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health if he would review a case in which the admission of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to the Mater Hospital, Dublin, has been delayed in view of the fact that it is deemed to be outside of the powers of the Health Service Executive south; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18046/11]
The scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved. As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
178 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has had their medical card and that of their family changed to a general practitioner only card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18047/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
179 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health if he has met recently with an organisation (details supplied) or if he has had a request for a meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18052/11]
My colleague, the Minister for Health, met the Irish Dental Association on 26th May last. A wide range of matters relating to oral health was discussed at the meeting.
180 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the assurances he will give to the general public that it is safe to attend accident and emergency services at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18059/11]
My first priority is the safety of patients. I am aware that serious concerns have been expressed about the functioning of the Emergency Department in Tallaght. I welcome the decision of HIQA to instigate an independent investigation so that these issues can be addressed as quickly as possible.
The HSE and Tallaght Hospital are working hard to address the ED problems in the hospital. Specifically:
The HSE continues to support Tallaght in implementing its National ED Escalation Framework Programme.
The number of ED consultants has increased from 1 to 3 in recent years and the appointment of a fourth consultant has recently been approved.
A specific capital plan was approved to enable the ED physical environment to be modified to assist in the streaming of patients.
Approval has also been given for the recruitment of two additional acute medicine physicians as part of the development of the Acute Medical Assessment Unit in line with the Clinical Care Programmes.
A Senior HSE expert is assisting Tallaght in the hospital's comprehensive review of discharge processes. This will assist both with delayed discharges and with the reduction of average length of stay.
The HSE and Tallaght Hospital will continue to work closely together to ensure the development of a safe, responsive and high quality emergency service. I welcome the fact that Tallaght Hospital and the HSE will co-operate fully with the HIQA investigation. Finally, it is clear that the problems at Tallaght underline the need for the Special Delivery Unit which I announced recently.
181 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health if he will have investigations made into the reason Tallaght Hospital, Dublin has been outsourcing the typing of documents to the Philippines for a number of years while there are thousands of qualified persons in this field on the live register seeking employment and the reason FÁS did not set up a community employment scheme whereby employees would gain experience and do this work for little more that their unemployment benefit or allowance [18067/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
182 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a nursing home (details supplied) in Dublin 8; if and when it is due to close; the number of patients currently residing in this nursing home; if patients are due to be transferred; if so, to where will they be transferred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18070/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
183 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health when a long-stay unit (details supplied) will open; the way it is proposed to be staffed; if the intake will be from the local community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18071/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
184 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health the number of recommendations (details supplied) contained in the 2005 Houses of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children Fourth Report: Review of Public Orthodontic Services that have been implemented; and if there are plans to act upon those that have yet to be implemented. [18085/11]
The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, I have asked the HSE to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.
185 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the plans being made to deliver full services locally for the approximately 100 children and adolescents in Longford and Westmeath with type 1 diabetes, in view of the fact that many are forced to travel to Dublin to receive intensive treatment and check-ups which are required four to five times a year to limit potential damage in adulthood, as the local paediatric facilities are under resourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18092/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
186 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health if a full medical card will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18093/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
187 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if a Primary Medical Certificate will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18106/11]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
188 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to fill 12 vacant psychiatric nursing posts in the Dublin north east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18113/11]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
189 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Health if he will consider extending the internship for junior doctors to two years as per the requirement in the UK where junior doctors must work foundation years one and two before completing their internship, in order to help combat the shortage of junior doctors here. [18119/11]
I am informed by the HSE that there is currently no shortage of interns in the public hospital system. However, the question of contracting doctors who are trained in Ireland to work for a certain period of time in our public health system is among the options which I intend to examine in the context of healthcare workforce planning.
190 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the progress to date which the Health Service Executive National Clinical Programme for Diabetes has made in developing a National Clinical Programme for Paediatrics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18134/11]
The working group is made up of a multi-disciplinary team with representation from a number of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, Podiatrists, GPs etc. The Diabetes Federation of Ireland is also a member of this working group.
The National Diabetes Working group is working through a number of key objectives, including the implementation of projects such as Diabetes Retinopathy Screening and a multi-disciplinary Footcare package for patients with diabetes.
The National Clinical Programme for Diabetes — which is working on care for children and adolescents with diabetes to be considered for inclusion in the 2012 HSE Service Plan — is also actively designing an Integrated Care solution, for inclusion within the Chronic Disease Watch process in collaboration with the Primary Care National Clinical Programme. With a newly established National Clinical Programme for Paediatrics, the whole area of improved services for children and adolescents with diabetes will be examined in detail and solutions worked through.
191 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify the obligation of the State under Section 67 of the Health Act 1970; if he is satisfied that the restrictions in the dental treatments available to medical card holders announced by the previous Administration is not in conflict with this section of the Health Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18145/11]
Section 67 of the Health Act 1970 places an obligation on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to make dental services and appliances available for persons with full eligibility without charge. In addition, section 7 of Health Act 2004 requires that the HSE have regard to the resources available to it and the need to secure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of those resources.
Oral healthcare is provided to children and those with special care requirements by the Public Dental Service. Dental services for other eligible patients are provided through the Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS). Given the current difficult position of the public finances, the budget for the DTSS has been capped at the 2008 level of €63 million. The HSE is working to ensure that patients with special needs, high risk patients and those who have greater clinical needs are prioritised for treatment. In addition, free emergency dental treatment and a free oral examination every 12 months are available to all eligible patients.
192 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if he will explain the purpose of a €50 administrative charge introduced by VHI in view of the fact that it seems that this is the only insurance company in the world which operates an additional administrative charge for ordinary insurance work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18148/11]
193 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if he has raised with the VHI the anti-competitive practice of charging customers seeking to move to a new insurer, the full yearly cost of the health insurance levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18150/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 193 together.
As Minister for Health, I have overall responsibility for policy in relation to health insurance. In particular I have responsibility for governance issues relating to the VHI, including such matters as Board appointments and the receipt of its annual report and accounts. While owned by the State, VHI is a not-for-profit company operating in a competitive market and within those constraints, like its competitors, it is free to impose certain terms and conditions. I am on the record as opposed to this administration charge and I intend to discuss the matter further with the company.
I am informed by the VHI that there are a limited number of special circumstances where they do allow a customer to breach their contract mid-year without penalty, including redundancy and emigration. It is important to note that customers are free to cancel and change their policy at their renewal date without difficulty.
VHI is required by law under the Health Insurance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 to provide contracts of insurance that are 12 months in duration. While insurers provide a facility to consumers to pay premiums over the policy year, rather than at the start of the policy, this does not change the twelve month nature of contracts. I understand that the €50 administration charge imposed by VHI is to cover the cost of the administration involved in the cancellation of a policy post-breach of the contract (it should be noted this is per policy rather than per person — the average VHI policy involves two people). The administration charge only arises in a breach of contract occurs.
In respect of policies renewing or commencing in 2011, the current Scheme of Age-Related Tax Credits and Community Rating Levy provides for the payment by insurers of a levy of €205 per adult. It should be noted that, where customers leave before the twelve month insurance period expires, the insurer incurs a loss in relation to the levy paid as the levy may only be collected once. If a policy is cancelled mid policy year, insurers cannot reclaim a proportion of the levy. Where a policy holder switches to an alternative insurer, the second insurer does not have to pay the levy in respect of the replacement policy, if the two policies commence in the same accounting period. In this regard, accounting periods are normally the twelve month period starting on 1 August and finishing on 31 July.
194 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the current or likely position in respect of the location of the new children’s hospital notwithstanding expenditure to date in respect of the Mater Hospital site and having particular regard to the necessity to ensure that a modern children’s hospital is located with due regard to future development requirements, easy access and most strategic return on investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18151/11]
The Report of the independent review of the location of the National Children's Hospital, which I announced on 12 May 2011, is expected very soon.
This Review will examine the cost issues involved and will consider the location from a clinical perspective in the light of the financial analysis. When the expert report is received I will carefully consider the next steps in building the National Children's Hospital.
I do not intend to comment on any aspect of the project until the Report and expert recommendation have been received.
195 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the total complement of staff at all levels available to the Health Information Quality Authority; the extent to which this number has fluctuated over the past number of years; if that body has adequate staff at its disposal to carry out its work having particular regard to the number of institutions for which the body is likely to have investigated or supervisory responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18152/11]
The role and responsibilities of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) have increased in recent years and its financial allocation and staffing complement have increased in parallel. My Department is in regular contact with HIQA in relation to its resource requirements. HIQA is currently recruiting additional inspection and administrative staff. HIQA's staff complement (excluding agency staff) stood at 150.7 whole time equivalents at end March 2011 compared to 78 whole time equivalents at end 2008.
196 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent of budgetary overrun at various public hospitals throughout the country at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18153/11]
According to the Performance Management Report for April, which is the latest set of figures available to me, the overall deficit in the hospital system is €99m. The overall deficit for the HSE is €184m. This poses a serious budget challenge to public hospitals and the wider health system. It is clear that if existing spending trends remain unchecked there would be a significant overrun at the end of this year. I have made it clear that such an overrun is not acceptable given the state of the public finances and this country's obligations under the Memorandum of Understanding with the IMF and EU. I am on record as saying that every individual agency must take responsibility and do everything possible to stay within budget while delivering their planned level of service. Under its reform programme the Government has committed to achieving greater efficiencies in patient care and service delivery. These efficiencies will not be easy to achieve but I am certain that over time they will help to ensure that more people get access to services within a given quantum of funding.
The detailed position at the end of April in the hospital sector across the country is set out in the following table:
|
Hospitals by Region |
YTD |
|
|
Variance |
||
|
€m |
||
|
Our Lady’s of Lourdes Hospital |
4,472 |
12.25% |
|
Louth County Hospital |
590 |
8.72% |
|
Cavan Monaghan General Hospital |
2,511 |
11.58% |
|
Monaghan General Hospital |
1,131 |
28.82% |
|
Our Lady’s Hospital Navan |
1,083 |
8.11% |
|
North Eastern Regional Services |
(748) |
-107.54% |
|
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital |
4,757 |
6.82% |
|
Beaumont Hospital |
4,426 |
5.82% |
|
Rotunda Hospital |
768 |
5.10% |
|
Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital |
319 |
3.86% |
|
Connolly Memorial Hospital |
2,034 |
7.31% |
|
Northern Area Regional Acute Services |
(117) |
-7.48% |
|
Dublin North East Hospital Services |
21,226 |
7.54% |
|
Mullingar General Hospital |
1,821 |
9.70% |
|
Tullamore General Hospital |
3,178 |
12.22% |
|
Portlaoise General Hospital |
1,538 |
10.74% |
|
Naas General Hospital |
1,203 |
6.50% |
|
Midland Regional Acute Service |
145 |
27.12% |
|
Adelaide & Meath Hospital Tallaght |
5,917 |
10.16% |
|
Coombe Women’s & Infants’ Hospital |
844 |
5.51% |
|
Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children |
2,804 |
7.07% |
|
St Vincent’s University Hospital |
5,495 |
8.24% |
|
St. Michael’s Dun Laoghaire |
368 |
3.95% |
|
National Maternity Hospital Holles Street |
554 |
4.27% |
|
Royal Victoria Eye & Ear Hospital |
337 |
4.96% |
|
St. James’s Hospital |
3,530 |
3.50% |
|
Children’s Hospital, Temple Street |
658 |
2.67% |
|
St. Columcilles General Hospital |
1,058 |
8.61% |
|
Dublin Mid Leinster Hospital Services |
29,450 |
6.93% |
|
Waterford Regional Hospital |
4,373 |
9.86% |
|
St. Luke’s Kilkenny |
1,781 |
10.92% |
|
Wexford General Hospital |
1,349 |
8.60% |
|
South Tipp General Hospital |
1,718 |
11.56% |
|
Our Lady’s Hospital Cashel |
155 |
-452.78% |
|
Kilcreene Orthopaedic Hospital |
88 |
4.88% |
|
South Eastern Acute Support |
(1) |
-10.37% |
|
Cork University Hospital |
6,336 |
7.60% |
|
Mallow General Hospital |
740 |
15.13% |
|
Kerry General Hospital |
1,060 |
4.50% |
|
Bantry General Hospital |
209 |
3.73% |
|
Mercy University Hospital, Cork |
340 |
1.75% |
|
South Infirmary — Victoria Hospital |
985 |
7.00% |
|
Southern Regional Acute Services |
(65) |
-6.39% |
|
South Hospital Services |
19,068 |
7.78% |
|
Sligo General Hospital |
2,592 |
8.02% |
|
Letterkenny General Hospital |
3,636 |
11.67% |
|
Galway College University Hospital |
6,573 |
8.04% |
|
Mayo General hospital |
1,596 |
6.35% |
|
Roscommon County Hospital |
1,279 |
20.46% |
|
Portiuncula Hospital |
2,068 |
15.12% |
|
Western Regional Acute Services |
(615) |
-29.62% |
|
St. John’s Limerick |
126 |
1.91% |
|
Regional Hospital Dooradoyle |
11,374 |
26.00% |
|
Regional Maternity Hospital Limerick |
1,574 |
31.25% |
|
Regional Orthopaedic Hospital |
1,427 |
53.84% |
|
Ennis General Hospital |
(67) |
-1.04% |
|
Nenagh General Hospital |
208 |
3.54% |
|
Mid Western Regional Acute Services |
76 |
15.43% |
|
West Hospital Services |
31,847 |
12.10% |
|
Total Hospital Services |
101,591 |
197 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of junior hospital doctors currently available for duty in the various public hospitals throughout the country; the degree to which this is adequate to meet requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18154/11]
Currently there are approximately 4,490 junior hospital doctors available for duty in various public hospitals as against a target of 4,638 NCHD posts.
Approximately 475 NCHD posts both in structured training schemes and in non-training settings will need to be filled on a rotational basis in July 2011. Given that a recruitment process is still ongoing and its outcome as yet unknown, it is too early to identify the extent to which hospitals will be affected by vacancies on 11 July.
Hospital management are working with Clinical Directors in a planned way to devise contingency arrangements which can be implemented if required, to ensure that any resulting impact on services is minimised and that safe delivery of hospital services is assured.
198 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of health professionals at all levels trained in this jurisdiction in each of the past ten years to date; if sufficient personnel are being trained to fill various positions now and in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18155/11]
The scope of the Question as posed by the Deputy is such that the information required to respond cannot be collated in the time available. However, if the Deputy wishes to identify particular grades of staff in relation to which he has concerns I will arrange to have the issue investigated as a matter of urgency.
199 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of consultants in various disciplines trained in this jurisdiction in each of the past ten years to date; the extent to which this number is adequate to meet requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18157/11]
There are no medical consultants undergoing training in their designated specialty in this jurisdiction. Consultants must already have completed their specialist training before being appointed to a designated specialty.
Non-consultant hospital doctors are doctors in training who, on satisfactory completion of specialist training by one of the postgraduate training bodies approved by the Medical Council, can apply for registration in the Specialist Division of the Register of Medical Practitioners and are eligible to apply for a consultant post in their specialty. Under the provisions of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 the Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for promoting and developing specialist medical education and training and for co-ordinating such developments in co-operation with the Medical Council and the relevant training bodies. It is a matter for the HSE to undertake appropriate workforce planning for the purpose of meeting specialist medical staffing and training needs of the health service on an ongoing basis and to assess on an annual basis the number and type of specialist medical training posts required by the health service.
200 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of reported incidents of MRSA or similarly transmittable infections that have been reported throughout public and private hospitals in each of the past five years to date; the degree to which action has been taken to tackle the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18158/11]
Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs) continue to be a challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Ireland is not unique in this regard and tackling HCAIs, including MRSA, continues to be a priority for the Government and for the Health Service Executive (HSE).
A National Infection Control Action Plan, launched by the HSE in 2007, aims to reduce HCAIs by 20%, MRSA infection by 30% and antibiotic consumption by 20%. The number of MRSA bloodstream infections across the public and private hospital sector for the past five years have decreased from 588 cases in 2006 to 355 cases in 2009 (a decrease of 40%) and to 304* cases in 2010. This shows a decrease in such infections of 48% between 2006 and 2010 * (note that % figures for 2010 are provisional).
Data on alcohol hand gel usage which is an important part of the hygiene effort shows a twofold increase from 2006 to 2009. The Guidelines for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Hospital in Ireland aim to promote the sensible prescribing of antibiotics.
Since May 4th, 2008, C.difficile is a notifiable disease: all cases have to be reported to the relevant Department of Public Health. The number of cases in 2008 (04/05/2008 to 31/12/2008) was 1,615, 1,895 cases in 2009 (full year), 1,698 in 2010 (full year) and 903 in 2011 to date. The full year comparisons between 2009 and 2010 indicate a 10% decrease in the number of cases. Guidelines for the Surveillance, Management and Control of C.difficile associated Disease were published in May, 2008. In December, 2008 the HSE published new Environmental Building Guidelines to inform infection control policy in all new builds and refurbishments.
In May 2009, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) published National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections. These Standards include all key areas of importance in the control of HCAIs and the Health Service Executive (HSE) is working to ensure that its healthcare facilities meet the requirements set down in the National Standards.
I wish to advise the Deputy that carbapenem resistant enterbacteriaceae (CRE) has been reported from 20 patients in four hospitals in Ireland since January 2011. Interim national guidelines for patient screening, laboratory detection and infection prevention have been circulated pending the publication of formal national guidelines, currently in preparation. Cases of CRE are now notifiable to the relevant Department of Public Health and it is proposed to add invasive CRE infection to the list of notifiable diseases.
The recent WHO Hand Hygiene Day on 5th May last built on the successful WHO Clean Care is Safer Care campaign to galvanise hand hygiene at the point of patient care, thus helping to reduce the spread of HCAIs. As part of the day's actions, healthcare facilities worldwide demonstrated their continued commitment by signing up to the global movement and undertaking and sharing locally driven activities on hand hygiene improvements at the point of patient care. I am pleased to state that some 85 HSE healthcare facilities signed up to the initiative which demonstrates Irish healthcare personnel's commitment to the control and eradication of HCAIs.
I am satisfied that significant steps are being taken to reduce the rates of Healthcare Associated Infections and to treat them promptly when they occur.
201 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which young health professionals are encouraged to specialise in particular areas with particular reference to disciplines which show increasing demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18159/11]
In relation to doctors the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 assigns the following specific functions to the Health Service Executive (HSE):—
promote the development of specialist medical education and training;
co-ordinate such developments in co-operation with the Medical Council and the relevant training bodies;
undertake appropriate workforce planning for the purpose of meeting specialist medical staffing and training needs of the health service on an ongoing basis;
assess on an annual basis the number and type of specialist medical training posts required by the health service and, following that assessment, put proposals to the Medical Council.
It is then a matter for the Medical Council, on foot of the HSE proposals, to specify the number and type of posts it approves for the purposes of specialist medical education and training.
The issue does not arise with nursing because student nurses choose at the outset which of the five entry point education programmes they wish to pursue — General; Intellectual Disabilities; Psychiatric; General and Children's; and Midwifery.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is not feasible to provide the above information in relation to all health professional grades. If the Deputy wishes to notify me of concerns with regard to a particular profession I will arrange to have the matter investigated.
202 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of consultants currently engaged in or specialising in the areas of the various forms of dementia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18160/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. Meanwhile, I wish to advise the Deputy that there are currently 57.76 (w.t.e.) consultants in geriatric medicine employed in the public health service.
203 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the number of medical card holders has fluctuated in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18161/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
204 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if any consideration has been given to a review of the fair deal scheme with particular reference to the need to address any anomalies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18162/11]
The Programme for Government commits to review the system of financing nursing home care with a view to developing a secure and equitable system of financing for community and long term care. This commitment will be carried through.
In addition, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme is due for formal review commencing in 2012. The Scheme will be three years in operation at that stage. The reason for allowing this period to elapse is to ensure that established and validated trends and statistics will be available in order to inform this work. It is still intended to proceed with this review and it will look at the ongoing sustainability of the Scheme, the relative costs of public versus private provision and the balance of funding between residential and community care.
205 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which all staffing requirements at Naas General Hospital, County Kildare, are being met having particular regard to the need to ensure that the full scale and range of services initially promised at the hospital are provided in line with expectations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18163/11]
The HSE has not indicated to me any specific difficulties with regard to Naas General Hospital. However, I am very conscious of concerns in relation to some hospitals in advance of the next rotation of Non-Consultant Hospitals Doctors (NCHDs). The shortage of suitable NCHDs is an issue worldwide. The HSE has taken a range of actions to address NCHD vacancies to ensure that any resulting impact on services is minimized and patient safety maintained.
I am in ongoing discussions with the HSE and various stakeholders in order to identify a solution to the recruitment of NCHD's nationwide. I will have greater clarity on this issue in the next few weeks. In addition, my Department is at an advanced stage of drafting a Bill to amend the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, facilitating the Medical Council to register doctors in supervised posts for a defined period.
I can assure the Deputy that the necessary steps are being taken in order to ensure ongoing safe delivery of service in hospitals and in Emergency Departments in particular.
206 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of Iarnród Éireann employees holding contracts of indefinite duration who have had those contracts terminated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18050/11]
The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
207 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposed figure expected to fund the upkeep, maintenance and any other works on the Irish Rail network bridges following the report conducted by Iarnroid Éireann following the Malahide, County Dublin, viaduct collapse in August 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18054/11]
The upkeep and maintenance of rail bridges is funded under the Railway Safety Programme from my Department's capital budget for transport.
The 3rd Railway Safety Programme, 2009 to 2013, estimated a funding requirement of €513 million of which €443 million was for infrastructure investment and €70 million for the enhancement of safety management systems, including human performance. The allocation for the Programme for 2011 is €108 million.
A full report into the Malahide viaduct incident was completed in 2010, and a series of recommendations were made in areas such as future inspection standards and their implementation, training of key personnel, risk assessment of railway structures and the provision of physical and flood protection for structures at high risk.
Significant changes have now taken place within Iarnród Eireann and within the Railway Safety Programme to address the issues identified in the report. There has been a substantial reorganisation of the IE Civil Engineering department including the appointment of a new Chief Civil Engineer and a Technical Manager for civil engineering. The Technical Manager is accountable for the safety of track and infrastructure. A thorough review of technical standards is being conducted, as well as compliance verification in areas such as inspection standards and a new competency management process is being implemented to ensure enhanced training of civil engineering staff. As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport my responsibility is for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. While the Railway Safety Programme and its funding level will be reviewed in the context of the Capital Review, which is currently underway, the first priority for use of scarce funds will be to protect and maintain existing investments and to maintain high safety standards.
Iarnród Eireann has made a submission to the Department regarding their priorities for funding under the transport capital programme and final decisions will be made in the context of the new National Development Plan to be published in the Autumn.
In addition, my Department, in conjunction with Iarnród Eireann, is committed to carrying out this year a Mid-Term Review of the 3rd Railway Safety Programme.
208 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans regarding the format of the Irish drivers licence; his views on a smaller wallet size and card similar to that produced within other jurisdictions to replace the existing paper copy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18055/11]
Under EU law, this country is required to introduce a plastic card driving licence by January of 2013. In addition, introduction of a plastic card form of licence is a target of the current Road Safety Strategy, which runs to the end of 2012. I have asked the Road Safety Authority (RSA) - the agency charged with the plastic card licence project — to progress this project as quickly as possible.
The RSA have indicated that the new form of licence will be in place by the end of 2012. Discussions are still under way at EU level regarding the precise content of the chip to be included as part of the standard EU card format licence, but it is proposed to introduce the new licences in Ireland in advance of the conclusion of those discussions, if necessary.
209 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the receiver of wreck can insist that a security provision for a wreck is provided by the owner of the wreck which has been in the receiver’s possession if a claim for salvage payment has been lodged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18082/11]
210 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the receiver of wreck has to put out notice in accordance with the Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act 1993 Section 45 even if the owner is known. [18083/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 210 together.
The Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act 1993 governs salvage and wreck issues. The day to day operation and implementation of the provisions in the Act is the responsibility of the relevant Receiver of Wreck, who is an official of the Revenue Commissioners (Customs).
Under Section 34 of the Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act, 1993, the salvor may request that any person liable for payment for salvage operations carried out shall provide satisfactory security to the salvor. The salved vessel shall not be removed, without the consent of the salvor, from the place where it is first kept after completion of salvage operations, until the satisfactory security is provided for the salvor's claim. If the requested security is not provided, and the salved vessel is in a harbour but not in the possession or control of the salvor, the salvor may request the Receiver of Wreck to detain the vessel or other property salved until either payment is made for the salvage operations, or a warrant for arrest is issued by the High Court.
If the Receiver of Wreck has possession of any wreck the ownership of which was not initially known, and the Receiver has subsequently established the ownership, provision of security for salvage operations will not apply. However, the Receiver has power under Section 46 of the same Act, to require that the owner pay salvage costs to the salvor before releasing the wreck to the owner.
The notice referred to in Section 45 of the Act only applies when the Receiver of Wreck, rather than a salvor or finder, is in possession of any particular wreck, and the Receiver takes possession of any wreck only when ownership is not known. Whatever knowledge a Receiver of Wreck may have concerning ownership of any particular wreck in his or her possession may not be a reason to forego implementation of the notice procedure provided in Section 45.
My Department does not keep details of individual cases. I would ask the Deputy to contact the relevant Receiver of Wreck for any clarification required in relation to any specific case that is of interest to him.
211 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or any of the agencies under his remit provide any funding for marketing to new start up tourist businesses. [18118/11]
Neither the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport, nor the State tourism agencies provide grant funding for marketing to new start up tourism businesses. The National Tourism Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland, does however provide a range of business supports to tourism businesses in areas including Sales Connect, Mentoring, Web Check, Online Learning, Professional Development Programmes and Operational and Practical Support. Further information on these supports, including contact details for locally-based Client Service Officers can be found in the Fáilte Ireland brochure "Your Guide to Fáilte Ireland Services 2011" which is available from the Fáilte Ireland website via the following link —http://www.failteireland.ie/Information-Centre/Publications/Corporate-Documents/Corporate/2011_Your_Guide_to_FI_Services.
Fáilte Ireland also has a collection of business guides on how to market one's business which would be suitable for a start up company. They are available at:
http://www.failteireland.ie/salesconnecttoolkit
http://www.failteireland.ie/businesstools
http://www.businesstools.failteireland.ie/BusinessTools/media/Business-Tools/documents/Hotel%20Documents/Business-Tools-for-Hotels_02022011.pdf
Tourism Ireland is the agency which markets the island of Ireland overseas as a tourism destination. Tourism Ireland invests in targeted marketing activities in the key source markets overseas for tourism to Ireland.
Tourism Ireland's industry opportunities website provides the Irish tourism industrywith information on worldwide promotional opportunities with Tourism Ireland. Moreinformation, tips for the industry and registration details can be accessed at www.tourismireland.com/industryopportunities.
In addition, all attractions or accommodation offerings that provide their details to either Fáilte Ireland or the Northern Ireland Tourist Board are available for overseas consumers to find through Tourism Ireland's network of 42 consumer websites — discoverireland.com.
212 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will commission a report into the way Ireland can be promoted as an angling tourism destination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18128/11]
The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agency for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
