Written Answers Nos. 204-210
204. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the progress made of receiving price reductions on generic drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41013/12]
View answerNegotiations are ongoing between officials of my Department/HSE and the Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers in Ireland (APMI) regarding a new agreement on the price of generic medical products. It is hoped that these negotiations will conclude shortly and provide for additional savings in the cost of generic medicines.
The Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012 was published on the 13th of July 2012. This legislation will introduce a system of reference pricing and generic substitution for prescribed drugs and medicines. These reforms will promote price competition among suppliers and ensure that lower prices are paid for these medicines resulting in savings for taxpayers and patients.
205. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health the number of children under the age of 18 years that have given birth from 2010 to 2011; the services available to deal with the growing problem of youth pregnancy when girls as young as 13 and 14 years of age become pregnant; the services available to deal with the impact of what is commonly known as a crisis pregnancy for the young mother and her family; the cost to the State in relation to added support systems such as social security, other entitlements and added health issues; if a programme or plan is in place to address this single issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40497/12]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that, according to figures released by the CSO, the birth rate among teenage girls has declined in the last ten years. In 2011, there were 399 births registered to mothers under the age of 18 years while in 2010 the figure was 483. In overall terms, the number of births to teenagers (i.e. those aged less than 20 years) has actually declined from 3,087 in 2001 to 1,720 in 2011. Overall, this represents a 44% decrease in births to teenagers since 2001.
The HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme (formerly the Crisis Pregnancy Agency) is the national programme in charge of developing and implementing a national strategy to address the issue of crisis pregnancy in Ireland. The Programme has implemented two national strategies to date and is currently implementing its third Strategy 2012-2016 (to be published). Research carried out by the Programme indicates that the birth rate for teenagers has declined mainly due to improvements in sex education and awareness of contraception. The research has found that the vast majority of young people are using contraception the first time they have sex and every time they have sex. As part of its mandate to reduce the number of crisis pregnancies, the HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme supports a number of teenage health initiatives that work with young people to enhance their knowledge and awareness of sexual health and relationships in both formal and non-formal education settings. For example, the Programme developed www.b4udecide.ie, a website for teenagers and their parents, teachers and youth workers which provides information on relationships and sex, as well as dealing with peer pressure and improving self-esteem. The Programme also oversees the delivery of targeted communication campaigns, customised information and educational programmes, and other initiatives across a range of settings and across the life cycle.
In terms of services dealing with the impact of crisis pregnancy, State funded Crisis Pregnancy Counselling services are available at over 50 locations nationwide. They are open to young people experiencing a crisis pregnancy who may attend along with their parents/guardian. A full list of these services is available at www.positiveoptions.ie. All of services are available free of charge. The HSE also funds the Teen Parents Support Programme, available in 11 locations nationwide, which offers practical and emotional supports to teen parents and their families. Support is available from the beginning of the pregnancy right through until the resulting child is 2 years of age. CURA, funded by the HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme, also provides a post natal support service for new parents of all ages.
In relation to social security, I have been advised by officials in the Department of Social Protection that the One Parent Family Payment (OFP) is available to all teenage mothers who qualify for it. Figures indicate that there are currently 202 recipients of the payment who are under the age of 18 years. Officials in the Department of Social Protection estimate that some €43,995 per week or €2,287,771 per annum is currently spent on OFP recipients who are aged under 18 years. Parents are also eligible for Child Benefit, and may qualify for Family Income Support, and Rent Supplement, depending on their circumstances. If the Deputy requires more details on these matters, I would advise him to contact the Department of Social Protection.
206. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health in the context of Ireland's endorsement of the Council of Europe Disability Action Plan 2006 - 2015, the progress made and the specific measures being undertaken to secure equality for persons with disabilities, in particular with regard to Action Line 8, 9 and 10. [39447/12]
View answerThe driving and monitoring functions in respect of the Council of Europe Disability Action Plan 2006 - 2015, reside in the Department of Justice and Equality. The Department of Health understands that the latest progress report was compiled in 2008. The Department of Health will arrange to prepare an update for the Deputy in relation to progress on action lines 8, 9 and 10 that fall under its remit.
207. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health his plans for any reform of drug policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39338/12]
View answerThe National Drugs Strategy sets out drugs policy in Ireland for the period up to 2016. Drugs policy encompasses five pillars - supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research and clear actions are in place for implementation. I am satisfied that good progress is being made across the actions of the Strategy, with the involvement of the statutory, voluntary and community sectors, and that emerging issues and threats around problem drug use are being addressed in a timely and effective manner. Periodic reviews of progress across the pillars of the Strategy are carried out through the Oversight Forum on Drugs which I chair.
In the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy particular focus is being placed on Programme for Government commitments in areas such as treatment and rehabilitation. Also a review of Drugs Task Forces is nearing completion and it is intended to build on the impacts being achieved by the Task Forces in the coming years.
208. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health his plans to reinstate the dial to stop drug dealing campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29753/12]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Dial to Stop Drug Dealing Campaign, which aims to provide a safe and confidential means for people to pass on information on drug dealing, has been in operation since September 2008. Following a review of the Dial to Stop Drug Dealing campaign, it was decided to put in place a more cost efficient approach to promoting the campaign in partnership with CRIMESTOPPERS with effect from 2012.
In May 2012, I re-launched the Dial to Stop Drug Dealing Campaign to raise awareness of the CRIMESTOPPERS number in Drugs Task Force areas and other areas where there is a high concentration of drug activity. Since then, local media campaigns promoting the initiative have been undertaken in the Greater Dublin area. In addition, advertising materials have been provided to Drugs Task Forces and Garda stations, to encourage people with information on drug dealing to call the CRIMESTOPPERS freephone confidential number 1800 25 00 25.
209. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport the procurement procedures in companies (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40766/12]
View answerSpecific procedures to be followed by State bodies in relation to procurement are set out in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. It is the responsibility of the Board to satisfy itself that the requirements for public procurement are adhered to and to be fully conversant with the current value thresholds for the application of EU and national procurement rules.
I have referred the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply in relation to the specific query raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
210. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport the statutory powers that have been delegated to Ministers of State in his Department; and the date on which the statutory powers were delegated. [40786/12]
View answerSpecific areas of responsibility in my Department were allocated to both Minister of State Alan Kelly and Minister of State Michael Ring. However, the functions which were delegated do not include the exercise of statutory powers.
Minister of State Kelly, apart from some general responsibilities, has lead responsibility for the following
- Real Time Passenger Information and Integrated Ticketing
- Rural Transport policy including the pursuit of integration with other local transport services (school, HSE, LITs, voluntary groups and Cross Border Community Transport) in line with Programme for Government commitments
- Review of taxi regulation and organisation of the Taxi Forum in line with Programme for Government commitments
- Establishment of the NTA Advisory Council, prioritisation of its activities and attendance where necessary National Sustainable Transport Office
- Smarter Travel Initiatives
- Integration between land use planning strategies and transport strategies
- Promotion of cycling and walking and workplace travel planning, including the rollout of the city bike schemes as per the Programme for Government
- Accessibility issues in public transport
- Railway Safety Commission
Minister of State Ring has general responsibility for domestic tourism and sport, with a particular focus on:
- Domestic tourism marketing and Home Holiday campaign
- Sports tourism events
- Cultural tourism, festivals and other tourism-generating events
- Sports Capital Programme
- National Sports Facility Strategy
- Engagement with Irish Sports Council and Local Sports Partnerships on promoting participation in sport, recreation and physical activity
