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Tuesday, 16 Oct 2012

Written Answers Nos. 697-719

Services for People with Disabilities

Questions (697)

Tom Fleming

Question:

697. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will review the Health Service Executive grant to a foundation (details supplied) who are in urgent need of assistance towards the cost of running their services, providing intensive home nursing care, funding and support to the families of children under four years of age with brain damage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44791/12]

View answer

Written answers

The Jack and Jill Foundation will receive funding of just over €540,000 from the Health Service Executive this year. This is consistent with the level of funding received in recent years but has unfortunately been reduced by the same percentage as all other agencies from the Disability Services Programme, in line with the HSE national service plan provisions etc.

Both Minister James Reilly and myself met with representatives from the Jack and Jill Foundation last Wednesday 10th October, 2012. While it is not possible to provide additional financial support to the Foundation over and above that provided to other agencies in a similar position, my officials will be exploring with Jack and Jill the options that may be available to assist the Foundation in delivering its services.

Health Services Staff Issues

Questions (698)

Martin Heydon

Question:

698. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the progress made in filling a public Health Service Executive position (details supplied) in County Kildare; the timeline for the completion of this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44793/12]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Health Services Staff Issues

Questions (699)

Martin Heydon

Question:

699. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the progress made in filling a public Health Service Executive position (details supplied) in County Kildare; the timeline for the completion of this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44794/12]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Pension Provisions

Questions (700)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

700. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update of the progress made in the retrospective application of Circular 20/2005, which provides for the recalculation of pension entitlements for low paid workers in the Health Service Executive for the Eastern region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44797/12]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Services

Questions (701)

Michael Colreavy

Question:

701. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of patients from counties Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal who travelled to Galway University Hospital for cancer services no longer provided in Sligo Regional Hospital had to return home without the required treatment; the number of patients to whom this has happened; the steps he has taken to ensure that this will not happen again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44798/12]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Question No. 702 answered with Question No. 579.

Home Help Service Provision

Questions (703)

Gerry Adams

Question:

703. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in receipt of home help services in County Louth; the total number of home help hours the persons in these specified areas currently receive; the number of hours that will be lost to the persons in these specified areas as a result of the planned €130 million cut to home help services; the number of persons in these specified areas who will be affected by these cuts; the savings to the Health Service Executive that will accrue from the cuts of these specified areas; the number of persons in these areas who will be left with no home help services as a result of the cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44801/12]

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Written answers

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Departmental Banking

Questions (704)

Michael McGrath

Question:

704. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form if possible, a list of the bank accounts used by his Department and separately any agencies within the remit of his Department; the purpose of each bank account and the financial institution the bank account is with; the total amount of any interest charged or bank fees incurred by his Department and separately by each agency in 2011 and anticipated figure for 2012; the percentage of payments issued by his Department and each agency which are issued electronically and if the Department agency has any special arrangement in place on the issue of bank charges and fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44851/12]

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Written answers

My Department uses three Bank of Ireland Public Bank Current Accounts. Two of the accounts are used for pay and non-pay EFT (electronic funds transfer) banking for my Department and the third is used for EFT banking for the Department of Children and Youth Affairs under a shared services agreement. There is no interest charged or bank fees incurred by my Department for these accounts. All payments issued using these accounts are issued electronically.

The HSE operates 27 commercial bank accounts which it uses to expend its annual budget allocation of circa €13b. This figure is down from over 200 accounts prior to the establishment of the HSE and all are held with Ulster Bank. Approximately 82% of payments (value based) were made by EFT in 2011. Bank charges for these accounts amounted to €425,000 (fixed fee) in 2011 there are no interest charges. The anticipated bank charges for 2012 are €425,000.

As regards the other agencies under the aegis of the Department, this information is not routinely collected. These agencies would all make individual banking arrangements to manage their payroll and accounts payable functions.

Hospital Staff

Questions (705)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

705. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will review the working practices of all junior doctors in hospitals here in view of the fact that it is reported that junior doctors are working continuously for up to 36 hours without breaks in some hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44864/12]

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Written answers

S.I. No. 494 of 2004 European Communities (Organisation of Working Time) (Activities of Doctors in Training) Regulations 2004, which transposed the EU Working Time Directive, provides for:

- A maximum 48 hour average working week;

- 11 hours rest every 24 hours or equivalent compensatory rest before return to work; and

- 35 hours continuous rest per week or twice a fortnight or 59 hours continuous rest per fortnight.

In January 2012, Ireland submitted to the EU Commission a detailed Plan for the achievement of compliance by NCHDs with the Working Time Directive. The plan affirmed Ireland's commitment to achieving compliance with the Directive over a three-year time period. It committed to implementing measures to achieve compliance, including:-

a. The implementation of new work patterns for medical staff;

b. Transfer of work undertaken by NCHDs to other grades;

c. Organisation of hospital services to support EWTD compliance.

The HSE established a EWTD National Working Group in late 2011 to build on the work undertaken in this area since 2009 and accelerate EWTD compliance for NCHDs employed across the public health service. This Group is working with hospitals on the measures required in each site to reduce NCHD working hours and to ensure that the necessary changes are given effect.

Hospital Services

Questions (706)

Finian McGrath

Question:

706. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding physiotherapy for the Cystic fibrosis team at Temple Street Children's Hospital [44927/12]

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Written answers

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Ambulance Service Provision

Questions (707)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

707. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the recent and planned future changes to the provision of pre-emergency and ambulance care in the County Cork area; the current and planned staffing, vehicle and service configuration; if he will outline and provide the risk assessments carried out in advance of relevant changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44931/12]

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Written answers

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Home Help Service Provision

Questions (708)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

708. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the year on year home help and home care package budget for 2010, 2011 and 2012; the total number of home help hours and home care packages delivered; if he will detail the cuts to home help hours and home care packages announced as part of the recent Health Service Executive cost saving measures; the way in which these cuts will be implemented; if he will provide a breakdown of same on a county basis and in terms of total home care packages and home help hours; if he will detail any further plans for cuts to these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44932/12]

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Written answers

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hepatitis C Incidence

Questions (709)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

709. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will use his powers under the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal Act 1997 to make available the measures provided for the majority who have tested positive to the small number of women who received blood products from contaminated batches of anti-d in the 1977 to 1979 and 1991 to 1994 periods but who are testing negative while experiencing severe health problems consistent with testing positive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44933/12]

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Written answers

The Health Amendment Act (HAA) Card is given to men, women and children who contracted Hepatitis C from the administration within the State of blood or blood products.

Under the Health (Amendment) Act,1996 the entitlement of an individual to a HAA Card and to related services is decided by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE is bound by the definition of eligibility in the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal (Amendment) Act 2006, which requires a positive diagnostic test for applications received by the Tribunal after the specified date of 20 June, 2006.

A great deal of consideration has been given to the issue of recipients of Anti-D who have neither tested positive for Hepatitis C, nor had a positive Tribunal decision in their favour. A number of women who have tested negative for Hepatitis C have experienced a variety of symptoms. However, there is no scientific proof that the symptoms are specific evidence of Hepatitis C infection. Indeed some symptoms of Hepatitis C, such as fatigue, fibromyalgia and depression, are common conditions that occur in the general population.

It is estimated that up to 16,000 women in Ireland were exposed to potentially infectious batches of Anti-D and approximately 1,000 of these women were infected with Hepatitis C. Extending eligibility for HAA cards to those who have tested negative for Hepatitis C would have significant implications for the scheme overall.

I am sympathetic to the women in question, but taking account of international practice and the rationale which led to the passing of the 2006 Act, I am satisfied that the present arrangements are reasonable in the circumstances. I will of course review any new information which becomes available in relation to this matter.

Tribunals of Inquiry Reports

Questions (710)

James Bannon

Question:

710. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health if any proceedings have been initiated against the State arising out of the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45597/12]

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Written answers

I am not aware of any proceedings initiated against my Department arising out of the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal.

Questions Nos. 711 and 712 answered with Question No. 643.

Road Network

Questions (713)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

713. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide the necessary funding in Budget 2013 to continue and finalise work on the eastern relief road in Kenmare, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44918/12]

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Written answers

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993.  Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.  

The National Roads Authority (NRA) issued a circular earlier this year to all local authorities inviting applications for consideration for funding in 2013 under the Specific Improvement Grants Scheme.  It is open to Kerry County Council to continue to prioritise this project and to include it among its applications for submission to the NRA.  

All applications will be considered having regard to the eligibility criteria, the need to prioritise projects, competing demands from other local authorities and the funding available for the scheme in 2013.  

I will announce the 2013 regional and local road grant allocations early in the new year.

Sporting Events

Questions (714)

Gerry Adams

Question:

714. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had any discussions with the Irish Rugby Football Union or other organisations in relation to plans for Ireland to bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44125/12]

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Written answers

I have met with the IRFU and I am fully supportive of their preparation of a bid to host the Rugby World Cup in Ireland. It is a matter for the IRFU to prepare and submit a bid and they are currently exploring the possibilities in this regard.  

The Programme for Government includes a commitment that event tourism will be prioritised in order to continue to bring major events to Ireland. As well as bringing spectators to our shores, the hosting of sports events can provide a great showcase for Ireland.  Fáilte Ireland continues to support the holding of sports and other events that can boost tourism and, where appropriate, will provide advice and assistance to the sporting body which is seeking to secure an international event.  I understand that Fáilte Ireland has engaged with the IRFU in this regard.   

The support of other sporting organisations would be an important element in the bid process and I am pleased to note that the GAA's Central Council has already indicated its support and will bring forward a proposal to next year's Congress regarding the use of some GAA grounds.  

I understand from the IRFU that the Northern Ireland Minister for Tourism, Arlene Foster MLA, and Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Carál Ní Chuilín MLA, have also indicated their support for a bid.

Anti-Social Behaviour

Questions (715)

Peter Mathews

Question:

715. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will write to the Railway Procurement Agency requesting that they ensure that anti-social behaviour (details supplied) is prevented at Dundrum Luas Bridge, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44127/12]

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Written answers

The safety and security of passengers and staff including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour on the Luas is a matter for the transport operator (Veolia) in conjunction, as appropriate, with the Garda. I have referred the Deputy's question to the Railway Procurement Agency, who have contracted Veolia to operate Luas services, for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Road Traffic Accidents

Questions (716)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

716. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will publish immediately the internal Bus Éireann investigation into the maintenance of the bus involved in the Kentstown, County Meath, bus incident and maintenance of Bus Éireann school bus fleet carried out by a person (details supplied). [44140/12]

View answer

Written answers

The issue raised is a matter for Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Taxi Regulations

Questions (717)

Pat Breen

Question:

717. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce new licensing laws for taxis and public service vehicles; the implications that any changes may have for aged vehicles currently in use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44144/12]

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Written answers

The regulation of the taxi industry, including issues pertaining to vehicle age limit, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA). The NTA is also the lead agency with responsibility for the implementation of the recommended actions contained in the Taxi Regulation Review and makes reports quarterly on implementation to the Taxi Advisory Committee.  

A public consultation was carried out by the NTA last year concerning vehicle standards, including vehicle age, and the outcome of the consultation was made available to the Taxi Regulation Review Group.  

Action 10 of the Taxi Regulation Review Report proposes that the vehicle age limit at licence issue or licence renewal will be nine years for vehicles entering the fleet after 1 January, 2009.  Vehicles that are nine years or older  and were associated, before 1 January, 2009, with a licence will be allowed to be operated on their current licence up to and including 14 years of age subject to passing a roadworthiness test and an NTA Licence Renewal Assessment at six monthly intervals.    

Vehicles older than nine years will therefore gradually transition out of the fleet. In considering matters relating to vehicle standards, the Review Group was conscious of the need to ensure an effective balance between the provision of a high quality and safe service to the public and the interests of taxi drivers with a long-term commitment to the industry.

Irish Coast Guard

Questions (718)

Dara Calleary

Question:

718. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the entire annual current and capital costs for the operations of the Irish Coast Guard for the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; and the operating costs for each of the three Coast Guard stations. [44145/12]

View answer

Written answers

The figures shown in Table 1 below are the running costs for the Irish Coast Guard for the years specified, including salaries and travel costs.  

Table 1

-

Capital €000

Current €000

Totals €000

2006

2,651

29,707

32,358

2007

3,841

34,028

37,869

2008

3,776

37,160

40,936

2009

4,429

35,000

39,429

2010

14,612

34,035

48,647

2011

9,973

34,055

44,028

 

The figures shown in Table 2 below are the operating costs of the Malin, Valentia and Dublin stations for the years specified exclusive of salaries and travel costs.  

Table 2

-

Malin €000

Valentia €000

Dublin €000

2006

86

85

120

2007

91

120

57

2008

140

168

78

2009

66

160

1,367

2010

90

136

409

2011

104

223

124

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Questions (719)

Dara Calleary

Question:

719. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the overall number of sports capital applications on a county basis; the current status of these applications; and when decisions in respect of funding approvals will be made. [44146/12]

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Written answers

My Department has received over 2,170 applications for funding under the 2012 Sports Capital Programme.  This is the largest number of applications ever received under the Programme (previous estimates of the total number of applications have been revised downwards).  The table below shows the number of applications by county received.  These figures are subject to minor amendment as assessments are undertaken and mistakes and miscalculations  in the individual applications are identified and rectified.

Departmental officials are processing all applications and this process will take some time due to the volume of applications received. 

I expect to be able to announce the list of successful applicants later this year.  All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application at that stage.

County

 No. of applications

Amount Sought

Carlow

42

€3,044,147

Cavan

60

€5,666,936

Clare

72

€5,652,839

Cork

219

€21,788,853

Donegal

110

€12,157,162

Dublin

282

€34,230,648

Galway

163

€17,950,792

Kerry

95

€10,594,642

Kildare

77

€8,700,242

Kilkenny

48

€6,113,667

Laois

39

€1,860,955

Leitrim

30

€2,376,418

Limerick

117

€14,617,284

Longford

30

€1,873,684

Louth

 59

€4,687,335

Mayo

114

€18,278,118

Meath

74

€8,567,381

Monaghan

48

€4,595,104

Offaly

45

€2,332,236

Roscommon

47

€4,359,562

Sligo

48

€4,048,844

Tipperary

95

€9,016,444

Waterford

69

€7,289,838

Westmeath

43

€5,449,880

Wexford

93

€10,520,841

Wicklow

56

€4,896,076

Grand Total

2,175

€230,669,928

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