Tuesday, 22 Jan 2013

Written Answers Nos. 664-682

Hospital Accommodation Provision

Questions (664)

Gerry Adams

Question:

664. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a transfer to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin, in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if a bed will be found in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire; when the person will be transferred there; his views on whether the person is in a fit state to be released from hospital or if the person is in need of further hospital care and treatment. [3031/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Hospital Bed Data

Questions (665)

Gerry Adams

Question:

665. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of paediatric beds in the National Rehabilitation Hospital Dun Laoghaire, Dublin; if there is currently a waiting list for treatment; the length of the waiting list; and the average waiting time for children. [3032/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for a direct reply to the Deputy.

Long-Term Illness Scheme Numbers

Questions (666)

Seán Kyne

Question:

666. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the number of citizens included on the long-term illness scheme; and the progress of plans to furnish general practitioner visit cards to persons with illnesses covered by this scheme. [3042/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Programme for Government commits to reforming the current public health system by introducing Universal Health Insurance with equal access to care for all. As part of this, the Government is committed to introducing, on a phased basis, GP care without fees within its first term of office. Primary legislation is required to give effect to Government commitment to introduce a universal GP service without fees.

Legislation to allow the Minister for Health to make regulations to extend access to GP services without fees to persons with prescribed illnesses is currently being drafted by the Office of the Attorney General and the Department and it will be published shortly. Implementation dates and application details will be announced in due course.

I have requested the Health Service Executive to confirm the number of people on the Long Term Illness Scheme and will revert to the Deputy in due course.

Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

Questions (667)

Seán Kyne

Question:

667. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a list of illnesses included under the long term illness scheme [3043/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme are as follows: Acute Leukaemia; Mental handicap; Cerebral Palsy; Mental Illness (in a person under 16); Cystic Fibrosis; Multiple Sclerosis; Diabetes Insipidus; Muscular Dystrophies; Diabetes Mellitus; Parkinsonism; Epilepsy; Phenylketonuria; Haemophilia; Spina Bifida; Hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.

Questions Nos. 668 and 669 answered with Question No. 628.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Eligibility

Questions (670)

Finian McGrath

Question:

670. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the nursing home support scheme. [3108/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal, provides financial support for people assessed as needing long-term nursing home care. The scheme is founded on the basis that long-term care should be affordable and that a person should receive the same level of State support whether they choose a public, voluntary or private nursing home. Nursing home residents in receipt of financial support under the Scheme contribute towards the cost of their care according to their means.

In 2012, the HSE's total gross budget for long-term residential care was €994.7m. At the end of November there were 22,223 people in receipt of financial support towards the cost of long-term nursing home care. The HSE's 2013 Service Plan sets a target of 22,761 people to be in receipt of financial support at end-2013. Increasing the level of the asset contribution from 5% to 7.5% will contribute to the sustainability of the Scheme and will enable additional applicants to be supported in 2013. It has to be borne in mind that, during 2013, the HSE is required to achieve €721m of savings from its overall budget.

The Scheme contains several important safeguards which ensure that both the person in the nursing home and their spouse/partner, if applicable, are adequately provided for:

1. Nobody will pay more than the actual cost of care.

2. The first €36,000 for a person's assets, or €72,000 for a couple, is not taken into account during the financial assessment.

3. The principal residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of a person's time in care.

4. Where an individual's assets include land and property in the State, the contribution based on such assets may be deferred and collected from their estate. This is the optional Nursing Home Loan element of the scheme.

5. Individuals keep a personal allowance of 20% of their income, or 20% of the maximum rate of the State Pension (Non-Contributory), whichever is the greater.

6. If there is a spouse/partner remaining at home, s/he will retain 50% of the couples income, or the maximum rate of the State Pension (Non-Contributory), whichever is the greater.

7. Certain items of expenditure, called allowable deductions, can be taken into account during the financial assessment. These allowable deductions include health expenses.

8. There is a financial review mechanism which takes account of the fluctuating value of assets and the fact that cash assets will naturally deplete over time as payments are made to the nursing home etc.

Finally, the Terms of Reference for the review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme include an examination of the sustainability of the Scheme. A public consultation to inform the review was concluded in July 2012. A summary report of the submissions received was published on the Department's website in December. The Department will shortly be seeking tenders through the public procurement process for the carrying out of the review. It will progress within the constraints of available staff and other priorities. It is envisaged that the review will be completed in 2013.

Question No. 671 answered with Question No. 636.

HSE Investigations

Questions (672)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

672. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure there is an immediate independent inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied) [3143/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I understand from the HSE that a disability service provider is currently investigating the circumstances of the tragic death of a special needs child who was receiving respite care from it on 5th January 2013. The investigation is being carried out using the HSE Guideline for Systems Analysis Investigation of Incidents and Complaints, which has been designed to guide investigators in conducting robust investigations using the systems analysis method and good investigation practice.

The Guideline applies to any investigation of incidents that result in death or serious harm and aim to ensure that such investigations are valid, reliable and generalisable and carried out in line with principles of open disclosure and a just culture.

I have been assured by the HSE that a report will be prepared as quickly as possible and that it will be examined by officials in the HSE as soon as it is available. In the circumstances and pending the outcome of the investigation, I do not propose to make any further comment on the matter.

Appointments to State Boards

Questions (673)

Gerry Adams

Question:

673. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the new procedures the Government have introduced for appointments to State boards. [3576/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In line with Government Decisions in 2011, relating to the advertising for expressions of interest in vacancies on State Boards, my Department, in conjunction with the Public Appointments Service, currently advertises for Board vacancies as they arise, where I, as Minister for Health, have nominating rights. Competencies are developed and agreed in conjunction with relevant Boards, depending on their requirements. The suitability of applicants is assessed against these criteria and a short-list is compiled from which I may make appointments. Appointments may not necessarily be from one of the applications received through the advertising process, which is also in line with the Government Decisions.

I am confident that the appointments made by me are contributing in a meaningful way to the important work undertaken by the various State bodies under the aegis of this Department.

Tourism Promotion

Questions (674)

Clare Daly

Question:

674. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps taken to seize advantage of Ireland's upcoming soccer fixtures with Sweden to expand our tourist potential and develop job creation opportunities. [2274/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The matter raised is an operational one for Tourism Ireland Limited as the body responsible for promoting the island of Ireland as a visitor destination overseas. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Driving Licence Renewals

Questions (675)

John Lyons

Question:

675. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reasons the drivers licence renewal form requests persons to provide their PPSN/RSI; if this information is deemed to be relevant to the application for a renewal of a drivers licence under the Data Protection Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2529/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As and from 12th January 2013, the Road Safety Authority has become the national driver licensing authority and has responsibility for all aspects of the service. Since 2010, driver licence application forms have required the provision of a PPSN. I understand that the purpose of requesting a PPSN is to provide a unique individual indicator for the individual in dealings with the State on a variety of issues. The RSA is one of a number of bodies permitted to request an individual's PPSN.  The RSA is of course subject to the Data Protection Act, and is on the register maintained under that Act by the Data Protection Commissioner.

Roads Maintenance

Questions (676)

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

676. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport he funding provided by his Department for road maintenance and investment in the Dublin City Council area in 2011, 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2366/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

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 initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority. Details of the funding provided to Dublin City Council in 2011 and 2012 for roads are available in the Dáil library.  I will announce the 2013 road grant allocations in due course.

Cycling Facilities

Questions (677)

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

677. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding that has been provided broken down by project towards cycling infrastructure in the Dublin city Council area in 2011, 2012 and the expected investment in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2367/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Alan Kelly)

Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, funding for delivery of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of cycle lanes in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) is a matter for the NTA. The NTA can provide details of expenditure on cycling routes in the GDA and I have asked them to forward the information to you directly. If you have not received a response within 7 days please contact me again. 

Dublin City Council was granted funding  by my Department for the development of a  premium cycle route.under a Smarter Travel Project Fund  set up in 2009  to support innovative demonstration projects that can assist in delivering the goals and vision of the Government’s Smarter Travel Policy. To date  Dublin City Council has received  approximately €5.5m in funding for the recently completed city centre elements of this route. The route runs from Portobello to the junction of Upper Sheriff Street and Seville Place and the overall design envisages a link between the Canals route on the north side of the River Liffey  and ultimately with  the Sutton to Sandycove (S2S) route. A sum of €3,694,141 was paid in 2011 with a further sum of  €132,058  paid in 2012. Investment in this project by the Department is now complete. Future investment on the expansion of the route will be managed by the NTA.

Driving Test Regulations

Questions (678)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

678. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is within the rules and regulations set down by the Road Safety Authority and his Department for a driving tester to recommend certain private driving instructors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2468/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The operation of the driver testing service is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.  I understand from the Authority that there is nothing in their rules which specifically permits or prohibits a driver tester from making a recommendation of a particular instructor.  However, the RSA have also indicated that driver testers are trained at induction stage, and again during any refresher training, not to make specific recommendations but rather to refer people to the RSA's on-line register of approved driving instructors.

Road Signage

Questions (679)

Paul Connaughton

Question:

679. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the National Roads Authority will give permission to Ballinlass/Gurteen group water scheme committee to erect town land markers on sites adjacent to the N63 road between Mountbellew and Newbridge in County Galway; if the necessary clearance will be forwarded in writing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2496/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of individual roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.

Aviation Promotion

Questions (680)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

680. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to encourage growth in the Irish aviation industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2587/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The over-arching goal of national aviation policy as outlined in my Department's Statement of Strategy 2011-2014 is to ensure that it supports Ireland's economic and social goals in a safe, competitive, cost-effective and sustainable manner and ensures maximum connectivity between Ireland and the rest of the world.

Within this context, one of my key priorities for 2013/14 is the development of a new civil aviation policy. I will shortly launch a six month consultation process. The intention is to publish a draft policy paper before the end of the year, with the final policy paper available in early 2014. 

Today, the aviation sector contributes €4.1 billion to our economy or 2.6% of our GDP and provides direct employment for over 20,000 people. Hence the importance of having a clear policy framework to facilitate continued growth of the sector. The policy will cover all aspects of the industry including airports, airlines, the aircraft maintenance sector, finance, leasing and regulation. 

In terms of connectivity, I will continue to act as a champion for improved air access to Ireland, be it increased capacity on existing routes or the development of new routes. Already there is significant success in this area with recent announcements by a number of airlines of additional services and routes into Ireland next summer.  This  is very welcome in the context of 'The Gathering Ireland 2013' .

Another key priority for me in the aviation sphere will be the successful restructuring of Shannon Airport and a return of passenger growth at the airport. The airport has already been established as an independent company and legislation to merge the airport with a restructured Shannon Development will be advanced in 2013. A key initiative for the future will be the development of an international aviation services centre in and around the airport building on a range of aviation-related activities already undertaken in Shannon such as aircraft maintenance and leasing. In this regard, the report of November last by the Aviation Business Development Task Force states that such an aviation centre could create up to 3,000-3,500 new jobs within five years.

Motor Insurance Fraud

Questions (681)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

681. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to tackle the problem of fraudulent motor insurance claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2588/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

My Department's role with regard to motor insurance is confined to the enactment of policy relating to the relevant Road Traffic Acts. I have no role in the regulation of the motor insurance industry. Motor insurance is provided as a private contract between the supplier and the customer. Any fraudulent activity by a claimant is a matter for the insurance company to investigate.

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Questions (682, 698)

Pat Deering

Question:

682. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a sporting organisation (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive official notification of their sports capital grant allocation as announced in December 2012; and when work can commence. [2607/13]

Dan Neville

Question:

698. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide this Deputy with an official confirmation letter of grant approval in respect of a club (details supplied) in County Limerick. [3009/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 682 and 698 together.

Letters notifying successful applicants of their provisional allocations under the 2012 Sports Capital Programme are issuing from my Department to the club contacts at the moment.  These letters will set out the terms and conditions that must be met prior to formal approval of the grant after which drawdown can commence.