Wednesday, 20 Mar 2013

Written Answers Nos. 551-568

Services for People with Disabilities

Questions (551)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

551. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which intensive or any research continues to be conducted here with a view to a determination of the cause or causes of Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome or similar conditions; the extent to which comparisons have been made with other European countries in respect of determination of the origins, whether genetic or otherwise; and the degree to which the number of cases reported in this country compares with the averages in other European countries. [14014/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Department of Health does not collect information on children identified with Autism and Asperger's on a national or international basis. Information pertaining to diagnosis is specifically excluded from the National Intellectual Disability Database as the database is not designed as a medical epidemiological tool. Accordingly the database does not record the incidence of Autism or any other disability.

The 2011 National Council for Special Education (NCSE) study on prevalence of special educational needs in Ireland (A Study on the Prevalence of Special Educational Needs, Joanne Banks and Selina McCoy, Economic and Social Research Institute) includes autism and estimates that prevalence for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is 1 in 100.

In 2004, the Department of Health provided funding for research into autism through the HRB as part of the Autism Genome Project - a collaboration of autism researchers internationally aimed at understanding susceptibility to ASD, to pave the way towards the development of better diagnostics and treatments. The research groups for this work were based in Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. The second phase of the program (2007-2011) was recently completed. This research investigated the genetic risk factors in ASD by pooling DNA obtained from a large international sample of individuals and their families, including many Irish families. Genetic screening was then employed to identify (i) genetic variants that might increase the risk of autism and (ii) structural changes in the DNA of people with autism. In parallel, complete clinical information was gathered on participants and the clinical and genetic information was combined in the analysis.

The main outcome showed that although ASDs have a substantial genetic basis, most of the known genetic risk has been traced to rare structural gene variants. These gene variants were both de novo (arising for the first time in individuals) or inherited, implicating many novel ASD genes and genes involved in neurodevelopment. The results of this research revealed many new genetic and functional targets in ASD, that has increased the understanding of the causes of ASD and will inform future therapeutic approaches. The key research findings were published in the prestigious international science journal Nature.

Medical Research

Questions (552)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

552. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the full extent of any research on-going in relation to the various life-threatening illnesses currently affecting the broadest age profile of the population, children and adults of all ages; the degree to which the origins of such conditions continue to be monitored; the number of incidents compared with those in other jurisdictions throughout Europe; the extent to which any information can be obtained to ascertain the reason for higher or lower level of conditions in particular regions, nationally and overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14015/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The principal life-threatening illnesses fall into the categories of diseases of the circulatory system and malignant neoplasms. Taken together these two areas of disease account for over 60% of deaths each year in Ireland. Extensive research into these and other significant causes of both morbidity and mortality continues to be conducted internationally and within Ireland.

Monitoring of population health takes place at a number of levels - nationally, at EU level, and internationally. This includes vital statistics on causes of death, notification of infectious diseases, disease registers, data on hospital discharges, and population-based health survey data. The reasons for higher or lower prevalence and/or mortality by region and across countries can vary according to the condition and can be due to a range of factors. These may include lifestyle determinants, genetic variables, socio-economic factors, demographic variations and a number of other potential explanatory variables. Much of the public health research into major causes of morbidity and mortality is devoted to increasing our understanding of these underlying causes to improve both treatment and prevention.

Health research projects in Ireland, including those related to principal life-threatening illnesses, can take place in many fora including Universities, hospitals and research projects funded by my Department through the Health Research Board etc. Information on these research projects is not readily available in my Department.

Professional Qualifications

Questions (553)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

553. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of doctors that have graduated in each of the past five years to date; the number of such places required throughout the public health sector in each year; the number of places filled by Irish graduates; the extent to which any shortfall was filled or is being filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14009/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Higher Education Authority has advised that the total number of medical graduates for the period 2007 to 2011, the latest year available, is as follows: -

2007 - 725

2008 - 680

2009- 693

2010 - 780

2011 - 738

The intern year is the first year of postgraduate medical training and a medical practitioner cannot be fully accredited without successfully completing it.Under the provisions of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 it is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) to assess, on an annual basis, the number of intern training posts required by the health service. My Department is in regular contact with the HSE in relation to the issue of intern places with the aim, in so far as is possible, of providing a sufficient number of intern places for Irish/EU graduates from Irish medical schools.

There are 639 intern posts available for the July 2013 intake. Information regarding the nationality of post holders is collated on an EEA / non-EEA basis. To date, all intern posts have been filled each year with no shortfalls. Furthermore, all EEA graduates from Irish medical schools, who sought an intern post and who met the eligibility requirements, were accommodated. The HSE remain confident that this year will be no exception.

Care of the Elderly

Questions (554)

Clare Daly

Question:

554. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his plans for funding the development of elder care in the public health system; and his plans for funding elder care of public patients in for- profit nursing homes (details supplied). [14016/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

This Government is committed to enhancing the quality of life of older people, maintaining their full potential, supporting them in their homes and communities, providing access to respite care and day care and, when required, providing access to quality long-term residential care. This commitment is reflected in both the HSE's National Service Plan 2013 and the National Operational Plan 2013 which set the following service targets for this year:

Service	Expected Activity 2013
Home Care Packages	10,870
New Home Care Package Clients	4,800
Home Help Hours	10.3m
No. of people in receipt of Home Help hours	50,002
No. of Day Care places	21,460
No. of people funded under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme	22,761
No. of new Elder Abuse referrals	2,640

It should be noted that these targets are either the same as, or greater than, the level of service provided in 2012.

With regard to residential services for older people, both myself and my colleague, Minister Reilly are committed to the provision of a quality public nursing home service, underpinned by a system of registration and inspection. The Nursing Homes Support Scheme provides financial support to 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, with a budget of almost €1 billion, financial support was provided to over 22,000 people in nursing homes.

Nurses Registration

Questions (555)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

555. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent of the requirement of nurses throughout the public health sector through each of the past five years to date; the extent to which this requirement is being met; if the public service recruitment embargo has created any particular problems in meeting requirements to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14010/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Croke Park Agreement has been crucial to the health service’s ability to manage through the very difficult circumstances of recent years. The flexibility and adaptability shown by staff has meant that even with reducing staff numbers, service levels have largely been maintained and indeed performance in relation to certain key indicators, for example Emergency Departments and hospital waiting lists, has improved. Where critical service needs are concerned, limited recruitment of key staff has taken place.

The HSE National Service Plan for 2013 provides for implementation of a focussed approach to the management of the staffing resource in order to deliver the service objectives of the plan, while controlling payroll and related costs. Objectives to be advanced include: Specific priority work practice changes for identified health disciplines; Systematic reviews of rosters, skill mix and staffing levels; Increased use of re-deployment; and Further productivity increases.

The number (WTE excluding career break) of nurses employed in the public health service for each year from end-2008 to end-2012 is as follows:

2008 - 38,108

2009 - 37,466

2010 - 36,503

2011 - 35,902

2012 - 34,637

Drug Treatment Programmes Funding

Questions (556)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

556. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that funding is given immediately to the new South East Fingal Drugs and Alcohol Project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13986/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

On 7 January last, my Department received a proposal from the Howth Sutton Community Council for funding to establish a drugs and alcohol prevention project in South East Fingal, which would serve communities in Baldoyle, Bayside, Sutton and Howth.

The Deputy will be aware that Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces play a key role in assessing the nature of the drug problem in their areas and coordinating action at local level so that there is a targeted response to the drug problem in local communities. It is a matter for each Drugs Task Force to decide which projects to support based on agreed priorities for their area within the overall budget available to them. I have been in contact with Howth Sutton Community Council and have advised them to submit their proposal to Dublin North East Local Drugs Task Force for consideration. My Department will consider the proposal if it is recommended by the Task Force.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (557)

Tom Fleming

Question:

557. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14018/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Hospital Staff

Questions (558)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

558. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which nursing, medical, consultant or non-consultant posts have been met in line with requirements throughout the public health sector in each of the past three years to date; the area or areas, if any, in respect of which any particular problems have arisen; his plans for resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14011/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In this regard my Department has asked the Executive to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply directly to him.

Action Plan for Jobs

Questions (559)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

559. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the fact that the Action Plan for Jobs 2013 quotes that the air transport industry directly employs 26,000 persons, if he will provide details of the levels of employment in each sector of the air transport industry, the geographic spread of these jobs and the number employed in each airport. [13655/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Action Plan for Jobs 2013 refers to a report by Oxford Economics which quotes an estimate of 26,000 directly employed in the air transport industry in Ireland. That report provides a limited breakdown of this figure stating that airlines registered in Ireland directly employ 10,000 people and that aviation ground-based infrastructure employs 16,000 people. (The report categorises ground-based infrastructure as including facilities serving passengers such as baggage handling, ticketing, retail and catering, air navigation, etc).

In 2012 the number of people employed directly at the three State airports totalled 2,414 full-time equivalents.

The Oxford Economics report can be accessed on http://www.benefitsofaviation.aero/Documents/Benefits-of-Aviation-Ireland-2011.pdf

Rail Services

Questions (560)

Dessie Ellis

Question:

560. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for decreasing the length of DARTs being run at peak hours resulting in services at rush hour periods being cramped to a very uncomfortable and possibly unsafe degree. [14099/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród  Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA) 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 (561)

Dessie Ellis

Question:

561. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if taxi drivers will be able to apply decal branding to their taxis which is bilingual; or if they will be able to affix one in English and one in Irish on either side. [14100/13]

Written answers

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

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including issues related to taxi branding, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009.   

I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days. 

Driving Licences

Questions (562, 563, 564, 569, 575, 578)

Gerry Adams

Question:

562. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the Road Safety Authority review process will be complete in order to ascertain if there is a role for scanned photographs with the SAFE2 process. [14135/13]

Gerry Adams

Question:

563. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the serious threat facing the professional printed photo ID market with the introduction of the new driving licences; the reason the Road Safety Authority did not allow private operators the opportunity to tender for this process; the steps he will take to preserve jobs in this industry; if he will consider delivering a policy of coexistence between SGS and the professional printed photo ID industry in order that they can both survive and grow their respective businesses. [14137/13]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

564. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding photographic identification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14194/13]

Jack Wall

Question:

569. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a submission regarding photograph ID on driving licences; his plans to address the position as outlined to protect the employment within the companies involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13645/13]

Nicky McFadden

Question:

575. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a review of the proposed process to transfer responsibility of processing of all driving licence applications to SGS will take place to investigate the role for scanned photographs within the SAFE2 process; if the photography industry can co-exist with SGS as part of the new driving licence procedure in order to protect the welfare of the photo ID industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13903/13]

Brendan Smith

Question:

578. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will give further consideration to the request of Retail Excellence Ireland in relation to the restrictive award of Photographic ID Services for driving licences; if he will review this decision as requested by Retail Excellence Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14354/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 562 to 564, inclusive, 569, 575 and 578 together.

The Government decided in 2011 to centralise driver licence provision, following an examination of the options for driver licensing which found that a centralised system would offer enhanced security and consistency, and be more efficient and cost-effective. The Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Act 2012 provides for the RSA to become the central driver licensing authority in Ireland.  This came into effect on 12 January 2013.   

The new system involves three outsourced elements, a card production facility, a front office for engaging with the customer, and a back office to process applications.  All three are overseen by a ‘centre of excellence’ based in the RSA itself.   The card licence is standardised across the European Union and therefore there must be consistency in the quality and standard of information used.  The photograph will be digital and will not be stuck onto the card in the way it was on the old paper licence.  The capture of the photograph is included in the fee for the licence. As the system develops, the SAFE2 ID standard will be implemented, at which point the only option will be the digital photo taken at the Front Office Network.  

The operation of the tender processes for the outsourced elements was a matter for the RSA, I had no power to intervene in it, and the contractors have already been procured.

Local Improvements Scheme

Questions (565)

Brendan Smith

Question:

565. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has allocated any specific funding to any local authority for 2013 in respect of the local improvement scheme; if so, the amount of funding allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14236/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

This year, local authorities are permitted to use up to 7% of their Discretionary Grant (as notified in January 2013) for works under the Local Improvement Scheme should they wish to do so. As a result, the Local Improvement Scheme has been suspended for 2013.

Rail Services

Questions (566)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

566. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will direct Iarnród Éireann to immediately add carriages to the Dublin to Westport / Ballina train service to address the regular overcrowding on the train which is a health and safety concern and to improve the service particularly in this year of The Gathering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14238/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA) 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.

Road Toll Operators

Questions (567, 568)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

567. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost to the State of the traffic guarantees provided for the Limerick tunnel scheme; the estimated cost in 2013, 2014 and 2015 of the traffic guarantee based on no traffic growth on existing levels, 1% traffic growth, 2% traffic growth, 3% traffic growth and 4% traffic growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13629/13]

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

568. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost to the State of the traffic guarantees provided for the M3 scheme; the estimated cost in 2013, 2014 and 2015 of the traffic guarantee based on no traffic growth on existing levels;1% traffic growth, 2% traffic growth, 3% traffic growth and 4% traffic growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13630/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 567 and 568 together.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects 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.