Written Answers Nos. 252-260
252. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the reason that there is no orthopaedic paediatric surgeon currently employed in the Lourdes Hospital Drogheda, County Louth; if he will confirm if the position has been advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17993/13]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.
253. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the number of children who are on the waiting list for orthopaediatric surgery in the Louth area at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17994/13]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.
254. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the new emergency monitoring units for epilepsy at Cork University Hospital and at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; when these units will be open and be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17995/13]
View answerI would like to advise the Deputy that the majority of patients with epilepsy do not require epilepsy monitoring and have their care needs met through other services, including the recently established Rapid Access Clinics, one of which is located in Beaumont Hospital.
Nevertheless, the development of these Units is a priority for the National Clinical Care Programme for Epilepsy. When they are open they will increase pre-surgical evaluation capacity. The staffing required for these units – which will deliver care on a 24/7 basis – to open safely has been identified and recruitment is ongoing.
In Beaumont, the 2 neurophysiology technicians are in post and the consultant post is due to commence in the summer months. The contracts for nursing personnel – a key element to enable phased opening – have been issued. An opening date will be finalised when this recruitment has been completed.
In relation to CUH, the Unit there remains on schedule for opening in the third quarter of this year. Approval to recruit the seven posts required – 5 nurses and 2 neurophysiology technicians – has been received and the recruitment process has commenced.
255. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 283 of 27 March 2013 (details supplied) if he will explain the way in which this will operate in the context of his commitment to introduce free general practitioner care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17999/13]
View answerThe Government is embarking on a major reform programme for the health system, the aim of which is to deliver a single-tier health service, supported by universal health insurance (UHI), where access is based on need, not on income.
In order to prepare for the introduction of UHI, a number of key building blocks must be put in place. These include the significant strengthening of primary care with the introduction, on a phased basis, of GP care without fees for the whole population. As part of the first phase of free GP care, legislation is currently being drafted by the Office of the Attorney General and the Department. The legislation will be published when it is completed, with implementation dates and application details to be announced once it is in place.
The subsequent introduction of UHI will see the whole population continue to enjoy access to GP care without fees. Under UHI, everyone will be insured and will have equal access to a standard package of primary and acute hospital services, including acute mental health services. The purchasing of healthcare will be largely devolved to health insurers who will commission care for their members and who will have a duty to use this purchasing role to ensure the provision of quality, continuous care across settings. In addition, a new Insurance Fund will have a central strategic role, directly financing and centrally controlling some healthcare costs, and working with health insurers to support the delivery of high quality, integrated care.
256. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he has had with Fáilte Ireland in relation to possible redundancies at a golf club (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17791/13]
View answerI have not had any discussions with Fáilte Ireland in relation to the company.
The golf club in question is a limited company and the management of its staff and resources is an operational matter for the company and its directors.
257. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the group examining the future of Ireland West Airport Knock has been established; the membership of same; the terms of reference of same; the deadline for submission of its report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17790/13]
View answerI can confirm that the Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) Study Group has been established and that the first meeting of the Group has recently taken place.
The Group is chaired by Deputy John O'Mahony and its membership comprises representatives of Knock Airport , Mayo County Council, the local Business and Tourism sectors and the Departments of Transport, Tourism & Sport; Finance, Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Enterprise Ireland. While the terms of reference have been broadly agreed, they have yet to be formally adopted by the Group.
I understand that good progress was made at the first meeting of the Group but it is recognised that a substantial body of work needs to be carried out before the Group can complete its report. It is expected that a significant element of this work will be completed by Summer 2013.
258. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm that Shannon Development will no longer be running the Tourist Office at Birr Civic Offices, County Offaly; if he will further confirm who will take over the running of this office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17873/13]
View answerI can advise that the tourism functions and associated staff of the Shannon Free Airport Development Company (SFADCo) are in the process of being transferred to Fáilte Ireland. In keeping with this transfer of functions, the management of the Tourism Information Offices in the region will become an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland and I have referred the Deputy's Question to them for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
259. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the renewal of a driving licence in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; if he will also outline the position regarding the renewal of driving licences for persons aged over 70; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17940/13]
View answerAs of the start of this year, I introduced a new fee structure for driving licences and learner permits. I did this in the context of the transition to a centralised driver licensing system under the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and to a plastic card format driving licence, as well as in light of the fact that the fees had remained unchanged since 2001.
Individuals up to the age of 60 may apply for a ten year licence at a cost of €55. From age 60, a licence is issued which is valid until the individual reaches the age of 70. This also costs €55. Individuals aged 67-69 may receive a three year licence at a cost of €35.
No fee is charged for the renewal of a driving licence over the age of 70.
260. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to recognise darts as a sport; the efforts being made to make this happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17957/13]
View answerThe Irish Sports Council, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport. The Council has responsibility for the recognition, for purposes of funding or for any other reason, of any sporting or recreational activity, including dealing with sporting organisations and allocation of funding to same.
The question raised by the Deputy is a matter for the Irish Sports Council and I have referred the question to them for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days.
