Written Answers Nos. 211-218
211. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps she is taking to protect, enhance and develop youth work services, in particular those run by Foróige in Waterford city and county; if she will commit to ringfencing the funding these services receive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26279/13]
View answerThe Youth Affairs Unit of my Department provides a range of funding schemes, programmes and supports to the youth sector. Funding of some €53.498m is available in 2013 to support the provision of youth services and programmes to young people throughout the country including those from disadvantaged communities. Targeted supports for disadvantaged, marginalised and at risk young people are provided through the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund Rounds 1 and 2 and Local Drugs Task Force Projects.
Foróige provides a comprehensive range of youth work services through the operation of Foróige Clubs and Youth Development Projects. There are two Foróige projects in Waterford City and these are the Ferrybank Youth Project funded under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme and Ferrybank Drug Prevention Project and Outreach Service funded under the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund (Round 2) A total of €179,666 has been allocated to these projects in 2013.
Having regard to the savings requirements identified in the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure which amount to €5.393m in 2013, my Department has tried to ensure that in the determination process for the allocations the front line youth services, particularly those for the most vulnerable young people are protected as far as is possible from the impact of any necessary reductions in funding.
There is no doubt that the current budgetary situation is challenging for many organisations. In considering how best to manage within the allocations available organisations are being asked to consider the scope for reducing administration costs and other overheads and to work closely with their local VEC that administers the funding on behalf of my Department, in order to maintain the front line services for young people particularly for those young people who may be disadvantaged.
My Department is developing a new youth policy framework for publication later this year. The new youth policy framework will aim to enhance the provision of youth services and activities and it will, inter alia, promote co-ordination between government departments and youth sector organisations with a view to maximising the effectiveness of the State funding available to support services for young people in future years.
212. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the possible closure of two schools (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will have the decisions to close the schools urgently reviewed. [25962/13]
View answer213. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health with reference to transition of children with intellectual disabilities into mainstream pre-school settings, if he will conduct a review on a case-by-case basis of pertinent decisions that impact directly on specific special needs pre-schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26089/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 213 together.
I am having enquiries made of the HSE in relation to these matters and I will be in further communication with the Deputies.
214. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the implementation plan for the national neurorehabilitation strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25974/13]
View answer235. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health when he expects to implement a national neurorehabilitation strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26029/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 235 together.
The Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE) have developed and published the "National Policy and Strategy for the provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011 - 2015". In addition, the HSE is developing its Rehabilitation Medicine Programme within the Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate. The Report is the overarching policy on neuro-rehabilitation services and includes proposals for a framework for the future of neuro-rehabilitation services in Ireland, including key elements such as
- guiding principles;
- implementation structure;
- methodology for implementation; and
- information and communication.
The Report recognises that given the current economic climate, the focus in the short to medium term has to be on re-configuration of services, structures and resources and the enhancement of the skills and competencies required to meet the changing context.
The key priority areas, as identified in the HSE's National Operational Plan for 2013 are to:
- Map and develop Integrated Service Area level rehabilitation networks;
- Implement the model of care for rehabilitation services within the networks with a focus on community rehabilitation.
An implementation plan beyond the overall operational plan commitments would not be beneficial, as the work involved to progress networks and teams will require to be flexible and responsive to the areas identified and to their specific service profiles.
The Rehabilitation Medicine Programme has been working in collaboration with the National Disability Unit as part of an expert Working Group planning for the implementation of the Report. The Rehabilitation Medicine Programme has incorporated key elements of the Report into its own Model of Care and adopted the Strategy's recommendation of "hub and spoke" model for specialist rehabilitation services and is keen to progress with a comprehensive model for the continuation of such service into the community. This co-operation will continue in 2013.
215. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the services available here to sufferers of Ehler’s Danlos syndrome; if he has considered the provision of a range of specialised treatments (details supplied) to EDS patients such as those that are available in locations in the UK for sufferers of rare connective tissue disorders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25975/13]
View answerEhler's Danlos syndrome is a genetic connective tissue disorder which affects the joints, skin and blood vessels. Diagnostic tests typically include genetic testing, skin biopsies, cardiac evaluation and other biochemical tests. The treatments available include medical treatments to reduce complications from the condition and sometimes surgery for joint instability. My Department is developing a rare disease plan which is dealing with the information requirements, research strategies, diagnosis management and support for patients with rare diseases. This plan will be finalised later this year.
In relation to the services currently available to sufferers of Ehler's Danlos syndrome this is a operational matter and I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on this aspect of the question.
216. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health his plans to improve the services for diabetes patients receiving treatment in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25984/13]
View answerThe National Integrated Care Diabetes Programme is being implemented on a phased basis. The programme will improve patient access and manage patient care in an integrated manner across service settings, resulting in better outcomes, enhanced clinical decision making and the most effective use of resources.
The Government has approved funding for the appointment of 17 Integrated Care Diabetes Nurse Specialists (one per HSE Integrated Service Area) to support the phased roll out of the programme. These Diabetes Nurse Specialists will work 1 day per week in a hospital setting and 4 days per week in primary care. They will play a key role in the development of clinically sound collaborative links between primary care and secondary care providers and will also be an essential resource in empowering patients to achieve optimum diabetes control. It is anticipated that all 17 positions will be filled soon. Funding has also been secured to appoint 16 podiatrists and a number of these posts have been filled. Recruitment for the remaining posts is underway and the aim is to have them filled as soon as possible in 2013.
In relation to the other issues raised by the Deputy, including the filling of Diabetes posts in specific areas, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
217. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the length of time it currently takes for medical card appeals to be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25988/13]
View answerI have asked the Health Service Executive for a report on the issue raised by the Deputy. I will revert to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.
218. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the vacancies there are currently in the child and adolescent mental health services in County Louth. [25994/13]
View answerAs this is a service matter this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
