Written Answers Nos. 658-679
658. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will not have their application for a medical card considered in view of the fact that they have already provided all the necessary information to the Health Service Executive; if the application will now be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50755/13]
View answerThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.
659. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the suicide statistics and the rate per 100,000 of population for the years 2009 to 2012, inclusive. [50763/13]
View answerNational mortality data including that relating to suicide is published by the Central Statistics Office. This data is made available on a quarterly and annual basis. The number and rate of deaths by suicide since 2009 are as follows:
|
Year |
Number |
Rate Per 100,000 population |
|
2009 |
552 |
12.2 |
|
2010 |
495 |
10.9 |
|
2011 |
554 |
12.1 |
|
*2012 |
507 |
11.1 |
* Figures for 2012 are provisional and are subject to revision.
660. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he has at any stage since 9 March 2011 sought approval from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform or the Department of Finance for any salary or remuneration package with an annual value above €145,000 to be provided to any hospital administrator or hospital group administrator; if so, the date on which the approval was sought; if and when approval was given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50777/13]
View answerOn 2 December 2011 my Department sought approval from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) for the appointment of CEOs for the Galway/Roscommon and the Mid-West Hospital Groups at salaries above €145,000. The approval of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to these arrangements was received on 13 December 2011. The posts were sanctioned on the basis of temporary transfers to fulfil significant additional managerial duties as a result of the identification of critical service difficulties in both groups of hospitals. The post in the Mid-West Hospital Group was sanctioned at HSE National Director Level 2 level. Remuneration for the Galway/Roscommon post was approved on a personal-to-holder basis and was commensurate with the existing remuneration package of the individual concerned.
These posts were filled on a temporary basis pending development of the overall plans for the establishment of a National Group Hospital structure as a transition to Independent Hospital Trusts. The Government’s plans in this regard were set out in the Report The Establishment of Hospital Groups as a transition to Independent Hospital Trusts, which was published on 14 May 2013.
In the context of correspondence regarding the establishment of revised senior management structures within the HSE, on 23 October 2012 my Department wrote to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, seeking approval for a salary of €145,959 for the Chief Executive Officers of Hospital Groups when these came to be established. Approval for this rate was granted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on 11 December, 2012. The approved rate has since been reduced, under the provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013, to €136,282. The posts of CEO for the Dublin North East, Dublin Midlands, Dublin East and South/South West Hospital groups have been advertised in recent days.
661. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent of support currently being offered in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50818/13]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Health is to ensure that those diagnosed with narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination are provided with a wide range of services and supports to meet their health needs. Both the Health Service Executive and the Department of Education and Skills, at my request, are ensuring that those affected receive tailored assistance to address their individual requirements.
The health supports include discretionary medical cards to allow unlimited access to GP care and any prescribed medication and the reimbursement on a ex-gratia basis of vouched expenses incurred in relation to diagnoses and treatment. With regard to education, the Department of Education and Skills provide supports to students on a needs basis, including home tuition, supplemental learning support/resource teaching supports and the provision of Special Needs Assistance (SNA) support if required.
The Deputy has raised a query regarding an individual case. The HSE has responsibility for the administration of treatment and delivery of services in this case. The matter has therefore been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
662. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide funding for a second catheterisation laboratory at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50820/13]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
663. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the projects or programmes within his Department or agencies under the remit of his Department that received EU funding in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50821/13]
View answerThe details requested are not readily available within my Department. The information is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible. The element of the question relating to EU funding received by the HSE has been referred to that organisation for direct reply to the Deputy.
664. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the implementation of the national diabetes integrated care package, with particular reference to the implementation of the plan on a regional basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50832/13]
View answerThe National Integrated Care Diabetes Programme aims to 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. In particular, the Programme proposes to change the way care is delivered to people with Type 2 Diabetes and to support a National Model of Integrated Care. The Model, which is evidence based and clinically acceptable, is the result of an extensive consultation process and agreed by the relevant stakeholders. The aim is to facilitate the structured care of patients with uncomplicated Type 2 Diabetes in the Primary Care setting only while patients with complicated Type 2 Diabetes will be managed by primary and secondary care services.
As part of the phased roll out of the Programme the Government approved funding for the appointment of 17 Integrated Care Diabetes Nurse Specialists (one per HSE Integrated Service Area). These Diabetes Nurse Specialists 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. Details of the filling of these posts by region are as follows:
HSE Dublin North East
1 post filled; 1 post accepted subject to Garda clearance, etc.; 1 post offered to candidate; and 1 post awaiting supplementary recruitment process.
HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster
2 posts filled; and 2 posts accepted subject to Garda clearance, etc.
HSE South
2 posts filled; 1 post accepted with start date agreed; and 1 post accepted subject to Garda clearance, etc.
HSE West
4 posts filled; and 1 post offered to candidate.
The aim is to have all 17 posts filled as soon as possible.
666. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the basis on which medical consultants require patients to provide a general practitioner referral letter in the public health system and in private practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50863/13]
View answerThis is a matter for the medical profession in the first instance. The Medical Council as regulator of the medical profession is responsible for the Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Practitioners. Section sixty of the Guide sets out best practice in patient referral and in summary states that it is in the best interests of a patient that a general practitioner supervises and guides the overall management of their health. It goes on to say that where a Consultant sees a patient in the absence of a G.P. referral letter the patient’s general practitioner should be kept informed of the patients progress, unless the patient specifically objects to this.
667. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the procedure for the approval of consultant posts in the public health system; the basis on which decisions are made in respect of geographical locations and specialties; and his views on the adequacy of the current provision. [50864/13]
View answerThe procedure for the approval of consultant posts in the public system and the determination of the number and type of appointments, are matters for the HSE. Under section 57 of the Health Act 2004, Comhairle na nOspidéal was dissolved on the Health Service Executive's establishment day, 1st January 2005, and its functions transferred to the Executive on that date. These included regulation of the number and type of appointments of consultant medical staffs. The number of consultants employed within the public health service currently stands at 2,670 (on a headcount basis). This represents a 9% increase on the equivalent figure for 2011 and is the largest number of consultants ever employed in the Irish health service. I have referred the Deputy's question to the HSE for direct reply in respect of the procedures followed by the Executive in making consultant appointments.
668. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the procedure involved for medical consultants to establish a private practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50865/13]
View answerFor a medical consultant to engage in privately remunerated professional medical/dental practice, he/she must be the holder of a Consultant Contract that permits such practice. Over 85% of consultants hold Consultant Contract 2008, Type A, B or B*. Depending on contract type, a consultant may have no access to private practice (Type A contract holders), a cap of 20% private activity for newly appointed consultants (Type B) or a cap of up to 30% in the case of certain existing consultants. A minority of consultants hold Consultants Contract 1997, Category 1, Category 2 or Geographical Wholetime without fees. Category 1 consultants are permitted to engage in private practice on-site. Type B* and Category 2 consultants may engage in private practice off-site. Holders of the 1997 contract are also subject to caps on private activity.
Under the 2008 Contract, professional medical/dental practice carried out for or on behalf of the Mental Health Commission, the Coroner, other Irish statutory bodies or medical education and training bodies, and the provision of expert medical opinion relating to insurance claims, preparation of reports for the Courts and Court attendance shall not be regarded as private practice.
670. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding was allocated in budget 2014 for a bridge project (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50629/13]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
As the Deputy will be aware, Donegal County Council applied to the Department in 2010 for funding under the Specific Improvement Grant Scheme for funds for the Cockhill Bridge Scheme. The projected cost of the project was €2.95m. Given the costs associated with the project it was not possible to approve this application and no further formal funding application has been received by my Department.
Given the need to prioritise funding for repair and strengthening works, the Specific Improvement Grants Scheme is being suspended in 2014. While provision may continue to be made for bridge repair and rehabilitation works I understand that the Cockhill Bridge proposal as submitted in 2010 would be outside the scope of such works as it involves major widening works. It is important to reiterate that the role of the Exchequer grant aid is to supplement Councils' own resource spending on regional and local roads. I will announce the 2014 regional and local road grant allocations early in 2014.
671. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the value of services provided to the public by his Department and entities reporting to his Department where a payment is accepted by debit or credit card; the percentage of additional charge that is applied to such transactions under the merchant agreement; the total value of the additional charge in respect of debit and credit cards in 2012; if any portion of the additional charge accrued to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50142/13]
View answerThere are currently two areas of my Department which accept payment for services by credit or Debit card, these being the Driver and Vehicle Computer services division and the Mercantile Marine Office. The Driver and Vehicle Computer Services Division of the Department processed in excess of 2.56 million motor tax applications with a value of €533 million in 2012, through the online motor tax website, www.motortax.ie, these fees were then paid into the Local Government Fund. This represented 50% of overall motor tax receipts.
Under the merchant agreement, an average financial charge of 1% of the tax payment is applied to payments made through credit cards, while debit card payments are charged a flat fee of 23 cent each, irrespective of the value of the transaction. The total value of these charges in 2012 was €3.07 million. These charges, along with all charges incurred by the Department in collecting motor tax, are refunded to the Department from the Local Government Fund.
The Mercantile Marine Office (MMO) accepts payments by debit and credit card (and by other methods of payment) for services provided under the Merchant Shipping and Wireless Telegraphy Acts. The total fee revenue transferred to the Exchequer in 2012 was €500,000, of which €169,053.43 related to debit and credit card transactions. The financial charges involved vary for different credit and debit cards. For base card charges, the charges vary from 1.154% to 1.754% or a per transaction charge of between 16 cent and 21 cent. Premium cards incur an additional charge of 0.6%. The MMO does not pass on the cost of debit and credit card transactions to the public. The Road Transport Operator Licensing Unit of the Department is also preparing to introduce electronic payments by debit or credit card in the near future.
The charges incurred by the agencies under the Department's responsibility are a matter for the agencies themselves and I am forwarding the Deputy's question to them for a direct response to him. If the Deputy does not receive a response within ten working days, he should please contact my private office. It is important to note that while there are costs associated with payments through debit/credit cards, there are also significant costs for the Department and members of the public when paying through cash.
672. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) in County Kerry regarding the use of satellite navigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50175/13]
View answerThere is at present no legislation governing this area from a road safety perspective and none is proposed. If the Deputy has a proposal for legislation in this area, I would be happy to consider it.
673. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if rubber pads could be inserted alongside the railway tracks at Minish, Killarney, similar to the practice in Dublin, in order to reduce the rocking caused to cars and trucks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50180/13]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnrod Eireann. Noting this I have referred the Deputy’s question to Iarnrod Eireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
674. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the surplus funds the Road Safety Authority has to hand; its need for this funding; the plans in respect of the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50314/13]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) reported a surplus of €2.117 million in its Annual Report 2012. The RSA has statutory responsibility for driver testing, driver licensing, commercial vehicle roadworthiness testing and the National Car Testing Service (NCT) as well as road safety research and education. Since its establishment in 2001, the Authority has been funded through a combination of Exchequer funds and revenue provided from its activities, such as the NCT. Its dependence on Exchequer funds has reduced over the years and, in 2013, only 12% of overall income comes from the Exchequer. It is my aim to make the RSA self funding at the earliest possible date.
As part of the Service Level Agreement between my Department and the RSA, the Authority's capital programme requirements for 2013 was agreed at €22.5 million. Under the terms of the Agreement, if the Authority exceeds its revenue reserve threshold of €22.5 million, an equivalent adjustment will be made in the amount drawn down from the Exchequer. My Department is currently engaged with the RSA in a review of the Authority and its future direction and funding streams.
675. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the National Roads Authority will conduct a noise pollution test on a house (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50339/13]
View answerAs 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 do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
676. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to promote the tourism potential of counties Longford and Westmeath, particularly its rivers, lakes and canals as a tourist destination for foreign visitors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50374/13]
View answerThe 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, working with Fáilte Ireland as appropriate in relation to particular products and niches. 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.
677. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the process for acquiring a taxi licence for Dublin Airport; the specific criteria that apply; the number of such licences that have been newly allocated in 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50404/13]
View answerThe process to obtain a permit to operate a taxi from Dublin Airport is the responsibility of the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA). I have referred your correspondence to the DAA for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not get a reply within ten working days.
678. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is taking regarding bridge strikes to ensure that disruption caused by these incidents is kept to a minimum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50407/13]
View answer679. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of communication he has had with the Irish road haulage industry regarding bridge strikes and the importance of respecting bridge height warnings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50409/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 678 and 679 together.
Bridge strikes are a matter for the owner of the bridge and for Road Authorities i.e. the National Roads Authority and the Local Authorities. Most bridge strikes occur on rail over road bridges which are owned by Irish Rail. The impact of bridge strikes has been raised with road haulage representative bodies in the context of the recent termination of the derogation on vehicle heights. The Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations, 2008 provide that with effect from November 1st, 2013 the maximum operating height for all vehicles in Ireland is 4.65 metres unless otherwise permitted by law. Furthermore, road traffic legislation provides that bridge strikes incur a mandatory court appearance and on summary conviction a person is liable to a fine not exceeding €5,000 and three penalty points. Where the offence is tried on indictment a person convicted of the offence is liable to a fine not exceeding €50,000 and a term of imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or both may be imposed.
I have referred your correspondence to Irish Rail and the National Roads Authority for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
