Written Answers Nos. 203-208
203. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway was declined orthodontic treatment at Merlin Park Hospital, Galway; if this decision will be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5889/14]
View answerThe HSE provides orthodontic treatment to patients based on their level of clinical need. An individual's access to orthodontic treatment is determined against a set of clinical guidelines and priority is given to patients with greatest needs. The HSE has been asked to examine the specific query raised by the Deputy and to reply to him as soon as possible.
204. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular format the number of public patients for whom private treatment was procured in 2013; the hospitals-clinics where such procedures were procured; the expenditure incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5891/14]
View answerIn relation to the detailed information requested by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.
205. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a bus shelter (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5728/14]
View answerIn accordance with the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 (Public Service Contracts) (Commencement) Order 2013, which came into effect on 1st January 2014, the functions of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in relation to public transport infrastructure have been extended to include securing or providing bus stops, bus shelters, bus stations, stands and bus fleets in the State.
Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
206. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update in relation to the discussions between the Road Safety Authority and the individual provinces in Canada with a view to reaching agreement on plans to harmonise the driving licence regime between the two countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5762/14]
View answerNegotiations with the Canadian provinces on mutual recognition of diving licences are being dealt with by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), which has statutory responsibility for driver licensing in Ireland.
I understand from the RSA that agreement is close with Manitoba, Ontario and Newfoundland. It was decided at an early stage to prioritise Ontario due to the large number of Irish residents there. When agreement is reached, the RSA will conclude formal agreements, in the form of Memoranda of Understanding, with each of those Provinces. I shall then introduce regulations to give effect to the changes.
207. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the delays in issuing driver licences by the National Driver Licence Service; the steps that are being taken to alleviate this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5787/14]
View answerThe National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The RSA acknowledged that there were teething problems when the service opened for business on 29 October 2013. Some were technical and systems issues, while others related to new staff becoming familiar with rules and processes around driving licences and permits.
The RSA has responded by increasing resources in NDLS centres experiencing delays, as well as in the licence processing centre, and providing further training to staff. There are no major technical difficulties now affecting the service. A booking system to allow for customers to make appointments has been operating in a Pilot Phase which was successful. This system will now be provided in all NDLS offices.
While I understand that there are still some backlogs in relation to applications, the situation has improved. I have been informed that licence applications that are fully and correctly completed are being issued in a much improved timeframe, and work is continuing to achieve the eight day turn around target. The RSA has assured me that the remaining backlog will be cleared in the shortest possible timeframe. The NDLS can also respond to urgent situations where a licence is needed for travel abroad or for work purposes. I understand that the NDLS has advised the Gardaí of the delays with issuing some licences.
