Thursday, 5 Jun 2014

Written Answers Nos. 91-112

Garda Communications

Questions (91)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

91. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the PULSE electronic database used by An Garda Síochána contains a tracking function which displays the name or identifier of each user who accesses or makes alterations to data on the system, and the date and time in each case; if not, the reason for same; if the original design of the database contained this feature and if so, the reason it was removed and the person who requested it to be removed; if there is presently any method of tracking users in this manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24000/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed by the Garda authorities that auditing of all updates to the PULSE computer system has been in place since PULSE was first implemented. The audit record includes the date and time when the update on the system took place and contains details of the user signed onto the system at that time. Auditing of PULSE enquiries against core items of interest, such as persons and vehicles, has also been in place since the system was first implemented. Enquiry audit was expanded to include all areas of the system during 2009 and 2010.

Audit records are written at the time the associated transaction took place. These audit records can only be accessed centrally and are not available or visible to the general user population.

Information and Communications Technology

Questions (92)

Gerald Nash

Question:

92. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form amounts invoiced, allocated or assigned by her Department to other public bodies and agencies for information communication and technology services for each year from 2010 to 2013 inclusive, along with amounts of any relevant cost drivers for these charges, such as numbers of users or storage capacity used or similar, and amounts paid by public bodies and agencies, either to his Department or to ICT providers, each year for these services. [24032/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:

Year	Other Department/Public Body	Service/Cost Driver	Amount
2010	Dept. Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs	Managed Service Support on per user basis (user nos. varied from 150 to 171) + database project	€224,212.55
-	National Museum of Ireland	Financial Shared Services annual licensing for provision of Oracle system	€28,595.95
-	Dept. Arts, Sport and Tourism	Financial Shared Services - additional licensing for provision of Oracle system	€11,225.85
-	Total		€264,034.35
2011	Dept. Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs	Managed Service Support on per user basis (user nos. 144-151) for 3 months + project charge for subsequent Dept. reorganisation	€104,800.24
-	National Museum of Ireland	Financial Shared Services annual licensing for provision of Oracle system	€34,454.46
-	Dept. Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht	Financial Shared Services IT provision - once-off Dept. reorganisation + licensing for provision of Oracle system	€112,272.01
-	Total		€251,526.71
2012	Dept. Children and Youth Affairs	Managed Service Support + infrastructure and security upgrade to Children's Detention Centres	€24,292.01
-	National Museum of Ireland	Financial Shared Services annual licensing for provision of Oracle system	€27,321.25
-	Dept. Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht	Financial Shared Services - additional licensing for provision of Oracle system	€36,020.85
-	Total		€87,634.11
2013	Dept. Children and Youth Affairs	Managed Service Support + backup maintenance service to Children's Detention Centres	€34,245.11
-	National Museum of Ireland	Financial Shared Services annual licensing for provision of Oracle system	€28,140.89
-	Dept. Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht	Financial Shared Services - additional licensing for provision of Oracle system	€14,748.00
-	Dept. Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation	Managed Service Support to Equality Tribunal on per user basis (30 users)	€63,774.66
-	Total		€140,908.66

Firearms Licences

Questions (93)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

93. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason members of the public apply who for firearms licences are not issued with receipts from a garda or superintendent; if she sees merit in changing this policy to ensure that there will be no confusion regarding lost documents in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24058/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I can inform the Deputy that an application for a firearms certificate is forwarded to the local Garda station of the applicant. Details of the application are then entered onto the Garda PULSE system, after which a letter of receipt of the application is automatically printed and then posted to the applicant from the local District Office. This letter of receipt is signed by the issuing person.

The issue of a receipt at the time of lodging an application for a firearms certificate (rather than at the time details of the application are entered onto the PULSE system) is one of a number of issues in relation to the firearms licensing system which has been raised by a coalition of "shooting" interest groups. It is being considered as part of a joint review of firearms licensing being carried out by my Department and An Garda Síochána.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (94)

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

94. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23981/14]

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.

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.

Primary Medical Certificates Applications

Questions (95)

Derek Keating

Question:

95. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange for the issuing of a primary medical certificate in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23982/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Card Eligibility

Questions (96)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

96. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health his plans to realise an amendment to the Health Act of 1970 that will legally entitle any child diagnosed with a serious illness or congenital condition to a full medical card for the duration of their illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23983/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Cabinet Committee on Health met last week and decided to develop the policy framework governing eligibility in a manner that will also take account of medical conditions. The process will include the development of a new legislative framework, as necessary. The HSE will establish an expert panel to examine the range of conditions that should be brought into consideration.

Hospital Services

Questions (97)

Ciara Conway

Question:

97. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health when Waterford University Hospital will have a full 24-7 cardiology service; if he will confirm that the required expertise will be on hand at all times and that budgets exist to provide a full support staff, nursing staff, NCHDs and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23984/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In relation to the detailed queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Motorised Transport Grant Data

Questions (98, 99, 100, 101)

Noel Harrington

Question:

98. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Health the position regarding reform of the mobility allowance; when he will be in a position to introduce legislation to regularise the scheme to allow his Department to accept new applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23992/14]

Noel Harrington

Question:

99. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Health the position regarding reform of the motorised transport grant; when he will be in a position to introduce legislation to regularise the scheme to allow his Department to accept new applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23993/14]

Noel Harrington

Question:

100. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Health in respect of the mobility allowance scheme, the number of persons in receipt of the allowance in January 2013, March 2013, June 2013, October 2013, January 2014, March 2014 and June 2014; the number of persons he expects to apply once the scheme is reopened to accept new applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23994/14]

Noel Harrington

Question:

101. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Health in respect of the motorised transport grant scheme, the number of persons in receipt of the grant in January 2013, March 2013, June 2013, October 2013, January 2014, March 2014 and June 2014; the number of persons he expects to apply once the scheme is reopened to accept new applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23995/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 to 101, inclusive, together.

Conscious of the reports of the Ombudsman regarding the legal status of the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant Schemes in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes to new applications on 26th February 2013. Following the work of the Review Group on Transport Supports for People with Disabilities and the Inter-Departmental Group tasked by Government to consider details of a statutory replacement for the discontinued schemes, the Government decided in November 2013, that the preparatory work required for a new travel subsidy scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. Work is ongoing on the policy proposals to be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation for a new scheme.

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of people in receipt of both payments is not available in the format requested. However, the Health Service Executive continues to make payment to the 4,700 people who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance payment in February 2013.

The Motorised Transport Grant was a single payment payable once in any three year period and was made to approximately 300 people each year. As the Motorised Transport Grant scheme was closed in February 2013, no payments have been made since then.

Given that decisions around eligibility criteria and means testing have yet to be made in relation to any new scheme, it is not possible to provide an estimation of the number of people possibly waiting to apply for any new scheme.

Ambulance Service Staff

Questions (102)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

102. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the criteria for paramedics who are on a panel seeking a transfer from one region to another. [24004/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Ambulance Service Staff

Questions (103)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

103. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the number of whole-time equivalent paramedics employed in the north-west region; and if any paramedics are currently being recruited in that region. [24005/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Services

Questions (104)

Ciara Conway

Question:

104. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the reinstatement of orthoptist services in Dungarvan hospital; the reason for the delay in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24006/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Medical Card Reviews

Questions (105)

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

105. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the circumstances regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W; if he will review the cessation of their medical card in 2011 and ensure that a medical card will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24007/14]

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.

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.

Services for People with Disabilities

Questions (106)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

106. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the level of State support offered to an organisation (details supplied) in each year from 2007 to date; if he recognises that the organisation is a key service provider in the Kildare and wider area; the discussion he has had with the organisation in terms of future funding requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24012/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I am very aware of the important work being undertaken by KARE in County Kildare in relation to people with disabilities.

As KARE have a service level arrangement with the HSE in relation to funding, which is a service matter, I have arranged for the Deputy's question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

The level of funding available for the health budgets are considered as part of the annual estimates and budgetary process. Pending completion of the 2015 national estimates, budgetary and service planning process, it is not possible to predict the service levels for the disability sector in general, including KARE.

Symphysiotomy Reports

Questions (107)

Simon Harris

Question:

107. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the action being taken to provide support and redress to survivors of symphysiotomy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24016/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

My priority continues to be to ensure that the women who have undergone surgical symphysiotomy continue to have their health needs comprehensively and professionally met. The HSE provides a range of services to women who may be experiencing any adverse effects as a result of undergoing this procedure. These services include the provision of medical cards, the availability of independent clinical advice and the organisation of individual pathways of care and the arrangement of appropriate follow-up. All of these services are available on request by the women from the HSE nominated Symphysiotomy Liaison Officers.

Since coming into office, I have endeavoured to satisfactorily facilitate closure for around 250-350 women affected by symphysiotomy.

On 26 November 2013, Government approved the appointment of retired Circuit Court Judge Yvonne Murphy to assist in setting out a possible course of action in relation to women who have undergone surgical symphysiotomies. Judge Murphy commenced her review of issues relating to Symphysiotomy in December and submitted her report to me in mid-March.

I am closely examining the report and its recommendations. I will bring a Memorandum to Government in the coming weeks, so that a decision can be taken as early as possible regarding next steps.

Any proposals brought to Government will also take into account the findings of the independent research report on Symphysiotomy in Ireland 1944-1984, which was commissioned by my Department (the Walsh Report), along with any other relevant information. It is intended that the Walsh Report will be published once the Government has decided on its response to this complex and sensitive issue.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (108)

Dara Murphy

Question:

108. Deputy Dara Murphy asked the Minister for Health if correspondence (details supplied), which suggest a difference in the rules for Ireland south, is accurate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24027/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

All women who have had breast cancer surgery are entitled to their first prosthesis and two bras free of charge. A set policy is not in place in regard to the longer-term provision of bras to post-mastectomy patients who hold medical cards.

A national group has recently been established in the HSE to review practices in the area of aids and appliances. As part of this work, it will develop a national policy on the provision of prosthesis bras, as well as hairpieces, for cancer patients. It is anticipated that the Group will complete its work in the first half of 2015.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (109)

Martin Ferris

Question:

109. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health when a motorised bicycle will be allocated in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry [24029/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (110)

Martin Ferris

Question:

110. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be referred to Cork University Hospital. [24030/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The management of inpatient and daycase waiting lists for patients awaiting public health care is based on the principle that after urgent and cancer patients are treated, then clinically assessed routine patients should be seen in chronological order (i.e. longest waiter first).

Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved.

In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Medical Card Appeals

Questions (111)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

111. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appeal for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24036/14]

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.

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.

Medical Card Appeals

Questions (112)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

112. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appeal for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24037/14]

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.

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.