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Tuesday, 24 Jun 2014

Written Answers Nos. 510-531

Garda Investigations

Questions (510)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

510. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which conclusions continue to be reached in respect of the various cold cases which have been identified over several years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27408/14]

View answer

Written answers

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the function of the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) is to assist Senior Investigating Officers assigned to the case in question in bringing investigations to a successful conclusion by identifying further investigative opportunities and ensuring that investigations conform to approved best practice guidelines. At the conclusion of each review a substantive report is provided to the Senior Investigating Officer who considers the opportunities for further investigation for dissemination back into the investigative and operational units. Any recommendation of organisational effect is disseminated within the Garda organisation to improve the overall investigative capability of An Garda Síochána. I am further informed that the SCRT continues to review serious cases that remain unsolved and continues to identify evidence and witnesses to assist in the development of these cases.

State Pathologists

Questions (511)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

511. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which resources continue to be made available to the State pathologist’s office to ensure the earliest possible conclusion of examination of the victim takes place in the shortest possible time thereby facilitating early detection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27409/14]

View answer

Written answers

I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 618 on Wednesday 30 April, 2014. As stated then, it is a matter for the State Pathologist to determine how her Office operates and in that regard the necessary operational arrangements had been put in place by the State Pathologist to ensure the continued efficient running of her Office. I can advise the Deputy that this continues to be the case and, additionally, that the appointment of a replacement Deputy State Pathologist is being actively pursued by my Department.

Missing Persons Data

Questions (512)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

512. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons reported as missing in each of the past five years to date; the number traced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27410/14]

View answer

Written answers

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the table sets out the number of missing person reports from 2009 to 20 June, 2014. The table also sets out the total number of persons reported missing during that period who remain untraced. It should be noted that the figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.

Year

No. of Missing Person Reports

No. of persons reported missing who remain untraced

2014 (to 20 June)

4,230

59

2013

7,735

17

2012

8,815

22

2011

8,511

24

2010

8,339

17

2009

7,749

49

I am assured that all incidents where persons have been reported missing remain open and under investigation until such times as the person is located. The Local District Officers take direct responsibility for the management and operation of all investigations relating to missing persons. Local investigation teams are appointed by the District Officer, and all means necessary, including the services of specialist units, are deployed to assist in these investigations, as considered appropriate.

Furthermore, the Garda Missing Persons Bureau, which is responsible for all data relating to missing persons, provides expert assistance and advice to District Officers in all high risk missing person cases. The Garda authorities are satisfied that adequate resources, including staff and technology, are in place to deal with this issue and that investigations are carried out in line with international best practice.

Garda Youth Diversion Projects

Questions (513)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

513. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the JLO service is available throughout County Kildare; the extent of any anticipated improvements in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27411/14]

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Written answers

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.

I have however been informed by the Garda Commissioner that there are three Garda JLO's attached to the Kildare Garda Division as of 30 April 2014, the latest date for which figures are readily available. Community Programmes Unit, IYJS, Department of Justice and Equality funds two Garda Youth Diversion Projects in Kildare. The Bridge Project in Celbridge engaged approximately 35 young people in 2013. The Curragh-Newbridge project engaged approximately 40 participants in 2013. These projects are managed by Kildare Youth Services (KYS). In 2013, the total grant paid to KYS (comprising core and ESF payments) was €211,500.

There are 100 Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDP) nationwide. They are community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives, funded by the IYJS, which seek to divert young people from becoming involved in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour. They operate as a support to the Garda Diversion Programme. They aim to bring about the conditions whereby the behavioural patterns of young people towards law and order can develop and mature through positive interventions and interaction with the project. The projects are particularly targeted at 12-17 year old “at risk” youths in communities where a specific need has been identified and where there is a risk of them remaining within the justice system.

Community Programmes also operates the European Social Fund (ESF) part-funded Human Capital Investment Programme which has the specific purpose to increase the capacity of project participants to find employment.

Crime Prevention

Questions (514)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

514. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the various forms of crime continue to be monitored and appropriate action taken to address any trends emerging in all areas throughout the country, urban and rural; if she has in mind any particular or specific strategies to deal with the issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27412/14]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised that all crime trends are monitored on an ongoing basis by the Garda authorities and relevant policing strategies are designed and implemented as required. The Garda National Policing Plan for 2014 sets out the policing priorities and objectives for the current year. The Plan is designed to meet the policing needs of all communities, in urban and rural areas, including active community engagement in the development of policing strategies and concerted efforts to support and protect vulnerable sections of the community.

Gardaí pursue a range of strategies to counter crime trends, including the coordinated national strategy targeting burglary crime under Operation Fiacla, which has led to steady reductions in the level of burglary crimes as well as the arrest of 9,343 persons and charges being brought against 5,341 persons since it was established in early 2012. The Deputy will also be aware that tackling organised crime is a key ongoing priority for An Garda Síochána which is clearly reflected in the Garda Policing Plan for 2014. Gardaí continue to provide a robust response to organised crime gangs through a range of targeted activities designed to disrupt and dismantle the operations of criminal organisations, including through the use of focused intelligence led operations by specialist Garda units including the Organised Crime Unit, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Criminal Assets Bureau.

Gardaí also continue to work closely with all communities to enhance community safety through a wide range of local fora including the Joint Policing Committees and through community based initiatives such as Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch. The effectiveness of Garda strategies is illustrated in the official CSO Recorded Crime figures for 2013 which show reductions in 11 out of the 14 categories for which figures are given, and an overall reduction in crime of 6.6% during the year. I am assured that local Garda management in all Garda Divisions, closely monitors the allocation of resources in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

Birth Certificates Administration

Questions (515)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

515. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health when and the reason the cost of a birth certificate was increased from €6 to €20; if his attention has been drawn to the financial difficulties facing those who need to replace a certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26784/14]

View answer

Written answers

The Civil Registration Service is operated by the Health Service Executive on behalf of the General Register Office under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection. The cost of this service is met from within the HSE's budget, with some income generated through the issuing of certificates for life events. However, this income does not meet the economic cost of running the service. In January 2013, given the serious nature of the HSE's finances, a number of fee increases were introduced in the Civil Registration Service as part of a range of budgetary measures across the health services for 2013. Fees for registration of births and deaths had not been increased since 2005.

Health Insurance Management System

Questions (516)

Michael McGrath

Question:

516. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that no further capital injections will be required for VHI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26947/14]

View answer

Written answers

The Government agreed in December 2011 to address the European Court of Justice ruling of September 2011 and has continued to work with the VHI in its application process for authorisation by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI). I would draw the Deputy's attention to the significant progress made since the Government Decision of 3 December 2013 to achieve authorisation of VHI by end 2014. VHI submitted its application for authorisation to the CBI on 16 May 2014. VHI recently announced positive annual financial results for 2013 and has negotiated a further reinsurance deal for a four-year period 2014-2017. While the exact capital requirements will be determined by CBI as part of its assessment of VHI’s application, I understand that VHI believes it can achieve the solvency levels required for authorisation without the need for a capital injection from the Exchequer.

Treatment Abroad Scheme

Questions (517)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

517. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding financial help in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27020/14]

View answer

Written answers

The HSE operates a Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS), for persons entitled to treatment in another EU/EEA member state or Switzerland under EU Regulation 1408/71, as per the procedures set out in EU Regulations 574/72, and in accordance with Department of Health Guidelines. Patients, in conjunction with their Irish based public referring hospital consultant, have the ability to apply to the HSE TAS seeking access to public healthcare outside the state through model form E112. The treatment must not be available within the State or not available within a time normally necessary for obtaining it. Applications to TAS are processed and a determination given in accordance with the statutory framework prior to a patient travelling to avail of treatment. A decision is made on each application in accordance with this legislation and guidelines and on the basis of a review by clinical experts. Approved applicants/patients' hospital treatment costs are covered through the issue of form E112 (IE) for the specific identified episode of care. Once a patient is discharged from a specific episode of care abroad, their care immediately reverts to their Irish based consultant.

The TAS allows for an Irish based medical consultant to refer a patient who is normally resident in Ireland, for treatment in a public hospital in another EU/EEA member state or Switzerland, where the treatment in question meets the following criteria:

(a) The application to refer a patient abroad has been assessed and a determination given before that patient goes abroad.

(b) Following clinical assessment, the referring Consultant certifies the following:

- They recommend the patient be treated in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland;

- The treatment is medically necessary and will meet the patient’s needs;

- The treatment is a proven form of medical treatment and is not experimental or test treatment;

- The treatment is in a recognised hospital or other institution and is under the control of a registered medical practitioner;

- The hospital outside the state will accept EU/EEA form E112 (IE).

Each application to the HSE TAS is reviewed individually on its own merits and there are no restrictions, regarding age or otherwise, on a person making an application to the HSE TAS for review and decision. Previous approvals or declines are not used as an influencing factor on subsequent applications. Each application is for an individual episode of care unless otherwise specified by the consultant on the application form. Each application to TAS is processed and given a formal written decision. If that decision is one of decline, the reason for that decision is clearly outlined and the option of an appeal is afforded.

Full details of the Treatment Abroad Scheme and how to make an application may be found on the HSE website at http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/treatmentabroad/. It should be noted that the extent of cover for treatment abroad provided by a health insurance policy is a matter between the insurer (Aviva in this instance) and the policy holder.

Mental Health Services Funding

Questions (518)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

518. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the allocation of the full €35 million committed in the programme for Government for investment in community mental health services, along with the €15 million balance of the underspend in budget 2014, to a total of €50 million investment in these essential services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27253/14]

View answer

Written answers

This Government has prioritised the reform of our mental health services in line with A Vision for Change and is committed in particular to the delivery of more and better quality care in the community. Towards this end, funding of €70 million and 890 posts have been provided to develop our community mental health services in 2012 and 2013.

In Budget 2014, the Government again re-committed to the continued development of our mental health services in these extremely challenging times, where the options for additional expenditure generally are very constrained. €20 million has been ringfenced for the further development of our mental health services in 2014. This means that, despite serious resource pressures overall, funding of €90m has been made available since 2012 up to end of 2014, which has been specifically ear-marked for mental health and suicide prevention.

This funding will enable the HSE to continue to develop and modernise our mental health services in line with the recommendations of A Vision for Change and will allow for the recruitment of between 250 and 280 additional staff to further enhance our:

- Adult Community Mental Health Teams;

- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Teams and

- Specialist Mental Health Teams.

These posts are targeted to be in place by Quarter 4 of 2014.

I can confirm to the Deputy that I have been assured that the remaining €15 million which was due in 2014 for mental health will be restored in 2015. I will also be advocating for an allocation of €35 million in 2015 for mental health.

Medical Research Regulation

Questions (519)

Billy Timmins

Question:

519. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the status of stem cell research (details supplied) as agreed in the current programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27545/14]

View answer

Written answers

In relation to your query re a legislative framework for Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR), I am pleased to inform you that the Minister for Health is examining proposals to regulate AHR and related matters including stem cell research. He will make a decision on these matters in due course in the context of on-going legislative priorities.

In relation to the funding of stem cell research, Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) has not approved any funding for human embryonic stem cell research. SFI always seeks to ensure that all research undertaken with its support at Irish research institutions conforms with the ethical and legal norms currently operating in Ireland. In 2010 SFI sought guidance on the approach to take regarding funding of human embryonic stem cell research. Following consultation with the Department of Health and Children, the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation issued a policy directive to SFI under the Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Act 2003 in September 2010 that SFI should not approve public funding for human embryonic stem cell research in the absence of legislation that specifically provides for the conduct of such research.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (520)

John O'Mahony

Question:

520. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; the reason for the delays in making a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26584/14]

View answer

Written answers

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.

Hospital Appointment Status

Questions (521)

Michael McGrath

Question:

521. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) in County Cork will receive an appropriate ophthalmic appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26585/14]

View answer

Written answers

As the HSE is responsible for providing optical screening services for school age children, the HSE has been asked to examine this matter and respond directly to the Deputy.

Medical Card Reviews

Questions (522)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

522. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be reinstated in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26586/14]

View answer

Written answers

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.

HSE Staff Responsibilities

Questions (523)

John O'Mahony

Question:

523. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an up to date list of contact persons and departments for each section of the Health Service Executive west area and the west and north west hospital groups in view of recent changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26588/14]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (524)

John O'Mahony

Question:

524. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; the reason for the delays in making a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26589/14]

View answer

Written answers

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 Applications

Questions (525)

John O'Mahony

Question:

525. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; the reason for the delays in making a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26613/14]

View answer

Written answers

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.

Hospital Appointment Delays

Questions (526)

Robert Troy

Question:

526. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied). [26614/14]

View answer

Written answers

In relation to the particular patient query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.

HSE Properties

Questions (527)

Gerald Nash

Question:

527. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health when the Health Service Executive board will formally dispose of a site (details supplied) to an organisation for the purposes of the development of a new school building. [26615/14]

View answer

Written answers

Management of the health care property portfolio is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Medical Card Reviews

Questions (528)

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

528. 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 6; if the medical card will be reinstated from June 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26619/14]

View answer

Written answers

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 Reviews

Questions (529)

Sean Conlan

Question:

529. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Cavan who suffers from a permanent medical condition will have their medical card returned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26622/14]

View answer

Written answers

In the context of the Government's decision to develop a policy framework for providing eligibility for health services on the basis of medical conditions, the Government recently announced that a medical card or GP visit card is to be issued to a person, with a serious illness, whose discretionary card was refused renewal since the centralisation of medical card assessments. If the medical card or GP visit card to which the Deputy refers was awarded by way of discretion and was refused renewal in the period from 1 July 2011 to 31 May 2014 following the completion of an eligibility review, a card will issue by the HSE.

The HSE has commenced the process of identifying and contacting persons to advise them that their medical cards and GP visit cards will issue. It is estimated that this process will take 3 weeks. No action is required on the part of those affected as the HSE will be in contact. If people do not hear from the HSE by mid July, they should contact the HSE on its Lo-Call contact number: 1890 25 29 19. These individuals will be able to access medical card and GP visit card services in the normal manner when they have been advised by the HSE that their medical card or GP visit card is active.

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine the specific query raised 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.

Hospital Appointment Delays

Questions (530)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

530. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the present average waiting time for blood testing for Warfarin patients; the reason the waiting times have increased substantially; if this wait poses a risk to the health of Warfarin patients; if the waiting times fluctuate throughout the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26623/14]

View answer

Written answers

In relation to the detailed queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to her directly.

Motorised Transport Grant Closure

Questions (531)

Timmy Dooley

Question:

531. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health if he will put in place a replacement scheme for the motorised transport grant; if the funding put in place is still available or if it has been reallocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26626/14]

View answer

Written answers

The Government decided in November 2013, that the preparatory work required for a new travel payment 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. Proposals will be legally robust and must take account of the Ombudsman's findings that both the Mobility Allowance and the Motorised Transport Grant were illegal in the context of the Equal Status Acts.

The Government made it clear in February 2013, that the decision to close the schemes was in no way intended to save costs and the funding involved in the two schemes remains committed to meeting the transport needs of relevant people. In fact, the Health Service Executive has continued to make payment to the 4,700 people who were in receipt of the monthly Mobility Allowance payment. The Motorised Transport Grant was a single grant payment payable once in any three year period and was made to approximately 300 people each year. Since the scheme closed, no further Motorised Transport Grants have been made.

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