Wednesday, 25 Jun 2014

Written Answers Nos. 51 - 70

Medical Card Reviews

Questions (51)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

51. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his plans to restore discretionary medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27048/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The current eligibility system for health services, which has been in place since 1970, is based primarily on financial criteria. Therefore, the Government has decided to develop a policy framework for providing eligibility for health services to take account of medical conditions, including new legislation as appropriate and a HSE clinical expert group is to examine the range of conditions that should be considered as part of this process. The group has been asked to make an early report to the Minister for Health in the autumn.

The Government was very concerned about the potential impacts on the health of persons with serious illnesses whose discretionary medical cards and GP visit cards were refused renewals since the centralisation of medical card assessment in 2011. Therefore, in the context of the above eligibility policy development, the Government decided that medical cards and GP visit cards are to be issued to persons with a serious medical condition (or disability) who had the renewal of their discretionary card refused by the HSE, having completed an eligibility review during the period from 1 July 2011 to 31 May 2014.

This arrangement applies in the following circumstances:

- During the period, the person held a medical card or GP visit card issued on a discretionary basis, but the HSE made a decision to refuse its renewal on foot of a completed eligibility review.

- The person completed the review process during that period, i.e. provided the information and documentation required assessing their eligibility.

- The person has a serious medical condition, i.e., which required that their case was referred to a Medical Officer as a part of the review process.

It is anticipated that about 15,300 cards will be issued to people with serious medical conditions as part of this process. It is estimated that:

- 5,288 people will be issued with a discretionary medical card;

- 2,899 people will be issued with a discretionary GP visit card; and,

- 7,118 people will be moved from GP visit card to a discretionary medical card.

It is also recognised that a small number of individuals may not have been able to complete their review during the defined period due to circumstances relating to their medical condition, e.g., hospitalisation during treatment, change of residence during treatment. Therefore, the Director General of the HSE may act, on his own initiative, to take account of an ad misericordiam appeal on a case by case basis to issue a discretionary card to such a person that has a serious medical condition.

People do not need to make an application to receive a card as the HSE is working as quickly as possible through its database to contact the people concerned over the next few weeks to inform them that their card is being issued. If people do not hear from the HSE by mid-July, they should contact the HSE on its LoCall contact number.

HSE Expenditure

Questions (52)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

52. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive is on course to overspend its budget allocation by €500 million in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27049/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

There has been significant focus recently on the challenging resource constraints within which the HSE is operating. While the budgetary targets this year are particularly constrained, it is important to recognise that similar financial and resource constraints have applied in each of the last number of years as a direct consequence of the emergency financial situation the Irish State has had to address since 2008. The cumulative impact of this unprecedented period of financial and resource restraint has resulted in reductions in the health service budget of the order of €3.3 billion (over 20%) with numbers employed reduced by over 14,000 in this period. On a comparative basis the OECD Report, Health at a Glance 2013, shows that recent reductions in public health expenditure per capita in Ireland are the highest experienced in any OECD country with the exception of Greece.

These challenges come at a time when the demand for health services is increasing each year which, in turn, is driving costs upwards. However, despite these resource reductions and increasing service demands the HSE has managed to support growing demand for its services arising from such factors as population growth, increased levels of chronic disease, increased demand for prescription drugs, and new cost intensive medical technologies and treatments. The HSE is to be commended for meeting these increased demands on its services. That said, 2014 is proving to be a particularly challenging year for the health services. Cumulative net expenditure to end March is €114 million lower than the same period last year, but given the extent and the phasing of the targeted budget reductions, the cumulative deficit of €80 million, is higher than last year’s €27 million. The Vote for the HSE is reporting a net deficit of €158m at the end of May.

As the Deputy will be aware, the expenditure ceiling for the HSE is decided by Government, amongst other things, against a backdrop of national budgetary objectives and the prevailing macro-economic conditions. Very difficult decisions were taken by Government in the context of the overall budgetary arithmetic. Certain savings targets required of the HSE at the time of the Budget were considered so challenging that it was agreed that a separate validation exercise to assess their achievability would be undertaken by the Departments of Health, Public Expenditure and Reform and An Taoiseach. Whilst work continues in relation to the maximisation of the savings achievable under the Haddington Road Agreement, the initial savings targets under medical card probity were reduced by €110m in the context of the REV. Along with pay savings targets, and taking account of the reliance on agency workers which is further compounded by the European Working Time Directive, it is clear that the challenges facing the HSE in 2014 were extraordinary from the outset.

There is ongoing and intensive engagement each month between officials of my Department, DPER and the HSE in the context of regular monitoring of expenditure. The HSE is pro-actively engaged in internal efforts to maximise savings and cost containment plans and to ensure that additional measures are identified and safely implemented to mitigate any projected deficits which are within HSE direct control, while engaging on an ongoing basis with my Department. I would also like to assure the Deputy that the National Director for Acute Hospitals has written to all hospital groups/hospitals setting out clear key messages around the need to reduce costs safely and to submit additional cost containment plans. Additionally, a full round of high level performance assurance meetings has been completed and another round is starting. The Director General has met the Board Chairs, CEO’s and Clinical Directors of the 10 hospital groups/hospitals with the greatest financial challenges to ensure the messaging is explicit right up to board level in terms of the hierarchy of performance management priorities - i.e. service safety and quality first, financial management next and then all other priorities come behind these including elective access for non-clinically urgent cases.

Work is ongoing between the HSE and my Department on finalising projections to year end based on data for the first four months of 2014, in tandem with assessment of performance in the same period and risk to year end within its cost containment plans. It would be premature for me to comment further at this stage, pending the outcome of this work, but as the HSE has indicated, the scale of the risk and challenge in achieving financial breakeven by year end remains extremely significant as predicted in the NSP 2014.

HSE Expenditure

Questions (53)

Seán Fleming

Question:

53. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive will stay within its budget this year; if he expects there to be a Supplementary Estimate introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27062/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

There has been significant focus recently on the challenging resource constraints within which the HSE is operating. While the budgetary targets this year are particularly constrained, it is important to recognise that similar financial and resource constraints have applied in each of the last number of years as a direct consequence of the emergency financial situation the Irish State has had to address since 2008. The cumulative impact of this unprecedented period of financial and resource restraint has resulted in reductions in the health service budget of the order of €3.3 billion (over 20%) with numbers employed reduced by over 14,000 in this period. On a comparative basis the OECD Report, Health at a Glance 2013, shows that recent reductions in public health expenditure per capita in Ireland are the highest experienced in any OECD country with the exception of Greece.

These challenges come at a time when the demand for health services is increasing each year which, in turn, is driving costs upwards. However, despite these resource reductions and increasing service demands the HSE has managed to support growing demand for its services arising from such factors as population growth, increased levels of chronic disease, increased demand for prescription drugs, and new cost intensive medical technologies and treatments. The HSE is to be commended for meeting these increased demands on its services. That said, 2014 is proving to be a particularly challenging year for the health services. Cumulative net expenditure to end March is €114 million lower than the same period last year, but given the extent and the phasing of the targeted budget reductions, the cumulative deficit of €80 million, is higher than last year’s €27 million. The Vote for the HSE is reporting a net deficit of €158m at the end of May.

As the Deputy will be aware, the expenditure ceiling for the HSE is decided by Government, amongst other things, against a backdrop of national budgetary objectives and the prevailing macro-economic conditions. Very difficult decisions were taken by Government in the context of the overall budgetary arithmetic. Certain savings targets required of the HSE at the time of the Budget were considered so challenging that it was agreed that a separate validation exercise to assess their achievability would be undertaken by the Departments of Health, Public Expenditure and Reform and An Taoiseach. Whilst work continues in relation to the maximisation of the savings achievable under the Haddington Road Agreement, the initial savings targets under medical card probity were reduced by €110m in the context of the REV. Along with pay savings targets, and taking account of the reliance on agency workers which is further compounded by the European Working Time Directive, it is clear that the challenges facing the HSE in 2014 were extraordinary from the outset.

There is ongoing and intensive engagement each month between officials of my Department, DPER and the HSE in the context of regular monitoring of expenditure. The HSE is pro-actively engaged in internal efforts to maximise savings and cost containment plans and to ensure that additional measures are identified and safely implemented to mitigate any projected deficits which are within HSE direct control, while engaging on an ongoing basis with my Department. I would also like to assure the Deputy that the National Director for Acute Hospitals has written to all hospital groups/hospitals setting out clear key messages around the need to reduce costs safely and to submit additional cost containment plans. Additionally, a full round of high level performance assurance meetings has been completed and another round is starting. The Director General has met the Board Chairs, CEO’s and Clinical Directors of the 10 hospital groups/hospitals with the greatest financial challenges to ensure the messaging is explicit right up to board level in terms of the hierarchy of performance management priorities - i.e. service safety and quality first, financial management next and then all other priorities come behind these including elective access for non-clinically urgent cases.

Work is ongoing between the HSE and my Department on finalising projections to year end based on data for the first four months of 2014, in tandem with assessment of performance in the same period and risk to year end within its cost containment plans. It would be premature for me to comment further at this stage, pending the outcome of this work, but as the HSE has indicated, the scale of the risk and challenge in achieving financial breakeven by year end remains extremely significant as predicted in the NSP 2014.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (54)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

54. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the reason for the increase in inpatient and day case waiting lists in the first quarter of 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27067/14]

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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (55)

Robert Troy

Question:

55. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the reasons for the increase in inpatient and day case waiting lists in the first three months of 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27071/14]

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.

Accident and Emergency Services Provision

Questions (56)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

56. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the way he will address the concerns that have been expressed regarding conditions in emergency departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27051/14]

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 (57)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

57. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that those who will have their discretionary cards reinstated will be reimbursed for any costs incurred while they were unable to access services available under the discretionary medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27046/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The current eligibility system for health services, which has been in place since 1970, is based primarily on financial criteria. Therefore, the Government has decided to develop a policy framework for providing eligibility for health services to take account of medical conditions, including new legislation as appropriate and a HSE clinical expert group is to examine the range of conditions that should be considered as part of this process. The group has been asked to make an early report to the Minister for Health in the autumn.

The Government was very concerned about the potential impacts on the health of persons with serious illnesses whose discretionary medical cards and GP visit cards were refused renewals since the centralisation of medical card assessment in 2011. Therefore, in the context of the above eligibility policy development, the Government has decided to issue medical cards and GP visit cards to these people. The Government recently approved the method by which medical cards and GP visit cards, awarded by way of discretion, can issue to persons with serious medical conditions where renewal was refused having completed an eligibility review. These cards are issuing in the context of government decisions in relation to future eligibility policy. The eligibility reviews conducted during that period were in accordance with legislation as it stands. The Government did not decide to retrospectively compensate persons for expenditure during the period January 2011 - May 2014 when the person did not qualify for a medical card.

The Deputy may be aware that persons with certain prescribed conditions qualify for the Long Term illness (LTI) scheme, irrespective of income or means. Under the LTI scheme, persons suffering from prescribed conditions can get drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances for the treatment of that condition free of charge. It should also be noted that under the Drugs Payment Scheme, a household only has to pay a maximum of €144 each month for approved prescribed drugs, medicines and certain appliances. This scheme is aimed at those who do not have a medical card and who normally have to pay the full cost of their medication. It also applies to those who have a GP visit card.

Anyone ordinarily resident in the State can apply to join the scheme, regardless of family, financial circumstances or nationality. Anyone who has incurred costs higher than that in a month can apply for a refund, going back to March 2011.

Hospital Procedures

Questions (58)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

58. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if his attention been drawn to the fact that St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, has decided to suspend life-saving gastric bypass operations for dangerously obese public patients; the exact number of patients that are on the waiting list for this surgery; the number of patients on the outpatient list to see a specialist; the reasons this surgery has been suspended; the way he plans to deal with the patients waiting for surgery and outpatients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27040/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Medical Card Reviews

Questions (59)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

59. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health his views on the restoration of certain medical cards as decided on 17 June 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27038/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The current eligibility system for health services, which has been in place since 1970, is based primarily on financial criteria. Therefore, the Government has decided to develop a policy framework for providing eligibility for health services to take account of medical conditions, including new legislation as appropriate and a HSE clinical expert group is to examine the range of conditions that should be considered as part of this process. The group has been asked to make an early report to the Minister for Health in the autumn.

The Government was very concerned about the potential impacts on the health of persons with serious illnesses whose discretionary medical cards and GP visit cards were refused renewals since the centralisation of medical card assessment in 2011. Therefore, in the context of the above eligibility policy development, the Government decided that medical cards and GP visit cards are to be issued to persons with a serious medical condition (or disability) who had the renewal of their discretionary card refused by the HSE, having completed an eligibility review during the period from 1 July 2011 to 31 May 2014.

This arrangement applies in the following circumstances:

- During the period, the person held a medical card or GP visit card issued on a discretionary basis, but the HSE made a decision to refuse its renewal on foot of a completed eligibility review;

- The person completed the review process during that period, i.e. provided the information and documentation required assessing their eligibility;

- The person has a serious medical condition, i.e., which required that their case was referred to a Medical Officer as a part of the review process.

It is anticipated that about 15,300 cards will be issued to people with serious medical conditions as part of this process. It is estimated that:

- 5,288 people will be issued with a discretionary medical card;

- 2,899 people will be issued with a discretionary GP visit card; and

- 7,118 people will be moved from GP visit card to a discretionary medical card.

It is also recognised that a small number of individuals may not have been able to complete their review during the defined period due to circumstances relating to their medical condition, e.g., hospitalisation during treatment, change of residence during treatment. Therefore, the Director General of the HSE may act, on his own initiative, to take account of an ad misericordiam appeal on a case by case basis to issue a discretionary card to such a person that has a serious medical condition.

People do not need to make an application to receive a card as the HSE is working as quickly as possible through its database to contact the people concerned over the next few weeks to inform them that their card is being issued. If people do not hear from the HSE by mid-July, they should contact the HSE on its LoCall contact number.

Medical Card Reviews

Questions (60)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

60. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that will not have their discretionary medical card reinstated as part of the recent announcement to reinstate a quantity of discretionary medical cards; the reasons for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27047/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Government has decided to develop a policy framework for providing eligibility for health services to take account of medical conditions, including new legislation as appropriate and a HSE clinical expert group is to examine the range of conditions that should be considered as part of this process. The group has been asked to make an early report to the Minister for Health in the autumn.

The Government was very concerned about the potential impacts on the health of persons with serious illnesses whose discretionary medical cards and GP visit cards were refused renewals since the centralisation of medical card assessment in 2011. Therefore, in the context of the above eligibility policy development, the Government has decided to issue medical cards and GP visit cards to these people. The Government recently approved the method by which medical cards and GP visit cards, awarded by way of discretion, can issue to persons with serious medical conditions where renewal was refused having completed an eligibility review.

The cards will issue in the following circumstances:

- During the period, the person held a medical card or GP visit card issued on a discretionary basis, but the HSE made a decision to refuse its renewal on foot of a completed eligibility review;

- The person completed the review process during that period, i.e. provided the information and documentation required to assess their eligibility;

- The person has a serious medical condition, i.e., which required that their case was referred to a Medical Officer as a part of the review process.

It is anticipated that over 15,000 cards will issue to people with serious medical conditions as part of this process. However, until the HSE has completed its examination on a case by case basis, it is not possible to provide a definitive figure. Furthermore, it is also recognised that a small number of individuals may not have been able to complete their review during this period due to circumstances relating to their medical condition, e.g., hospitalisation during treatment, change of residence during treatment. Therefore, the Director General of the HSE may act, on his own initiative, to take account of an ad misericordiam appeal (an appeal “to pity”) on a case by case basis to issue a discretionary card to such a person that has a serious medical condition.

Ambulance Service Provision

Questions (61)

Seamus Kirk

Question:

61. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure increased resources for the national ambulance service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27076/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Ambulance Service Provision

Questions (62)

John Browne

Question:

62. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health the way the Health Service Executive is going to deal with the continued concerns regarding the provision of ambulances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27063/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

This Government is committed to improving our ambulance service and ambulance response times. The National Ambulance Service (NAS) is continuing the modernisation of its services, to ensure emergency pre-hospital care is delivered in an appropriate and timely manner. In that regard, additional funding of €3.6 million and 43 staff have been provided in the National Service Plan 2014. Including Dublin Fire Brigade emergency ambulances, our total fleet is now 534 vehicles, 77 more than four years ago, and I understand that a number of emergency ambulances will be upgraded this year.

A significant reform programme is underway, to provide a clinically driven, nationally co-ordinated system, supported by improved technology. Ongoing performance improvement projects include:

- The single national control and dispatch system, to be completed in 2015;

- The Intermediate Care Service, which transports patients between facilities, and allows emergency vehicles to focus on emergency responses;

- On-duty rostering and the development of a national rostering system;

- The Emergency Aeromedical Support Service - 652 missions were completed to the end of May 2014, about one third involving time-critical transfers of STEMI heart attack patients to primary PCI units;

- Turnaround guidelines, which provide a standardised national approach to clinical handovers of patients from ambulances to Emergency Departments. Data on handovers is now being collected, which allows for more effective management of patient handovers and ambulance turnaround times.

I would also like to draw the Deputy’s attention to three reviews of the NAS currently underway.

- The NAS has commissioned a national capacity review, to determine the level and use of resources required for a safe and effective service. This independent review is being undertaken by the UK Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, an organisation with considerable international experience in operational and strategic reviews of this kind;

- In the context of the development of the single national control and dispatch system, a review of the Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) emergency ambulance service is also underway. The review will inform consideration of the best model for the provision of emergency medical services in the greater Dublin area;

- HIQA is undertaking a scheduled review of the NAS, examining the governance arrangements for pre-hospital emergency care services, to ensure the timely assessment, diagnosis, initial management and transport of acutely ill patients to appropriate healthcare facilities.

The three reviews are being conducted in parallel, in a concerted effort to examine our pre-hospital emergency care services throughout the country, with a view to identifying the best way to enable them to meet the challenges of the future. I am confident that the recommendations will guide us in the provision of a modern, forward looking service, capable of delivering the best possible outcomes for the public.

Human Rights Issues

Questions (63)

Seán Crowe

Question:

63. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing hunger strikes of Saharawi political prisoners who are demanding the respect of their most basic human rights and an improvement of the conditions in the prison; that a visit of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to Morocco has failed to improve the conditions of all detained Saharawi political activists; and if he will raise the issue with representatives of the Moroccan Government. [27539/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I remain deeply concerned about allegations of human rights abuses in Western Sahara and detention conditions for Saharawi prisoners in Morocco. I am aware that a number of Saharawi prisoners have been on hunger strike for various periods over the last number of years in protest at the conditions of their detention.

The UN Special Rapporteur for torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment visited a number of prisons and police stations in Morocco and Western Sahara in 2012. He reported that the conditions in which many Saharawis were detained failed to meet international human rights standards. His report also outlined that alleged or known supporters of Western Saharan independence are subjected to ill-treatment and torture by police officers and other security personnel, both within and outside of detention centres. Many Saharawi are forced to make false confessions, which are often used as the only basis for their imprisonment. These findings were echoed by a UK Parliamentary Group which visited Western Sahara in February 2014 and which found that many Saharawi activists had suffered physical assault, arrest, imprisonment and disappearance at the hands of the Moroccan authorities, as a result of peaceful activities in support of Saharawi self-determination.

It seems apparent that the hunger strikes by Saharawi prisoners are directly prompted by the inhumane, degrading treatment to which they are allegedly subjected. However, the use of hunger strike is a very dangerous tactic which Ireland cannot encourage. Instead, I call on the Moroccan authorities to give full effect to all recommendations outlined in the Special Rapporteur’s report; to conduct impartial, independent investigations into allegations of torture, to hold perpetrators accountable, provide compensation to victims, reconsider the jurisdiction of military courts over civilians, and further strengthen protection for internationally recognized human rights in the area of detention. Though no obvious improvement in detention conditions has occurred following the recent visit of Ms. Navi Pillay, High Commissioner for Human Rights, to Morocco, the Moroccan authorities should continue to be encouraged to instigate efforts towards reform, following on the positive efforts already taken to better protect human rights within Morocco itself since the adoption of a new constitution in 2011.

As I have stated before, Ireland raises concerns regarding the situation in Western Sahara with the Moroccan authorities on an ongoing basis, including through the Moroccan Embassy in Dublin and our Embassy in Lisbon which is accredited to Morocco, as well as in Geneva at the UN Human Rights Council. Specifically, during Morocco’s 2012 Universal Periodic Review, Ireland recommended that independent and impartial inquiries are carried out with respect to all allegations of mistreatment in detention. I will continue to raise this matter with the Moroccan authorities at every appropriate opportunity.

Finally, Ireland supports the inclusion of a broader human rights monitoring mechanism within the mandate of MINURSO, the UN peace-keeping mission in the region. It is a matter of serious regret to Ireland that the UN Security Council failed to implement such a procedure in connection with the most recent renewal of the MINURSO mandate on 30 April 2014. However, I hope that this matter will be reconsidered over the coming months, particularly given UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s recent call for the sustained, independent and impartial monitoring of the human rights of Saharawi people, both in the occupied territory and in refugee camps.

Good Friday Agreement

Questions (64)

Brendan Smith

Question:

64. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the further steps he believes are necessary in order to complete the terms expressed in the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27564/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The principles and values of the Good Friday Agreement and the subsequent St. Andrew’s Agreement are essential to peace and reconciliation in Ireland and across these islands. Their key elements include devolution based on power-sharing; agreement on sovereignty; human rights; parity of esteem; and support for the rule of law. The continued shared responsibility of the two governments is to guarantee these principles and to actively implement both Agreements. The Irish Government is determined to realise their full potential. This is a vital and challenging responsibility which concerns us all.

While the period since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement has seen significant progress, which has benefited all the people of this island, specific elements of that Agreement remain to be implemented. These include the introduction of an Irish Language Act, the establishment of a North/South Consultative Forum and the implementation of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. I continue to press for all of these outstanding elements to be implemented.

Since the restoration of the devolved Institutions on 8 May 2007, the question of an Irish Language Act for Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive and, in particular, the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Ms. Carál Ní Chuilín MLA. I will continue to press in my discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive and with the British Government the urgent need to address this issue and to legislate for an Irish Language Act.

I remain convinced that the establishment of a North/South Consultative Forum, comprising representatives of civil society on the island, would contribute to the constructive discussion of key societal challenges. The Government has continued to express support for such a body, including at the November 2013 North South Ministerial Council. On my regular visits to Northern Ireland, I continue the practice of engaging with civil society representatives.

A Bill of Rights drawn up by agreement between the main parties of the Assembly could formally specify the rights underpinning a reconciled society in Northern Ireland. I continue to urge all the parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly to engage in constructive discussion with a view to reaching agreement on the substance of a Bill of Rights. I, and my officials, will continue to engage with our counterparts in the British Government and in the Northern Ireland Executive on this matter.

Northern Ireland Issues

Questions (65)

Brendan Smith

Question:

65. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the specific barriers that are preventing agreement in Northern Ireland in relation to the issues surrounding flags, parades and dealing with the past; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27565/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Northern Ireland Party Leaders have individually acknowledged that there is broad agreement among the parties on the basic architecture for moving forward on the issues of flags, parades and dealing with the past. They are continuing to meet, including a meeting that took place on Tuesday, with a view to closing the remaining gaps between them and for developing the practical mechanisms and related timeframe for implementation. It is in the best interests of Northern Ireland that agreement is reached now. It is particularly important in advance of the marching season and the summer recess that politics is seen to be working in the best interests of all communities in the North.

There have been several instances over recent months where the legacy of the past has seriously disrupted political and community life in Northern Ireland. It is clear from my contacts with business leaders in Northern Ireland that they are concerned at the broader economic and social consequences of the lack of political progress in recent months in addressing these legacy issues. In Washington DC last week, I heard genuine concern being expressed by political, business and community leaders on the need for progress in the Party Leaders talks, which the United States government regards as very important in themselves, and which they recognise are also hampering progress and decision-making across a broad range of Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly business.

In my ongoing meetings and contacts with the Party Leaders and the Secretary of State, most recently on 9 June in Belfast, I have stressed the importance of securing an agreement on the outstanding issues. I underlined that the people of Northern Ireland expect politics to deliver tangible outcomes that improve their lives. I remain committed to doing everything possible in the time ahead to ensure that real progress is achieved.

Northern Ireland Issues

Questions (66)

Brendan Smith

Question:

66. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he has taken to progress the protection of human rights in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27566/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

In the Good Friday Agreement the parties affirmed their commitment to the mutual respect, the civil rights and the religious liberties of everyone in the community. As one of the key underlying values of the Agreement, respect for human rights remains a priority for this Government and is fundamental to informing our approach to furthering peace and reconciliation, and to supporting effective power-sharing government, in Northern Ireland.

As I remarked recently at the Institute for British Irish Studies Conference in UCD, I am concerned that there has been political drift from a number of the core values underlying the Agreement. Parity of esteem and respect for different cultures across Northern Ireland are key requirements for stability and growth. Human rights suffer where there is any ambivalence about respect and tolerance. All of society suffers where the power-sharing institutions do not act in accordance with their foundational ethos.

The Government has been clear in our discussions with politicians, business leaders and representatives of civil society about the importance with which we hold human rights. In particular, I have made clear that the introduction of a Bill of Rights in Northern Ireland, as envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement, would provide an ethical framework through which contentious issues could be addressed in an agreed context of respect, tolerance and understanding. I continue to urge all the parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly and the British Government to engage in constructive discussions with a view to reaching agreement on the substance of a Bill of Rights.

Official Engagements

Questions (67)

Brendan Smith

Question:

67. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contact he has had with the Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond, regarding the upcoming Scottish independence referendum; the implications this referendum may have in relations between Britain and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27568/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Across a range of issues, relations between Britain and Ireland are of central importance. Both the UK government and the Scottish government are important and valued partners for Ireland. In each case the relationship is based on close geographic, cultural and commercial ties, as well as friendly political relationships.

We maintain regular contacts with the Scottish Government. In particular, both our Ambassador to Britain and our Consul General to Scotland meet regularly with First Minister Salmond and with other Scottish politicians. They brief me regularly on these contacts, as well as on issues arising in the referendum debate. Although First Minister Salmond and I have not spoken in the recent past, there are frequent exchanges of Ministerial visits. Most recently, the Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, visited Ireland in late May for a series of meetings. Senior Scottish Ministers also meet the Taoiseach at British Irish Council Summits.

This issue of Scottish independence is a matter for decision by the people of Scotland. The Government has adopted a strictly neutral approach to the debate in Scotland and has avoided being drawn into speculation on various potential outcomes. To engage in such speculation might be construed as the Government involving itself in the internal Scottish debate, which would not be helpful. Our impartiality should not be mistaken for indifference or lack of interest. We fully recognise the importance of developments in Scotland and are monitoring developments and their implications in light of our interests and policy objectives. The Government accords high priority to the maintenance and development of strong relations with all our neighbours in these islands and will continue to do so regardless of the referendum outcome.

Home Renovation Incentive Scheme Eligibility

Questions (68)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

68. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide the rationale behind the criteria for the building renovation scheme, specifically in relation to who qualifies for the scheme, as well the established bands of the scheme in view of the fact that it disproportionately benefits higher earners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27522/14]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

As the Deputy is aware, I introduced the Home Renovation Incentive in Finance (No. 2) Act 2013. The aim of the incentive is to support tax compliant building contractors by moving activity out of the shadow economy into the legitimate economy.

The incentive provides tax relief for homeowners by way of a tax credit at 13.5% of qualifying expenditure incurred on repair, renovation or improvement work carried out on a principal private residence. In order to qualify for the tax credit, the works must be carried out by legitimate contractors and the homeowner must also be property tax compliant. A minimum of €4,405 excluding VAT must be spent on qualifying works. This threshold can be reached over a number of jobs. Relief is available on qualifying expenditure up to a maximum of €30,000, excluding VAT.

The scheme is administered through Revenue's online systems. Contractors are required to inform Revenue in advance of details of works to be carried out and are also required to notify Revenue in relation to any payments received in respect of the works. Homeowners are able to view the information provided to Revenue by the contractor through the Revenue electronic systems and to claim the relief through those systems. 

The HRI is designed to be set against income tax and the Minister has no plans to extend this initiative to individuals who have no tax liability. However, the tax credit is being provided over a period of two years in order to assist those with low incomes. In addition, unused credits may be carried forward to future years. If a retired homeowner has a private pension which is liable to tax, then they will be able to avail of the incentive.

It is worth noting that the SEAI operates the Better Energy Homes Scheme where cash grants are provided for qualifying works. The SEAI also install energy efficiency measures at no cost to qualifying individuals under the Warmer Homes Scheme. Further information on these schemes is available on the SEAI website, www.seai.ie.

Property Tax Application

Questions (69)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

69. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Finance in relation to the local property tax exemption for properties purchased between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013, if in a situation where a person purchases a property from their siblings as part of the estate from their late parent - all eight children were left a 1/8th entitlement to the property - and the property becomes the purchaser’s sole or main residence, that person is liable for the property tax as they only purchased 7/8th of the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27555/14]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am advised by Revenue that Part 2 of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended) provides for a number of exemptions from Local Property Tax (LPT) under certain conditions. In this regard, Section 8 of the Act specifically relates to property owners who purchased a residential property in 2013 as a main or sole residence. Any exemption granted in accordance with Section 8 will apply up to the end of 2016, provided the purchaser does not sell or otherwise transfer ownership of the property and continues to live in it as his/her sole or main residence.

In regard to the specific case to which the Deputy refers, the property was already partially owned (1/8th) by the person in question by virtue of inheritance and for that reason the current owner of the property was a joint owner of the property on 1 January 2013 and therefore a liable person on 1 May 2013. In 2013 he purchased the other siblings' shares in the property and not the property itself and so does not qualify for the 'first-time' buyer exemption.  Finally, Revenue has informed me that the person in question has already made a number of direct enquiries to LPT Branch in regard to this issue and has been advised that there is no eligibility to exemption under Section 8 in this instance.

Teachers' Panel Rights

Questions (70)

Pat Breen

Question:

70. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties of access to the main or supplementary teaching panels for teachers who have been teaching in special schools since qualifying as primary teachers and who have a minimum of five years teaching experience; the efforts being made to find an acceptable resolution to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27423/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The Teaching Council is responsible for procedures and criteria for the probation of teachers. In accordance with the Council's current arrangements, where a primary teacher is employed and probated in a restricted setting such as a special class, the probationary process is considered to be partially carried out and the teacher's registration will remain subject to the condition of probation. It is open to such teachers who complete the probationary process in a restricted setting, and who wish to complete the probationary process in full, to do so when they are teaching in a mainstream setting. Teachers who complete probation in a restricted setting are not subject to any time limit to complete probation in mainstream settings.

The core function of the redeployment arrangements is to facilitate the redeployment of all surplus permanent teachers to other schools that have vacancies. The redeployment of all surplus permanent teachers is key to the Department's ability to manage within its payroll budget and ceiling on teacher numbers. Thereafter, schools are required under the panel arrangements to fill permanent vacancies from supplementary panels comprised of eligible fixed-term (temporary/substitute) and part-time teachers. The arrangements for panel access for fixed term (temporary), substitute and part-time teachers for the 2014/15 school year are set out in Circular 0057/2013 which is available on the Department website.