Written Answers Nos 734-765
734. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce measures to recoup moneys paid to general practitioners for medical card patients who have passed away or emigrated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32831/14]
View answerThe HSE, through the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS), makes payments to General Practitioners (GPs) for services they provide to eligible persons who hold a medical card or GP visit card, therefore, I have referred this matter to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
736. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a full medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32835/14]
View answerThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.
737. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to have a medical card review expedited in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath, as same has not been assessed at this point in time despite it being submitted in April 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32845/14]
View answerThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.
738. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who submitted additional information, regarding the interpretation of accounts, which were clearly analysed incorrectly by the primary care reimbursement service section, has not had same reviewed in the context of this submission; if same can now be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32846/14]
View answerThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.
739. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health when a medical card will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath on medical grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32847/14]
View answerThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.
740. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on an application for a medical card in respect of a a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32848/14]
View answerThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.
741. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health when a review of a decision on a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be made; if same will now be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32849/14]
View answerThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.
742. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite and grant a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [32850/14]
View answerThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.
743. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in a decision on granting a discretionary medical card for persons (details supplied) in County Donegal; if he will consider granting a person a discretionary medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32851/14]
View answerThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.
744. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in a decision on granting a discretionary medical card for a family (details supplied) in County Donegal; if he will consider granting a person a discretionary medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32852/14]
View answerThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.
745. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason the radiology service in Shiel Hospital in Ballyshannon, County Donegal has been reduced to two days per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32853/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
746. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when the rheumatology service in Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32854/14]
View answerIn relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
747. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32857/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
748. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of parking spaces planned for the new children’s hospital; the way this compares with international standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32877/14]
View answer749. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the latest timeframe for the completion of the children’s hospital project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32878/14]
View answer750. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the proposed location of the children’s hospital is the optimum one; his plans to review the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32879/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 748 to 750, inclusive, together.
The new children's hospital is a commitment in the Programme for Government. In November 2012 the Government announced its decision that the new children’s hospital will be co-located with St James’s on its campus, ensuring it benefits from the broadest possible range of adult sub-specialty expertise and research capability. The intention is ultimately to tri-locate adult, paediatric and maternity services on the campus. Satellite centres, which will share governance and staffing with the new children's hospital, will be built on the campuses of Tallaght and Connolly Hospitals.
The Government's decision was based on the over-riding priority of best clinical outcomes for our children. Tri-location of adult, paediatric and maternity services brings benefits for children, adolescents, newborns and mothers. In all cases, the benefits of tri-location are maximised where the adult hospital provides the broadest possible range of clinical sub-specialties and expertise, readily accessible for paediatric and maternity patients on the shared campus. In addition, tri-location that delivers the most significant depth and breadth of clinical and academic research on site will enhance the potential of research to drive best clinical outcomes. St James's Hospital is considered the best adult co-location partner for the new children's hospital, having broadest range of national specialties of all acute adult hospitals, as well as strong and well established research and education infrastructure.
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board is the body responsible for planning, designing, building and equipping the hospital and has been actively progressing the project on the new site. The Project Brief for the hospital on the St James's campus has been agreed, a decant strategy for the site is in place and is actively being progressed, and a preferred design team has been selected and is expected to be appointed shortly. Design development will then begin with the aim of making a planning submission in February 2015. Transition of services is scheduled to commence at the end of 2018.
In order to establish the required number of car-parking spaces for the new children's hospital, a multi-factored approach was adopted, including a benchmarking exercise against existing children’s hospitals. This multi-factored approach resulted in a proposal for 1,000 carparking spaces. The figure will be validated following appointment of the Design Team.
751. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a shortage of BCG vaccines; the action the Health Service Executive is taking to deal with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32880/14]
View answerI am aware that there are currently issues concerning the supply of BCG vaccine in Europe. The Health Service Executive has been working to secure supplies of the vaccine as quickly as possible. However, new supplies may not be available until early August. Principal Medical Officers have been advised that any remaining BCG stock should be prioritised for neonatal vaccination.
752. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of employees across the health sector earning €100,000 or more; the number earning €125,000 or more; the number earning €150,000 or more; and the number earning €200,000 or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32887/14]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the HSE for a direct reply.
754. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will supply the number of airfields, landing strips or private air fields in County Mayo and the number of aircraft landed at these sites for the years 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32620/14]
View answerUnder aviation legislation, if commercial activities are being undertaken at an aerodrome in the State(including airfields and landing strips), the aerodrome must be licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).
A list of all aerodromes licensed in the State is available on the IAA's website - www.iaa.ie . The only licensed aerodromes in County Mayo are Ireland West Airport Knock and Belmullet.
Neither the Department nor the IAA has any responsibility for recording information concerning the number of aircraft landings at these facilities.
Under Customs legislation, the Revenue Commissioners must approve airports as a place for the arrival of aircraft from outside the State. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the terms and conditions of such approvals, requires the operator/proprietor/licensee of each facility to notify Customs of all arrivals and to maintain a record of all such arrivals.
755. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to ensure the deferred members of the Irish airlines superannuation scheme are treated in a fair and equitable manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32032/14]
View answerResolution of the funding difficulties in the Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme (IASS), where there is a deficit of over €760m, is a matter for the Trustees, the companies participating in the Scheme, the members and the Pensions Board. The deficit in the scheme has arisen over the years as the companies and the members did not put enough into the scheme to match the benefits that were expected/promised.
There are over 5,000 deferred members of the scheme and I do understand their concerns in relation to the funding of the scheme.
Following consultations between my Department, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, an Expert Panel was set up in March to investigate how a resolution of the industrial relations issues relating to the IASS could be found. The Expert Panel presented its final report on 16 June last and this is available on my Department’s website. During its investigations, the Panel met with all the stakeholders and parties involved, including representatives of the deferred pensioners.
I welcome the responses from Aer Lingus and DAA, the two main employers in the Scheme, to the recommendations of the Expert Panel. The CEO of Aer Lingus has stated that Aer Lingus and the Company accepts the recommendations of the Expert Panel, albeit reluctantly, and that the company considers that this is the only solution that is capable of gaining acceptance by all of the parties involved.
The DAA has stated that, although it will continue to review the Report, it also believes that the Panel’s recommendations represent ‘the basis for a final and complete resolution of pension arrangements’. The DAA has also re-affirmed its commitment to engage with all stakeholders.
I would urge all other parties involved to also accept the Panel’s recommendations as I believe that this represents the best and last opportunity to resolve the long-standing difficulties in the IASS and give people certainty about their future pension entitlements.
756. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will elaborate specifically on the exclusion of the pensioners from all the negotiating processes and mitigating funds regarding significant reductions in their pension annuities in payment, from the recent IAS scheme discussions with the expert panel, even as distinct from the deferred group who have been given some recognition; and the proposals he has. [32142/14]
View answerResolution of the funding difficulties in the Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme (IASS), where there is a deficit of over €760m, is a matter for the Trustees, the companies participating in the Scheme, the members and the Pensions Board. The deficit in the scheme has arisen over the years as the companies and the members did not put enough into the scheme to match the benefits that were expected/promised. Following consultations between my Department, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, an Expert Panel was set up in March to investigate how a resolution of the industrial relations issues relating to the IASS could be found. The Expert Panel presented its final report on 16 June last and this is available on my Department’s website. During its investigations, the Panel met with all the stakeholders and parties involved, including representatives of pensioner members as represented by the Retired Aviation Staff Association, so this group was not excluded from the Expert Panel engagement process.
I welcome the responses from Aer Lingus and DAA, the two main employers in the Scheme, to the recommendations of the Expert Panel. The CEO of Aer Lingus has stated that Aer Lingus and the Company accepts the Panel's recommendations, albeit reluctantly, and that the company considers that this is the only solution that is capable of gaining acceptance by all of the parties involved.
The DAA has stated that, although it will continue to review the Report, it also believes that the Panel’s recommendations represent ‘the basis for a final and complete resolution of pension arrangements’. The DAA has also re-affirmed its commitment to engage with all stakeholders.
I would urge all other parties involved to also accept the Panel’s recommendations as I believe that this represents the best and last opportunity to resolve the long-standing difficulties in the IASS and give people certainty about their future pension entitlements.
757. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider establishing a PSO route for air services between Cork Airport and Dublin Airport in view of the need for air connectivity between the country's two largest cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32185/14]
View answerThe criteria that must be applied when establishing a Public Service Obligations (PSO) air services route between two airports is set out in Article 16 of EC Regulation 1008/2008. In particular, the availability of other modes of transport serving the route, such as rail and road, with a travel time of less than 3 hours along with sufficient frequencies and suitable times in the case of rail, must be examined when determining the suitability of establishing such PSO supports. As Cork and Dublin are linked by both motorway and rail, with journey times of less than the 3 hours criteria, it is not possible to impose a PSO on the route.
758. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding taxi licences (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32201/14]
View answer770. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the overall and county take-up of the new rural hackney scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32374/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 758 and 770 together.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2013.
I have referred your questions to the NTA for direct reply. If you do not receive a reply within ten working days please notify my private office.
759. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of agencies or State bodies under the aegis of his Department that have been abolished since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32247/14]
View answer760. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of new agencies or State bodies that have been established under the aegis of his Department since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32262/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 759 and 760 together.
Since 2011 there have been no new agencies created; however a number have been merged or abolished.
Dundalk Port Company was merged with Dublin Port Company on 12 July 2011 , while Tralee and Fenit Harbour Commissioners transferred to the control of Kerry County Council on 1 October 2011.
In 2012 Dublin Tourism merged with its parent body Fáilte Ireland on 1 January, while both Baltimore and Skibbereen Harbour Commissioners and Kinsale Harbour Commissioners also transferred to the control of Cork County Council on 1 January 2012, along with Arklow Harbour Commissioners which transferred to the control of Wicklow County Council. Shannon Airport separated from the Dublin Airport Authority on 31st December 2012 to merge with a restructured Shannon Development to form a new integrated Shannon entity in public ownership.
Coaching Ireland merged into the Irish Sports Council on 1 January 2013.
The final Harbour Commission, Bantry Bay merged with the Port of Cork Company on 1 January 2014.
A Bill for the merger of Irish Sports Council and the National Sports Campus Development Authority is expected to be published shortly and the Bill for the merger of the Railway Procurement Agency and the National Roads Authority is currently before the Oireachtas.
761. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total value of bonus payments made to staff under the aegis of his Department in 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32277/14]
View answerI have asked the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department to provide the Deputy with the information requested. If you do not receive a reply from the agencies within 10 working days please advise my private office.
762. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total number of appointments to State boards since March 2011 under the aegis of his Department; the total number of appointments that have been advertised on his Department’s website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32307/14]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is being collated and will be forwarded as soon as possible.
763. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of chairpersons appointed to State boards under the aegis of his Department since March 2011 that have appeared before the relevant joint Oireachtas committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32322/14]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is being collated and will be forwarded as soon as possible
764. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of retired public servants who have been awarded temporary or term-time posts in his Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014. [32337/14]
View answerMy Department does not hire or rehire staff for term-time posts. A number of retired staff members and former public servants were rehired in the years 2011 to date on a contractual basis or engaged to undertake a specific task. The numbers per year are outlined in the table below.
|
Year |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
Number of rehires |
6 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
There are currently three rehired public servants on temporary contracts in my Department.
765. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the advertisement of tenders for State subsidised flights between counties Kerry and Dublin and Donegal and Dublin; the expected timeframe for the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32342/14]
View answerDraft notices of tender for both routes, along with the required supporting documentation, have been submitted to the EU Commission for consideration and approval. My officials are currently engaging with the Commission with a view to obtaining that approval, following which it is hoped to publish the invitations to tender in the Official Journal of the European Union as early as possible next month. The closing date for submission of tenders will be two months following that publication date.
