Written Answers Nos. 101 - 120
101. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding reports that up to 60% of State run nursing homes risk sanctions up to and including closure unless the Government complies with an imminent deadline to upgrade them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44630/14]
View answerThe Health Information and Quality Authority was established under the Health Act 2007 to register and inspect categories of centres including nursing homes for older people. In this context all public nursing homes are currently registered with HIQA.
In 2013 HIQA issued a regulatory notice in relation to Standard 25, which addresses the physical environment, advising the sector that "where particular criteria regarding premises are not met in the Centre, the provider must provide clear evidence of the other ways by which they are reaching the Standard and must demonstrate to the Chief Inspector that these alternative arrangements are delivering on the Standard for each individual resident. In the case of Standard 25, the Chief Inspector will require substantial and exceptional justification for any premises which purports to meet Standard 25 without implementation of the individual criteria.”
Registration renewals for the majority of these are due from the middle of next year. Bearing in mind their age and structure, public nursing homes face real challenges and require investment in excess of the funding that will be available in the short to medium term.
It is important that we do everything possible to apply appropriate standards to all facilities. It is also a fact that publicly-run facilities provide bed capacity which is critically needed by older people, particularly by those with high or complex care needs for whom public facilities are often the only place that can meet their needs. Notwithstanding the problems that some facilities face with structures and facilities, the vast majority of their residents receive excellent levels of care. Without these public facilities many older people would simply have nowhere to go, other than our acute hospitals which are already under pressure.
The critical thing for me is to manage this situation in the best interests of the older people affected by it, and discussions have already taken place between the HSE and HIQA on the issues that arise for facilities around the country. In addition, my Department and the HSE are working to establish the options that may be available in this regard and how we can ensure that older people continue to be looked after. That is and will remain my priority.
102. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Health if there are any special provisions or supports for parents and their pre-term babies where significant hospital care is required. [44634/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
103. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the urgent need for respite in respect of a child (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44640/14]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.
104. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the care plan in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 who is currently receiving care abroad which is coming to an end, taking into account the urgency of the matter as this person will be returning here later in the month. [44643/14]
View answerAs this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44660/14]
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.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.
106. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the post of consultant psychiatrist at the child and adolescent mental health service in the Health Service Executive south Lee catchment area; the length of time the position has been vacant; the steps being taken to fill the vacancy; the measures in place in the interim to ensure that a service may be provided, especially in urgent cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44670/14]
View answerAs this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
107. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure manufacturers reduce sugar content in sports drinks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44714/14]
View answerThe Special Advisory Group on Obesity is developing a number of measures to tackle obesity. These measures include calorie posting, educational media campaigns on healthy eating and revision of the healthy eating guidelines which include carbohydrates and sugar. The issue of appropriate measures to promote healthy diet in line with the guidelines will be considered taking into account the advice of the WHO on sugar intake and energy.
108. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form, the number of staff in his data protection office; if he has a specified data protection officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44729/14]
View answerThe Department does not have a Data Protection office. However, the role of Data Controller in ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act lies with one member of staff within the ICT Unit.
109. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current address of the chancellery of the Embassy to the Holy See; the current address of the residence of the Irish ambassador to the Holy See; the addresses for both that have been supplied to the protocol office of the Holy See; if he will confirm that the current Irish ambassador to the Holy See’s principal residence is in Rome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44621/14]
View answerI am happy to confirm that the Ambassador took up duty in Rome on the 15 September 2014 and presented credentials to Pope Francis last week. The process of re-establishing a resident Embassy to the Holy See is ongoing. The Ambassador is addressing a variety of logistical and other tasks, including securing accommodation appropriate to the objectives of the Embassy, the staffing level and the available budget. A range of options for a Chancery and Residence are under consideration.
110. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 484 of 21 October 2014 if he will correct his response that Hercules C130 registration number 16/8073 was not present at Shannon Airport on 30 September 2014 or 1 October 2014 contrary to photographic evidence and records that it was; the reason this inaccurate response was given; his views that it was not involved in any military operations or exercise, in view of the fact that it was operated by a reserve marine corps squadron called the rangers who have been involved in many operations in Libya and Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44645/14]
View answerThe issue of a landing of a Hercules C130 aircraft at Shannon airport on 30 September or 1 October has been raised on three previous occasions and I have responded on the basis of information provided by the Shannon Airport Authority. The details of the Questions and replies are as follows:
On 7 October, in my reply to Question 38084/14, referring to a Hercules C130 registration 16/8073 at Shannon airport on 1 October 2014, I advised that the Shannon Airport Authority had confirmed that no aircraft matching this description had landed at the airport on 1 October. On 14 October, in my reply to Question 39184/14, referring to a Hercules C130 registration 16/8074 landing at Shannon on 30 September 2014 and being present at the airport on 1 October, I advised that the Shannon Airport Authority had confirmed that no aircraft with the registration number 16/8074 was at the airport on the dates in question.
On 21 October, in my reply to Question 40309/14, referring to a Hercules C130 registration 16/8073 landing at Shannon on 30 September 2014 and being present at the airport on 1 October, I advised that the Shannon Airport Authority had confirmed that no aircraft with the registration number 16/8073 was at the airport on the dates in question.
Requests are routinely received by my Department seeking permission for C130 aircraft to land at Shannon airport. Landings were authorised for the timeframe referred to by the Deputy, but, as previously stated, none of these aircraft bore the registration numbers specified.
I would be happy to review any further information relating to this Hercules C130, registration number 16/8073, should the Deputy wish to make this available.
111. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will confirm that the report in a newspaper article (details supplied) is accurate in stating that his Department's report found that one-person embassies are fraught with difficulty and suffer from drawbacks, including that such embassies should be monitored from the perspective of health and safety, isolated working environment, risk to business objectives and operational capacity; the steps that have been taken to address these concerns in respect of the Irish Embassy to the Holy See; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44648/14]
View answerThe Report in question, which is available at www.dfa.ie, is a Value-for-Money and Policy Review (VFMPR) that examined the work of Ireland’s bilateral diplomatic network in the other 26 EU member states over the years 2008-2011, a period of significant challenge for Ireland. The review was directed by a Steering Committee chaired by an independent chairperson and included key officials from four Government Departments. The Report makes a number of recommendations including relating to the challenges associated with the operation of one-diplomat missions.
Overall, the review found that the work of our bilateral mission network in other EU member states plays a key role in helping Ireland maintain close relations with its EU partners and in promoting Ireland’s economic and other interests. It also notes that, with quite modest resources, the missions do what they set out to do or are called upon to do; that they provide a platform to advance Ireland’s policy objectives within the EU; and that in a variety of ways, these missions make important and timely contributions to promoting and protecting Ireland’s strategic interests, including helping rebuild Ireland’s reputation.
In discussing one-diplomat missions, the report notes the advantages and drawbacks of such representations and also highlights locations where such a model is not realistic - such as in countries where, for example, there are high demands for consular services - and the skills set required to oversee a one-diplomat mission. The advantages include reduced operating costs and the ability to maintain an active presence on the ground in a time of reduced resources, while the drawbacks include a high administrative burden on the Head of Mission.
The Department has a duty of care in respect of all staff serving abroad regardless of the size or the location of the mission. We currently operate twelve one-diplomat missions (10 in Europe and 2 in the US) and, while there is no sense that these missions are “fraught with difficulty”, we do recognise that one-diplomat missions will from time to time require additional assistance from HQ or a neighbouring mission. Our Human Resources Unit has the capacity to make temporary assignments to cover leave or other absences, while Lead Units at HQ continue to make greater use of video conference facilities for ongoing engagement with missions as well as for planning and training purposes. In addition, the upcoming Heads of Mission conference in early 2015 will provide an opportunity to discuss the operations of these missions with the relevant Heads of Mission.
112. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44678/14]
View answerI attended the most recent Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels on 17 November. This FAC – the first chaired by the new High Representative Federica Mogherini – had a very busy agenda, with discussions on Ukraine, the Middle East, Ebola, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Libya.
Ukraine was the first item to be addressed. Our discussions focused on the path to peace, the reform process and maintaining a firm EU response to the crisis. The situation in Ukraine remains extremely fragile and I am deeply concerned in particular by reports of the increased level of violence and troop and weaponry movements in Eastern Ukraine. During our discussions I reiterated the importance of the full implementation of the Minsk agreement, and the need for a sustainable political solution, based on the respect for Ukraine's sovereignty, with clear guarantees of border security, disarmament of all illegal groups and the withdrawal of foreign forces. I joined with my colleagues in supporting a new initiative by High Representative Mogherini to undertake outreach to the parties involved. This will complement the important contribution being made by the OSCE. I also joined with colleagues in welcoming the parliamentary elections which took place on 26 October in Ukraine, and in looking forward to the early formation of a new Government which can seize the mandate for reform given to it by the Ukrainian people. I believe that there is now a need and an opportunity for outreach, national dialogue and reconciliation. At the Council meeting I stressed the need for the new Government to implement an ambitious reform programme to build confidence among the people throughout Ukraine.
The question of an appropriate EU response to the deteriorating security situation in Eastern Ukraine and the illegal and illegitimate elections, which took place in Donetsk and Luhansk on 2 November, was also discussed. A decision was reached to prepare further sanctions against separatists by the end of November. Council conclusions on Ukraine were adopted.
The Council then exchanged views on latest developments in the Middle East Peace Process and received a report from the High Representative on her recent visit to the region. I had advocated such a visit and welcome it as a sign of the continued priority which the EU accords this issue. The growing violence by both sides in East Jerusalem and the West Bank is of great concern, and shows us that continued political failure will leave a vacuum which more militant or despairing voices will fill. Gaza has just highlighted the perils of allowing an unsustainable situation to simply drift on. I believe that the EU must become more actively engaged in the efforts to re-launch the peace process, and in confronting the increasingly serious threats to securing a viable, negotiated two-State solution. I am confident that High Representative Mogherini will embrace a more active role for the EU so that we can play our part in bringing about a comprehensive peace settlement. At our meeting Foreign Minister Wallström also took the opportunity to brief the Council on Sweden’s recognition of Palestine. Council conclusions on the Middle East Peace Process were adopted.
The Council was then briefed by EU Ebola co-ordinator Christos Stylianides on his priorities and on the findings of his mission together with Health Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis to the affected countries in West Africa. With the EU and its Member States having together pledged €1 billion in funding, the EU is the prime donor amongst the international community in addressing Ebola. Ireland continues to work closely with EU partners as well as through the UN system to ensure a coordinated and robust response to this crisis. On the ground in West Africa, Ireland is working to combat the spread of Ebola, providing support of over €17 million to the affected countries. Three members of the Irish Defence Forces will also be deployed to Sierra Leone to reinforce Ireland's Embassy in Freetown. The Council also discussed a proposal from Germany and France for the EU to establish a reserve pool of health experts which would allow for quick and targeted deployment in future health crises similar to the Ebola crisis. It was decided that this proposal could be considered at a future point following the current crisis. Council conclusions on Ebola were adopted.
The Council took stock of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina after the elections on 12 October. Ministers discussed ways and means to encourage reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European perspective for the country. Ireland has long been a strong supporter of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU aspirations and we are supportive of proposals that might unblock the current stand still. It remains important however that there is no relaxation of the substantive conditions which are an integral part of the enlargement process.
The Council briefly discussed the current situation in Libya. I joined with my colleagues in expressing our full support for the efforts of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Bernardino Leon, to address the current crisis for the benefit of the people of Libya.
Finally the Council approved, without discussion, the Council Conclusions on CSDP which were formally adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) on 18 November.
113. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he raised with his EU counterparts the need to recognise the state of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44679/14]
View answerI have addressed in replies to recent Questions and also outlined in some detail, when meeting the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade on 11 November, the Government’s position on the possible recognition of Palestine. Since Ireland has not yet decided to recognise Palestine, it would not be appropriate for us to suggest to EU partners that they need to do so.
At the recent Foreign Affairs Council which I attended on 17 November, Ministers did informally exchange views on the question of recognition, and Sweden in particular set out the thinking behind their own recent decision. Many partners, including Ireland, are open in principle to recognition as part of the search for a comprehensive peace in the region, and at a time when it would help achieve that objective. At this time no other partner has decided to follow Sweden’s example.
The Government remains committed to the earliest possible achievement of a sovereign Palestinian state as part of an agreed two-state solution to the conflict and all our policies are constructively designed to advance this goal.
114. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form, the number of staff in his data protection office; if he has a specified data protection officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44728/14]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has within its Corporate Services Division one nominated officer who is the contact person for Data Protection requests for the Department. This officer liaises as appropriate with the data holders and data processors in the Department to ensure that best practice is followed and that requests for personal information are met within the prescribed timeframes.
115. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is entitled to free school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44556/14]
View answerUnder the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
The child in question is not attending her nearest school which is less than 3.2 kilometres from her home and is therefore not eligible for school transport.
In general children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis subject to a number of terms and conditions that are detailed in the scheme. However, in this case Bus Éireann has advised that there are no school transport services operating into the school this child is attending.
116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which the educational skills and requirements of the workplace continue to be met in line with workplace requirements; the extent to which apprenticeships remain a feature of the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44744/14]
View answerMy Department has a number of strategies and initiatives in place to ensure that further education and training meets the skills requirements of the workplace. SOLAS with the assistance of relevant experts such as the ESRI, employers and local and national organisations have published a five year strategy for the further education and training sector which provides us with a strategic roadmap for this crucial element of the education and training system. The strategy includes a vision of a flexible, quality-driven, labour market-relevant, integrated and responsive sector that supports learner progression, transitions into employment and personal development.
In addition to the 5 year Strategy, SOLAS has published a first ever integrated Further Education and Training Services Plan for 2014 and it provides information on the range of further education and training funded by the Irish Government and it will set out in detail how the State's investment in 2014 will be used by SOLAS and the Education and Training Boards to meet the skills needs of learners and employers.
The Government recognises the importance of a modern well-functioning apprenticeship system in meeting skills needs and supporting economic growth. As part of the Government's Action Plan for Jobs initiative my Department undertook a review of the Irish Apprenticeship system to determine whether the current model should be retained, adapted or replaced. The review was tasked with taking into account the needs of both learners and industry and to ensure that we have a value for money system that is cost effective and sustainable into the future.
An independent Review Group undertook a substantial consultation process with all major Stakeholders as well as inviting submissions from members of the public. 69 written submissions were received by the review group in that context. The report of the Independent Review Group made a number of recommendations regarding a new structure for Apprenticeship, which is envisaged as being relevant to a much wider group of enterprise sectors. Recommendations were also made in relation to current apprenticeships.
Following on from the Review an Apprenticeship Implementation Plan was published on the 30th June 2014. As part of this plan a new Apprenticeship Council has been established. The Council is enterprise led and have representatives from business, trade unions, further and higher education bodies. The first meeting of the Council took place on 18 November. The first job of work of the new Apprenticeship Council is to make a call for proposals from industry for new apprenticeships. This call for proposals is expected to be made before the end of 2014.
117. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure funding is provided for a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork to carry out essential works in the playground area which in its present state is a health hazard where a number of accidents have taken place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44558/14]
View answerMy Department's planning and building unit has no record of receiving an application under the emergency works scheme from the school referred to by the Deputy for works to the playground. Should an application be received, it will be assessed and the school authorities will be notified of the outcome.
118. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the assistance available to help the provision of an autistic spectrum disorder unit in the case of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44560/14]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater for children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports, including the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
I have arranged for the matter raised in relation to the school referred to by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
119. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills with regard to the development of a parent and student charter, when the charter will be available to parents associated with schools under the patronage of education and training boards. [44567/14]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that changes to the Education Act, 1998 will be necessary to provide for and support the introduction of a Parent and Student Charter.
With this in mind, a set of principles will be required to act as a charter to strengthen the relationship between parents, students and schools, and the position of parents and students generally within the school system.
I plan to include legislative amendments to support a Charter in the Admissions Bill. The aim is that the legislative amendments will foster a culture change in how schools engage with students and parents on a daily basis.
It is my intention to publish guidelines for the development of a Charter before the end of the current school year.
120. Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a third level grant has not been granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [44589/14]
View answerAs part of a comprehensive customer service and communications strategy provided by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), to ensure that all necessary avenues are open to applicants to receive the information they need, a dedicated email and phone line service is provided by SUSI for Oireachtas members. This was established to meet an identified need for applicants who choose to engage the assistance of their public representatives in making enquiries about their grant applications.
This service complements the established channels provided by SUSI which include online application tracking, a dedicated website, a telephone helpdesk, email and social media, including Facebook and Twitter.
Enquiries may be emailed direct to SUSI at oireachtas@susi.ie. SUSI are responding to email queries within a matter of days.
