Tuesday, 10 Mar 2015

Written Answers Nos 441 - 456

Health Services

Questions (441)

Joe Carey

Question:

441. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a redevelopment project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10453/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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

Health Services

Questions (442)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

442. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical procedure in respect of a child (details supplied) in County Kerry; if this will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10477/15]

Written answers

Minister for Health

You will appreciate that it is contrary to the Health Service Executive (Governance) Act 2013 for me to make a direction to the HSE, or a hospital, to benefit or prioritise any individual person or patient. In relation to the particular patient query raised by you, as 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.

Home Help Service Provision

Questions (443)

Clare Daly

Question:

443. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of Health Service Executive home help jobs per year for each of the past four years; and the number of these jobs outsourced to private companies. [10481/15]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the matter. 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.

Home Help Service

Questions (444)

Clare Daly

Question:

444. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the basis upon which the new home help contracts were implemented in 2014 without full consultation or agreement with the home helps; his views on the cuts in hours, banking of hours, elimination of overtime and the loss of 12 days' pay as a result of the lengthening of the time worked in lieu by an extra two weeks. [10482/15]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In line with a Labour Court recommendation in 2013 home help workers directly employed by the HSE were issued with new contracts from 1 April 2014. The new contracts, which issued pursuant to engagement with the staff unions, provide each home help with guaranteed hours each week. This is a positive development for HSE employed home helps. The new contracts did not involve any adjustments to the hourly rates of pay.

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on the other matters raised. 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.

Organ Retention

Questions (445)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

445. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the discarding of donated organs by the Health Service Executive after maximum clinical benefit for Irish patients has been reached; the position regarding donor organs in the event there is a match but no surgeon available here to perform the transplant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10495/15]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I am committed to ensuring that all available organs are used for transplantation to patients in Ireland.

I am advised by the HSE that no medically suitable organs that are donated for transplant are discarded. While efforts continue to be made to fill Consultant vacancies at Beaumont Hospital, adequate surgeons are available to provide transplant services.

Life Insurance Policies

Questions (446)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

446. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health with reference to the lifetime community rating scheme, if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 will be entitled to credit for the entirety of that person's coverage period; the date on which the person's initial cover began; the arrangements in place to validate applicants' previous period of cover; if applicants will be required to produce proof of their insurance record; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10552/15]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Lifetime Community Rating (LCR) is being introduced to encourage people to take out private health insurance at a younger age. Encouraging more people to join the market at younger ages helps spread the costs of older and less healthy people across the market, helping to support affordable premiums for all.

There is a nine month grace period, which expires on 30 April 2015, during which time as many people as want to can take out health insurance without incurring loadings. If an individual of any age buys health insurance during this time, no loadings will apply. From 1 May 2015 onwards, a credited period can apply where individuals previously had health insurance. In addition, a credited period (in total not exceeding 3 years) is also available for individuals who previously had health insurance but relinquished cover since 1 January 2008 due to unemployment. I attach a Frequently Asked Questions document prepared by my Department as a useful guide for information. The Health Insurance Authority website www.hia.ie contains additional information and includes an LCR calculator which provides a useful estimate of the level of loading that may apply.

Credit is given for any periods of in-patient cover from age 23 years onwards. The responsibility rests with the individual to prove to the insurer their entitlement to a credited period. An individual will be able to source a statement from their insurer (or previous insurers) for any recent periods of insurance cover, as policyholder information is normally held for a period of at least six years by an insurer to satisfy their responsibilities under various legislative requirements. Beyond this timeframe, the onus will be on individuals to provide evidence that satisfies an insurer of their previous in-patient cover. The level of loading to apply in an individual case will be dependent on an insurer satisfying itself of a person's entitlement to any credits being claimed, taking account of that individual's ability to document periods of historical insurance cover. The level of loading will then be reduced by the relevant credited period(s).

Foreign Policy

Questions (447)

Paul Murphy

Question:

447. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the imprisonment of an opposition political leader (details supplied) in Malaysia and the subsequent arrest of political activists critical of the jailing. [9903/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am fully aware of the case the Deputy has raised. The conviction and sentencing of the leader of the opposition in Malaysia is a matter of concern and raises questions regarding due process of law.

Ireland supports the statement of the European Union External Action Service on the matter on 10 February 2015, which is attached. We believe that trust in the administration of justice is an essential component of the democratic process.

Ireland continues to consider Malaysia as a key political and economic partner in South East Asia.

Ireland, through its Embassy in Malaysia, has followed the trial and, together with our EU partners, we will continue to follow subsequent proceedings closely.

Military Aircraft Landings

Questions (448)

Clare Daly

Question:

448. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in respect of the aircraft of the United States of America, Military Hercules EC130H, which made an emergency landing at Shannon on 28 February 2015, if this warplane had its transponder switched on at all times when in Irish and European control airspace; if it had permission to be in Irish airspace before it developed engine trouble; the weapons that were on board this aircraft in addition to its armament, non-kinetic energy waveforms; the personal weapons being carried by the crew and other passengers; the airport of origin of the flight and its planned destination, and if it was being accompanied by another military aircraft of the United States of America, possibly a C40. [10086/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

On 18 February my Department granted permission for the landing of a US C130 military aircraft at Shannon Airport in accordance with standard conditions which apply to the landing of all foreign military aircraft. These included stipulations that the aircraft must be unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and must not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flights in question must not form part of military exercises or operations.

On 28 February the Department was contacted by the US Embassy regarding a request for the landing of a military aircraft at Shannon Airport. The Department was informed that the timeframe of the permission originally granted for the aircraft had lapsed. The Embassy confirmed that the only changes from the original request were the date and time of landing and the duration of the stopover. Permission was granted on this basis and under the aforementioned conditions. On landing, the aircraft declared an emergency due to failure of one of its engines.

The Department was subsequently informed that the aircraft that landed was a variant of the aircraft type for which permission had been sought and granted. The aircraft which landed was an EC130H. Assurances that the EC130H was unarmed, carried no arms, ammunition or explosives, was not engaged in intelligence gathering, and did not form part of military exercises or operations were re-confirmed by the Embassy. The Embassy has since confirmed that the aircraft was not accompanied by any other aircraft on arrival at Shannon.

My Department does not hold any information regarding aircraft transponders or communication between aircraft and air traffic controllers; these issues are a matter for the aviation authorities. It is not the practice to disclose details of the itinerary of individual flights.

Nevertheless, the circumstances surrounding this landing are such that I have asked my officials to pursue the matter with the US Embassy.

Middle East Issues

Questions (449)

Paul Murphy

Question:

449. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 201 of 17 December 2014, the steps he has taken on the recognition of the state of Palestine since his reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10213/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

As noted on 17 December 2014, the Government’s approach to the question of the recognition of Palestine was set out in detail during the course of the debate held in the Dáil on 9 and 10 December.

The Dáil motion called on the Government to recognise a State of Palestine as a further positive contribution to securing a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Achieving and recognising a Palestinian state has always been the Government’s objective, and our policies are directed towards that aim. While successive Governments have always seen recognition coming as part of an agreed peace, I have made clear that I have no difficulty in principle with the idea of early recognition, if I believe it can contribute to achieving a settlement of the conflict. The present stalemate is not acceptable, and I am open to any action that can move things forward positively. The EU at the November 2014 Foreign Affairs Council, with my strong support, began a process of reflection among Ministers as to the implications and possibilities of recognition.

In parallel to the work ongoing at EU level, I continue to reflect on what early recognition could mean both for Palestine and for Ireland’s influence on this critical issue.

During my visit to the region at the end of February, I met with leaders on both sides, including the Israeli Foreign Minister, Avigdor Liberman and the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas. The issue of recognition came up in those meetings.

I expect a discussion at the April Foreign Affairs Council, after the Israeli election on 17 March. I welcome the High Representative Mogherini’s indications that she intends to enhance EU engagement in the Middle East Peace Process.

Nuclear Disarmament Initiative

Questions (450)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

450. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the talks with Iran over nuclear capabilities. [10254/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland has long made clear its support for the negotiations between Iran and the 5 Permanent Members of the Security plus Germany over Iran’s nuclear activities.

Current negotiations, which are aimed at reaching an agreement by the end of June 2015 under the terms of the November 2013 Joint Plan of Action agreed by the parties, are ongoing.

Ireland continues to support the efforts of all parties to reach a comprehensive long-term solution to this issue.

Foreign Policy

Questions (451)

Finian McGrath

Question:

451. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise the issue of the United States of America's backing of Mr. Ledezma in the Venezuela elections at European Union and United Nations level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10256/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Mid-term legislative elections are due in Venezuela later this year. It is essential that the elections be held in a manner that is free and fair in accordance with international standards and, in particular, that the fundamental rights of all persons, including the right to freedom of expression, of assembly and of association be protected and upheld. I have already expressed my concerns at the situation in Venezuela including as regards the increasing levels of tension and the polarisation of opinion there.

As noted earlier, I share the concerns expressed by EU High Representative Mogherini and by her predecessor, Catherine Ashton, at the detention of political figures and students. Together with the deaths and casualties arising from the current unrest, these require full, impartial investigation in accordance with due legal process. In this connection, the recent arrest of the democratically elected Mayor of Caracas, Antonio Ledezma, is deeply troubling, as are the reports regarding other imprisoned opposition leaders and students. The accusations against Mayor Ledezma and the others should be investigated swiftly and impartially with full respect for the rights of the accused.

I renew my call for all parties, including government, opposition, students and civil society, to work together in seeking, through peaceful dialogue, a consensus for overcoming Venezuela’s current difficulties. Regional organisations, and Venezuela’s neighbours, are in a position to assist and I encourage all concerned to engage in this important matter.

We will continue to monitor the situation in Venezuela through our Embassy at Mexico City and in co-ordination with our EU partners.

Foreign Policy

Questions (452)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

452. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the murder of the Russian opposition political leader, Mr. Boris Nemtsov; his further views on the political situation in the Russian Federation following Mr. Nemtsov's death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10274/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

It was with shock and disbelief that I learned of the brutal and cowardly murder of the leading Russian opposition figure Boris Nemtsov in central Moscow. I am deeply saddened by his death, and have extended my sympathy to his family.

Mr. Nemtsov was a courageous champion of democratic reforms who fought tirelessly for a more open and tolerant Russia. His loss will be deeply felt not just in Russia, but around the world.

The high esteem in which many Russians held Mr. Nemtsov was evident in the large crowds that attended a vigil in his honour on 1 March and his memorial service two days later, at which Ireland was represented by our Ambassador to Russia. Tens of thousands of people across a wide range of political parties and movements turned out to mourn his loss and pay tribute to his legacy as a fearless reformer who was not afraid to speak out against the direction that Russia was taking and the policies being pursued.

Mr. Nemtsov's murder highlights the vulnerability of opposition figures in Russia at the present time, where any criticism of government policy is seen by some as an act of disloyalty. He had been a vocal critic of Russia’s actions against Ukraine. Indeed, the vigil held for Mr. Nemtsov replaced an opposition demonstration which he had been instrumental in organising to protest against the economic crisis and Russia’s role in the destabilisation of Ukraine.

President Putin has condemned the killing, and his spokesperson announced that the President had written to Mr. Nemtsov’s mother promising that he would personally oversee the investigation into her son’s murder.

It is crucial that the Russian authorities promptly conduct a full and transparent investigation into his killing and that the perpetrators of this callous crime are brought to justice. A culture of impunity must not be allowed to develop in Russia.

It is also important that the rights to freedom of assembly and expression that Mr. Nemtsov fought to defend are recognised and fully protected, and that his fearless calls for reform and tolerance, echoed by those who mourn him, are heard and heeded.

Recent developments in Russia in terms of political pluralism, the role of civil society and civil liberties have certainly been disappointing. Although our perspectives may sometimes differ, it is important that we should continue to engage with Russia on these key issues.

Passport Data

Questions (453)

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

453. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the waiting period for a passport to be issued here in view of the fact that the current advertised ten days is not the case at present; if he will ensure the information on his Department's website, which advertises a ten-day turnaround, is changed to the current waiting period in view of the fact that it is causing much distress to persons who have been left disappointed not to receive their passport in the advertised time. [10332/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Due to a surge in demand, the turnaround time for passport express has in recent weeks exceeded the target time of ten days for correctly completed applications. The Passport Service regrets the delay and any difficulties caused in this regard. Measures have been taken to return current turnaround times back to standard service levels and I am pleased to inform the house that Passport Express renewal applications are now back on track with a ten day turnaround time.

The Passport Service updates its website each week to provide an update on current turnaround times being experienced. An Post are also advised of the weekly turnaround times in advance of the information being posted on the Department’s website.

Overseas Development Aid

Questions (454, 460)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

454. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 138 of 1 October 2014, if he will report on progress, on reaching the target of 0.7% of GDP on overseas aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10353/15]

Robert Dowds

Question:

460. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress towards raising Ireland's overseas aid to 0.7% of national income. [10401/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 454 and 460 together.

The Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme, which is at the heart of our foreign policy. Our policy on International Development, “One World, One Future”, reaffirms our commitment to achieving the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) for Official Development Assistance (ODA), when economic circumstances permit.

Our aim since 2011 has been to protect, as far as possible, allocations to for the aid programme. Despite the very difficult economic circumstances we faced over this period, the Government has successfully managed to stabilise allocations to the programme. The OECD Development Assistance Committee’s peer review of Ireland, published last December, clearly recognises and commends our efforts to protect and stabilise the allocation for the aid programme, and describes as “exemplary” Ireland‘s approach in managing the aid budget during the economic crisis. The most recent statistics published by the OECD, for 2013, place Ireland’s ODA at 0.46% of GNP.

For 2015, we have again protected the overall allocations to the aid programme, and have provided a total of just over €600 million for ODA. Significantly, this represents a small increase on the 2014 level. As our economic recovery consolidates and strengthens, I am determined to set out the strongest possible case for building further on our current commitment to the aid programme.

Our priority now is to ensure we continue to focus on tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice, strengthening our key partner countries ability to deliver essential services to their citizens, and delivering real and sustainable improvements to the lives of some of the world’s poorest people and communities.

Overseas Development Aid

Questions (455)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

455. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Government's position on, and aims for, the United Nation's third international Conference on Financing for Development to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in July 2015; if he will report on the preparations being made by his Department in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10354/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The third international Conference on Financing for Development will be held in Addis Ababa in July, with the objective of agreeing the financing framework for the post-2015 agenda on sustainable development, which will replace the framework provided by the Millennium Development Goals.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were agreed by the international community in 2000, in order to provide focus in the fight against poverty, up to 2015. A new UN-led framework is now being negotiated to guide global efforts on international development to 2030. Ireland is co-facilitating these negotiations at the UN, with Kenya. At the heart of the new development framework will be a new set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to complete the work under the MDGs and tackle new and emerging global challenges. The SDGs will aim at eradicating extreme poverty and hunger by 2030 and achieving sustainable development at a global level by addressing challenges in areas such as energy, food, water and sanitation, climate, consumption, employment and economic growth, urbanisation and governance. The aim is that the new Goals will be universal in nature and address development challenges through social, environmental and economic actions in all countries, be they low, middle or high-income countries.

The Addis Conference will seek to identify and unlock all available financing sources to implement the new SDGs. This will include aid, but will also have to broaden the agenda significantly beyond development assistance. Its aim is to establish a durable and sustainable financial framework that will provide long-term support for the SDGs.

The Conference, while acknowledging the importance of Official Development Aid (ODA) in contributing to sustainable development, will aim for a more ambitious and innovative approach. It will be universal in scope, allowing a move away from the traditional North-South model of development cooperation, and will recognise and encourage the role Middle Income Countries can play in contributing to sustainable development. The Conference will also examine ways of mobilising domestic tax revenues, a rapidly-growing source of stable development finance, and identify ways of creating an enabling environment to support private sector growth, both domestic and international, in an inclusive and sustainable way. The potential for ODA to act as a catalytic agent for other innovative finance and investment will also be explored. Ultimately, this transformative agenda aims to form a global partnership to eradicate poverty and support sustainable development.

My Department has established an inter-departmental coordination mechanism comprising all relevant Government Departments to ensure a comprehensive Irish position for the Conference, and for the broader post-2015 development negotiations. We are engaging with a wide range of interested parties, including civil society, and we are working with our EU partners to agree a common EU position on the range of issues to be addressed at the Finance for Development Conference.

Our objective is to contribute to a broad, ambitious and inclusive outcome in Addis that will ensure the success of the post-2015 negotiations at the United Nations and the effectiveness of the new Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainable Development Strategy

Questions (456)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

456. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Government's position on, and aims for, the United Nation's special summit on sustainable Development, in New York in September 2015; if he will report on the preparations being made by his Department in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10355/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland is currently co-facilitating the negotiations at the United Nations to agree a framework for international development to replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) after 2015. It is hoped that the new development agenda will be adopted at the Summit planned for New York in September. At the heart of this new global sustainable development framework will be a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which will complete the work of the MDGs in eradicating extreme poverty but which will put sustainable development at the core. The objective is that the SDGs will be universal in nature and address development challenges through social, environmental and economic actions in low, middle and high-income countries alike. They will address a wide range of areas including food and nutrition, water and sanitation, climate and biodiversity, production and consumption, trade and global governance structures, peace and governance, employment and economic growth, urbanisation and energy.

Ireland’s key priorities for the post-2015 Development Agenda have been the fight to end hunger and under-nutrition, the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment, and good governance and rule of law. These priorities are drawn from Ireland’s Policy for International Development ‘One World, One Future’ and the priorities set out following the Foreign Policy Review, in ‘The Global Island’, which I launched, with the Taoiseach, in January. We have advocated for strong goals and targets in each of these key areas, and we have emphasised the need to incorporate human rights in the new development framework, reduce global inequality and protect the role of civil society.

Ireland’s positions in the UN negotiations are agreed through a whole-of-Government coordination process. My Department, together with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government is co-chairing a dedicated inter-departmental coordination mechanism comprising all relevant Government Departments, to ensure a comprehensive Irish position. We are also engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society.

We are working with our colleagues in the EU to ensure that the process will culminate in a successful outcome in September and that the new SDGs, which will have a profound impact on the lives of the world’s poor, will reflect our priorities and galvanise action to end extreme poverty and hunger by 2030.

This year will also see a global agreement on how to finance the new SDGs at the Third International Conference on Financing for Development which will take place in Addis Ababa from the 13-16 July. In addition a new agreement is being negotiated under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and is expected to be adopted at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) in Paris in December. We believe that ensuring that these processes are coherent and mutually supportive is critical if we are to achieve a truly transformative agenda for sustainable development.