Written Answers Nos. 382-401
382. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to a previous Parliamentary Question on 16 July 2014 if she will confirm if individual families have been informed of precisely what documents have been removed, if any, from the files being reviewed by the special review panel; if she will confirm the progress being made by this panel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33203/15]
View answerIt is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the mechanism established for the independent review of certain allegations of Garda misconduct, or inadequacies in the investigation of certain allegations, which have been made to me as Minister for Justice and Equality, or the Taoiseach. A panel consisting of two Senior and five Junior Counsel was established for the purpose, all selected on the basis of their experience of the criminal justice system.
The process of the Independent Review has not been to act as a Commission of Inquiry or Investigation designed to make findings. Its purpose has been to triage the allegations to see if further investigations are needed.
The review of each complaint consisted of an examination of the papers in the complaint by a counsel from the Panel. Documentation held by the Department, or forwarded by the Department of the Taoiseach, on each case was referred to the Panel. Such documentation would include correspondence from complainants, any reports that might have been sought from An Garda Síochána to assist the Department in replies, any submissions to the Minister in relation to the case, documents relating to previous reviews of the issues etc. There were no documents removed from the files before they were submitted to Counsel. It was of course open to any complainant to submit any further documentation relevant to their case. It was also open to the Panel to seek additional information, if they felt that it was necessary.
The Panel has provided recommendations to me in all 320 cases submitted to them and has therefore largely concluded its work. I am mindful that all complainants are anxious to know the outcome of the review of their case and every effort is being made to conclude the process. In each case a submission will be prepared. Mr Justice Roderick Murphy will review the summary of the conclusion and the letter of notification drafted to ensure that they are a fair and accurate reflection of the recommendation.
The issuing of notification letters to complainants commenced on 29 June. To date, notification letters have issued to 132 complainants. Letters will continue to issue to all complainants until the process is completed.
383. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the position in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33207/15]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person mentioned was registered in the State as a Student from 11/11/2009 to 22/02/2015.
As this person is from a country that is subject to an Irish visa requirement for the purposes of travelling to the State they must apply for an entry visa. Information regarding visa applications is clearly set out on the INIS website www.inis.gov.ie.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
384. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out her plans to introduce legislation to tackle sex trafficking and prostitution (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33208/15]
View answerOn 23 September, I published the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015, as approved by Government. The Bill provides for two new offences of purchasing sexual services, in the context of prostitution. The purpose of these offences is to target the demand for prostitution. The first is a general offence of paying to engage in sexual activity with a prostitute which carries a penalty of a fine of up to €500 for a first offence and fines of up to €1,000 for a second or subsequent offence. The second is the more serious offence of paying for sexual activity with a trafficked person, in the context of prostitution, and carries a potential penalty of up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine. In both cases, the person selling the sexual service will not commit an offence.
These proposals have been developed following extensive consultation, initiated by my Department, dating back to 2012. The new offences also implement the recommendation of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence which called for the introduction of an offence criminalising the purchase of sexual services.
The Bill is expected to be considered in the Houses during the Autumn session.
I would also draw the Deputy's attention to the existing legislative provisions addressing the trafficking of persons for the purpose of exploitation (including sexual exploitation) which can attract significant penalties. Under the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008, any person found guilty of trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation shall be liable to imprisonment for a period up to life. It is also an offence for a person to solicit or importune a trafficked person for the purposes of prostitution with a potential penalty of imprisonment for up to 5 years.
385. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware of any Garda Síochána operations in which journalists' telephones are being monitored, or their conversations recorded, in any medium; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33215/15]
View answerIt is not the practice and it would be contrary to the public interest to disclose details of any authorisations to intercept. The Deputy will appreciate that this practice, which has been followed by my predecessors, arises for sound security reasons.
The Deputy will be aware that the legislative basis for the carrying out of covert surveillance is the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009 while the interception of telecommunications is provided for in the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages (Regulation) Act 1993.
As Minister for Justice and Equality I have no role whatsoever in the operation of the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009. Under the 2009 Act, authorisations for intrusive surveillance are granted by a judge of the District Court on application by a superior officer of An Garda Síochána, the Revenue Commissioners or the Defence Forces in circumstances which are set out in the Act.
In relation to lawful interception, the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages (Regulation) Act 1993 provides that an authorisation for interception may only be granted by Ministerial warrant on application from the Garda Commissioner and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and only for the purposes of the investigation of serious crime or protecting the security of the State.
I should emphasise that the provisions of both Acts are subject to independent judicial oversight by Judges of the High Court, designated by the Government for that purpose. The Designated Judge has complete and unrestricted access to all cases, documents, records, and personnel pertaining to the operation of the relevant legislation. In addition, each Designated Judge reports to the Taoiseach on an annual basis on the operation of the legislation. These reports are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. Furthermore, both Acts provide for a complaints mechanism whereby an individual who believes that he or she has been subject to surveillance or whose communications have been intercepted may apply to the Complaints Referee, appointed in accordance with the relevant Act, for an investigation into the matter.
The Deputy will appreciate that I am maintaining the long-standing practice of my predecessors, but I can assure the Deputy that I have never exercised the legal powers I have to interfere in any way with the work of the category of persons to which he refers.
386. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she has reviewed the case of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33242/15]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that my Department has been in correspondence with the person concerned, regarding the matters raised on numerous occasions.
The position of my Department has been extensively outlined in this correspondence and the person concerned has been informed that no further action is to be taken in this case.
However if the person concerned wishes to submit additional, pertinent information, which they have not previously supplied, then my Department will of course examine this further.
387. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in respect of the independent review mechanism established to provide an independent assessment of outstanding allegations of Garda Síochána misconduct the number of cases in which the panel of barristers recommended no further action; the number of cases in which she has accepted the recommendation of the panel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33246/15]
View answerAs I informed the Deputy in response to Parliamentary Question 597 of 2015, the issuing of notification letters to complainants commenced on 29 June.
To date, notification letters have issued to 132 complainants. In all cases I have accepted the recommendation of counsel.
A number of cases have resulted in recommendations for further action which I have accepted, including referral to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), requesting a report from the Garda Commissioner in accordance with section 41(2) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, etc.
It is my intention, on the completion of the process, to make a comprehensive statement on all the actions I have decided to take in line with the recommendations of counsel.
388. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding lengthy queues at the Garda Síochána National Immigration Bureau; her plans to address this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33258/15]
View answerI am aware of the queuing issues that have arisen at the Garda Síochána National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), Registration Office in Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 and my Department is working with the GNIB to alleviate the matter. The following arrangements are now in place in an effort to improve throughput and relieve the congestion in the public office that occurs at this time of the year as demand for registration increases as students return to their studies. The aim is to reduce the number of persons who are required to call to the office to a minimum and on a par with the number who call at all other times of the year where no significant issues with queuing arise.
Beginning immediately, persons who are students of the colleges listed below and who are registering for the first time or seeking to renew their registrations should not attend at the Public Office. Separate arrangements are being put in place to register students of these colleges later in the autumn and these arrangements will be communicated directly to the colleges and students involved. There is no need for students of these colleges to queue at Burgh Quay and no person will lose residence status or continuity of permission to remain by the application of these arrangements. The colleges concerned are:
- Dublin City University (DCU),
- Dublin Institute of Technology and constituent colleges (DIT)
- Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland (RCSI),
- Dublin University (Trinity College),
- University College Dublin (UCD).
Commencing on Wednesday 30th September, all new registrations will be dealt with on Monday and Tuesday each week. Wednesday to Friday is reserved for renewal of registrations i.e. for those who have an existing GNIB registration certificate. In addition to these measures, extra staff resources are being deployed to the GNIB to assist with the registration process. Weekend opening is also being arranged: the Public Office was open on 26th September and a date of 10th October has been announced, and further dates will be announced shortly. The arrangements will be kept under constant review and changed or added to as required to address the demands on the office in this peak period.
The nature of the services provided is such that it is demand led and accordingly, there are peaks and valleys in the numbers of callers at different times of the year. For the purpose of the efficient processing of the registration of up to 500 people who are dealt with in the peak period at this registration office every day, GNIB personnel who are employed there operate a shift system, which ensures it is open from 8 am to 9 pm each Monday to Thursday and 8 am to 6 pm each Friday (excluding bank holidays) and remains open through lunchtime. A numbered ticket issuing system is operated at the office; priority is given in the early morning period for particular categories including those coming here to work or conduct business. This is to minimise the amount of time persons at work are required to be away from their jobs. In addition, the GNIB with the assistance of the Garda Press Office has recently established a Garda website notification system for the purpose of assisting persons who are required to attend at Burgh Quay for registration. On three separate occasions during each day an announcement is posted on the Garda website alerting customers to the number of available tickets remaining at the Burgh Quay public office for that day. Furthermore, those attending are advised of the approximate time that they will be dealt with, which allows them to leave the office and return later in the day, if they so wish. A GNIB officer is also deployed to meet with each person on arrival at the office to ensure that they are in possession of all of the necessary documentation required for registration, so that unnecessary delays are avoided.
In common with the operation of immigration functions in other States, immigrants seeking to register are required to present in person at my offices. This is necessary for establishment of identity and as an anti-fraud measure and is the practice of immigration services worldwide. For the majority of customers the Garda National Immigration Bureau provides a ‘same day service’ at its Burgh Quay office. Currently, this office handles all registrations in the Dublin area. At times of high demand, it is not possible, currently, to send this demand elsewhere, it has to be accommodated within the capacity of the Burgh Quay office where the necessary technical infrastructure for registration card recording, generation of registration certificates and fingerprinting exists. Use of other buildings for this purpose is not an option because the biometric equipment and elaborate smart card production systems are not mobile and in any event has to be linked up in real-time to the Garda IT systems.
Work is underway to transfer the registration function to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). As part of that work new systems are being developed with the aim of reducing footfall and random arrivals to the public office by use of on-line systems and to undertake registrations renewals off-site.
I would like to acknowledge the work of the staff in the Public Office who diligently perform a very important function for the State. It is one of the busiest public offices in the State dealing with, in the region of, 100,000 people every year. The new arrangements outlined above mean that queuing is not necessary and these arrangements will be strictly enforced to ensure that they are implemented as effectively as possible. I am anxious that queuing be reduced to the absolute minimum at the earliest possible opportunity whilst remaining consistent with the requirement to protect our immigration system from abuses. I am confident that the measures outlined above will further improve the services provided to customers calling to this office.
389. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set down her plans to provide closed circuit television at a location (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33272/15]
View answerCCTV systems installed for the purposes of crime prevention, and as aids to policing in areas to which the general public routinely have access such as town centres, fall into two distinct categories: Garda CCTV systems and community-based CCTV systems.
Garda CCTV systems are planned and implemented on the basis of An Garda Síochána's identified operational needs and priorities. Accordingly, decisions in relation to the introduction or extension of such systems are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I am advised by the Garda authorities that current Garda CCTV arrangements are kept under ongoing review in the context of An Garda Síochána's operational requirements.
Garda authorities advise that authorisation for a community-based CCTV Scheme in the area referred to by the Deputy was granted by the Garda Commissioner in 2010. This CCTV system was established as part of the Community-based CCTV scheme which was launched by the Department in 2005 and provided financial assistance to qualifying local organisations towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of a local community CCTV system.
390. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will support a matter (details supplied) concerning a firearms assessment and appeals authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33339/15]
View answerI recently announced fundamental long term reforms of firearms licensing including the establishment of a new Firearms Assessment and Appeals Authority. The primary function of the Authority will be to determine, on the basis of an objective assessment of all the issues, with safety of the public being paramount, whether particular forms of firearms may be licensed in the State, whether there should be any limit on the number of such firearms and what safety conditions might properly be applied to their licensing. The functions of the Authority will be subject to further consultation with key stakeholders in advance of the preparation of the necessary enabling legislation, which will be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence. Accordingly, it is premature at this stage to decide on the make up of the Authority before the consultation process.
Individual licensing decisions will continue to be made by members of An Garda Síochána in the light of the determinations made by the Authority but it is intended that the Authority will adjudicate on appeals from decisions by An Garda Síochána. This will offer an alternative to the current system of court appeals.
391. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide, in tabular form, a list of all Garda Síochána stations closed since 2013, including the name of the station, the district, the division and the cost of reopening each of these stations. [33344/15]
View answerThe formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations is a matter, in the first instance, for the Garda Commissioner in the context of annual policing plans, as provided for in section 22 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
In this regard the Deputy will be aware that the Garda Síochána carried out a comprehensive review of its district and station network in 2012 and 2013. The objective was to identify opportunities to introduce strategic reforms to enhance service delivery, increase efficiency and streamline practices within the organisation. The review concluded that a revised district and station network commensurate with the organisation resource base would best meet public demand. The resulting Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme led to the closure of 139 Garda Stations and the amalgamation of 32 Garda districts during the course of 2012 and 2013.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that since 2013 and up to the present day, the period covered by the Deputy's question, the only Garda station closures were in the Clare Division. On 31st January 2013, Kilmihil Garda Station closed and the policing services for the Kilmihil sub-district were transferred to Lissycasey Garda Station. Lissycasey Garda Station was then closed on 2nd March 2015 following the reopening of Kilmihil Garda Station.
I am further advised that Garda Stations which were closed under the Garda Síochána Policing Plan for 2013 were returned to and are now under the control of the Office of Public Works (OPW). The future use of such properties is a matter for the OPW as the owners of the properties.
The cost associated with re-opening any such property as a Garda Station would have to be determined following a full technical examination of the property by the OPW, on a case by case basis, to assess the works required to render the property fit for purpose to operate as a Garda Station. In addition, the Garda Authorities would, of course, need to examine the implications of deploying Gardaí to man the station during public office hours, thus diverting Gardaí from being available in the community confronting crime head on.
392. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to indicate the type of accommodation being considered for the refugees who will be given protection; if former Army barracks are being considered as part of these proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33427/15]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Government has established an Inter-Departmental and Inter-Agency Task Force to coordinate Ireland's response to this migrant crisis.
The accommodation facilities that will be required to meet these challenges will take into account the specific location of the facility, the suitability of the accommodation, the range of services available locally and the associated costs. All options including the use of State owned property and privately owned facilities are being considered. However, in the event that institutional type accommodation owned by the State is either not available or requires significant and extensive upgrading work, then accommodation options will be procured from the private sector, at least in the initial stages of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme.
393. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide an update on the implementation and advancement of the recommendations outlined in the Study of Young Carers in the Irish Population; his views on developing a national framework of supports and policy guidelines for young carers in the education system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32795/15]
View answer"The Study of Young Carers in the Irish Population”, published by the then Department of Health and Children in 2010, highlights the importance of creating a better understanding of children as carers in Ireland. It found that it is very difficult to identify young carers in the population.
In order to learn more about children that undertake caring roles, my Department requested the Central Statistics Office to include a question in the Census of Population 2011. The Census found that 6,449 children, equating to 5.6 per 1,000 children, provided regular unpaid personal help for a friend or family member with a long-term illness, health problem or disability. Rates ranged from 4.3 per 1,000 in Co. Louth to 8.2 per 1,000 in County Leitrim. Under the National Strategy for Research and Data on Children’s Lives (2011-2016), an analysis is being carried out of those children who reported in the 2011 Census that they undertook caring roles. This analysis will be published in early 2016 and will be examined to see how it can help inform future policy as to how best to address the support needs of children and young people who undertake caring roles. It is planned to have another Census of Population in April 2016. This Census will include the same question again using exactly the same wording in order to allow the data from 2011 to be trended forward.
School Attendance Strategy Guidelines are being published by the Educational Welfare Service (EWS) of TUSLA as a practical support for schools in the preparation of School Attendance Strategies as outlined in Section 22 of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000. The guidelines will assist schools to implement effective measures to support children at risk of poor attendance and participation, including those with caring responsibilities. It is intended that they will be circulated to schools in October 2015. Tusla is in the process of refining and implementing a new strategic approach to service delivery through the integrated working of its service strands.
Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014-2020 was launched in April 2014. One of the key policy priorities under Outcome 5 – Connected, respected and contributing to their world – is the aim to ensure positive networks of family, friends and communities. The Government recognises in Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures that children or young people may experience difficulties maintaining friendships, education and employment due to the need for them to take on caring responsibilities within their families. The key Government activity in this area is to ensure children and young people are supported in their caring role.
394. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to outline the short-term impediments to the completion of a bilateral agreement with the Russian Federation for the purposes of inter-country adoption with Ireland; the steps that have been taken to address the issue of post placement reports in the negotiations towards achieving a bilateral agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33052/15]
View answerThe Adoption Act 2010 provides for adoption of children into Ireland from countries that have signed and ratified the Hague Convention and from countries where a bilateral agreement on adoption is in place. The Hague Convention is a landmark in regard to inter-country adoption and provides an international architecture that prioritises the best interests of children.
While it has signed the Convention, the Russian Federation has not ratified the treaty. This has prevented recent adoptions from Russia into Ireland. Over the last number of years efforts have been ongoing to try and reach a bilateral agreement with the Russian Federation on inter-country adoption.
Since its establishment, my department has carried forward this work but significant issues remain in the way of an agreement. For example the Irish Constitution is very clear on the integrity of the family unit here and Russian requirements for post placement reports on adopted children pose a difficulty in that regard.
My department has been working with the Irish Embassy in Moscow in seeking progress towards a bilateral.
In 2013 officials from the Russian Federation travelled to Ireland for a meeting. Officials from my department had considered going to Russia earlier this year, however this meeting was deferred. The Irish Embassy in Moscow has been assisting in liaising with the Ministry of Education and Science, which is the responsible department in Russia.
My Department is engaged in an extensive work programme across a wide range of issues with a clear central theme; to work in the very best interests of children and young people, protecting and enhancing their lives. The issue of the negotiation of a bilateral agreement with Russia must be considered in the context of the overall priorities of the Department in relation to adoption and the general focus of Ireland in regard to countries of origin for Inter Country Adoption.
Work on the bilateral has not ceased and it remains the aim of the Department to finalise a bilateral agreement on inter-country adoption with the Russian Federation. However it will not be possible to finalise this agreement in the short-term.
395. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 132 of 24 February 2015, if the new child care regulations will revise the standards with regard to paediatric first aid; when the new regulations will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33121/15]
View answerPre-school services are currently subject to the Child Care (Pre-school Services)(No 2) Regulations 2006. To provide for the implementation of the legislative changes to the Child Care Act 1991 which were enacted through the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, it was necessary to carry out a root and branch re-examination of the 2006 Regulations, including a re-structuring of the regulations in line with the latest drafting practices. This exercise has proved to be more time-consuming than originally envisaged, but I hope to be in a position to publish the new regulations shortly.
As the Deputy is aware, I am very anxious that everyone working directly with children in the early years sector should have an appropriate qualification in paediatric first aid. There is currently no accredited award in paediatric first aid at any level on the National Qualifications Framework. My Department has already sent a proposal for a Special Purpose Award in paediatric first aid to Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). There are a number of companies delivering courses in paediatric first aid, but the content and delivery of the courses is unregulated. What is required is an external quality assurance process to ensure that the institutions which will provide the training leading to the qualification have the necessary skills and competencies to deliver such a course.
My Department has now engaged with the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), with a view to that body developing a paediatric first aid standard, and a paediatric first aid instructor standard, and accrediting or recognising appropriate institutions to deliver the courses and assess and certify students. In the meantime, my Department will liaise with QQI and other relevant stakeholders, and will consider how the objective of ensuring that everyone working directly with children in the early years sector has an appropriate qualification in paediatric first aid can best be implemented.
396. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the report of a review by the Economic and Social Research Institute on the school completion programme will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33195/15]
View answer397. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will consider ring-fencing funding for use under the school completion programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33196/15]
View answer398. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to set down the number of persons employed nationally under the school completion programme, the type of contracts that they are employed under, and the length of their contracts. [33197/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 396 to 398, inclusive, together.
The School Completion Programme aims to retain young people in the formal education system to completion of senior cycle and to generally improve the school attendance, participation and retention of young people who are at risk of educational disadvantage. The Programme is a targeted intervention aimed at school communities identified through the Department of Education and Skills DEIS Action Plan for Educational Inclusion. It involves 124 locally managed projects and related initiatives operating across 470 primary and 224 post-primary schools to provide targeted supports to approximately 36,000 children and young people. Each project involves a cluster of schools working collectively to provide a range of supports and interventions designed to support individual children identified locally as being at risk of early school leaving within those school communities.
The review of the School Completion Programme by the Economic and Social Research Institute has been finalised and arrangements are being made for its publication in early October.
Since 1st January 2014, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has operational responsibility for the School Completion Programme, including the allocation of funds to local projects. I am advised by the Agency that the allocation for School Completion Programme in 2015 is €24.7 m, similar to the allocation provided in 2014. Local School Completion Programme projects have been informed of their allocations for the current year. With regard to the future funding for the programme, this will be determined in the light of the resources that become available to the Agency in the annual Estimates and Budgetary processes. The findings of the Economic and Social Research Institute review will be important in this regard. They will assist in identifying the reforms necessary to consolidate the programme on a sustainable footing for the future, in shaping its further development and ensuring that it is in line with the aims of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: the national policy framework for children and young people (2014-2020).
I have advised the Agency of my commitment to ensuring that there is no diminution in the School Completion Programme services. The School Completion Programme is an important service within the Agency's educational welfare services. It is highly regarded as a key response in securing improved educational outcomes for children and young people at risk of early school leaving.
The Agency has advised that the funding provided to projects in the School Completion Programme is used to employ approximately 2,000 project staff (full-time and part-time) and a further 1,400 sessional staff at local level. The Agency does not employ any persons directly in the Programme and the terms and conditions of employment are as agreed by individual employers in the local projects.
399. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health to set out the circumstances in which a medical card can be backdated and cover medication costs for an applicant whose medical card has expired and has not been renewed. [32726/15]
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.
400. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health to set out his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding medical card limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32727/15]
View answerUnder the provisions of the Health Act 1970, medical cards are provided to persons who are, in the opinion of the HSE, unable without undue hardship to arrange GP services for themselves and their dependants. At present, approximately 1.7 million people, or about 37% of the total population, qualify for a medical card. There are no proposals to amend the current income guidelines for the granting of eligibility under the GMS Scheme.
In the medical card assessment process, the HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Furthermore, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card even though an applicant's means exceed the prescribed threshold, where deemed appropriate.
Following publication of the Report of the Expert Panel on Medical Need for Medical Card Eligibility and the Medical Card Process Review in November 2014, Minister Varadkar and I announced a series of measures to enhance the operation of the medical card scheme and make it more sensitive to people’s needs. These included changes to the governance and organisational structure of the medical card assessment function within the HSE to increase the focus on customer service in the assessment process.
The HSE has also taken steps to ensure greater interaction between the medical card central assessment office and the Local Health Office and/or Primary Care Team to see if there are further circumstances or needs that would support a medical card application, and to ensure that assistance is provided to meet the individual's needs as far as possible (where they don't have a medical card).
The HSE is exercising greater discretion, as is evident in the increase in the number of discretionary medical cards in circulation - by about 76% - from about 52,000 in mid-2014 to over 92,000 at the end of August this year.
401. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health to set down the number of kilometres on the odometer of an ambulance before it is replaced. [32742/15]
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.
