Written Answers Nos. 333-354
333. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to set out the funding he sanctioned for coastal erosion works at a location (details supplied) in County Mayo, and the works that were to be carried out; to provide a breakdown of the works that have been carried out and the works that remain outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17191/16]
View answerI am advised that it is a matter for Mayo County Council (MCC) in the first instance to investigate and address priority coastal protection issues in the county.
MCC was allocated €4.211 million by the Government in February 2014 to carry out repair works to coastal protection infrastructure damaged in the severe storms which affected the country in late 2013 and early 2014. A further allocation of €6,000 for this purpose was made to MCC in October 2015. Projects for Rinroe, Co. Mayo were included by MCC in its submitted and agreed programme of storm damage repair works. All funds have now been disbursed to MCC in relation to this programme of works. It is a matter for MCC to prioritise and progress works and the OPW has no involvement in the carrying out of the works.
It is also open to MCC to carry out further works at this location using its own resources or to submit an application for further funding if necessary under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme, details of which are on the OPW website www.opw.ie.
334. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to set out the net effect of the imposition of the public service pension reduction which commenced on 1 January 2011, the legislation, as amended, from 1 January 2012 and the additional changes that were part of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013; the net effects of the PSPR amelioration applicable on 1 January 2016, 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2018; the difference between the net loss as a consequence of the FEMPI legislation indicated and the amelioration measures of 2016 to 2018; if this can be broken down in pension bands (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17210/16]
View answerSince its introduction in 2011, the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR) has applied more significant cuts in both absolute and proportionate terms to public service pensions of relatively higher values while at 2015 year-end, an estimated 33% of public service pensions of relatively lower values were completely exempt from PSPR.
Scheduled over three stages between 2016 and 2018, the initial measures for restoring public service pensions as provided for under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) 2015 Act are based principally on increases to the thresholds before PSPR is applied. On that basis these restoration measures are effective in removing PSPR entirely, that is to say restoring full payment rates, in the cases of those lower value pensions previously affected by PSPR.
At 2015 year-end, all public service pensions with annual values up to €12,000 were exempt from PSPR. In 2016, all pensions up to €18,700 are exempt from PSPR. From 1 January 2017, all pensions below €26,000 will be exempt from PSPR, and from 1 January 2018 all pensions up to €34,132 per year will be exempt from PSPR. The increases in exemption thresholds also provide a boost to public service pensions above the applicable thresholds, in most cases delivering a cumulative pension restoration of €400 per year in 2016, €500 per year in 2017 and €780 per year in 2018.
Based on available data and making assumptions for future retirements and mortality rates, the estimated reduction in public service pension costs delivered by PSPR is as follows: €100 million in 2011, €100 million in 2012, €120 million in 2013, €140 million in 2014, €135 million in 2015, €105 million in 2016, €75 million in 2017 and €45 million in 2018. These figures indicate the much reduced saving to the public finances arising from the FEMPI 2015 pension restoration measures.
Details of the estimated PSPR impacts on individual pensions and the associated amelioration impacts provided for under the FEMPI 2015 pension restoration measures by reference to the pension income bands included in the Deputy's question are set out in the following tables.
Table A shows the PSPR amelioration (restoration effect) on most PSPR-impacted pensions, being the pensions paid in respect of persons who retired before 1 March 2012.
Table A:
|
Pre-PSPR Pension (€) |
2015 PSPR (€) |
2016 PSPR (€) |
2017 PSPR (€) |
2018 PSPR (€) |
Total Pension Restored (€) |
|
14,000 |
120 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
120 |
|
16,000 |
240 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
240 |
|
18,000 |
360 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
360 |
|
20,000 |
480 |
78 |
0 |
0 |
480 |
|
25,000 |
810 |
408 |
0 |
0 |
810 |
|
30,000 |
1,260 |
858 |
360 |
0 |
1,260 |
|
32,000 |
1,440 |
1,038 |
540 |
0 |
1,440 |
|
35,000 |
2,280 |
1,880 |
1,380 |
600 |
1,680 |
|
40,000 |
2,880 |
2,480 |
1,980 |
1,200 |
1,680 |
|
50,000 |
4,080 |
3,680 |
3,180 |
2,400 |
1,680 |
|
60,000 |
5,280 |
4,880 |
4,380 |
3,600 |
1,680 |
|
70,000 |
6,980 |
6,580 |
6,080 |
5,300 |
1,680 |
|
80,000 |
8,680 |
8,280 |
7,280 |
6,900 |
1,680 |
|
100,000 |
12,080 |
11,680 |
11,180 |
10,400 |
1,680 |
Table B shows the PSPR amelioration for the much less numerous group of pensions awarded in respect of retirements on or after 1 March 2012.
Table B:
|
Pre-PSPR Pension (€) |
2015 PSPR (€) |
2016 PSPR (€) |
2017 PSPR (€) |
2018 PSPR (€) |
Total Pension Restored (€) |
|
14,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
16,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
18,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
20,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
25,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
30,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
32,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
35,000 |
570 |
171 |
0 |
0 |
570 |
|
40,000 |
720 |
321 |
20 |
0 |
720 |
|
50,000 |
1,020 |
621 |
220 |
0 |
1,020 |
|
60,000 |
1,320 |
921 |
420 |
0 |
1,320 |
|
70,000 |
1,820 |
1,421 |
920 |
500 |
1,320 |
|
80,000 |
2,320 |
1,921 |
1,420 |
1,000 |
1,320 |
|
100,000 |
3,320 |
2,921 |
2,420 |
2,000 |
1,320 |
335. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to outline the grants available from her Department for renovating a thatched roof (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16962/16]
View answerMy role, as Minister for Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht, with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage, is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners as regards heritage assets.
The architectural conservation officer in the local authority will generally be able to advise of funding available for conservation works to thatched buildings in the area in question and it is advisable for interested parties to remain in contact with their local authority on an on-going basis.
A number of State financial supports provide for the conservation and preservation of heritage structures in general.
Financial support is being provided by my Department through a number of structured schemes for the conservation and protection of heritage buildings. My Department itself operates a Structures at Risk Fund to enable conservation works to heritage structures, in both private and public ownership, that are protected under the Planning and Development Acts and are deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration. This fund, which has an allocation of over €900,000 in 2016, is administered through the local authorities and seeks to encourage the regeneration and reuse of heritage properties and to help to secure the preservation of protected structures which might otherwise be lost. Applications for this scheme have now closed for 2016, and recommended projects have been recently announced.
I launched a new €2 million scheme - the Built Heritage Investment Scheme - for the repair and conservation of protected structures on 21 October 2015. This scheme will operate in 2016, via the local authorities, on the same model as the very successful Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme, which ran in 2014. It is expected to support a significant number of projects across the country and to create employment in the conservation and construction industries, while helping to regenerate urban and rural areas. The scheme for this year is now fully allocated.
The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, also provides grants for the protection and preservation of the built heritage. For 2016, the Council is administering a community based heritage grants scheme available for projects that contributed to particular heritage themes, of which further details can be found at www.heritagecouncil.ie.
336. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there is a first-refusal option to purchase in the event of land being placed for sale on a lease entered into by her Department (details supplied); if this option is currently being pursued and if she will exercise this option; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16687/16]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my answer to Parliamentary Question 392 on 14 June 2016.
The additional information now sought by the Deputy regarding the legal instrument in question is commercially sensitive to my Department.
337. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the State will acquire land (details supplied) as part of an expanded Wicklow Mountains National Park. [16697/16]
View answerMy Department is aware of the matter referred to and will keep it under review within the context of expenditure proposals competing for funding resources available for the management of National Parks and Nature Reserves across the country.
338. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to clarify the position regarding the issue of hedge cutting and burning; if she will maintain the current closed period and the action she will take do to ensure that this closed period is properly enforced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16699/16]
View answerSection 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976, as amended, prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August.
Following a review of Section 40, which involved, inter alia, consideration of submissions from interested parties, I announced proposals in December 2015 to introduce legislation to allow for managed hedge cutting and burning at certain times within the existing closed period on a pilot two year basis. The legislation required to allow for these pilot measures was included in the Heritage Bill 2016, which was published in January 2016 and subsequently completed Second Stage in Seanad Éireann.
Steps are in hand to reintroduce the Heritage Bill into Seanad Éireann at the earliest opportunity. In the meantime, the existing provisions relating to Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts are still in operation.
339. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to outline his views on the National Parks and Wildlife Service statements to the Office of Public Works relating to recent storm damage (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16776/16]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) and local authorities are the principal response agencies with regard to the management of flooding episodes. Ireland, like all EU Member States, is bound by the requirements of the EU Habitats and Birds Directives. I am advised that my Department is not holding up the case in question.
Many of the rivers and low-lying lands affected by the flooding earlier this year are within or near sites that have been designated as SACs or SPAs. These sites fall within the ambit of the European Birds and Habitats Directives, compliance with which is a matter for all public authorities, agencies and landowners. A key protection mechanism is the requirement to consider the possible implications of any plan or project on SACs and SPAs before any decision is made to allow that plan or project to proceed.
340. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to outline her views on the necessity to ensure that funding for the arts is distributed equally across the regions and whether specific areas (details supplied) are not receiving an adequate or equal supply of such funding. [17163/16]
View answerThe issue of the geographical spread of funding for the Arts is a relevant one in term of access and participation. There are many factions which impinge on this including population density, the location of major venues, the headquarters of national artistic bodies and the role of local authorities and other local factors.
My Department has a role in providing capital funding and in this regard I recently announced a new €9 million investment scheme for arts and cultural centres to run over the next three years focussed on upgrading the existing stock of arts and cultural centres around the country. My Department is finalising the guidelines and application forms in relation to the scheme which I intend to open for applications very shortly. These guidelines will provide that the issue of geographical spread may be considered in terms of grant approvals.
Most of Government's funding for the arts is allocated to the Arts Council to which I allocated a total of €60 million in 2016. The Council is statutorily independent in its funding decisions. Information on the Arts Council's funding schemes, funding decisions and reasons for those decisions is available for each county through its decisions database at the following link:- http://www.artscouncil.ie/Who we funded/.
The Arts Council is aware of the issue of geographical distribution of support and in its latest Strategy Document - Making Great Art Work - it incorporates a Spatial and Demographic Goal under which includes actions regarding:
- The provision of advice to Government about the spatial and demographic considerations which should inform national cultural policy, including capital development;
- the development of the Arts Council’s strategic partnership with local government and with individual local authorities;
- the inclusion of spatial and demographic measures within the ‘public engagement’ criteria that inform the Council’s investment strategy and funding decisions; and
- working with others to ensure a robust evidence base for arts planning and investment, drawing on spatial and demographic knowledge and analysis.
341. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to outline the funding and supports in place for a person (details supplied) who wishes to establish a business in the Gaeltacht area of County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17237/16]
View answerI have been informed by Údarás na Gaeltachta that they can offer qualifying businesses and companies from various sectors a range of incentives and supports to start up, develop, expand or locate in a Gaeltacht region. Qualifying business sectors include Internationally Traded Services, Audio-visual and Digital Media, Life Sciences, Manufacturing and Engineering, ICT (Information Communications Technology), Aquaculture, Language-based Enterprise, Food, Tourism, Arts and Crafts, Renewable Energy and Island Enterprise. (In general Retail, Personal Services, Construction & Local Building and Professional Services are regarded as ineligible sectors).
Funding eligibility and amounts are dependent on the type of business proposed, geographical location, skills level required and the potential employment level of the project. All business proposals, which are assessed on an individual basis, must demonstrate their viability, funding and market potential, and must show that the necessary management and technical expertise is available to establish the new industry or service on a stable foundation. A detailed business plan must also be submitted for assessment. Guidelines on preparing a business plan are available on www.udaras.ie. Applications for all grants must be made and approval must be obtained in writing from Udarás na Gaeltachta before starting the relevant project (or any part of it) for which a grant may be requested. The decision lies with An tÚdarás as to whether grant aid is approved for a particular project.
The level of grant aid available for projects is governed by European Union State Aid Guidelines. All Údarás na Gaeltachta supported businesses must agree to promote and develop the use of Irish in their activities.
The following is a list of incentives and supports available from An tÚdarás (subject to EU State Aid Guidelines and De Minimis Guidelines):
1. Development of Microenterprises
2. Capital Grant
3. Employment Grant
4. Training Grant
5. Marketing Grant
6. Consultancy Services Grant
7. Research and Development Grant
8. Feasibility Study Grant
9. Funding Grant for R&D&I
10. Rent Subsidy
Further details in respect of these initiatives are available at http://www.udaras.ie/enforbairt-fiontraiochta/cunamh-airgid/ or by contacting Údarás na Gaeltachta directly on 091-503100.
In the interest of completeness, I should also say that a number of Enterprise Ireland Schemes are available to Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies. Further information on these schemes is available at: http://www.enterprise-ireland.com.
Finally, I would strong encourage the person referred to by the Deputy to contact the Kerry Regional Office of Údarás na Gaeltachta directly on 066-9150100.
342. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to set out the number of persons who are paid a salary from her Department's budget, either directly or indirectly, through funding agencies such as the Arts Council; and the level of salary to the nearest €10,000 (details supplied). [17254/16]
View answerOne of the primary support mechanisms for the arts and heritage sectors and for the Gaeltacht is funding provided by my Department through the Arts Council, the Heritage Council, Údarás na Gaeltachta and other statutory agencies. It is primarily a matter for these agencies to decide how their funding should be allocated across the range of programmes supported in 2016. I am advised that in certain cases this funding may indirectly support salaries in the sector. My Department does not, however, hold comprehensive statistics, such as requested by the Deputy, of these cases.
For completeness, the following tables show the breakdown, by salary band, of the numbers of persons paid a salary directly by my Department or by the bodies under the aegis of my Department, as of March 2016.
Agencies
|
Salary Band €000 |
<25 |
25-35 |
35-45 |
45-55 |
55-65 |
65-75 |
75 -85 |
85-95 |
95-100 |
100-125 |
100-125 |
|
Arts Council |
0 |
4 |
8 |
16 |
12 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Irish Film Board |
2 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
7 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
0 |
11 |
6 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
6 |
4 |
48 |
5 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
National Concert Hall |
32 |
8 |
7 |
8 |
7 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
National Library of Ireland |
10 |
30 |
17 |
8 |
20 |
8 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
12 |
79 |
17 |
6 |
17 |
9 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Crawford Gallery |
8 |
6 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Heritage Council |
0 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
6 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Tha Boord o Ulstèr- Scotch* |
2 |
3 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Foras na Gaeilge * |
3 |
8 |
15 |
11 |
9 |
6 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
0 |
1 |
8 |
24 |
15 |
18 |
1 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
|
Waterways Ireland** |
17 |
179 |
44 |
21 |
20 |
11 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
*Foras na Gaeilge and Tha Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch are co-funded by the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland.
**Waterways Ireland is co-funded by the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
|
Salary band €000 |
<10 |
10 - 20 |
20 - 30 |
30 - 40 |
40 - 50 |
50 -60 |
60 - 70 |
70 - 80 |
80 - 90 |
90 - 100 |
100 - 110 |
110 - 120 |
130 - 140 |
170 - 180 |
|
Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht |
3 |
18 |
48 |
177 |
134 |
60 |
78 |
32 |
7 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
343. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health to outline the steps he will take to ensure the vocational training department in a school (details supplied) will continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16684/16]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the HSE. Accordingly 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 up the matter with the HSE.
344. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if he will reinstate the motorised transport grant and, if so, the timeframe for its reinstatement. [16688/16]
View answer432. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health to outline his plans to introduce a scheme to replace the motorised transport grant scheme, which closed to applicants in February 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17193/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 344 and 432 together.
Conscious of the reports of the Ombudsman regarding the legal status of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant Schemes in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes. Both schemes remain closed.
However the Government also decided that monthly payments will continue to be made by the Health Service Executive to 4,700 people who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time the scheme closed, on the basis that this would prevent hardship and, on an interim basis, alleviate stress, anxiety and uncertainty among a vulnerable group in society.
The Government decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. The Department is seeking a solution which would best meet the aim of supporting people with severe disabilities who require additional income to contribute towards the cost of their mobility needs, while remaining within the available budget and satisfying all legal and equality concerns.
Work is ongoing on the policy proposals to be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation for a new scheme. The proposals seek to ensure that:
- There is a firm statutory basis to the Scheme's operation;
- There is transparency and equity in the eligibility criteria attaching to the Scheme;
- Resources are targeted at those with the greatest needs; and
- The Scheme is capable of being costed and it is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.
I am pleased to inform the Deputies that the Programme for Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme.
345. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of a survey carried out by an inter-agency group to identify gaps in services for persons under 18 years of age experiencing substance abuse in east Wicklow (details supplied); the measures he is taking to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16913/16]
View answerDrugs Task Forces play a key role in assessing the extent and nature of the drug problem in their areas and co-ordinating action at local level so that there is a targeted response to the drug problem in local communities. I am informed that the Interagency Group, who carried out the survey, are presenting their findings to the East Coast Regional Task Force at the next Task Force meeting.
The Department of Health is developing a new National Drugs Strategy, which will take effect in 2017, when the current policy expires. A Steering Committee has been established to oversee the process and to advise me on how the new Strategy should address problem drug use, including the structures through which this should be done and incorporating key performance indicators to measure the future effectiveness of the new policy.
I will shortly be announcing details of the consultation process on the new Strategy, which I intend to be as broad, comprehensive and inclusive as possible. The Interagency Group may wish to avail of the opportunity to submit the findings of their report under the consultation process.
346. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health further to a Dáil Éireann adjournment debate on 31 May 2016 (details supplied), the amount of this funding that the services in County Carlow received, given that it is the third highest county by national area and by residence of suicide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16979/16]
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 within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
347. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if and when he will meet a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17282/16]
View answerAs the Deputy might be aware I very recently received a request to meet with this group and the Deputy may wish to know I will be arranging a meeting with them shortly at a date and time to be confirmed.
348. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to outline his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the nursing homes support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17289/16]
View answerThe legislation underpinning the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) requires each private nursing home to negotiate and agree a price for long-term residential care services with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) should they wish to be an approved nursing home for the purposes of the Scheme.
In negotiating with nursing homes the NTPF has regard to:
- costs reasonably and prudently incurred by the nursing home and evidence of value for money;
- price(s) previously charged;
- local market price, and
- budgetary constraints and the obligation on the State to use available resources in the most beneficial, effective and efficient manner to improve, promote and protect the health and welfare of the public.
The NTPF has statutory independence in the performance of its function, and negotiates with each nursing home on an individual basis. The NTPF may examine the records and accounts of nursing homes as part of the process with the objective of setting a fair price which delivers value for money to the individual and the State. Pricing contracts are purely a matter for agreement between the NTPF and the nursing home in question. The Department of Health has no role in such individual negotiations.
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme covers the cost of the standard components of long-term residential care which are:
- Nursing and personal care appropriate to the level of care needs of the person;
- Bed and board;
- Basic aids and appliances necessary to assist a person with the activities of everyday living; and
- Laundry service.
Additional charges may not be levied in respect of the above components of care. A person's eligibility for other schemes, such as the medical card scheme or the drugs payment scheme, is unaffected by participation in the NHSS or residence in a nursing home. Part 7 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 stipulates that the registered provider of the nursing home must agree a contract in writing with each resident on their admission to the nursing home. This contract must include details of the services to be provided to that resident and the fees to be charged. Residents should never be charged fees which are not set out in this contract. The Department of Health are not a party to such contracts which are concluded between each resident and their nursing home.
Registered providers of nursing home care are obliged to provide an accessible and effective complaints procedure. Concerns about additional charges should in the first instance be taken up with the nursing home provider. The Office of the Ombudsman can examine complaints about the actions of a range of public bodies and, from 24 August 2015, complaints relating to the administrative actions of private nursing homes. The Office of the Ombudsman normally only deals with a complaint once the individual has already gone through the complaints procedure of the private nursing home concerned.
349. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to outline the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16654/16]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, 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.
350. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 899 of 17 May 2016 why a person (details supplied) did not receive a reply from the Health Service Executive. [16663/16]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to your further query on this issue, 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.
351. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when he will lift the embargo on midwives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16672/16]
View answerArising from Budget 2015, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform announced an easing of restrictions on the employment of additional staff. The overriding principle now is one of affordability and compliance with allocated pay budgets which managers must forecast and monitor over the course of each year with the completion of a Pay and Numbers Strategy.
The HSE are currently working with my Department on the preparation of their 2016 Pay and Numbers Strategy. While these plans are being developed, interim recruitment measures have been put in place by the HSE, which require that pay budgets are complied with.
These measures do not impact on a hospital’s ability to recruit where funding exists to facilitate that recruitment for example in the case of a replacement posts or where funding has been allocated for particular roles under the HSE service plan.
All posts are being actively monitored at Group level and National level to ensure that clinical risks are appropriately managed. Specific exemptions have been determined for areas where funding has been agreed, and in areas of critical care and emergency services.
352. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health to outline his plans to restore an allowance for diet supplements to persons diagnosed with a medical condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16674/16]
View answerThe HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the community drug schemes in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
The HSE faces a continuing challenge to deliver services in a way that will minimise any adverse impact on patients and continue to protect, as far as possible, the most vulnerable citizens. Unfortunately, as a result it has become necessary for the HSE to suspend certain products from its list of items reimbursable under the GMS and other community drug schemes. This includes gluten-free products.
Gluten-free products have become more widely available in supermarkets in recent years and tend to be significantly cheaper than products sold through community pharmacies. Coeliac patients can also claim medical expenses tax relief on expenditure incurred on gluten-free products manufactured specifically for coeliacs. There are no plans to reinstate these products on the list of reimbursable items under the GMS and other community drug schemes.
353. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the intervention services available for a person (details supplied) who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder; in particular, to confirm whether any speech and language, and occupational therapy is available for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16676/16]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to an individual case, 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.
354. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health to set out the status of funding for a medical device for a person (details supplied). [16679/16]
View answerAs the particular issue raised relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to you. 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.
