Tuesday, 28 Jun 2016

Written Answers Nos. 350-369

Ulster Canal Restoration Project

Questions (350)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

350. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of works to date and plans for progressing the restoration of the Ulster Canal in 2016; the action she has taken and will take to make this a live project, and at the earliest possible time, along the entirety of the already approved section, Lough Erne to Clones; the prospect of having the Lough Neagh to Benburb section commenced in the next 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18085/16]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Government approval to restore a 2.5 km stretch of the Ulster Canal from the Shannon-Erne Waterway to the International Scout Centre at Castle Saunderson, Co. Cavan was granted on 24 February 2015. The project, which comprises three work phases, is being undertaken by Waterways Ireland.

Phase 1, the site investigation work, has been completed. I have been informed by Waterways Ireland that Phase 2, the River Finn dredging works, was delayed due to a contractual dispute. Works to complete this phase will recommence shortly and it is anticipated that Phase 3, the construction of a new bridge at Derrykerrib, will commence in 2017.

The approval by the North-South Ministerial Council in July 2007 of restoration works to the Ulster Canal related to the 13 km section of the canal between Clones and Upper Lough Erne. The restoration of the Lough Neagh to Benburb section of the canal was not included in that decision.

Arts Funding

Questions (351, 357)

Gerry Adams

Question:

351. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will increase the current spend of 0.11% of gross domestic product, GDP on culture and arts to the European average of 0.6% of GDP; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18359/16]

Gerry Adams

Question:

357. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her objectives for arts funding in the coming years; the specific commitments that are in the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18365/16]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 351 and 357 together.

The Programme for a Partnership Government contains a very important commitment to work to progressively increase funding to the arts, including the Arts Council and the Irish Film Board, as the economy continues to improve.

I can assure the Deputy that I will be engaging with my colleagues in Government and with the Oireachtas to seek to advance this commitment in the context of the forthcoming estimates and budgetary processes.

In terms of the particular level of spending referenced, it should be noted that the figures referred to come from a Council of Europe project called Compendium-Cultural Policies and Trends in Europe. I understand that many European counties are not included in the figures, including ten EU Member States. The data for the Compendium project are provided by independent researchers and it is not a standardised system for collection of statistics.

I further understand that the Compendium itself warns that data provided by the researchers are not comparable across countries because each researcher includes different elements in the definition of culture and these elements are reflected in the figures for public expenditure. Figures can also include some, or all, of national, regional or local expenditure. Expenditure on the arts in Ireland comes from multiple sources, both public and private. I understand that the CSO does not produce national statistics that capture the totality of this expenditure as a percentage of GDP.

The issue of a definition of culture and of capturing public expenditure on culture is one which was discussed in the public consultation process that was held for the purpose of developing Ireland's first national cultural policy, Culture 2025, and I consider that further research on this issue is warranted in that context.

Cultural Policy

Questions (352)

Gerry Adams

Question:

352. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when she will publish the Culture 2025 strategy document; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18360/16]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Significant progress has been made in drafting the first National Cultural Policy - Culture 2025. This followed a major public consultation process in 2015, including a national cultural workshop held in October at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

Work by my Department, the Steering Group and a wider Expert Committee continued on the document in early 2016 and is currently ongoing. The Expert Committee has broad representation across arts and cultural interests.

The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the publication of Culture 2025 as a priority. As I have stated previously, this first such policy will be a living document and will form the basis of an ongoing dialogue with all who are interested in cultural policy. My Department is continuing to consider inputs on the draft document from the Steering and Expert Groups which I established and I expect to forward a draft for consideration to the relevant Oireachtas Committee shortly.

Arts Funding

Questions (353, 354)

Gerry Adams

Question:

353. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the breakdown of all funding allocated to the arts in 2015 by specific category, such as film and theatre. [18361/16]

Gerry Adams

Question:

354. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding provided to each local authority for the arts for 2015. [18362/16]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 353 and 354 together.

Details of the funding allocations made to my Department are published each year in the Revised Estimates Volume with the outturn published in the annual Appropriation Account. These publications are available on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and on the website of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Most of my Department's arts and culture budget is allocated to the agencies under its remit. Within these allocations, the Arts Council is the primary State agency for funding the arts, receiving €58.6 million in 2015. The Council has published details of how that funding was allocated at www.artscouncil.ie/Who_we_funded/.

Funding for film is channelled through the Irish Film Board. The Board was provided with an allocation of €14.5m in 2016 and details of supports provided for projects can be found at www.filmboard.ie.

Direct funding from my Department for arts relates primarily to capital funding for individual projects, as well as the promotion of Irish arts and culture abroad through Culture Ireland. A large element of the Commemorations budget of my Department has also supported a significant number of artistic and cultural events as part of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. A small number of other initiatives are also funded directly by my Department, including in relation to supports for certain cultural organisations or specific cultural events. Details of this expenditure are published on my Department's website at www.ahg.gov.ie.

Capital Expenditure Programme

Questions (355, 356)

Gerry Adams

Question:

355. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to provide an update on funding allocations from the 2015 €9 million investment scheme for arts and cultural centres including which arts and cultural centres will be upgraded. [18363/16]

Gerry Adams

Question:

356. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if additional arts funding is being made available as part of the capital investment framework 2016-2021. [18364/16]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 355 and 356 together.

In terms of capital investment in the arts, I announced a new €9 million investment scheme for arts and cultural centres to run over the next three years, focused on upgrading the existing stock of such centres around the country. The funding is being made available as part of the Government’s Capital Investment Framework 2016-2021. It is my priority to target investment at existing facilities, to bring the current stock of arts centres up to standard. My Department is finalising the guidelines and application forms in relation to the scheme which I intend to open for applications very shortly.

In addition there are a number of significant capital projects underway for the National Cultural Institutions, including:

- The National Gallery of Ireland: A major renovation project is ongoing on the historic Dargan and Milltown wings of the gallery. This work is nearing completion and it is hoped that they will reopen to the public in Q1 2017. This is expected to cost in the order of €33m.

- The National Archives: Phase one of a building development plan for the Archives Bishop Street headquarters is due to go to tender shortly. This first phase will cost approximately €8m and will significantly increase the Archives storage capacity in the Bishop Street premises.

- The National Library of Ireland: I announced last year a €10m investment in the National Library's historic Kildare Street building. The OPW are currently working with the NLI and my Department to develop a design for the building, which will enhance the storage facilities and public spaces in the building.

The capital needs of other national cultural institutions are also being considered, and will be prioritised as resources permit.

Question No. 357 answered with Question No. 351.

Arts Council Funding

Questions (358, 359, 361)

Gerry Adams

Question:

358. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding in the years 2014 to 2015 and 2015 to 2016 that the Arts Council allocated to projects in County Louth. [18366/16]

Gerry Adams

Question:

359. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding allocations that were made by the Arts Council to each county on a per capita basis in the years 2014 to 2015 and 2015 to 2016. [18367/16]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

361. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to request the Arts Council, An Chomhairle Ealaíon, to provide details of the number of local authorities which have published an arts plan or a cultural strategy within the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18404/16]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 358, 359 and 361 together.

Primary responsibility for the support and promotion of the arts at all levels is devolved to the Arts Council. The Arts Council operates under the provisions of the Arts Act 2003, which provides, inter alia, that the Council is independent in the performance of its functions and in funding the arts.

The Arts Council publishes significant information on its website, including details of funding awards and the reasons for those awards, at www.artscouncil.ie.

The publication of individual local authority arts plans is a matter for the local authorities themselves.

In terms of specific matters referred to in the Questions, I have asked the Arts Council to communicate with the Deputies directly.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (360)

Jim Daly

Question:

360. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the schemes her Department has rolled out in recent years; her plans to encourage and reward farmers to allow walking trails on their land; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18369/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Michael Ring)

My Department administers the Walks Scheme, which is a trail maintenance scheme where landholders receive modest payments to maintain sections of National Way Marked Ways and other priority walks that traverse their lands.

The number of participants on the Walks Scheme currently stands at 1,908, covering a total of 39 trails. Payments to participants on the Scheme will be in the region of €1.8m for 2016.

Due to budgetary constraints, it has not been possible to bring additional trails onto the existing Walks Scheme since December 2010. There is a commitment in A Programme for a Partnership Government to expand the Walks Scheme and plans in that regard will be developed during 2016, with a view to rolling out an expanded scheme in 2017, subject to available funding.

The National Trails Office of Sport Ireland maintains a register of trails across the country and currently has 886 trails listed. Officials from my Department, in association with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, are exploring the possible designation of such walkways under the Basic Payments Scheme, including any possible implementation issues for farmers.

Question No. 361 answered with Question No. 358.

Hospital Consultant Contracts

Questions (362, 363, 388, 390, 430, 435, 445, 451, 452, 453)

Brendan Smith

Question:

362. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his proposals to ensure that adequate resources are provided to continue the present level of services for the centre of excellence for sarcoma in St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin; if he is aware of the concerns of the Sarcoma Action Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18581/16]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

363. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health why the only specialised sarcoma consultant here is due to have their contract terminated on 30 June 2016; the contingency plans the Minister has put in place to look after the 300 patients currently under the care of this consultant; the person who will now be responsible for this national centre of excellence for sarcoma; his plans to deal with the 200 to 250 sarcoma cases that will present in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18641/16]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

388. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health why St. Vincent's Hospital in Dublin 4 is dispensing with the services of a person (details supplied). [18053/16]

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

390. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the end of a contract in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will investigate a new contract. [18075/16]

Pearse Doherty

Question:

430. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will facilitate a group (details supplied) in meeting the chief executive officer of St. Vincent's Hospital to discuss their concerns regarding the staffing situation for those in need of sarcoma treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18326/16]

Niamh Smyth

Question:

435. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health why the only specialised sarcoma consultant (details supplied) is being let go; the qualifications of the person who will look after this consultant's 300-odd patients; the person who will be responsible for the national centre of excellence for sarcoma based in St. Vincent's Hospital in Dublin 4; how he proposes to deal with future cases of sarcoma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18380/16]

Seán Fleming

Question:

445. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will inquire into the termination of a contract (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18437/16]

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Question:

451. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the efforts he is making to convince St. Vincent's Hospital that the specialist in the treatment of sarcoma be retained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18523/16]

Robert Troy

Question:

452. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the reason that the sole sarcoma specialist position is being discontinued from the end of the month at St. Vincent's Hospital resulting in the lack of a specialist in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18525/16]

Eamon Ryan

Question:

453. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the only consultant who specialises in the treatment of sarcoma here is not having her contract renewed in St. Vincent's Hospital; his views that this situation will not properly provide for the treatment of sacroma patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18526/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 362, 363, 388, 390, 430, 435, 445 and 451 to 453, inclusive, together.

Services for patients with sarcoma are provided in St. Vincent’s University Hospital and in Cork University Hospital. Both hospitals are Designated Cancer Centres and have an extensive range of multi-disciplinary services and expert clinical advice available to them.

St Vincent's University Hospital has provided highly specialised and individualised treatment to sarcoma sufferers for a number of years. St. Vincent’s has access to all of the relevant specialties, including surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology and pathology and is the largest provider of surgical procedures for soft tissue sarcomas in the country.

A National Clinical Lead in Soft Tissue Sarcomas has been appointed to oversee the services for patients with sarcomas. Irish patients with sarcoma have their cases presented and discussed at one of the two sarcoma multi-disciplinary teams. Members of these teams also have links with European specialists in sarcoma.

A Consultant Medical Oncologist was employed by St. Vincent’s hospital on a locum contract to provide cover for another Consultant Medical Oncologists who had taken on the role as Chair of Irish Clinical Oncology Research Group. This Consultant has now returned to his post at the hospital.

I am assured by the HSE that care for patients requiring treatment for sarcoma cancer will continue to receive high quality care at St. Vincent’s Hospital and that their management will be provided by one of the hospital’s full-time oncologists.

Meanwhile, consideration is also being given to appointing a permanent Consultant Medical Oncologist with a special interest in the area of sarcoma to meet demand at St. Vincent’s University Hospital. Such an appointment would be advertised and the appointment process would be conducted in the normal way.

Services for People with Disabilities

Questions (364)

James Lawless

Question:

364. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health to examine the case of persons (details supplied); if he will schedule a new assessment of need with urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17928/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The 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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.

Health Services Provision

Questions (365)

Timmy Dooley

Question:

365. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment with a specialist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17930/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. 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.

National Lottery Funding Applications

Questions (366)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

366. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application by an organisation (details supplied) for lottery funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17934/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

My Department administers a National Lottery Discretionary Fund from which once-off grants are paid to community and voluntary organisations providing a range of health related services. Funding in 2016 amounts to €3.286m.

My Department has received a large number of applications under the National Lottery Discretionary Fund which are currently being processed. However, there is no record of having received an application from the organisation referred to by the Deputy.

I have asked the HSE to check if it has received a lottery application from the organisation concerned and to respond directly to the Deputy.

Home Care Packages

Questions (367)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

367. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health why he declined an application by a person (details supplied) under the home care package; and if he will request the Health Service Executive to reconsider providing this. [17935/16]

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.

Hospital Procedures

Questions (368)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

368. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health when he will allocate a date for a procedure for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17952/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under 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.

Home Help Service Data

Questions (369)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

369. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the average number of hours applied for and the average number he has granted in County Tipperary under the home help scheme, by week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17967/16]

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.