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Thursday, 21 Jul 2016

Written Answers Nos. 421-440

Freedom of Information Requests

Questions (421)

Dara Calleary

Question:

421. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of freedom of information, FOI, requests received by her Department to date in 2016; the number of requests fully refused; and the number of requests partially refused. [24276/16]

View answer

Written answers

The total number of requests received under the Freedom of Information Act by my Department in 2016 to date is 79, of which 14 are currently active.

The position in relation to the 65 requests that have been completed to date is set out in the following table.

Requests made

Requests Complete

Granted in full

16

Granted in part

16

Refused

17

Withdrawn

16

Total

65

Ministerial Travel

Questions (422)

Jack Chambers

Question:

422. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of miles claimed for and the amount of travel expenses paid to her and each Minister of State in her Department in respect of their functions as Ministers in her Department between 1 January 2016 and 10 March 2016; between 11 March 2016 and 6 May 2016; and since 7 May 2016. [24291/16]

View answer

Written answers

The information sought by the Deputy, relating to Ministerial travel on official business relating to my Department is set out in the following table.

-

Minister Heather Humphreys

Minister of State Joe McHugh

Minister of State Michael Ring

-

Kilometres Claimed

Travel Expenses Paid

Kilometres Claimed

Travel Expenses Paid

Kilometres Claimed

Travel Expenses Paid

1 January 2016 to 10 March 2016

8,908

€4,892.94

13,239

€5,738.18

0

€0

11 March 2016 to 6 May 2016

4,230

2,106.64

0

€0

0

€0

7 May 2016 to date

9,764

€3,340.97

13,572

€3,857.50

2,078

€1,230.37

All expenditure related exclusively to official business on behalf of my Department or the Government, and has been incurred in full conformity with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidance on such matters.

Question No. 423 answered with Question No. 418.

Ministerial Advisers Remuneration

Questions (424)

Jack Chambers

Question:

424. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to provide the name, position and annual salary awarded to her special advisers; to provide details of requests, if any, for an increase above the special advisers pay cap as set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24308/16]

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Written answers

Since my appointment as Minister on 6 May 2016, I have appointed two special advisers, Sarah Meade and Pauric McPhillips. Both advisers are paid at the relevant Principal Officer (Standard Scale) rate in accordance with the standard arrangements put in place by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Mr McPhillips, who began in the role this year, is paid at the first point of the Principal Officer (Standard Scale), while Ms Meade, who began in the role initially in August 2014, has progressed to the second point of the Principal Officer (Standard Scale). No requests have been made for any increases over and above the standard rates.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (425)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

425. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for orthopaedic footwear by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23378/16]

View answer

Written answers

As 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.

Mobility Allowance Eligibility

Questions (426)

Seán Haughey

Question:

426. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health his intentions regarding extending to blind persons the allowances in respect of mobility and motorised grants as disabled passengers associated with the disability allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23563/16]

View answer

Written answers

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.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Programme for Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme. Work is ongoing on the policy proposals to be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation for a new scheme.

Disability Services Provision

Questions (427)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

427. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the assistance that can be offered to persons (details supplied) in respect of funding for their relative for a placement in a nursing home. [23812/16]

View answer

Written answers

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, the Deputy can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.

Mental Health Services Funding

Questions (428)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

428. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which child psychiatric services need to be enhanced in order to meet requirements; his plans to deal with the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24037/16]

View answer

Written answers

The additional ring-fenced mental health funding of €160 million provided over 2012 - 16 inclusive has contributed significantly to implementation of A Vision for Change. Implementation of this policy is progressed in the context of agreed annual HSE Service Plans, and in line with evolving service priorities and overall resource availability each year. Funding for mental health in 2016 will increase from the 2015 outturn of €785m, to a projected budget of €826m in the 2016 National Service Plan, an increase of €41m or 5.2%, including €35m ring-fenced for new developments this year.

A Vision for Change recommends the provision of 80 additional child and adolescent psychiatric in-patient beds nationally. The HSE Mental Health Operational Plan 2016 indicates that there are 76 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service beds in the system, of which 66 are operational at present. In the context of expanding bed capacity, the HSE is endeavouring to address staff recruitment or retention difficulties in certain Child and Adolescent facilities, such as the Eist Linn unit in Cork. As these staffing issues are resolved, the potential exists to increase capacity, whether for in-patient or community based care for those under age 18.

The issue raised by the Deputy is kept under regular review by the Department of Health and the HSE, in the context of monitoring progress on this year's Service Plan against a background of increasing demands generally on the Child and Adolescent Mental Health system.

The Government will also shortly launch the Task Force on Youth Mental Health, which will focus on promoting positive mental health and resilience among young people.

Medicinal Products Reimbursement

Questions (429)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

429. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 157 of 14 July 2016, when he expects the Health Service Executive to commence talks with the manufacturers of lumacaftor-ivacaftor (Orkambi); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23372/16]

View answer

Written answers

As the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, 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.

Maternity Services

Questions (430)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

430. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide more details on the future of gynaecology services which will be offered by a hospital as part of proposals as outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23374/16]

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Written answers

Creating a Better Future Together - the National Maternity Strategy - was published in January 2016 and sets out the vision for the future of Ireland’s maternity services. The Strategy recommends that services should be woman centred, and provide integrated, team based care. The strategy aims to provide increased choice to women whilst ensuring that services are safe. It proposes a new model of integrated care that consists of three care pathways – supported, assisted and specialised, meaning every woman will be able to access the right level of care, from the right professional, at the right time and in the right place.

With regard to the future of ante-natal and gynaecology services at Dungloe Community Hospital, I understand that the Saolta University Healthcare Group proposes to develop a midwifery led clinic in Dungloe. Similar clinics are operating successfully in Gort, Athenry and Oughterard in Co. Galway. I welcome the move to provide such services as the development of a community midwifery service is a key objective of the National Maternity Strategy.

I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly with any further specific information, that might be available, in relation to the development of services in Dungloe.

Public Sector Staff Sick Leave

Questions (431)

Jack Chambers

Question:

431. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health to provide the figures for the Health Service Executive on the percentage of working days lost to sickness absence through certified and uncertified leave in each of the years 2011 to 2015. [23386/16]

View answer

Written answers

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Questions (432)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

432. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health if, with regard to the fair deal scheme, grandchildren who are in the custody of grandparents can avail of a postponement of a nursing home loan provided that they continue to live in the dwelling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23404/16]

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Written answers

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those assessed as needing long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost.

Participants in the Scheme contribute up to 80% of their assessable income and a maximum of 7.5% per annum of the value of assets held. In the case of a couple, the applicant’s means are assessed as 50% of the couple’s combined income and assets. The first €36,000 of an individual’s assets, or €72,000 in the case of a couple, is not counted at all in the financial assessment. The capital value of an individual’s principal private residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of their time in care.

The nursing home loan (Ancillary State Support) is an optional benefit of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, the purpose of which is to ensure that a person does not have to sell their home during their lifetime to pay for long-term nursing home care. Where a person’s assets include land and property in the State, the contribution based on such assets (7.5% of the value of such assets per annum) may be deferred. The loan can be repaid at any time but will ultimately fall due for repayment upon the applicant’s death. Repayment of the loan is made to the Revenue Commissioners.

Where the loan becomes repayable on the applicant's death, the repayment of the loan amount based on the principal residence only can be further deferred or postponed in certain cases. This is known as 'further deferral'. Its purpose is to ensure that certain individuals, for whom the asset is their principal residence, will not need to sell or re-mortgage the asset in order to repay the nursing home loan. Instead, such individuals can defer repayment of the loan for the duration of their lifetime.

Section 20 of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act, 2009 details the persons who may qualify for a further deferral. These are as follows:

- The spouse or partner of the applicant, where the asset concerned is their principal residence; and

- A connected person who meets the qualifying conditions set out below.

A connected person is:

- A child of the person in receipt of Nursing Home Loan (or the spouse/partner’s child) if they are under the age of 21 years or if their assets do not exceed the asset disregard;

- A sibling if their assets do not exceed the asset disregard;

- A relative in receipt of a disability or similar allowance, blind person’s pension, or the State pension (non-contributory), or whose income does not exceed the State pension (contributory);

- A relative who is in receipt of a foreign pension or allowance similar to those outlined in (c) above;

- A relative who owns a building to which the principal residence is attached (e.g. “a granny flat), or

- Any person who cared for an applicant prior to the latter entering the nursing home (this is defined by reference to relevant social welfare payments).

The connected person must also satisfy the following three conditions:

- The asset in question must be their only residence; and

- They must have lived there for not less than 3 years preceding the original application for the Nursing Home Loan; and

- They must not have an interest in any other property.

Once the criteria are met in respect of the application for further deferral, the repayment of monies to Revenue will be deferred until that person sells the principal residence or passes away (whichever event occurs first) provided that the applicant continues to meet the criteria listed above.

Only one further deferral can be granted in respect of Ancillary State Support and any person(s) who have an interest in the principal residence must provide their consent to the further deferral.

In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, a grandchild would be able to make an application for further deferral once the grandchild meets the criteria listed above. If the Deputy would like to further enquire about a specific case, the local Nursing Homes Support Office will be able to provide further information. Contact details for the Support Offices are available on the HSE website at http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/olderpeople/nhss/#offices.

Departmental Staff Sick Leave

Questions (433)

Jack Chambers

Question:

433. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the figures for his Department on the percentage of working days lost to sickness absence through certified leave and uncertified leave in each year from 2011 to 2015 inclusive. [23414/16]

View answer

Written answers

The information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the following table.

Sick Leave in the Department of Health

Year

Percentage lost due to Certified Sick Leave

Percentage lost due to Uncertified Sick Leave

2011

5.50

0.56

2012

4.41

0.32

2013

3.72

0.34

2014

2.94

0.19

2015

2.37

0.24

Self-Harm Prevention

Questions (434)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

434. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 117 of 9 June 2016, the extent to which the contributory factors which may have caused such children to self-harm in the first instance have been identified; the extent to which preventative measures can be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23420/16]

View answer

Written answers

As 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.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (435)

Clare Daly

Question:

435. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the likely date upon which the Health Service Executive will restock with the BCG vaccine; the likely date for the recommencement of the BCG vaccination programme; and his views in regard to the current suspension of this vaccination programme. [23421/16]

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Written answers

There is currently a worldwide shortage of BCG vaccine. In 2015 the United Nations Children's Funds (UNICEF) estimated a worldwide shortage of 65 million doses of BCG. The vaccine has not been available in Ireland since the end of April 2015. Consequently, BCG vaccination clinics in HSE Clinics and Maternity hospitals have been postponed until new stock arrives.

There is only one licensed supplier of BCG vaccine to Ireland. Since this problem became apparent, the HSE National Immunisation Office has been in regular contact with the manufacturer of BCG vaccine to ascertain when the vaccine might be available. The HSE has also asked the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), which licenses and regulates all human medicines in Ireland, to source an alternate supplier of the BCG vaccine. Efforts have been made to find a company who can provide the vaccine for use in Ireland which satisfies all the HPRA requirements on safety and efficacy. To date no suitable alternative BCG product has been found. Therefore the HSE has been unable to procure the BCG vaccine from any other source and still awaits the product from the HPRA licensed supplier of the vaccine.

The supplier has indicated that supplies of the vaccine are not expected to be delivered into Ireland until early 2017. When the HSE receives the vaccine, they will arrange appointments for vaccination clinics ensuring that those at high risk are offered vaccination first.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (436)

Clare Daly

Question:

436. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health when the meningitis B vaccination programme for children will commence given that such a vaccination programme is a recommendation of the national immunisation advisory committee. [23422/16]

View answer

Written answers

Following recommendation from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee, it is intended that vaccination of children, born on or after 1st October 2016, against Meningitis B will begin later this year.

Disability Services Provision

Questions (437)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

437. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for a primary care certificate by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23461/16]

View answer

Written answers

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, the Deputy can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (438)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

438. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a claim for a specialised chair by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23462/16]

View answer

Written answers

As 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.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (439)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

439. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for medical equipment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23463/16]

View answer

Written answers

As 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.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (440)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

440. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a claim for a motorised scooter by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23464/16]

View answer

Written answers

As 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.

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