Written Answers Nos. 981-1005
981. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on the case of a person (details supplied) regarding shooting rights on land; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26013/16]
View answerOfficials of my Department have become aware of a potential historical agreement relating to the lease of the relevant shooting rights to a local gun club as part of a then initiative to protect a wildfowl sanctuary. The matter is being investigated further with a view to bringing more clarity on the position.
982. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the list of all vacancies that existed on 26 February 2016 and all positions that have arisen since included the date it became vacant for State Boards or governing bodies under her control; the names of those appointed since the Government was formed; if the position was advertised and a short-list provided to her by the Public Appointments Service; if the appointments were approved by the Cabinet; the positions under her control which are not subject to the PAS system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26077/16]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy is provided in the Table below. None of the appointments required the approval of Government. It may be noted that the National Archives of Ireland has an Advisory Council, rather than a Board.
The Public Appointments Service operates a dedicated website, www.stateboards.ie, through which it advertises vacancies on State Boards. Arrangements are currently in train in co-operation with the Public Appointments Service to fill vacancies on the Boards of the Arts Council, the National Gallery of Ireland, the Crawford Art Gallery, the National Archives Advisory Council and the Irish Manuscripts Commission.
In the case of appointments to the boards of Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency, being agencies of the North South Implementation Body, An Foras Teanga, these are made by the North South Ministerial Council, arising from nominations on a 50:50 basis by each jurisdiction.
|
Body |
Vacancies up to 26 February 2016 |
Vacancies since 26 February 2016 |
Appointments since 6 May 2016 where position was advertised and shortlist submitted to Minister |
Appointments since 6 May 2016 not subject to PAS process |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
9 (20/10/15) 6 (19/01/16) |
None |
Catherine Heaney (Chair) John Bowen Mary Crotty Ambrose Loughlin Judith McCarthy Denise Moroney Declan Nelson Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh Andrew Power Lynn Scarff Virginia Teehan Aidan Walsh |
Nominees to the Board from the RDS and RIA and an NMI staff representative are not subject to the PAS process. Ingrid Hook (RDS) Kathleen James-Chakraborty (RIA) Mary O Down (RIA) Karen Wilson (NMI Staff Rep) |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
2 (21/02/15) 1 (07/05/14) 1 (15/02/14) |
1 (07/06/16) 1 (03/03/16) 1 (02/09/16) |
None. PAS process currently underway. |
None |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
7 (05/12/15) |
None |
None. PAS process currently underway. |
John Bowen was re-appointed as Chair, on a short term basis, pending the completion of the PAS process. |
|
Arts Council |
2 (14/02/16) 1 (21/02/16) |
2 (12/09/2016) |
None. PAS process currently underway. |
None |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
Heritage Council |
4 (25/01/13) 4 (31/04/15) 6 (25/01/16) |
None |
Brian Walsh Fionnuala May Ivor McElveen Jane Maxwell Kieran Coughlan Marie Bourke Mary C. Gallagher Michael Parsons Miriam Fitzpatrick Muiris O'Sullivan Sinéad McCartan |
None |
|
Irish Film Board |
1 (26/05/15) |
None |
None |
In compliance with Section 13 of the Irish Film Board Act, a member of the Board, Dr Annie Doona, was appointed as Chair of the Irish Film Board for the period until the completion of the term of the present Board in January 2017 |
|
Irish Manuscripts Commission |
None |
18. On 28/02/2016, 17 Board members, including the Chair, were reappointed temporarily until a new Board is appointed following the PAS process. |
None. PAS process currently underway. |
None |
|
IMMA |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
National Concert Hall |
9 (01/02/2016) |
None |
Maura McGrath (Chair) James Cavanagh Rebecca Gageby Gerard Gillen Eleanor McEvoy Máire O’Connor Michael O’Donovan John Reynolds Don Thornhill |
None |
|
National Library of Ireland |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
Western Development Commission |
1 (20/01/2015) |
None |
None |
None |
|
National Archives of Ireland Advisory Council |
4 (01/02/16) |
4 (01/05/16) |
None. PAS process currently underway. |
None |
|
Údaras na Gaeltachta |
None |
1 |
None |
Nominees from Cork Co. Council are not subject to PAS process. Gobnait Ní Mhuineacháin (Cork Co Co) |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
1 x southern and 4 x northern: 3 (13/12/15) 1 (14/1/2016) 1 (22/1/2016) |
2 x southern and 1 x northern: 1 (04/03/2016) 1 (11/03/2016) 1 (20/05/2016) |
None |
3 appointments made by North South Ministerial Council arising from Northern nominations as follows: Barra Ó Muirí Conor McGuinness Rosie Ní Laoghaire |
|
Ulster- Scots Agency |
None |
None |
None |
None |
983. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the projects her Department is prioritising in budget 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26142/16]
View answerThe overall spending allocations for my Department for 2017 will be announced in the forthcoming Budget. As part of the ongoing budgetary process, I will seek to enhance, to the greatest extent possible, my Department's now expanded core functions and services provided to the public.
Against that background, my Department will, within the resources available in 2017, continue to place emphasis on:
- targeting investment in priority areas in the arts, culture and heritage sectors in line with the vision and priorities set out in the draft Framework Policy Éire Ildánach/Culture 2025 ;
- supporting sustainable communities in rural Ireland through an integrated cross-Government Action Plan for Rural Ireland, as well as targeted measures such as the LEADER programme, the Rural Recreation and Rural Walks schemes, the new Town & Village Renewal scheme, and the Rural Economic Development Zones (REDZs);
- working with local authorities in preparing for the roll-out of rural broadband once contracts are awarded in 2017, as well as developing proposals for the renewal of the Post Office network;
- supporting jobs in the film & TV sector and in the Gaeltacht;
- complying with relevant EU Directives, including investment in solutions for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting in raised bog Special Areas of Conservation; and
- supporting the built heritage and the strategic development of our national parks, as well as the development of our waterways in the context of the implementation of the Good Friday and St. Andrews Agreements.
984. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will confirm the public funds originally allocated to each local action group, LAG, for the Leader 2007-2013 programme; the subsequent revisions to these amounts for each LAG in the period; the specific reasons for any such adjustments; the final spend achieved by each LAG, net of disallowances, penalties or ineligible expenditure; the respective disallowances, penalties or ineligible expenditure for the programme period, for each LAG; the details and the reasons for the penalties or disallowances that have occurred; the extent to which disallowances, penalties or ineligible expenditure have been recouped by her Department to date and the total amount that remains outstanding for each LAG; the other reasons a LAG may not have achieved full drawdown of the public funds available to it for the programme period; if penalties or disallowances have been levied on the programme by the EU Commission arising from its audits and inspections; and the reasons for, instances and LAGs that gave rise to same. [26167/16]
View answerThe original allocation for the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 was approximately €400m. The initial allocation to each Local Action Group under this programme is provided in Table 1. The allocations were revised when the EU co-financing rate changed due to the financial crisis and this resulted in a decrease in the overall programme allocation. This revised allocation is provided in Table 2.
The final spend achieved by each Local Action Group up to the end of December 2015 is provided in Table 3.
An audit of LEADER expenditure by the European Commission in November 2013 resulted in the application of a 5% penalty under the Business Creation and Development Measure of the Programme. This penalty related to the verification process undertaken by Local Action Groups to verify the micro-enterprise status of beneficiaries under the Programme. The penalty equated to €1,232,904 for the 2012-2014 period.
The additional information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in the format requested and will be supplied separately, to the extent feasible.
Table 1: Original LEADER 2007 – 2013 LAG Allocations
|
LAG |
Original Programme Allocation |
|
Avondhu Blackwater Partnership Ltd. |
9,057,810 |
|
Ballyhoura Development Ltd. |
11,673,519 |
|
Carlow County Development Partnership Ltd |
8,878,177 |
|
Cavan-Monaghan LEADER |
12,035,118 |
|
Cill Dara Ar Aghaidh Teo |
12,282,448 |
|
Clare Local Development Company Ltd. |
14,028,529 |
|
Co Kilkenny LEADER Partnership |
11,523,729 |
|
Co Wicklow Community Partnership |
11,135,560 |
|
Co. Sligo LEADER Partnership Company Ltd |
10,888,673 |
|
Comhar na nOileáin Teoranta |
4,642,415 |
|
Donegal Local Development Company Ltd. |
12,831,901 |
|
Fingal LEADER Partnership Co. |
7,766,780 |
|
FORUM Connemara Ltd. |
9,668,965 |
|
Galway Rural Development Company |
15,257,985 |
|
Inishowen Development Partnership |
8,286,143 |
|
IRD Duhallow Ltd. |
10,315,943 |
|
Laois Community and Enterprise Dev |
10,993,608 |
|
Leitrim Integrated Development Co Ltd |
10,845,497 |
|
Longford Community Resources Ltd |
8,714,110 |
|
Louth LEADER Partnership |
8,839,815 |
|
Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Co. |
10,751,894 |
|
Meath Community Rural and Social Dev. |
12,748,771 |
|
North East Kerry LEADER Partnership Teo |
10,558,882 |
|
North Tipperary LEADER Partnership |
9,708,008 |
|
Offaly Integrated Local Dev Co. Ltd. |
11,520,489 |
|
Roscommon Integrated Development Company |
12,838,021 |
|
South and East Cork Area Dev Ltd. |
10,641,494 |
|
South Kerry Development Ltd. |
12,370,667 |
|
South Tipperary Local Development Co Ltd |
11,106,187 |
|
South West Mayo Development Company Ltd |
12,150,007 |
|
Waterford LEADER Partnership Ltd. |
10,558,519 |
|
West Cork Development Partnership Ltd. |
14,601,149 |
|
West Limerick Resources Ltd |
9,997,751 |
|
Westmeath Community Development Ltd |
10,987,060 |
|
Wexford Local Development |
12,515,565 |
|
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta |
17,278,809 |
|
Overall Total |
399,999,998 |
Table 2: Revised LEADER 2007 – 2013 LAG allocations
|
LAG |
December 2013 Revised Allocation |
|
Avondhu/ Blackwater Partnership Limited |
7,563,093 |
|
Ballyhoura Development Limited |
18,832,677 |
|
Carlow County Development Partnership |
7,619,278 |
|
Cavan Partnership Ltd. & County Monaghan |
10,235,403 |
|
Clare Local Development Company Limited |
16,175,841 |
|
Comhar na nOileáin Teoranta |
7,218,571 |
|
County Kilkenny LEADER Partnership Limited |
13,587,910 |
|
County Sligo LEADER Partnership Company |
9,791,787 |
|
Donegal Local Development Company Limited |
12,693,035 |
|
Fingal LEADER Partnership |
6,488,129 |
|
FORUM Connemara |
7,925,982 |
|
Galway Rural Development Company Limited |
12,512,676 |
|
I.R.D. Duhallow |
12,852,160 |
|
Inishowen Development Partnership |
7,410,663 |
|
Kildare (Cill Dara ar Aghaidh Teoranta) |
10,642,073 |
|
Laois Community & Enterprise Development |
9,564,731 |
|
Leitrim Integrated Development Company |
10,332,659 |
|
Longford Community Resources Limited |
7,198,679 |
|
Louth LEADER Partnership |
7,265,162 |
|
Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Company |
9,663,562 |
|
Meath Partnership |
15,139,043 |
|
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta |
3,371,751 |
|
North & East Kerry LEADER Partnership |
9,267,641 |
|
North Tipperary LEADER Partnership Company |
12,917,884 |
|
Offaly Integrated Local Development Company |
10,856,445 |
|
Roscommon Integrated Development |
11,230,957 |
|
South East Cork Area Development Limited |
10,600,928 |
|
South Kerry Development Partnership Limited |
10,341,450 |
|
South Tipperary Local Development Company |
12,515,649 |
|
South West Mayo Development Company |
10,820,318 |
|
Waterford LEADER Partnership Limited |
11,486,013 |
|
West Cork Development Partnership |
13,481,280 |
|
West Limerick Resources |
9,091,221 |
|
Westmeath Community Development |
9,015,451 |
|
Wexford Local Development |
11,919,814 |
|
Wicklow Partnership |
9,128,172 |
|
Total |
376,758,090 |
Table 3 – Total Expenditure under LEADER 2007-2014 to the 31 st Dec 2015
|
LAG |
Total Expenditure |
|
Carlow County Development Partnership |
7,727,904.24 |
|
Cavan Partnership Ltd. & County Monaghan |
10,475,312.77 |
|
Clare Local Development Company Limited |
15,450,202.99 |
|
South East Cork Area Development Limited |
10,229,053.43 |
|
Avondhu/ Blackwater Partnership Limited |
7,416,769.47 |
|
West Cork Development Partnership |
13,660,805.92 |
|
I.R.D. Duhallow |
12,745,863.30 |
|
Donegal Local Development Company Limited |
12,902,353.33 |
|
Inishowen Development Partnership |
7,480,906.41 |
|
Fingal LEADER Partnership |
5,051,018.99 |
|
Galway Rural Development Company Limited |
12,246,333.25 |
|
FORUM Connemara |
6,567,080.47 |
|
North & East Kerry LEADER Partnership |
9,197,226.61 |
|
South Kerry Development Partnership Limited |
10,316,610.57 |
|
Kildare (Cill Dara ar Aghaidh Teoranta) |
10,820,565.88 |
|
County Kilkenny LEADER Partnership Limited |
12,773,583.68 |
|
Laois Community & Enterprise Development |
9,476,605.06 |
|
Leitrim Integrated Development Company |
10,322,865.69 |
|
West Limerick Resources |
9,223,583.79 |
|
Ballyhoura Development Limited |
18,303,511.01 |
|
Longford Community Resources Limited |
7,122,926.88 |
|
Louth LEADER Partnership |
7,301,553.89 |
|
Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Company |
8,176,810.63 |
|
South West Mayo Development Company |
10,941,068.48 |
|
Meath Partnership |
12,310,240.95 |
|
Offaly Integrated Local Development Company |
10,521,030.30 |
|
Roscommon Integrated Development |
11,103,000.65 |
|
County Sligo LEADER Partnership Company |
9,540,132.69 |
|
North Tipperary LEADER Partnership Company |
12,765,478.87 |
|
South Tipperary Local Development Company |
12,417,866.71 |
|
Waterford LEADER Partnership Limited |
11,366,829.40 |
|
Wexford Local Development |
11,717,948.36 |
|
Wicklow Partnership |
9,009,937.62 |
|
Westmeath Community Development |
8,744,952.58 |
|
MFG |
3,371,751.06 |
|
Comhar na nOileáin Teoranta |
6,997,490.84 |
|
Total |
365,797,176.77 |
985. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she supports the National Concert Hall in its key strategic objective between now and 2020 to ensure the complete refurbishment of the venue (details supplied). [26250/16]
View answer986. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in view of the fact that Earlsfort Terrace was earmarked for the future development of the National Concert Hall and for the arts in 2006, the reason an exploration station, a children's interactive science museum, is now being located within the north wing of the Earlsfort Terrace building; if such a development in this location will not hamper the future development of the National Concert Hall; and if the rest of the site will be kept for the arts and for music in particular, in line with the original vision for the site or if there are any other plans for more third party organisations from outside the arts to be given space at Earslfort Terrace. [26251/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 985 and 986 together.
My Department is supportive of the development of an overall plan to advance and manage the development of National Concert Hall within the overall Earlfort Terrace complex and has been engaging with the Office of Public Works and the National Concert Hall in this regard.
The proposed development of Exploration Station, a children’s interactive science museum, within the North Wing of the Earlsfort Terrace building, is a matter for the Office of Public Works. However, I can assure the Deputy that all interested parties are working together to ensure that the development of the Exploration Station and the future requirements of the National Concert Hall will be carefully managed together, including within the context of the overall management plan referred to above. Part of the consideration in this regard will be to exploit the positive impacts of providing a major science facility for children in the same complex as the national venue for music.
987. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she has given consent to progress the works at Ardara Bridge, County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26313/16]
View answerMy Department has issued the necessary consent to the Office of Public Works in this case under section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930.
988. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the legislative provision under which a person may be prosecuted under for possession of a drug testing kit (details supplied). [24494/16]
View answerPossession of a drug testing kit is not prohibited under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 to 2016, so long as none of the constituent chemical components or reagents are subject to control under that legislation. However, under this legislation the possession of a controlled drug, other than for legitimate medical or scientific purposes, is prohibited.
989. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill has been notified to the World Trade Organization under the technical barriers to trade agreement as a barrier to trade in the European Single Market; if he has considered the trade concerns raised by member states in the earlier notification to the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24808/16]
View answer1109. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health the effect the notification of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill to the World Trade Organization, under the technical barriers to trade agreement, has on the timeline for implementation; the consideration that has been given to the concerns raised by member states in the earlier notification to the European Commission; if amendments will be made to the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24806/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 989 and 1109 together.
The Public Health (Alcohol) Bill was notified to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) under the Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement on the 9th June 2016. The standstill period of 90 days has now expired. The European Commission was formally notified of Ireland’s intention to introduce the proposed legislation on minimum unit pricing, labelling and control of marketing and advertising under the Technical Standards and Regulations Directive (Directive 98/34/EC) in January 2016. The standstill period was extended until 28 of July 2016. The issues raised under the two notification processes are being considered. A response is being prepared for the Commission. Ireland will also continue to adhere to its WTO obligations. As the standstill period for both notifications has now ended, the Bill can proceed through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The Bill has been restored to the Seanad Order Paper and it is expected that it will commence Committee Stage early in the next term. It is likely that amendments will be considered in the context of Committee Stage as part of the legislative process.
990. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if a person who has applied for, but has not yet received, a medical card and is placed on JobPath while the application is still being processed, will still receive a medical card; and if the starting date of the medical card is backdated to the day of application or if it is from the day the application is formally approved. [25188/16]
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 was issued to Oireachtas members.
991. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the increase number of refusals made with respect to applications received by HSE Donegal for additional preschool supports for children with special needs for the preschool year 2016-17; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there were more refusals as a percentage of total applications received for this period than for any of the other previous four years, with a decision with respect to one application yet to be determined; if he is aware of the fact that refusal rates for this period are almost three times higher than the previous 2015-16 term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25431/16]
View answerIn order to support children with a disability to access free pre-school, the IDG recommended a major new programme of supports, the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM). This model has been introduced.
AIM is a programme of supports designed to ensure that children with disabilities can access the Early Childhood Care and Education Programme in mainstream pre-school settings and can participate fully in the pre-school curriculum alongside their peers.It is a child centred model involving seven levels of progressive support, moving from the universal to the targeted, based on the needs of the child and the service provider. The model is designed to be responsive to the needs of each individual child in the context of their pre-school setting. It will offer tailored, practical supports based on need and will not require a formal diagnosis of disability.
Levels 1 – 3 of the model involve a suite of universal supports which are designed to promote and support an inclusive culture within pre-school settings by means of a variety of educational and capacity-building initiatives for providers and practitioners. International evidence suggests that these supports, when appropriately developed, are sufficient to support many children with disabilities.
However, where a service provider, in partnership with a parent, considers that some further additional support may be necessary to meet the needs of a particular child, they can apply for one or more targeted supports under levels 4 – 7 of the model. Additional targeted supports could take the form of expert early childhood care and educational advice and mentoring (level 4), specialised equipment, appliances and minor alterations (level 5), therapeutic supports (level 6) or additional capitation to fund extra assistance in the ECCE pre-school room (level 7).
The model applies to all mainstream pre-school settings which are funded through the ECCE programme. In addition to mainstream settings, pre-school services are also offered in special pre-schools and early intervention classes which cater exclusively for children with disabilities. While the underlying vision of the new model is to cater for as many children as possible in mainstream settings, it is recognised that a small number of children will continue to need specialised services.
More information on these targeted supports is provided on a dedicated AIM website at www.preschoolaccess.ie. The relevant information and documentation required to apply for additional support can also be found on the website.
However 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.
992. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Health when the provisions of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 dealing with donor assisted human reproduction will commence; the timeframe he envisages until these provisions are operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25433/16]
View answerWhen the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 was enacted in April last year, it was indicated that Parts 2 and 3 of the Act, which deal with donor-assisted human reproduction, would not be commenced for at least a year following enactment. This period of time is intended to provide an appropriate transition period and ensure that people currently undergoing donor-assisted human reproduction treatment could continue that treatment and to give fertility clinics time to prepare for the new regulatory framework. This transition period is a practical and pragmatic administrative solution to facilitate the seamless transition to a new regulatory framework. This transition period is also to allow time for officials in my Department to conduct the significant amount of preparatory work required to enable these provisions (including provisions relating to the National Donor-Conceived Person Register) to enter into force.
993. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the work that has been undertaken to deliver well resourced custodial drug treatment centres that could provide an alternative to standard custodial sanctions for suitable persons, and as provided for in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. [25669/16]
View answerThe Department of Health is primarily responsible for the health related aspects of drug policy. Under the Misuse of Drugs (Custodial Treatment Centre) Order, 1980 (S.I. No. 30 of 1980) the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum, Dublin is designated as a place where persons convicted of certain specified offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977 may receive custodial medical treatment or care.
There are no plans under consideration in the Department for introducing additional custodial drug treatment centres.
Government policy in relation to drugs underlines the importance of providing opportunities for people to move on from illicit drug use to a drug-free life, where that is achievable. In line with the National Drugs Strategy, the Health Service Executive has reoriented the addiction services in recent years so that they are capable of dealing with all substances. The HSE is continuing to develop the spread and range of addiction services to achieve better coverage across the country, especially in areas most affected by the drug problem. Treatment is provided through a network of statutory and non-statutory agencies, using a four tier model of service delivery. The four tier model is based on the principle that drug treatment is best provided at the lowest level of complexity, matching the patient’s needs and as close to the patient’s home as possible.
994. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the frequency of elective surgery in the ear, nose and throat hospitals; the waiting lists for ear, nose and throat operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24876/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
995. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the timeline a person has to be working with the HSE until they will be entitled to a contract of indefinite duration or permanency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24878/16]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
996. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding a public nurse service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24326/16]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
997. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason for a cut in an allowance for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24330/16]
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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
998. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24342/16]
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 scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
999. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for treatment by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24347/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
1000. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health to allow the release of properties for rent where the properties are held over in respect of capital to underpin fair deal investment; his plans to review the rule that these unoccupied properties that cannot be rented to third parties whilst held over for fair deal; if he will establish a scheme where any income in respect of these properties can be subject to tax and also further fund a person's care; the barriers he has identified to the provision of such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24358/16]
View answerThe Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those in need of 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.
There is no prohibition on an NHSS participant renting out their home if they wish. Rental income is included in the overall calculation of the applicant’s contribution towards the cost of care. In addition, certain allowable deductions can be netted off against a person's means prior to the calculation of their contribution to care. These include health expenses, income tax, social insurance contributions and levies required by law such as the Local Property Tax, and borrowings in respect of the principal private residence.
Where a person’s assets include land and property in the State, the contribution based on the capital value of such assets may be deferred. The loan can be repaid at any time but will ultimately fall due for repayment upon the applicant’s death or sale of the asset. A nursing home resident can apply for this deferral at any stage.
There are currently no plans to amend the NHSS legislation to exclude rental income from the financial assessment.
1001. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if his Department will examine the case of a person (details supplied) who has been waiting for corrective surgery due to a medical condition; if he is aware that surgeons have begun to fundraise on behalf of patients due to a lack of funding for this particular surgery; if the HSE outsources the surgery given the waiting time for patients with this degenerative condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24362/16]
View answerScoliosis affects approximately 1% of children and adolescents in Ireland. The management of scoliosis is complex and is determined by the severity of the curvature and skeletal maturity.
Long waiting times for scoliosis surgery are not acceptable, and my Department has been working closely with the HSE to address services pressures, particularly in Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin (OLCHC), which is the largest provider of scoliosis surgery for children and young people. Additional funding of €1.042m was allocated under the 2015 Service Plan to increase capacity at OLCHC, and an additional orthopaedic surgeon, anaesthetist, and support staff, are now in place with recruitment of a further additional orthopaedic surgeon underway. Capital funding was also provided for a new theatre on site to expand theatre capacity further, and this is currently being commissioned. The Children's Hospital Group is proactively working on nurse recruitment to support the opening of the new theatre.
The recently announced €40 million additional funding for the HSE Winter Initiative 2016/2017 also includes €2m provided specifically for scoliosis patients to treat 39 adolescent patients on the Tallaght waiting list and an additional 15-20 paediatric patients by year end. My Department will continue to work with the HSE and the relevant hospitals to ensure improvements in access to spinal surgery.
The scheduling of appointments is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. In relation to the specific case raised, as this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
1002. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied). [24376/16]
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 scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
1003. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the number of persons over 65 years of age who were prescribed Olanzapine, Quetiapine Fumarate or Risperidone in 2014, 2015 and 2016 to date; the number of persons diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease; the number of persons prescribed this medication who were resident in nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24377/16]
View answer1004. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the national policy in relation to the prescribing of Olanzapine, Quetiapine Fumarate or Risperidone drugs to persons over 65 years of age in 2014, 2015 and 2016; the way in which data in relation to the prescription of these drugs is analysed and checked, in both private nursing homes and HSE nursing homes; if evidence of over prescription has been identified and reported on; the action taken as a result; the number of these persons that were diagnosed with dementia and or Alzheimer’s disease; the number of persons prescribed this medication that were resident in nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24378/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1003 and 1004 together.
The Irish National Dementia Strategy, published in December 2014, included estimates and projections for the number of people in Ireland with dementia by age Group, as follows:-
“ The prospective ageing of the Irish population will lead to an exponential increase in the number of people with dementia in the years ahead. Based on CSO population projections over the next 30 years and applying the EuroCode age/gender-specific dementia prevalence rates, the Table below shows the expected increase in the numbers of people likely to present with dementia in Ireland.
Estimated number and projected growth in the number of people with dementia in Ireland by age group, 2011-2046
|
Age group |
2011 |
2016 |
2026 |
2036 |
2046 |
|
30-59 |
2,866 |
2,935 |
2,869 |
2,864 |
2,991 |
|
60-64 |
1,200 |
1,301 |
1,615 |
1,906 |
1,896 |
|
65-69 |
2,776 |
3,287 |
4,020 |
4,876 |
5,645 |
|
70-74 |
4,604 |
5,532 |
7,442 |
9,378 |
11,188 |
|
75-79 |
7,475 |
8,213 |
12,560 |
15,928 |
19,692 |
|
80-84 |
10,958 |
12,265 |
17,868 |
25,364 |
33,196 |
|
85+ |
17,970 |
21,260 |
31,085 |
52,512 |
77,549 |
|
Total |
47,849 |
54,793 |
77,460 |
112,828 |
152,157 |
Note: Estimates for 2011 based on Census of Population 2011. Projections for 2016 to 2041 based on CSO (2013) Population and Labour Force Projections, 2016-2014, Stationery office, Dublin, Table 3, page 40 and EuroCoDe (2009) Age and gender specific dementia prevalence rates. (Source: Pierce, M. et al. (forthcoming). Prevalence and Projections of Dementia in Ireland, 2011. Genio Ltd., Mullingar).”
Medication Safety is a major focus of the Department of Health and a National Medication Patient Safety Forum has been established in the Department. However, this Medication Safety Forum has not to date specifically addressed the issues raised by the Deputy..
The National Dementia Strategy refers to the use of anti-psychotic medication as follows:
"50% of patients admitted [to acute hospitals] from nursing homes were on anti-psychotic medication; and "The reason for use of anti-psychotic medication was only recorded in 50% of cases;
The Strategy also states that
"Dementia is often accompanied by behavioural and psychological symptoms (BPSD), (sometimes known as behaviours that challenge) such as agitation, aggression, disinhibition, wandering and sleep disturbance and these can occur at any stage of the illness. These behaviours can pose significant challenges for staff and other patients and can be dangerous and distressing for the person with dementia. While these behaviours are common, they can be transient and can sometimes be addressed by non-pharmacological interventions. There are occasions, albeit for a minority of cases, where pharmacological treatments may be required. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments and interventions should go hand-in-hand. People with dementia are more likely to experience psychopathology during the course of their illness and in some cases the use of psychotropic medications is appropriate in conjunction with environmental interventions. However, anti-psychotic drugs should only be used when all other non-pharmacological interventions have first been tried and exhausted (NICE Guidelines). While the use of antipsychotic medications can be effective at controlling BPSD, they are not without risk and if prescribed should be reviewed at regular intervals and discontinued when clinically indicated"
Priority Action 4 of the National Dementia Strategy states that: "The Health Service Executive will develop guidance material on the appropriate management of medication for people with dementia, and in particular on psychotropic medication management, and make arrangements for this material to be made available in all relevant settings, including nursing homes." Under the National Dementia Strategy Implementation Programme, the HSE will set up a working group to inform the development of best practice guidelines to address this priority action.
National policy on restraint, including chemical, physical and environmental restraint is set out in “Towards a Restraint Free Environment in Nursing Homes” , published in 2011, and available on the Department of Health website. Government policy is to eliminate the use of restraint, or where this is not possible, to restrict the use of all forms of restraint to those exceptional emergency situations where it is absolutely necessary. Where restraint is necessary it should only be applied in accordance with the law and best professional practice.
The Health Act 2007 (Care & Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations, 2013 contain provisions relating to 'Medicines and pharmaceutical services' and provide that where restraint is used, it is used only in accordance with national policy. All nursing homes are required to have a written policy on restraint and to keep detailed records of all occasions on which restraint is used. These records must be available for examination by HIQA, the independent statutory body with responsibility for the registration and inspection of nursing homes.
The Regulations underpin HIQA's National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People, which have been approved by the Minister for Health and are available on HIQA's website. Standards 14 & 15 set out what is required of a service provider in relation to medication management, and monitoring and review of medications.
Standard 21 sets out what a service provider should do in response to challenging behaviour, while promoting the best outcomes for the resident. Procedures for managing challenging behaviour should be based on staff knowledge of the residents, including any communications difficulties. Where a resident's behaviour presents a risk to himself or others, a care plan should be prepared, based on the individual's assessed needs and this should be reviewed regularly. All staff should have the training and skills, appropriate to their role, to enable them to respond to challenging behaviour. Positive (i.e. non-restrictive and non-pharmacological) interventions are the preferred options. Expert advice should be sought where necessary, including before beginning a course of psychotropic medication, and specific guidelines are provided on the use of psychotropic medication.
*Chemical restraint” is defined as "the intentional use of medication to control or modify a person’s behaviour or to ensure a patient is compliant or not capable of resistance, when no medically identified condition is being treated; where the treatment is not necessary for the condition; or the intended effect of the drug is to sedate the person for convenience or for disciplinary purposes. The appropriate use of drugs to reduce symptoms in the treatment of medical conditions such as anxiety, depression, or psychosis, does not constitute restraint. Chemical restraint is always unacceptable."
The specific questions raised by the Deputy regarding current numbers diagnosed with dementia, and those relating to the frontline management of relevant prescribing are service matters and have accordingly been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1005. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health if there have been cuts in the provision of psychological review for children who are six to 18 years of age with autism; if he is aware that such information was provided to a parent in County Kilkenny recently; and, if so, the reason for the reduction in resources. [24379/16]
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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
