Written Answers Nos. 117-146
117. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the new supplementary request for tender (SRFT) which was to replace a cancelled SRFT under the interpretation services framework, which he stated in a reply to a previous parliamentary question in September 2016 was due to issue in the coming weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37873/16]
View answerThe draft SRFT is now at an advanced stage of preparation and is undergoing final review in order to ensure the optimum outcome will be delivered. It is expected that the SRFT will be issued within the next two weeks.
118. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason his Department has not given effect to the borrowing framework contained in the Institutes of Technology Act 2006. [37919/16]
View answerThe Institutes of Technology Act 2006 contains a provision for Institutes of Technology to borrow within a framework agreed with the Higher Education Authority, following consultation with the Minister for Education and Skills and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
A key consideration in relation to the scope for independent borrowing by institutions in the higher education sector is whether the subsequent expenditure funded by the borrowings is classified as falling within the General Government sector or not, and therefore whether it impacts on the General Government Balance. There is a detailed framework in place under EU law, implemented at national level by the CSO, for classifying what entities in the economy are part of or outside of the General Government sector and how their expenditure impacts on the General Government Balance. Eurostat are the ultimate arbiters of decision-making in this area.
Universities have traditionally enjoyed autonomous borrowing powers on account of their classification as outside General Government. As such, borrowings by universities are 'off-balance sheet' and do not impact on the level of General Government Debt, nor does their expenditure impact on the General Government Balance. This outside General Government status reflects a combination of the historical autonomy that such institutions have benefitted from and their capacity to generate own income, which has contributed to the universities meeting the 'market test' for their borrowing and expenditure to be 'off-balance sheet' under Eurostat rules.
These considerations do not apply in the case of the Institutes of Technology (IOTS). IOTs, unlike universities, are classified as inside General Government. Consequently, expenditure by the IOTs impacts on the General Government Balance and borrowing by the IOTs contribute to the General Government Debt. Essentially, as borrowings are spent, they impact on the General Government Balance in the same way as applies with direct Exchequer funding of the IOTs.
The Department of Education raised the issue of a borrowing framework for IOTs in the context of the provision of student accommodation. Officials in my Department and in the Department of Education and Skills are currently exploring options for a borrowing framework or equivalent arrangement that would facilitate investment in student accommodation for IOTs but would not impact on the General Government balance.
119. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of paternity benefit as applicable to employees in the Civil Service and public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37925/16]
View answerThe introduction of the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 requires all employers, including public service employers, to grant paternity leave to employees. As part of my responsibilities as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I have overarching responsibility for the terms and conditions of employment of public servants. However, specific policies relating to paternity leave or benefit in each of the sectors of the public service, other than the civil service, are dealt with by the appropriate responsible Minister.
In the Civil Service the arrangements for paternity leave are set out in a recent Circular 18/2016. This provides for 2 weeks paternity leave, in accordance with the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016. The Circular provides that this leave will be paid at the normal rate of pay.
120. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding staff shortages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38007/16]
View answerI am advised that staffing levels across all divisions in my Department are kept under regular review in line with emerging business needs as part of the Department's workforce planning process. When posts become vacant for any reason, they are not treated in isolation as vacancies to be automatically filled. Instead, the continuing requirement for such vacant posts is critically examined as part of my Department's workforce planning process, taking account of the financial resources that are available to meet pay costs and having regard to other current staffing priorities in the context of Government policy on public sector pay and staffing, as advised by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
In line with this approach, my Department is currently creating panels through open competitions for a number of posts, including Head and Craft Gardeners, General Operative and Conservation Rangers. I expect that appointments will be made from these panels during 2017.
121. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding deer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38064/16]
View answerWild deer in the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts. They can be found throughout the countryside and are present in many parts of the country. There is an annual open season during which deer can be legally shot under licence. The open season for deer operates generally from 1 September to 28 February, depending on the species and gender of deer. My Department carries out localised annual deer counts on State lands such as the National Parks. Where appropriate, and depending on the annual count and instances of damage caused by deer to habitats, especially woodland, culls may be carried out to ensure that deer populations do not reach levels that would have negative ecological consequences.
Control of deer on private property is the responsibility of landowners, who may apply to my Department for a permission under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts to cull deer where this is necessary outside the annual open seasons. These permissions offer a facility whereby a person can obtain a permit, on a case by case basis, to prevent serious damage caused by individual deer on specific lands. Permissions are only issued where there is evidence of such damage.
With regard to calls for increased fencing in relation to incidents of deer presence on public roads, my Department has no plans to fence the National Parks. Deer, albeit larger, are like other wild animals in this country and it is not part of the remit of my Department, nor indeed would it be generally possible, to cordon them onto specific areas of land. Moreover, fencing the National Parks would not be a viable solution and would not achieve the desired results or serve any practical purpose in terms of wild deer control or management.
With regard to the incident referred to, I am advised that it was not fully established that the cause was attributable to deer. Nevertheless, as previously indicated, my Department is of the view that improving sight lines for motorists as well as improved (and possibly larger) signage is likely to be the most effective measure to assist motorists to be vigilant when driving through areas where populations of deer can be expected. Officials from my Department have discussed this approach with the relevant County Council and I understand that it has prepared a scheme of works, which includes a number of measures such as the trimming back of overhanging tree branches and enhancement/relocation of roadside signs.
In relation to deer policy in general, my Department, together with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, published Deer Management in Ireland – A Framework for Action in 2015, which recommends a series of actions on deer management and conservation in a number of areas, including addressing the impact of deer in places where they are widespread. An Irish Deer Management Forum has been established to implement the various actions listed in the Report. The Forum itself comprises representatives from the main stakeholder areas such as landowners, forestry, hunting and conservation organisations, as well as representatives from both Departments.
122. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps that have been taken by the Government to revitalise rural towns; the programmes that have been put in place; the funding sources that have been made available for this purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37795/16]
View answerThe Programme for a Partnership Government highlights the importance of town and village renewal in revitalising rural Ireland. In the last number of months, I have introduced a number of schemes which will support the development of towns and villages all over Ireland.
In August, I launched a new Town and Village Renewal Scheme which has allocated funding of almost €10 million to 172 towns and villages across the country to make them more attractive and sustainable places in which to live and work. I have secured funding of €12 million for an enhanced Town and Village Renewal Scheme next year and as part of this, I intend to pilot an initiative to encourage more people to reside in town and village centres.
I have also recently approved €5.3 million for 41 projects across Ireland under the Rural Economic Development Zone (REDZ) initiative. The REDZ programme will complement the Town and Village Renewal Scheme by supporting projects that create economic opportunity between towns and their rural environs.
The CLÁR Programme, which was reopened in October with initial funding of €3 million available for this year, will also support rural towns and villages. This programme provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. This year, CLÁR will provide funding for three measures: Safety Measures for Schools and Community/Sports Facilities, Playgrounds and Multi-Use Games Areas, and Local Access Roads. The projects approved for funding will be announced imminently.
123. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there is funding available to carry out repairs to the lake shore at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38076/16]
View answerThe location referred to by the Deputy is not within Killarney National Park. Unfortunately, my Department has no funding available to it to assist the owners with the repair works in this case.
124. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in the cognitive assessment of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37818/16]
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.
125. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health his plans to update and improve the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37819/16]
View answer143. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when it is expected to have the recommendations of the interdepartmental group examining the nursing home support scheme; if he will publish the report of the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37878/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 143 together.
When the Nursing Homes Support Scheme commenced in 2009, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. The Report of the Review was published in July 2015 and included a general examination of the operation of the Scheme as well as the balance between residential care and care in the community. Arising out of the Review, a number of key issues have been identified for more detailed consideration across Departments and Agencies.
The Interdepartmental/Agency Working Group was set up to progress the recommendations contained in the Review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. Significant progress has already been made in relation to the implementation of recommendations relating to the administrative reforms to the Scheme. An initial report on progress was submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Health in September 2016.
A Review by the National Treatment Purchase Fund of the system for setting prices in private and voluntary nursing homes is well advanced and is expected to be completed in the coming months.
As of now there are no plans to formally publish a consolidated implementation report covering all of the issues identified in the NHSS Review, but full information will nonetheless be available to the Deputy on request regarding any relevant issue.
Any significant changes deemed necessary to the Scheme will require legislation and will accordingly be addressed together at the conclusion of the implementation process.
126. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health when a new scheme will be introduced to replace the mobility grant scheme which ceased in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37990/16]
View answerConscious of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant Scheme in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes in February 2013. The Government is aware of the continuing needs of people with a disability who rely on individual payments which support choice and independence. In that regard, monthly payments of €208.50 have continued 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.
The Government decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. 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. I can confirm that work on the policy proposals in this regard is at an advanced stage and I anticipate that this will be brought to Government shortly.
The proposals seek to ensure that:
- There is a firm statutory basis to the Scheme's operation;
- There is transparency and equity in the eligibility criteria attaching to the Scheme;
- Resources are targeted at those with greatest needs; and
- The Scheme is capable of being costed and is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.
127. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can expect payment from the temporary rehabilitation remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37788/16]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
128. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a progress report on the improvements announced to the cardiac care unit in Waterford University Hospital; the new measures that have been implemented since the completion of the recent review of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37792/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government committed to the development of a second Cath Lab in University Hospital Waterford (UHW), subject to a favourable recommendation from an independent clinical review of the needs of the region. The review was undertaken by Dr. Niall Herity, a highly respected, Belfast based NHS cardiologist.
Dr. Herity has made clear recommendations that a second cardiac cath lab at UHW is not justified. However, he recommends investing in UHW to enhance the existing cardiology services, including increasing the number of weekly sessions currently provided, in order to address waiting times and to provide improved access for patients. He also recommends that new specialist equipment be provided to improve contingency for radiological equipment failure during a procedure. I am happy to provide the additional resources necessary to implement these recommendations, the detail of which will be set out in the HSE National Service Plan 2017 which will be published this month.
I have asked that the situation be closely monitored during this period of investment and enhancement of services, so that we will be in a position to assess the impact of the improvements on the volume of patients attending the Waterford cath lab.
Dr. Herity also recommends that some services be provided elsewhere. I want to be certain that any change to how a service is delivered will result in improved services for the patients using that service. Therefore, I have asked my Department to address the implications of this recommendation by undertaking a national review of all primary PCI services, with the aim to ensure that as many patients as possible have access on a 24/7 basis, to safe and sustainable emergency interventions following a heart attack. I expect the review to be completed by the end of July 2017.
129. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 188 of 23 November 2016, when he will expedite the appointment for a person (details supplied) to see a neurosurgeon in Tallaght Hospital. [37805/16]
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.
130. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a cataract operation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37806/16]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
131. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37828/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
132. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will review its policy that states a nurse that provides care under a home care package cannot be left alone with a child they are caring for in order that single mothers such as a person (details supplied) may be able to leave their child in the care of a nurse, leaving them to take a break and spend time with their other children. [37835/16]
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.
133. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the frequency with which the long-term illness list is updated; and the criteria for inclusion on the list in respect of a person (details supplied). [37836/16]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
134. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the frequency with which the long-term illness list is updated; and the criteria for inclusion on the list in respect of a person (details supplied). [37838/16]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
135. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appointment for counselling for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37840/16]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
136. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the status of the appointment of additional special advisers by him and Ministers of State in his Department. [37847/16]
View answerI have appointed two special advisers in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's Instructions to Personnel Officers regarding Ministerial Appointments for the 32nd Dáil. Minister of State Finian McGrath at my Department who attends meetings of the Cabinet has also appointed two advisers in accordance with the same Instructions. No additional special advisers have been appointed at my Department.
137. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of high dependency beds that are now provided at Beaumont Hospital, at both the Beaumont and Raheny campuses of the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37848/16]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
138. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of high dependency beds that are now provided in the public and private nursing homes of the constituency of Dublin Bay North; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37849/16]
View answerThe Health Information and Quality Authority is an independent authority established under the Health Act 2007. Since 2009 all nursing homes - public, voluntary and private have been registered and inspected by HIQA. A register of all nursing homes is available on the HIQA website www.hiqa.ie with a breakdown available per county. I have asked the HSE to provide details of all public beds in the Dublin North area.
139. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will provide funding for a project (details supplied) in Thurles, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37850/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
140. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37851/16]
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.
141. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a resignation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37870/16]
View answerIn relation to this particular query, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
142. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be awarded a bed in the national rehabilitation programme to undergo a three month programme. [37875/16]
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.
144. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be provided with a service; the reason that adequate resources have not been provided by the Government to ensure that all children requiring urgent physiotherapy in the west of Ireland are provided with this basic service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37881/16]
View answerAs this 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.
145. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of a recruitment process (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37908/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
146. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of respite beds at a unit (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37909/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
