Written Answers Nos. 492-516
492. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the reason persons (details supplied) cannot get a medical card for their child despite holding one themselves; the legislation which precludes this; his plans to change this in view of the frequency of cross border working arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8668/17]
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.
Currently under EU regulation 883/2004, workers who pursue their employment in one member state and reside in another member state (returning to that country at least once a week) are entitled to receive healthcare in their state of residence or in the state where they are employed and paying their Social Security contributions.
Workers residing in Ireland (i.e. returning at least once a week) but employed elsewhere within the EU are entitled to a medical card unless they are subject to Irish social security legislation system, i.e. a person is contributing to or receiving a benefit from the Social Security system of the State. The spouse of such persons is also entitled to a medical card provided they are not subject to Irish social security legislation. In the case of the children of such persons they are entitled to a medical card provided the spouse is not subject to Irish social security legislation.
The HSE has informed me that a medical card has been issued in this case.
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.
493. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the emergency list for residential and respite cases respectively in County Kerry; the reason this information is not readily available; the way in which the HSE can realistically plan service and budgets without such relevant data; when it will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8669/17]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
Budget 2017 includes an increased allocation to the Disability Services Programme to address a number of key priorities in the Programme for Partnership Government. The allocation for disability services will rise to over €1.654bn in 2017, an increase of €92 million on the Budget 2016 allocation.
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.
494. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of his engagement with the HSE regarding the implementation of their healthy eating, active living programme; when funding streams will open up for community groups to deliver projects as part of the national obesity plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8674/17]
View answerAs part of the service plan, my Department regularly meets with the HSE to monitor progress and agree developments. Healthy Eating and Active Living programme is a regular item on their agenda. As the Deputy's question on the issue of funding relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy on that issue.
495. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Health if he will request the HSE, in support of the programme for Government commitment to introduce a new in-school speech and language service, to provide speech and language therapy clinical supports to allow for the opening of a dedicated class in a school (details supplied) in County Dublin. [8676/17]
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.
496. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 432 of 18 October 2016 and 339 of 6 December 2016, when the national steering group established by him to develop policy on a major trauma system for Ireland will publish its first report; if the group visited St Luke's Hospital to assess the current services; the status of the group's recommendations specifically in respect of St Luke's Hospital, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8681/17]
View answerThe development of a policy on a trauma system for Ireland is a joint initiative from the Department of Health and the HSE. The primary aim of developing this policy is to improve patient outcomes and to lead to a reduction in preventable death and disability by ensuring that the trauma patient is delivered to the care facility that has the right resources to match his/her often multiple and critical needs in the shortest time possible.
The trauma care pathway encompasses pre-hospital care, Emergency Department resuscitation and emergency surgical intervention, reconstruction of injuries and rehabilitation. A Steering Group on a Trauma System for Ireland was established by the Minister (Chaired by Prof Eilis McGovern) in 2015. Five Working Groups were also established to make recommendations to the Steering Group in relation to each of the components of the trauma care pathway and in relation to the configuration of a trauma system for Ireland.
Given its scale, the development of the policy is still work in progress but it is expected the Steering Group's report will be completed as soon as possible in 2017.
497. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if a meeting took place, as requested by a HSE counsellor dealing with an alleged child abuse case in 2013 (details supplied); if the HSE has a record of the outcome of that meeting if it took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8721/17]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
498. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and when the person can expect an appointment in St James's Hospital, Dublin 8. [8729/17]
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.
499. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health the number of staff employed by Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, in tabular form; the number of vacancies at the hospital; the complete range of services available and carried out in the hospital; the future expansion plans for the hospital and the present capacity of the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8732/17]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
500. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the details of the progress made to provide for the reimbursement of the cannabis-based medical product Sativex for the treatment of symptoms of sufferers of multiple sclerosis, thus making the drug accessible to persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8735/17]
View answerOn 11th July 2014, the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1988 were amended to allow for certain cannabis-based medicinal products to be used in Ireland. The Health Products Regulatory Authority subsequently granted a marketing authorisation for the cannabis-based medicinal product Sativex to be marketed in this State.
The HSE had received an application for the inclusion of Sativex on the High Tech Scheme. However, an NCPE health technology assessment report on Sativex did not recommend reimbursement at the submitted price. The HSE issued the manufacturers with notice of its intention not to reimburse. There are no negotiations currently taking place between the HSE and manufacturers of Sativex.
501. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); when the person will be called for a cataract operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8739/17]
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.
502. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase funding for St. Joseph’s Hospital, Stranorlar, Lifford Community Hospital and Ramelton Community Hospital in County Donegal; his further plans to maintain long-term bed capacity at all three hospitals in view of a recent confirmation by a Minister of State following a meeting with him; if he will provide a timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8756/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
503. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the EU funds his Department accesses; the plans he is putting in place to access these funds to a greater degree in view of Brexit; if he will outline initiatives he is pursuing to establish access to new funds in view of the challenge of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8808/17]
View answerThe Government is clear and determined that all possible preparations will be made ahead of the UK leaving the EU. The Government is focused on protecting and advancing Ireland's interests before, during and after the negotiations. Our priorities are clear; minimising the impact on trade and the economy, protecting the Northern Ireland Peace Process, maintaining the Common Travel Area, and influencing the future of the European Union. A critical part of our work is in ensuring that our priorities are heard and understood across Europe, therefore engagement with our EU partners and with the EU institutions is critical. A programme of intense engagement at political and official level is continuing to ensure that the EU’s position for the forthcoming negotiations reflects our priorities. The Taoiseach has stated that we will make a strong case at EU level that Ireland will require support that recognises where Brexit represents a serious disturbance to the Irish economy. Accordingly, our preparations for Brexit include detailed engagement with the European Commission, where we have made them aware that Brexit is already having an impact on the Irish economy, and of the disproportionate consequences posed by Brexit to the Irish economy overall in comparison to other Member States.
The Department of Health has and will continue to access a range of EU funding and will seek to maximise opportunities in this context. The Department of Health is the Accountable Department for the health theme of the cross border INTERREG V Programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programme’s Body (SEUPB). The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has overall responsibility at central level for the INTERREG and PEACE programmes and the SEUPB is an agency under its remit. These cross border Programmes are 85% funded by the EU. I am pleased to note that following intensive discussions by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with the Department of Finance in Northern Ireland and the Welsh European Funding Office, agreement was reached at the end of October on a safeguard clause that has enabled funding agreements to be put in place and Letters of Offer to issue to programme beneficiaries for both PEACE and the two INTERREG Programmes including the INTERREG V Programme. Now that the short term objective has been achieved, the medium term objective is to ensure the full and successful implementation of the programmes to 2020, during a period in which the UK may leave the EU and the UK allocation of European Regional Development Fund funding may no longer be available. The long term objective is to secure agreement to successor programmes post-2020 in the context of not just Brexit but also the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
In addition, European Investment Bank (EIB) funding is being provided to a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project to develop Primary Care Centres, in the form of an EIB loan taken out by the PPP company.
A range of supports are also being provided in the field of eHealth. These include support for the development of an eHealth architecture through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) that supports trans-European networks and infrastructures. Ireland was also successful in its recent application for CEF funding for ePrescribing and Summary Care Records.
My Department and/or its agencies are also involved in a number of European collaborative initiatives in the area of health such as Joint Actions and Joint Programming Initiatives and in the Horizon 2020 EU Research and Innovation Programme. EU funding and collaboration will become more important in view of Brexit and these issues will continue to be examined and pursued by my Department, including through centrally coordinated structures such as the Interdepartmental Group on Brexit and its workgroup on EU programmes.
504. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health the number of respite beds and their locations in counties Cork and Kerry; the number of residential places for persons with intellectual disabilities available in County Kerry as of February 2017; the number of places available for each year from 2007; the number of persons on the County Kerry emergency respite list as of February 2017; the figures for each year from 2002; the number of persons on the County Kerry residential placement list needing residential placement; and the number of idle beds or places currently available in County Kerry, but remain unused due to the policy of de-congregation or due to lack of funding in tabular form. [8815/17]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
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.
505. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of funding provided to the horse and greyhound racing fund in the past five years, by year and amount; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8114/17]
View answerFinancial support from the State is provided to the Horse and Greyhound industries through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001. The level of financial support is approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas. In accordance with the 2001 Act, 80% and 20% of the monies paid into the Fund each year are distributed between Horse Racing Ireland and Bord na gCon respectively.
State funding provided from the Fund is pivotal to the survival and continued development of the horse and greyhound racing industries.
Funding to the Horse and Greyhound Racing Industries 2012 to 2017
|
Year |
Amount € |
|
2012 |
56,290,000 |
|
2013 |
55,020,000 |
|
2014 |
54,220,000 |
|
2015 |
68,000,000 |
|
2016 |
74,000,000 |
|
2017 |
80,000,000 |
506. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any investigation is ongoing into the matter of alleged fraudulent milk metering at a co-op (details supplied) between 1986 and 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8241/17]
View answerMy Department received correspondence in 2012 in which allegations were made against the named organisation. The Investigations Unit of my Department examined the situation and met with the person who submitted the correspondence.
Following that meeting, the investigating officers concluded that there was no evidence available to warrant an investigation under my Department’s legislation but advised the person alleging the offences that a number of allegations appear, of their nature, to involve matters for consideration by the Garda Síochána. My understanding is that the Garda Síochána were subsequently contacted.
507. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an application can be made to TAMS without providing a quote for the fencing work in view of the fact the fencing will be carried out by the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8056/17]
View answerIn the case where an applicant is applying for sheep fencing investments the online application system for TAMS II requires that the applicant indicates the linear meters of the fencing that is proposed and the proposed cost of completing this work. It is not necessary to upload a quote to the system at application stage.
Own labour/machinery is permitted for sheep fencing investments. The hours worked and the date(s) on which they were worked must be set out in the payment claim. In all cases, the work must be carried out in full compliance with the relevant Department's technical specifications (S148 and 148A which are available on the Department's website) in order for it to be eligible for grant-aid.
508. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of funding committed to Bord na gCon for the past five years to date in 2017, in tabular form; his plans for further funding in 2017 and 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8062/17]
View answerBord na gCon’s income is derived from two sources, namely turnover from racing facilities and financial support provided by the Department from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001.
State funding provided from the Fund is pivotal to the survival and continued development of the horse and greyhound racing industries. In accordance with the provisions of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, the level of financial support provided to Bord na gCon is approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas.
In accordance with the 2001 Act, 80% and 20% of the monies paid into the Fund each year are distributed between Horse Racing Ireland and Bord na gCon respectively.
The funding being provided to the greyhound racing sector helps sustain a long standing tradition as the industry is part of the social fabric of our country. This funding is of particular importance to the economic activity of rural areas. It has also contributed significantly to the improved facilities now available at greyhound tracks around Ireland. The greyhound industry also contributes significantly to tourism in Ireland, having successfully identified and developed a niche market among continental European visitors.
The following table provides information on the amount of funding given to Bord na gCon from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund for the past five years to date. No decision has been made regarding the budget allocation for 2018.
|
Year |
Amount € |
|
2013 |
11,004,000 |
|
2014 |
10,844,000 |
|
2015 |
13,600,000 |
|
2016 |
14,800,000 |
|
2017 |
16,000,000 |
509. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he and or his officials have met with the Irish Greyhound Board and the Dublin GOBA regarding the disposal of the Harold's Cross track; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8067/17]
View answerBord na gCon has statutory responsibility for the development of the greyhound racing industry.
In 2014 my Department commissioned Indecon Consultants to produce an independent report into certain matters relating to Bord na gCon, including its financial performance and prospects. That report recommended a number of asset disposals, including Harold’s Cross, in order to reduce the substantial debt burden effecting Bord Na gCon. The Board of Bord Na gCon recently agreed that greyhound racing should cease at Harold's Cross and the sale of the stadium should be initiated.
The disposal strategy for the Harold's Cross stadium was on the agenda for liaison meetings held between officials from my Department and BNG in 2016 (May and November) and December 2015. Also my Department met with Dublin GOBA in July 2016 where the subject was discussed.
510. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) has not been paid a GLAS payment despite there being no errors on the person's file. [8068/17]
View answerThe person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and has received a first payment instalment in respect of the 2015 scheme year.
During the 2015 balancing prepayment checking process an issue presented on the computerised crosscheck. Department officials have resolved this issue and the application will now be further processed for the 2015 balancing payment.
Following the issue of payment in respect of the 2015 scheme year, the 2016 scheme year payment will be processed.
511. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will be paid an AEOS payment which is due to them. [8069/17]
View answerThe person named commenced their AEOS 2 contract on 1st September 2011. Payment issued in respect of the 2011-2015 Scheme years.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System must take place before payments can be made. As 2016 is the final scheme-year of payment for the person-named, re-checks on payments made for all scheme years must be completed before final payment can be processed. It is expected that these checks will be completed shortly and payments will issue then.
512. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a payment in respect of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8071/17]
View answerThe first named person submitted two 2016 Transfer of Entitlements applications to my Department seeking the transfer of entitlements by inheritance as a transferee and seeking the transfer of entitlements by lease as a transferor to the second named person.
An official from my Department has been in contact with the second named person to discuss the process involved in having both applications finalised. This process is currently underway and payment will issue as soon as possible.
513. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the US review process to reinstate trade sanctions on agricultural products, which would have a direct impact on Irish dairy and beef exports; the discussions he has had with other member states and the European Commission in this regard to ensure that this does not take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8072/17]
View answerFollowing a long-lasting WTO dispute with the US and with Canada on the EU ban on growth-promoting hormones in beef production, the EU signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States in 2009 and with Canada in 2011.
On 22 December 2016, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) issued a notice of public hearing and request for comments regarding the reinstatement of retaliatory action in connection with EU measures concerning imports of US beef and beef products. The review may lead USTR to reinstate trade sanctions.
The EU has fully complied, both in letter and in spirit, with the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the United States in 2009. The termination of this agreement and the possible application of duties on EU exports to the US would certainly constitute a step backward in the strong EU-US trade relations.
I and my officials are closely monitoring developments, including through updates that are being provided by the European Commission in Brussels and in Washington. The negotiations in this case will be between the Commission and the US Authorities. I would like to see engagement between the two sides in order to avoid the possibility of retaliatory action, and the Commission has indicated that it stands ready to discuss any concern that the US Administration may wish to raise.
514. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date at EU level to remove all anti-dumping duties and tariffs on fertiliser prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8073/17]
View answerStatistical analysis has shown that fertiliser is a significant expenditure item on EU farms, accounting for €19.2bn in 2014 (Eurostat), while the imposition of anti-dumping duties and customs tariffs on fertilisers is costing farmers up to €1 billion per annum (International Food and Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)).
I have long believed that the elimination of fertiliser tariffs and anti-dumping duties is something that could help farmers reduce their input costs and in this context I asked the Commission to consider a temporary suspension of customs tariffs and anti-dumping duties on fertilisers in the lead up to the Council of Agriculture Ministers in March last year.
This is something that I actively pursued at Council throughout 2016, both with the Commission and in consultation with my Council colleagues, and in fact raised again at last month's Council of Agriculture Ministers when I asked the Commission to address the significant overpricing of fertilisers in the EU brought about by the imposition of anti-dumping duties on imports. Commissioner Hogan acknowledged the desirability of bringing about lower prices, but indicated that, despite considerable efforts on his part, this is proving very difficult to achieve.
515. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a recent technical note by the European Parliament’s agriculture committee, which outlined the way in which farmers in the EU could see direct payment cuts of more than €3 billion a year as a result of Brexit; the steps being taken at EU level to ensure future CAP funding will be safeguarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8074/17]
View answerIt is expected that the UK's exit from the EU will reduce the overall EU budget by between 5 and 10%. This will undoubtedly have implications for future spending decisions in what is already a very tight budgetary framework. Notwithstanding this, the amount of CAP funding per Member State is fixed until 2020 under Regulations of the Council and European Parliament. Any changes to the current figures will require a co-decided amendment of those Regulations.
The CAP accounts for some 37% of the EU budget, and there has been ongoing pressure from some Member States to reduce this proportion and to divert EU spending to newer policy issues such as migration, external action and development cooperation. The size and distribution of the future CAP budget will be determined as part of the process for agreeing the next EU multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the post 2020 period, discussions on which are due to commence later this year. One of the key challenges we see is maintaining a strong CAP budget in the post 2020 period.
The future of CAP is an issue of enormous importance for the agriculture sector in Ireland and across Europe. The CAP has evolved considerably and very effectively in recent years, in response to changing market, consumer and environmental demands. It also plays a central role in delivering the smart, sustainable and inclusive growth sought under the Europe 2020 strategy.
It is important that the CAP continues to evolve in a way that supports the achievement of European priorities, particularly in the context of securing a strong CAP budget for the post 2020 period. This can only be achieved by reinforcing the relevance and effectiveness of the policy in helping to achieve broader societal goals. This is something that I strongly believe in and will actively pursue at Council level as the debate on the future CAP and its budget intensifies over the coming months.
516. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive their outstanding GLAS payment for 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8076/17]
View answerThe person named has been paid in full for 2015 and 85% of his 2016 payment issued in December 2016. The balancing 15% will issue in the second quarter of 2017.
