Written Answers Nos. 120-130
120. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when a second consultant breast surgeon will be appointed to Letterkenny General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11825/17]
View answerThe Breast Cancer Service at Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) operates as a satellite centre of University Hospital Galway (UHG). The Saolta Hospital Group is committed to continuing the Letterkenny University Hospital service as a fully integrated part of the Galway service, including through a joint Multi-Disciplinary Team approach.
The service at Letterkenny University Hospital is run by a single consultant who also undertakes general surgery at the hospital. This service is augmented by locum consultants and by Galway-based Saolta consultants who travel to carry out clinics in the Letterkenny service to meet needs arising.
At present, efforts are being made to recruit a locum Consultant surgeon to deal with the current demands on the service. Increased levels of support from other Saolta consultants are also envisaged. Consideration is also being given to longer term measures to meet the future requirements of the service. In that regard, the level of staffing at Consultant, G.P. support and Advanced Nurse Practitioner levels will be among a range of issues to be considered.
121. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the reason no comprehensive theatre modelling exercise or review has been completed by the HSE; the details of the project which has commenced to allow regular tracking of hospital reported unused theatre sessions in acute hospitals; the reasons for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11887/17]
View answerThe HSE has advised that a project has commenced to allow regular tracking of hospital reported unused theatre sessions in acute hospitals and reasons for same. The information gathered includes number of theatres, minor surgery rooms and endoscopy rooms managed by theatre services in the acute hospitals, and information on scheduled sessions. This initiative is at test phase only at this time.
More generally, as the Deputy is aware my Department has commenced a capacity review in line with the Programme for Government commitment. The intention is that this review will be broader than previous exercises that focused solely on acute bed capacity. While the exact parameters of the review are still subject to considerations, I expect that it will seek to take into account, to some degree, other aspects of hospital capacity, including theatres.
122. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of hospitals that perform routine anomaly scans at 20 weeks; and the timeframe for making such scans available to all pregnant women as a matter of routine. [11823/17]
View answerI am advised that foetal anomaly scans are available in all Hospital Groups. Those hospitals/maternity units currently providing anomaly scans accept referrals from other maternity units, if requested. This occurs where the medical team in the referring maternity unit consider that an anomaly scan is clinically indicated.
The National Maternity Strategy is very clear that all women must have equal access to standardised ultrasound services and, consequently, the issue of anomaly scanning is a priority issue for the newly established HSE National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP). An early priority for the Programme will be to develop clinical guidance regarding routine detailed scans at 20 weeks. In the meantime, the NWIHP will continue to work with the six Hospital Groups to assist in increasing access to anomaly scans for those units with limited availability.
One of the current challenges to increase access to anomaly scans is the recruitment of ultra-sonographers. In this context it is expected that the establishment of maternity networks across hospital groups will assist in developing a sustainable model that ensures that all women within each hospital group can access anomaly scans.
In relation to the Deputy's specific service query, I have asked the HSE to reply to her directly.
123. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the company or companies contracted by the International Protection Office, IPO, to translate the new protection questionnaire into different languages; if the IPO is satisfied as to the quality of the translations received; if complaints have been received in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12227/17]
View answerTranslation services for the International Protection Office (IPO) of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) are provided on the basis of a public procurement process and subsequent contractual arrangements entered into between a service provider and INIS.
The current service provider is Word Perfect Translation Services Ltd which has considerable experience in providing translation services and is contractually obliged to provide such services in accordance with industry standards.
The company is also required to ensure that the personnel performing translation services are appropriately experienced and trained for the work that they do and to be proficient in both English and the language/dialect for which they are engaged so as to properly discharge their duties with due care and diligence.
The IPO is in touch with the service provider at present about a number of issues that have come to light very recently in relation to the Application for International Protection Questionnaire. When the matters in question are clarified, the IPO intends to contact relevant applicants to advise them of the steps, if any, they should take having regard to the Questionnaire.
124. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the transfer of sentenced persons and transfer of execution of sentences Bill will come before Dáil Éireann to allow prisoners apply to complete their sentences here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12230/17]
View answerThe transfer of sentenced persons and transfer of execution of sentences Bill is currently being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Council. The Bill once drafted will include provisions to give effect to certain European Union obligations regarding the transfer of Prisoners as well as to certain agreements between Ireland and other states.
It is expected that when drafting of the Bill has been completed, and subject to Government approval, the Transfer of Sentenced Persons and Transfer of Execution of Sentences Bill will be published later this year with a view to bringing the Bill before the Oireachtas as soon as possible thereafter.
125. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the supports that have been put in place by the International Protection Office and other relevant bodies, including the Legal Aid Board, for illiterate applicants and those with disabilities, such as visually impaired applicants, in terms of providing information regarding the single protection procedure and assistance with completing the international protection questionnaire. [12240/17]
View answerIt is the policy of the International Protection Office (IPO) to ensure that the special needs of vulnerable applicants such as those with reading difficulties and with disabilities such as visual impairments, are addressed at various stages of the investigation and determination process in that office. This includes when an application for international protection is first made and subsequently at the interview and investigation stages.
Extensive training is provided to staff in the IPO known as international protection officers for this purpose many of whom worked in the former Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner. Training programmes have been developed in conjunction with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in line with international best practice.
In terms of the information provision, where the use of English is not feasible and it is necessary to ensure appropriate communication between an applicant and the staff of the International Protection Office, interpretation in the person's own language is generally provided whenever necessary. This includes applicants who are illiterate or those with reading or comprehension difficulties. Information material is provided in some 17 languages.
At the interview stage, the IPO provides a number of supports to applicants in vulnerable circumstances. Caseworkers will take note of any vulnerability documented on file and take into account an individual's physical limitations, if any. On arrival at interviews, insofar as practicable, all necessary guidance and support will be offered to applicants in relation to accessing interview rooms and facilities in the office. If necessary, the IPO will offer to accommodate family members to provide support to vulnerable applicants regardless of minor-adult status. If the applicant is unable to read, all documentation relevant to the interview will be read aloud and it will be ascertained that the applicant understands the process.
Applicants who are disabled or with reading difficulties may also be accompanied by a personal assistant, social worker or other helper to assist them while attending at the International Protection Office.
All applicants are reassured about the confidentiality of the determination process and will be facilitated with adequate breaks during interviews. Regardless of requests, vulnerable applicants will be encouraged to avail of extra breaks.
In order to protect the integrity of the protection process, the completion of the Application for International Protection Questionnaire (Form IPO2) is a matter for individual applicants to arrange in consultation with their legal representative. In this regard, a specialised service for international protection applicants is provided out of Legal Aid Board law centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway. I refer the Deputy to my response to Question 87 of Thursday 23 February, 2017, in which I referred to the Legal Aid Board's role in assisting applicants for international protection with the completion of their questionnaire.
The Legal Aid Board has an access officer to arrange for and co-ordinate the provision of assistance and guidance to people with disabilities who are seeking to access their services. In international protection matters, clients with disabilities, literacy issues or visual impairments are facilitated in bringing a friend, family member or other support (for example a representative from one of the specialist disability services and supports which are funded by the Health Service Executive) to their information and advice consultations with the Legal Aid Board. Legal Aid Board staff will communicate with applicants with hearing and visual impairments in a form that is accessible to them and compatible with adaptive technology.
Information on the international protection procedure is also available on the Legal Aid Board's website. The Legal Aid Board is committed to ensuring that its website achieves 'Level AA' conformance to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, to comply with the National Disability Authority's Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and Information provided by Public Bodies.
126. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which she received a report by the Garda internal audit section that covers financial transactions at the Garda training college for the period from 2009 to 2015, inclusive; the reason she did not bring this report to Dáil Éireann; if she is satisfied that no misappropriation of public moneys has taken place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12244/17]
View answerThe report to which the Deputy refers is a draft interim Internal Audit Report of the financial procedures in the Garda College prepared by the Internal Audit Section of An Garda Síochána. My Department received a copy of the draft report from An Garda Síochána's Head of the Internal Audit on 16 September 2016. I understand that the draft report was sent to all interested parties for their observations before being finalised. This was in accordance with standard practice on reports of this nature.
As I have stated previously, I would of course be concerned by any irregularity in audits and accounting at the Garda College. Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 the Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote and it is, therefore, for her to address the findings and recommendations in the report. While the report remains to be finalised, I understand that the Commissioner has accepted in principle its findings and that steps are in train to address the recommendations. In particular, a Steering Committee chaired by the Chief Administrative Officer and including a representative of my Department, has been established to oversee the implementation of the recommendations. In addition, I understand that the Policing Authority considered this matter at its January meeting with the Garda Síochána and has requested that the final report be furnished to it once it is available.
In the normal course it can also be expected that the final report will be furnished to the Comptroller and Auditor General by the Commissioner for his information and for any further enquiries he may wish to make.
127. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will address a matter in relation to a person (details supplied). [12282/17]
View answerAs referred to by the Deputy, I understand that this matter relates to an Irish national serving a sentence in England and who was released recently with a requirement that he wear an electronic monitoring device until the end of March, 2017.
I can only advise that if the person referred to wishes to return to Ireland they should contact their probation office in England to inform them of what his intentions are and that office will, as appropriate, consider the matter and make any necessary contact with the relevant authorities here.
128. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the closure and refurbishments of Killorglin courthouse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12401/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that, following professional inspections, immediate health and safety issues in relation to Killorglin Courthouse were highlighted and therefore court hearings could not continue there in the short term. The Courts Service also informed me that immediate works that are necessary include a full rewiring of the building, the installation of emergency lighting and fire alarms, as well as repairs to the raised floor area in the courtroom. In addition consideration needs to be given to the extent and cost of any further works required to bring the courthouse up to modern standards.
The Courts Service has advised that this is a very recent issue and that, in the short term, sittings are being moved to Caherciveen. This will allow for court hearings to continue and thus avoid creating a backlog of cases. It will also allow the Courts Service time to consider and consult as appropriate in regard to the medium term plan for Killorglin Courthouse and its business.
129. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the person or body that has ownership and is responsible for the property that housed the Garda station at Upperchurch, County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12423/17]
View answerThe general position is that the properties which serve as Garda stations are owned or leased on behalf of the State by the Office of Public Works (OPW) which also has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.
The Garda Station located at Upperchurch, Shevry, Co. Tipperary, is owned by the OPW which also has responsibility for the maintenance of the property.
130. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if he will grant the single parent tax credit to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12276/17]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that section 462B of the Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997 provides for the Single Person Child Carer Credit which is available to a single person who is the parent of a child or has the custody of and maintains a child who is living with him or her.
Subsection 462B(1)(c)(i) TCA provides that where an individual is married the credit will not apply unless the parties are separated under an order of a court or by deed of separation, or are in fact separated in such circumstances that the separation is likely to be permanent.
While the information provided by the Deputy indicates that the taxpayer does not live with her spouse, to avail of the credit the taxpayer will need to provide Revenue with either details of a court order of separation, a deed of separation or sufficient evidence to show that the marriage has ended and that the separation is likely to be permanent. Full information on the Single Person Child Carer Credit is available from the Revenue website at: http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/credits/single-credit-faq.pdf.
It is my understanding, following contact with the Deputy's office to clarify the question, that the individual has made initial contact with her local Revenue office in relation to this issue, and I have requested that Revenue contact the individual with further information as to the qualifying criteria for the credit.
