Written Answers Nos. 152-172
152. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an raibh comhráite ag oifigigh óna Roinn le gairid le feidhmeannaigh as Aer Árann maidir le seirbhísí nach bhfuil clúdaithe sa PSO; cén toradh a bhí ar na comhráite seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [31609/17]
View answerBíonn oifigigh mo Roinne i dteagmháil go rialta le feidhmeannaigh de chuid an chuideachta atá luaite ag an Teachta chun saincheisteanna a bhaineann leis an tseirbhís, an ceann atá ardaithe ag an Teachta ina measc, a phlé. Beidh mo Roinn i dteagmháil leis an gcuideachta faoin ábhar seo arís gan mhoill.
153. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the person or body responsible for the National Parks and Wildlife Service; and her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding hen harrier designated lands. [31670/17]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service is a Division of my Department.
Following the designation of SPAs, an agreement (the “hen harrier protocol”) was reached between the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the then Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (DAHG), landowner representatives and forest industry interests. However, the European Commission considered the Protocol to be a plan, and as such it could not lawfully be applied in the absence of a strategic environmental assessment. On foot of that and other concerns the protocol was suspended, and it was agreed that a Threat Response Plan would be prepared involving the Government Departments responsible for agriculture and forestry, planning, renewable energy policy, and nature conservation. A consultative committee with representation of all of the main sectors (forestry, agriculture, wind energy, landowners and environmental interests) was convened in 2015 as part of the process of developing the plan.
Officials from my Department are working with the key Departments to finalise the draft Plan and it is expected to be completed shortly. It will be shared for discussion with the Stakeholder Consultative Committee and will then undergo a public consultation and screening for Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment.
Substantial work has been, and is being, carried out by my Department, and the other stakeholders, in setting the key issues around managing the recovery and conservation of the hen harrier population in Ireland, with full recognition of the concerns of landowners and the other key groups involved in the development of this Plan.
154. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the methodology for calculating if a district electoral division is eligible for funding under the CLÁR programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31789/17]
View answerThe CLÁR programme (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) was originally launched in October 2001 to provide for targeted investment in disadvantaged rural areas. The National Institute for Spatial Analysis (NIRSA) in Maynooth University was engaged at that time to carry out an analysis of population census data at District Electoral Division (DED) level for the years 1926 and 1996.
The areas originally selected for inclusion in the CLÁR programme on the basis of this analysis were those which suffered the greatest population decline from 1926 to 1996 (with the exception of the Cooley Peninsula which was included on the basis of the serious difficulties caused in that area by Foot and Mouth disease). The average population loss in the original CLÁR regions over the period 1926 to 1996 was 50%.
In 2006, an analysis of the 2002 Census data was carried out by NIRSA and the programme was extended to include areas with an average population loss of 35% per county between 1926 and 2002. Parts of five counties were added (Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow), increasing the total number of counties covered by the programme at that stage from 18 to 23. A total of 1,614 DEDs are included in the CLÁR regions in those counties.
The 2016 and 2017 CLÁR programmes were based on the same data and areas that applied in 2006. It is my intention to review the CLÁR areas later this year, based on detailed 2016 Census small area data which is expected to be available shortly. However, the criterion of significant rural de-population will continue to be a key factor in determining eligible CLÁR areas.
155. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if an application for a grant by a group (details supplied) pursuant to the CLÁR programme in 2017 has been approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31823/17]
View answerThe 2017 CLÁR programme was launched on 31 March last, with a closing date of 5 May. The programme provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population.
Funding for the 2017 CLÁR programme was available this year under four separate Measures:
Measure 1: Support for School and Community Safety Measures
Measure 2: Play Areas
Measure 3: Targeted Community Infrastructure
Measure 4: First Responder Supports
In total, more than 500 applications were received across the four Measures to the value of €15 million.
Successful projects were announced over the last few weeks, with a total of just under €7 million allocated to approximately 230 projects across four different thematic Measures. I can confirm that the Department received an application in respect of the project referred to by the Deputy and that the application was successful.
The CLÁR programme is an important part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development, and makes a huge contribution to supporting the most depopulated areas in rural Ireland. Over 800 projects have now been approved for funding since the scheme was re-launched last year.
156. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the precise geographical areas in counties Longford and Westmeath that are designated as CLÁR areas; if she will provide maps to delineate same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31824/17]
View answerThe CLÁR programme (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) was originally launched in October 2001 to provide for targeted investment in disadvantaged rural areas. The National Institute for Spatial Analysis (NIRSA) in Maynooth University was engaged at that time to carry out an analysis of population census data at District Electoral Division (DED) level for the years 1926 and 1996.
The areas originally selected for inclusion in the CLÁR programme on the basis of this analysis were those which suffered the greatest population decline from 1926 to 1996 (with the exception of the Cooley Peninsula which was included on the basis of the serious difficulties caused in that area by Foot and Mouth disease). The average population loss in the original CLÁR regions over the period 1926 to 1996 was 50%.
In 2006, an analysis of the 2002 Census data was carried out by NIRSA and the programme was extended to include areas with an average population loss of 35% per county between 1926 and 2002. Parts of five counties were added (Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow), increasing the total number of counties covered by the programme at that stage from 18 to 23. The 2016 and 2017 CLÁR programmes were based on the same data and areas that applied in 2006.
The District Electoral Divisions (DEDs) included in the CLÁR programme in respect of counties Longford and Westmeath are set out in the tables. Maps showing the areas in question are available at http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/app/uploads/2017/04/longford.pdf, and http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/app/uploads/2017/04/westmeath.pdf.
It is my intention to review the CLÁR areas later this year, based on detailed 2016 Census small area data which is expected to be available shortly. However, the criterion of significant rural de-population will continue to be a key factor in determining eligible CLÁR areas.
Longford CLÁR areas
|
DED ID |
DED NAME |
DED ID |
DED NAME |
|
9003 |
Agharra |
9016 |
Bunlahy |
|
9004 |
Ballymahon |
9017 |
Columbkille |
|
9005 |
Cashel East |
9018 |
Coolamber |
|
9006 |
Cashel West |
9019 |
Creevy |
|
9007 |
Doory |
9020 |
Crosagstown |
|
9008 |
Forgney |
9021 |
Currygrane |
|
9009 |
Foxhall |
9022 |
Dalystown |
|
9010 |
Kilcommock |
9023 |
Drummeel |
|
9011 |
Kilglass |
9025 |
Gelshagh |
|
9012 |
Ledwithstown |
9026 |
Granard Rural |
|
9013 |
Abbeylara |
9027 |
Granard Urban |
|
9014 |
Ballinalee |
9028 |
Knockanbaun |
|
9015 |
Ballymuigh |
9029 |
Lislea |
|
9030 |
Meathastruim |
9046 |
Corboy |
|
9031 |
Milltown |
9047 |
Drumgort |
|
9032 |
Moatfarrell |
9048 |
Drumlish |
|
9033 |
Moyne |
9049 |
Killashee |
|
9034 |
Mullanalaghta |
9050 |
Killoe |
|
9036 |
Sonnagh |
9052 |
Mountdavis |
|
9037 |
Aghaboy |
9053 |
Moydow |
|
9038 |
Ardagh East |
9054 |
Newtownforbes |
|
9039 |
Ardagh West |
9055 |
Rathcline |
|
9040 |
Ballinamuck East |
9701 |
Firry(024) / Newgrove(035) |
|
9041 |
Ballinamuck West |
||
|
9042 |
Breanrisk |
||
|
9045 |
Cloonee |
Westmeath CLÁR areas
|
DED ID |
DED NAME |
DED ID |
DED NAME |
|
13010 |
Kilcumreragh |
13026 |
Boherquill |
|
13015 |
Muckanagh |
13027 |
Coole |
|
13017 |
Umma |
13029 |
Finnea |
|
13019 |
Ballymore |
13030 |
Glore |
|
13020 |
Doonis |
13031 |
Knockarrow |
|
13021 |
Drumraney |
13032 |
Rathowen |
|
13022 |
Noughaval |
13033 |
Street |
|
13023 |
Piercetown |
13034 |
Ballinlough |
|
13024 |
Templepatrick |
13036 |
Ballynaskeagh |
|
13025 |
Winetown |
13043 |
Fore East |
|
13044 |
Fore West |
13078 |
Jamestown |
|
13045 |
Hilltown |
13079 |
Kilbeggan |
|
13046 |
Kilcumny |
13081 |
Killare |
|
13048 |
Killulagh |
13085 |
Lackan |
|
13051 |
Riverdale |
13086 |
Lauree |
|
13053 |
Ardnaglew |
13092 |
Multyfarnham |
|
13056 |
Ballymorin |
13093 |
Newtown |
|
13067 |
Derrymore |
13097 |
Rahugh |
|
13069 |
Emper |
13100 |
Skeagh |
|
13072 |
Glenlough |
13103 |
Streamstown |
157. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the issues raised in correspondence by a national organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31580/17]
View answer211. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health his views on the call by an organisation (details supplied) for €40 million in additional funding in budget 2018 to deliver community supports for those with dementia to enable greater engagement in their communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31785/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 211 together.
The Irish National Dementia Strategy was launched in December 2014, with the objective of increasing awareness, ensuring early diagnosis and intervention and developing enhanced community based services.
In parallel with the Strategy the Department of Health and the HSE have agreed a joint initiative with the Atlantic Philanthropies to implement significant elements of the Strategy over the period 2014-2017. This Implementation Programme represents a combined investment of €27.5m, with the Atlantic Philanthropies contributing €12m and the HSE €15.5m.
Key elements of the initiative include:
- the roll-out of a programme of Intensive Home Supports and Home Care Packages for people with dementia valued at €22.1 million over a three year period;
- the provision of additional dementia-specific resources for GPs, to include training materials and guidance on local services and contact points valued at €1.2 million;
- measures to raise public awareness, address stigma and promote the inclusion and involvement in society of those with dementia valued at €2.7 million.
The roll-out of Intensive Home Care packages commenced in January 2015 and monitoring of the allocation and uptake of these packages to persons with dementia is ongoing. By May 2017, the HSE had delivered a total of 217 dementia-specific intensive homecare packages at an average cost of €953 per week. There are currently 122 people with dementia in receipt of an Intensive Home Care Package with a further 16 approved and 12 applications in progress. In addition to the Intensive Home Care Packages the HSE has continued to provide mainstream home help and routine Home Care packages to people with dementia whose needs have been assessed as requiring these supports and within available resources. Up to 500 people with dementia and their families are expected to benefit from Intensive Home Care Packages over the lifetime of the implementation programme.
It is Government policy that, wherever possible and appropriate, people should be cared for in their own homes and communities, and the National Dementia Strategy specifically restates this commitment to those living with dementia.
The Department and the HSE are working on a mid-term review of the implementation of the National Dementia Strategy which will be published in the Autumn and will identify the achievements so far and set out the further work that is required to implement the Strategy over the next 12 months and beyond. The resources required for the ongoing implementation of the Strategy can only be considered in the context of the Estimates and Budget process. The mid-term review will assist in identifying further actions required and will be helpful in the context of budgetary considerations.
158. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health if the review process for the inclusion of the FreeStyle Libre device and its related testing strips in the long-term illness scheme, the drug repayment scheme and for GMS reimbursement is complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31589/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
159. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health if there is a timeframe for the review of the report of the Committee on the Future of Healthcare also called Sláintecare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31590/17]
View answerI have no doubt that the publication of the Sláintecare report will come to mark a critical milestone in the history of our health service and can provide us with a solid framework and guidance for health services development over the next decade. We now have a cross-party report which enjoys widespread political support. I supported the establishment of the cross-party Committee on the Future of Healthcare and have consistently supported their recognition and understanding of the need to fundamentally re-shape our long-term vision of healthcare in Ireland. I have also welcomed the Committee’s report which is the culmination of a year-long process of unprecedented cross-party collaboration, dialogue and engagement.
An Taoiseach has made it clear that delivering improvements in our health service is a key priority for the Government. He tasked me with preparing a detailed response to the report including proposed measures and timelines. I hope to bring a detailed analysis of the report and proposals to the Government quickly.
I firmly believe that the report will be an essential reference point for all parties and governments over the next decade as we address the fundamental reform of healthcare in Ireland.
160. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health if remarks made by the former Minister for Health in 2015 that a system of universal health insurance is still the preferred model to achieve universal healthcare remains Government policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31591/17]
View answerThe Government’s ongoing programme of health reform, is intended to put in place the building blocks towards universal healthcare, where all people can access the health services they need, of sufficient quality to be effective, while ensuring that the use of these services does not expose them to financial hardship.
As the Deputy may be aware, the costing reports detailing the estimated cost of the previously proposed UHI model were published on the 18 November 2015. Having considered the findings, it was concluded that the high costs associated with the White Paper model of UHI were not acceptable and it was decided that further research and cost modelling in relation to the best means to achieve universal healthcare were needed.
When I became the Minister for Health, I also emphasised both my commitment to progressing health reform and my determination to push ahead with the key building blocks for improving the health services: Healthy Ireland and the public health agenda, building sufficient capacity to satisfy unmet demand, the expansion and development of primary and social care and reforming structures, ICT and financial systems with key initiatives such as the phased extension of GP care without fees, the establishment of Hospital Groups and Community Healthcare Organisations, the implementation of activity-based funding and the improved management of chronic diseases.
My Department is currently undertaking a national capacity review of the health sector in order to determine future needs of the health sector in Ireland. This review is the result of the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government. Further to this, the Committee on the Future of Healthcare report, the recent publication of which I welcome, has recommended a universal single-tier public health system. I am currently developing a response to this report.
These are all significant milestones on the road to universal healthcare and have the potential to drive performance improvement and deliver significant benefits in terms of timely access to high quality care.
161. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health the waiting period for children in the Dublin area to get an assessment of needs assessment following receipt of application for such an assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31593/17]
View answer162. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health the waiting period for children in the Dublin area to get access to an early intervention team following receipt of an assessment of needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31594/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together.
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
163. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the scheduled commencement date of the satellite wing of the national children's hospital that is to be located in Tallaght; the timeframe for completion; the facilities that will be available; the timeframe for children to be transferred from Tallaght to the national children's hospital at St James's Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31603/17]
View answerThe new children’s hospital on a campus shared with St James’s Hospital will provide specialist and complex care for children and young people from all over Ireland, and with the Paediatric OPD and Urgent Care Centres at Connolly and Tallaght Hospitals, will be the regional hospital for the children of the Greater Dublin area, as well as Wicklow, Kildare and parts of Meath.
The Paediatric Outpatient and Urgent Care Satellite Centres at Tallaght and Connolly Hospitals will improve geographic access to urgent care for children in the Greater Dublin Area. The two centres will support primary and community care through the provision of general community and paediatric clinics, including developmental paediatrics, multidisciplinary care for children with chronic stable conditions and other outpatient services. The centres will help to reduce Emergency Department and outpatient attendance at the new children’s hospital on a campus shared with St James’s.
Each Paediatric OPD and Urgent Care Centre will provide consultant-led urgent care, with 4-6 hour observation beds, appropriate diagnostics and secondary outpatient services including rapid access general paediatric clinics as well as child sexual abuse unit examination, observation and therapy rooms. Each centre is projected to deal with 25,000 urgent care and 15,000 outpatient attendances every year.
The centres will be open during the known busiest daytime and evening hours and closed during the night when departments are at their quietest. It is anticipated that the Paediatric OPD and Urgent Care Centres at Tallaght and Connolly will open from 08.00 to 24.00, diagnostic services from 08.00 to 20.00 and outpatient services from 08.00 to 18.00.
The transition of services to the Paediatric OPD and Urgent Care Centres is expected to commence at end 2018 (Connolly end 2018, Tallaght Q1 2019) with transition of services to the new children’s hospital at St James’s to commence in Q3 2021. The programme of work of clinical integration, people and change management and commissioning required to achieve a successful transition to the new facilities is already underway.
164. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if the report for 2016 has been prepared as required under section 20(4) of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013; if so, the timeframe to lay this report before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31604/17]
View answerThe third annual report on the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013 was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 29 June 2017 as required under section 20 of the Act. The report covers the period from 1 January 2016 until 31 December 2016. It is available on the Department of Health website at http://health.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/PLDP-Annual-Report-2016.pdf.
165. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to provide adequate resources to the child and adolescent mental health services in Athenry, County Galway; his plans to ensure that adequate resources are available there for children with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31605/17]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
166. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide further funding to an organisation (details supplied) in order that it can continue to provide important youth counselling services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31606/17]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
167. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide a new primary care centre (details supplied) in County Galway; the progress made to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31607/17]
View answerAs the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Executive for direct reply.
168. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide a new ambulance base in County Galway (details supplied); the progress made to date in 2017 on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31608/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
169. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been on an urgent waiting list to see a urologist for four years; if there is a shortage of urologists here; and the steps that he will take to shorten the time for persons to see a urologist. [31613/17]
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.
In relation to this particular issue, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
170. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of long-term beds for males that have become available in a residential facility (details supplied) in County Donegal since 31 March and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31614/17]
View answer171. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Donegal has not been offered a long-term bed in a residential facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31615/17]
View answer172. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if there is a policy in a residential facility (details supplied) in County Donegal that persons awaiting long-term beds must vacate the premises to avail of such placements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31616/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 170 to 172, inclusive, together.
As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
