Written Answers Nos. 141-161
141. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the residency status and eligibility for upgrade in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32037/17]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned has not submitted written representations.
The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation. If any representations are submitted, they will be considered before a final decision is made.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
142. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the expected residency status and or eligibility for upgrade, including naturalisation, in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32038/17]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy.
The records show that the person's permission to reside expired on 8 February 2008. As the Deputy will be aware all non-EEA nationals are required to keep their permission to remain in the State up to date at all times and failure to do so may result in the individual being removed from the State.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended. Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation is available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie. The website also contains an on-line naturalisation residency calculator which individuals may find of assistance in establishing if the residency requirements are met.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
143. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32047/17]
View answerThe International Protection Act 2015 was commenced on 31 December 2016. Under the Act, a new single application procedure was introduced under which all aspects of a person's claim (asylum, subsidiary protection and permission to remain) are considered together by the International Protection Office (IPO) rather than sequentially as heretofore. The IPO replaced the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) from the commencement date. The Chief International Protection Officer (CIPO) and the International Protection Officers in the IPO are independent by law in the exercise of their international protection functions. They are also bound by confidentiality provisions in respect of applicants, as set out in Section 26 of the 2015 Act.
If an application for asylum or subsidiary protection has been made in the State, for confidentiality reasons it is not the practice to comment on such applications and the applicant should contact the International Protection Office directly, either by email to info@ipo.gov.ie, by telephone to the IPO Customer Service Centre at 01 6028008 or in writing to the Customer Service Centre, International Protection Office, 79-83 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2.
For your information, on 27 February 2017 the Chief International Protection Officer following consultation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), published a statement on the Prioritisation of Applications for International Protection under the International Protection Act 2015. The IPO statement in relation to the prioritisation of applications is available on their website (www.ipo.gov.ie).
144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if travel documents will be approved to facilitate a visit to the UK for family reasons in the case of a person (details supplied) and their children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32048/17]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that if this person wishes to apply for a travel document they should, in the first instance, consult the web address below, from which information and the application form may be downloaded.
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/application for_a_travel_document
The application forms should be posted to:
Travel Documents Section
Ministerial Decisions Unit
Repatriation Division
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
13/14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2
Once the applications are received by the Travel Documents Unit of the INIS, they will be considered for eligibility. A separate application must be made for each individual in a family. As this is a busy season, applicants should allow a period of 10 to 12 weeks for their applications to be processed. To ensure fairness, applications are processed in chronological order.
145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeframe he expects information submitted in the case of a person (details supplied) to be examined in the context of their appeal against deportation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32051/17]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order made on 3 February 2010.
An application for consent to make a subsequent application for International Protection under Section 22 of the International Protection Act 2015 was received by the International Protection Office and is currently being processed. In the meantime, the Deportation Order remains valid and in place.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
146. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when her new Department is operational, the remit she will have for the post office network and regarding the implementation of a report (details supplied). [31957/17]
View answerThe Programme for a Partnership Government made a number of commitments in relation to the Post Office network which were assigned to my Department. The commitments in question have now been completed or are significantly advanced.
The report referred to by the Deputy was prepared on behalf of An Post and was presented to the company's management in December 2016. It is a matter for the Board and management of An Post to consider the implementation of the recommendations made in that report.
Overall responsibility for the postal sector, including the governance of An Post, falls under the remit of the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. In light of developments in the sector since the Programme for a Partnership Government was agreed in 2016 - including the commissioning by An Post of a root and branch review of the company - it has been agreed that responsibility for all aspects of the postal services, including the Post Office network, should transfer to the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. It will be a matter for that Minister’s Department to oversee the future direction of An Post and the Post Office Network.
147. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the Exchequer funding given to Údarás na Gaeltachta by current and capital expenditure in each of the years 2010 to 2016, and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [31958/17]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy is outlined in the following table:
|
Year |
Capital €m |
Current (Admin) €m |
Current (Programmes) €m |
Total €m |
|
2010 |
11 |
3.915 |
18 |
32.915 |
|
2011 |
6.0 |
10.3 |
3.3 |
19.6 |
|
2012 |
5.938 |
9.871 |
3.273 |
19.082 |
|
2013 |
6.0 |
9.009 |
3.4 |
18.409 |
|
2014 |
5.687 |
8.798 |
3.0 |
17.485 |
|
2015 |
6.687 |
8.798 |
3.0 |
18.485 |
|
2016 |
9.087* |
8.823 |
3.0 |
18.51 |
|
2017 |
6.687 |
8.958 |
3.250 |
18.895 |
*€2.4m in additional capital funding was secured for an tÚdarás in 2016 and is included in the figure provided.
148. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application by persons (details supplied). [31828/17]
View answerThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information was issued to Oireachtas members.
149. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with disabilities awaiting respite beds in each HSE community health area in tabular form; the number waiting six months, 12 months and more than 18 months; the comparable figures for June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31833/17]
View answer150. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the number of children with disabilities awaiting respite beds in each HSE community health area in tabular form; the number waiting six months, 12 months and more than 18 months; the comparable figures for June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31834/17]
View answer154. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the number of additional respite care beds that were added in 2016 and 2017, in view of the fact that the programme for Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for persons with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31838/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 149, 150 and 154 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.
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. The Health Service Executive's (HSE’s) Social Care Operational Plan for 2017 aims to provide 182,000 overnight stays in centre-based respite services, in addition to 41,000 day respite sessions. There are 210 new home support/in-home respite supports for emergency cases and 185 new emergency residential placements in the 2017 HSE National Service Plan.
As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
151. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the number of older persons awaiting respite beds in each HSE community health area in tabular form; the number waiting six months, 12 months and more than 18 months; the comparable figures for June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31835/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
152. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health further to an assessment and diagnosis by the Health Service Executive, the number of children currently awaiting the services of an occupational therapist; the number of these children waiting for more than six months, one year and two years, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31836/17]
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.
153. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the number of primary care centres that have opened to date in 2017; the number due to open in the remainder of 2017; the number due to open in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31837/17]
View answerAs the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
155. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the progress being made in providing a primary care centre in Rowlagh, Clondalkin, Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31839/17]
View answerAs the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
156. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the progress being made in providing a primary care centre in Clondalkin village, Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31840/17]
View answerAs the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
157. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE waited over a year to return to the market to seek expressions of interest to develop a primary health care centre in Lucan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31841/17]
View answerAs the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
158. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health the reason cuts have been made to the provision of post-mastectomy products; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these cuts will effect every breast cancer survivor here (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31844/17]
View answer163. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will review the roll-out of the new national HSE policy for the provision of post-mastectomy products and wigs in view of the short lead-in time and the impact on patients and suppliers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31869/17]
View answer165. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter raised in a newspaper (details supplied); if he will intervene and reverse the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31873/17]
View answer191. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the circumstances whereby the HSE announced a change in policy relating to supports for persons affected by breast cancer; the policy going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31953/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 158, 163, 165 and 191 together.
I became aware through media reports on 30 June of the HSE’s intention to introduce revised arrangements for the provision of supports to patients who are being or have been treated for cancer and other illnesses. I understand that the HSE’s objective was to develop more equitable arrangements for the provision of post-mastectomy products, wigs and hairpieces and to extend these supports to a broader cohort of patients. Neither my Department nor I were involved or consulted in the course of this process. At my request, the HSE has deferred introduction of the proposed changes. I have asked the Executive to re-examine the matter with a view to devising a plan which will achieve an equitable outcome but not lessen the level of provision for patients who are already coping with serious illness. The HSE has confirmed that the status quo will operate pending further consideration of the matter, including discussions with my Department.
159. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will advise on the details of the cross border directive for this person [31859/17]
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.
The Directive on Patients' Rights in Cross Border Healthcare provides rules for the reimbursement to patients of the cost of receiving treatment abroad, where the patient would be entitled to such treatment in their home member state and supplements the rights that patients already have at EU level through the legislation on the coordination of social security schemes (Regulation 883/04).
The Health Service Executive (HSE) operates the EU Directive on Patients’ Rights in Cross Border Healthcare in Ireland. In line with practice in other EU member states, the HSE, through the National Contact Point (NCP) office, provides information for patients on the Cross-Border Directive on its website - http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/cbd/ - and also by phone. The principal function of the NCP is to facilitate exchange of information for patients concerning their rights and entitlements relating to receiving healthcare in another member state, in particular the terms and conditions for reimbursement of cost and the procedures for accessing and determining those entitlements.
160. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a prosthesis for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31864/17]
View answerAs the particular issue raised relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to you.
161. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his plans to restore the mobility aids grant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31865/17]
View answerI understand that the Deputy has confirmed that his question concerns the closure of the Mobility Allowance and the new Health (Transport Support) Bill.
The position is that, conscious 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 that support choice and independence. In this regard, monthly payments of up to €208.50 have continued to be made by the Health Service Executive to 4,700 people who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance.
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 and the Programme for a Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme. I can confirm that work on the policy proposals for the new Scheme is at an advanced stage. 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.
The next step is to seek Government approval to the drafting of a Bill for the new Scheme.
