Written Answers Nos. 728-748
728. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the allocation to the Heritage Council in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form, distinguishing between capital and current allocations. [38443/17]
View answerThe funding allocation to the Heritage Council in each of the years 2011 to 2017, both capital and current allocations and representing the Vote (B.3) of the previous Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (2011 – 2016), Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (2016-17) are set out in the following table.
These figures exclude any additional allocations provided under the Environment Fund which is separate to my Department’s core allocations and administered within the Vote of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
Heritage Council 2011 - 2017
|
Total Vote B.3 |
||
|
2011 Capital |
2011 Current |
|
|
€3,000,000 |
€2,992,000 |
€5,992,000 |
|
2012 Capital |
2012 Current |
|
|
€1,969,000 |
€1,500,000 |
€3,469,000 |
|
2013 Capital |
2013 Current |
|
|
€1,781,000 |
€2,665,000 |
€4,446,000 |
|
2014 Capital |
2014 Current |
|
|
€1,688,000 |
€2,805,000 |
€4,493,000 |
|
2015 Capital |
2015 Current |
|
|
€1,688,000 |
€3,055,000 |
€4,743,000 |
|
2016 Capital |
2016 Current |
|
|
€1,688,000 |
€3,555,000 |
€5,243,000 |
|
2017 Capital |
2017 Current |
|
|
€2,688,000 |
€3,566,000 |
€6,254,000 |
729. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is considering reopening of the NPWS farm plan scheme; the number of persons who participated in the scheme when last opened; and the total funding expended on the programme. [38479/17]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department operates a farm plan scheme, which has the primary objectives of testing, on a relatively small scale, bespoke measures for nature conservation on farmland. The scheme incentivises farmers in particular instances, to go above and beyond their statutory requirements.
There are currently 39 landowners operating under the Farm Plan Scheme, and the total amount paid to farmers in the scheme in 2016 was €446,500. The final expenditure for 2017 has not yet concluded.
While my Department has a lead role in relation to the implementation of the EU Habitats and Birds Directives, significant funding is provided through the Rural Development Programme operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to assist farmers in meeting the requirements of the Birds and Habitats Directives. It is essential, in my view, that, wherever possible, use is made of opportunities for co-funding from the EU in providing payments to farmers who own lands subject to such designations. Agri-environment schemes such as the new GLAS scheme have provided and will provide a range of supports, including payments in respect of Natura 2000 sites, to tens of thousands of farmers. Natura 2000 designation affords eligible farmers priority entry to GLAS and there are additional financial supports under GLAS+ and locally-led European Innovation Partnerships (EIPs).
730. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will report on the purchase by the State of the section of the Dublin Mountains; if the purchase has been completed; her plans for the land; the difference the State’s purchase of the land makes with regard to the future use of the land and the future of the general Dublin Mountains area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38590/17]
View answerI assume that the Deputy is referring to the purchase last year of an area of 4,900 acres (or 1,983 hectares) at Glenasmole in the Dublin Uplands. My Department completed the purchase of this area , known popularly as the Featherbeds, at a cost of €800,000 in December 2016. This land has been added to Wicklow Mountains National Park, expanding the total size of this National Park to some 22,000 hectares. The lands referred to are thus being managed as part of Wicklow Mountains National Park.
The Featherbeds are an important area for nature conservation and for public amenity. Their acquisition at a cost of approximately €163 per acre represents excellent value for the state, not just in terms of value for money but also in terms of the amenity potential, conservational benefits and environmental gains. The purchase underpins the Government’s on-going commitment to the preservation of our natural heritage for future generations of citizens and visitors alike to enjoy. This outcome is the culmination of a constructive engagement between the Department and NAMA and addresses a long-standing strategy to align key environmental assets.
As the lands in question are located in a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA) there are already constraints and obligations placed on landowners, as well as the State included, on how the lands are used. While the lands will be primarily managed for Nature Conservation, other uses such as recreation will be considered where compatible with the Park’s Nature Conservation objectives. Given the high conservation value and sensitivity of the Blanket Bog and Heathland habitats provision of high volume recreational uses with visitor facilities and other supporting infrastructure is unlikely. The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department will work with Dublin Mountains Partnership to manage this new acquisition, reflecting the on-going commitment of all stakeholders to improve the recreational potential of this area whilst ensuring the highest standards of nature conservation.
In addition, the legal rights and burdens such as Grazing, Sporting and Turbary rights held by individuals have to be respected and will be considered within the management options available to the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
731. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the development of sectoral response plans for Brexit, the publication date of these plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38690/17]
View answer732. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the issues identified for consideration in the context of Brexit, including opportunities and their prioritisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38706/17]
View answer733. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the details of issues identified for consideration in the context of Brexit, including threats and their prioritisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38722/17]
View answer734. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the scenario planning that has been conducted by her Department for Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38738/17]
View answer735. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the methodology employed in the prioritisation of responses to Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38754/17]
View answer736. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funds that have been requested in response to threats resulting from Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38770/17]
View answer737. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funds that have been allocated in response to threats resulting from Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38802/17]
View answer738. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of vacancies in her Department for Brexit related roles; the expected date for these roles to be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38818/17]
View answer739. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her Department’s priorities for risk mitigation in response to Brexit. [38834/17]
View answer740. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the membership and role of all Brexit related stakeholder engagement groups working with her Department on Brexit issues; the number of times each stakeholder group has met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38850/17]
View answer741. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the Brexit related research currently being undertaken by her Department; the topics under consideration; the date this research commenced; the expected date for completion and publication in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38882/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 731 to 741, inclusive, together.
The comprehensive document “Ireland and the negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union: The Government’ Approach” published on 2 May outlined in detail the structures put in place by the Government to ensure a strategic and whole-of Government response to Brexit that ensures a coordinated approach to the identification of key priority issues for the EU-UK negotiations and the wider domestic response.
Since the publication of the comprehensive document, the Government further increased its strategic oversight of Brexit by assigning dedicated responsibility for Brexit matters to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Cabinet Committee structures have also been reformed and a new Cabinet Committee has been established to deal with EU Affairs including Brexit.
The Government’s National Risk Assessment 2017, which provides a systematic overview of strategic risks facing the country, was published on 29 August following a public consultation process. The National Risk Assessment acknowledges the significance of risk arising from Brexit, and that Brexit represents an overarching theme that could have far-reaching impacts on nearly all aspects of national life. It identifies areas where Brexit poses a specific risk, particularly in relation to the economy.
As set out in the comprehensive document of 2 May, the Government’s continuing work to ensure that Ireland’s interests are reflected in the EU’s approach to the ongoing EU-UK negotiations is a central dimension of Ireland’s strategic response to Brexit.
Work is also continuing across Government on Ireland’s wider response to the challenges and opportunities posed by Brexit, building on ongoing cross-Government research, analysis and consultations with stakeholders and encompassing the following themes:
- sustainable fiscal policies to ensure capacity to absorb and respond to economic shocks, not least from Brexit;
- policies to make Irish enterprise more diverse and resilient, to diversify trade and investment patterns, and to strengthen competitiveness;
- prioritising policy measures and dedicating resources to protect jobs and businesses in the sectors and regions most affected by Brexit;
- realising economic opportunities arising from Brexit, and helping businesses adjust to any new logistical or trade barriers arising;
- making a strong case at EU level that Ireland will require support that recognises where Brexit represents a serious disturbance to the Irish economy.
Policy decisions in support of these objectives also arise across a wide range of areas, including the annual budgetary process; the forthcoming National Planning Framework 2040; the new ten-year National Capital Plan; the Review of Enterprise 2025 Policy, and sectoral policies and investment decisions in areas such as agriculture, enterprise, transport, communications and energy.
In relation to the work undertaken by my Department with regard to Brexit, I would refer the Deputy to my replies to Parliamentary Question No 923 of 20 June and to Parliamentary Question No 257 of 12 July.
To date, my Department has not sought additional staffing or funding resources in relation to Brexit. As I have previously advised the House, a Working Group, chaired at Assistant Secretary level and composed of officials from across the Department was established last year to deal with Brexit issues. This Working Group is supported by the Department's EU Co-ordination Unit which is also responsible for managing those issues relating to Brexit that fall within my Department’s remit.
The Department also has a full time dedicated attaché assigned to Ireland's Permanent Representation in Brussels. This officer is a member of the Department’s Working Group and is also fully involved in the preparations by Ireland’s diplomatic team in Brussels.
These arrangements are being kept under constant review and will be enhanced as required. My Department and I will continue to participate in, and contribute to, preparations for Brexit.
742. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the expenditure savings that are earmarked for her Department for 2018 that are not accounted for in the mid-year expenditure report or are not included in the fiscal space calculations for 2018. [38898/17]
View answerDetails of the financial allocations for my Department for 2018 will be made available as part of the Budget Estimates 2018 which will be published on Tuesday, 10 October. While it is too early at this point in time to accurately forecast the full end of year outturn for my Department for 2017, I can advise that all current funding is expected to be expended in full and no significant capital savings are envisaged at present. All expenditure within my Department's Vote will continue to be carefully monitored between now and year-end to ensure the best use of all available financial resources.
743. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his views on the Citizens' Assembly recommendation that resources for the care of older persons should be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37820/17]
View answerHomecare is an increasingly important part of the supports we offer to older people, and will continue to increase in importance into the future, as our aging population grows.
Government policy is to promote care in the community for older people so that they can continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible and long-term nursing care should be a last resort after home support and other community based supports have been exhausted. Under this Government that emphasis is being strengthened.
The overall funding for Services for Older People has increased to €765 million in 2017, with about €373 million available for homecare. This additional funding is aimed at allowing people to continue to live in their own homes and at facilitating discharge of older people from acute hospitals and the HSE has set a target to deliver 10.57 million home help hours, 16,750 home care packages and 190 intensive homecare packages this year. Demand for home care services is rising as more people are supported in their own home and there are challenges in managing home care budgets. There is no doubt that the resources available for homecare are less than we need to meet demand and the Programme for Partnership Government commits to increasing funding for these services.
744. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the health, social care and psychological supports in place to address the specific needs of those living in the direct provision system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37831/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
745. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health the measures he has put in place for the unwinding of FEMPI in view of the fact that it applies to general practitioner GMS fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38518/17]
View answerAs a consequence of the severe difficulties arising from the economic and fiscal crisis of recent years, between 2009 and 2013 a number of reductions were applied under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 (FEMPI) to the fees and allowances paid to healthcare professionals, including GPs who provide services under the GMS scheme.
There have been significant developments in general practice service in recent years, with more services being made available to our citizens and additional financial support provided by the HSE. Developments include a universal GP service for all children under six years and all persons over 70 years, the introduction of a Diabetes Cycle of Care for adult GMS patients with Type 2 Diabetes, an enhanced support framework for rural GPs and a revised list of special items of service to encourage the provision of more services in the primary care setting. Additional funding of over €100 million per annum has been provided to general practice to support the roll-out of these initiatives.
I recognise that it will, over time, be necessary to invest further in primary care services while at the same time ensuring best value for such additional spending. As such, I am examining the avenues that could be taken in relation to private contractors, having regard for the need to ensure best value for public spending and the Government's commitment to continue to develop and strengthen primary care services.
746. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the persons responsible for auditing or monitoring the deaths of medical card holders against the names on general practitioner lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37381/17]
View answerThe HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) is responsible for providing reimbursement services to primary care contractors for the provision of health services to members of the public in their own community, including GPs contracted to provide services to eligible persons under the General Medical Services Scheme. As previously outlined to the Deputy, a number of channels exist through which the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) receives notice of the death of a medical card or GP visit card holder. These include:
- Notification through the Death Event Publication Service (DEPS) via a monthly file;
- Notification through the local Community Health Offices;
- Notification through the National Medical Card Unit contact centre, where clients’ families provide information;
- Notification via letters/returned cards from clients' families;
- Notification from Nursing Homes;
- Notification from GPs.
Payments to GPs in respect of services provided to persons under the GMS scheme are terminated once the notification of a person’s death is recorded. In circumstances where amounts have been paid to GPs for periods after the last day of the month in which a person has died, the PCRS makes appropriate adjustments to the monthly capitation payment made to GPs to balance any such overpayments.
It should be noted that the PCRS/National Medical Card Unit business processes are underpinned by internal control procedures, which are subject to review by the HSE Internal Audit Division. Additionally, reviews of various business processes within the PCRS/National Medical Card Unit are conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General on an annual basis.
Should the Deputy be aware of a specific instance where an overpayment has occurred in relation to a deceased patient which she believes should be investigated, she would be welcome to submit such information to the Department of Health or directly to the PCRS.
747. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if a new general practitioner contract will be finalised soon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37812/17]
View answerThe development of primary care is central to the Government's objective to deliver a high-quality, integrated and cost effective health service. The Programme for Government commits to a decisive shift within the health service towards primary care in order to deliver better care close to home in communities across the country. The development of a new, modernised contract for the provision of general practitioner services will be a key element in facilitating this process.
The aim is to develop a contract which has a population health focus, providing in particular for health promotion and disease prevention and for the structured ongoing care of chronic conditions. A new contract should be flexible and be able to respond to the changing nature of the GP workforce. It should also include provisions in relation to service quality and standards, performance, accountability and transparency. I think this will be key in making general practice a more attractive career.
Since 2015, negotiations have resulted in a number of service developments including the provision of free GP care to under six's and over 70's, the introduction of a Diabetes Cycle of Care for adult GMS patients with Type 2 Diabetes and enhanced supports for rural GPs. The next phase of discussions on a new GP contract is under way and officials from my Department and the HSE meet with GP representatives on a regular basis.
I understand that the discussions taking place are wide ranging and definitely ambitious in their scope. I think it is important to acknowledge that, as with any negotiation-type process, and given the range and complexity of the issues to be discussed, these engagements take time. While I am of course anxious to see good progress made, it is not my intention to set a deadline for completion of discussions. I look forward to significant progress being made in the months ahead. While there will be challenges for all parties involved, I would hope that everyone will remain focused on our common goal of putting suitable new arrangements in place that will work for patients, GPs, and other health care providers in primary care. I look forward to continued ongoing positive engagement with GP representatives in the months ahead.
748. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36773/17]
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.
