Written Answers Nos. 648-670
648. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA site visits to counties Sligo and Leitrim since 2012 and to date in 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1922/18]
View answerThe following table provides details on IDA Ireland site visits to Sligo and Leitrim for the period 2012 to September 2017. Full year figures for 2017 will be available next month.
The IDA continues to do its utmost to encourage clients to locate in regional areas, including counties Sligo and Leitrim. We have to remember, however, that the ultimate decision as to where to invest is always taken by the company itself. It is also important to note that site visit activity does not necessarily reflect investment potential, as at least 70% of all new foreign direct investment comes from existing client companies of the Agency.
|
County |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
Q1-Q3 2017
|
|
Leitrim |
0 |
1 |
2 |
8 |
8 |
3 |
|
Sligo |
6 |
10 |
7 |
15 |
20 |
12 |
649. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to have a trade mission to Spain; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1996/18]
View answerEnterprise Ireland (EI) has an office located in the Spanish capital of Madrid which offers a large network of contacts and support across various sectors for EI client companies. In that regard, EI is playing a key role in supporting companies seeking out opportunities in Spain across a range of sectors including in telecoms and pharmaceuticals.
The value of EI client company exports to Spain reached €326 million in 2016 with over 350 EI client companies reporting exports to Spain in 2016.
EI has an established process for working with companies as they identify opportunities and begin to enter new markets. EI’s overseas structure through its network of 33 overseas offices and its extended Pathfinder (Trade Consultant) network has the capability of providing client companies with the appropriate support in markets where there are identified opportunities matched by client capability and client demand. The activities of the overseas network are supported by the Market Research Centre and Strategic Marketing Unit based in Dublin along with a range of financial and capability development supports aimed at helping client companies to compete and win sales in overseas markets.
To support the internationalisation activity of companies based in Ireland, EI offers a programme of trade missions, trade fairs and knowledge events giving companies the opportunity to connect with existing and new customers, to access key decision makers, to increase sales in international markets and to exchange ideas.
In general, proposals for Ministerial led trade missions and events are developed on the basis of priority markets and specific sectoral interests of EI client companies. In 2017, EI ran 57 ministerial led trade events. Insofar as 2018 in concerned, the programme of ministerial-led trade missions and events is currently in the process of being finalised and I will ask my officials and agencies to include consideration of a formal Trade Mission to Spain to augment the ongoing engagements and activities in that market over the course of 2018.
650. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to resolve the situation which has arisen with the HSA and the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council to ensure that all qualified first aid response course instructors here are recognised for workplace training and are permitted to advertise their courses in order to ensure fairness to all involved. [2066/18]
View answerNeither the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation nor the Health and Safety Authority have imposed any restrictions on either occupational first aid instructors or on health and safety training organisations in relation to the advertising of occupational first aid courses.
As the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council is an organisation under the aegis of the Department of Health and Children, I am not in a position to comment on that organisation. The Deputy may wish to address his concerns to my colleague the Minister for Health in that regard.
651. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her Department uses anti-profanity software on its email systems and online contact forms; if so, the level of human oversight that is applied to the monitoring of this software and its effectiveness; her views on whether persons' legitimate right to petition Government may be blocked unintentionally by errors in the use of such software in determining that which qualifies as profanity being communicated in email and-or online contact forms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2079/18]
View answerI can confirm that my Department does not use any anti-profanity software on its email systems or online contact forms. Past experience indicates that there are occasions when legitimate email correspondence may contain profanities, and attempting to filter such material would block this correspondence.
652. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the Government initiatives in her Department in 2017 that promoted State services or welfare payments, public awareness of regulatory changes and public consultations that involved advertising and promotion on television, radio, newspapers and online, in tabular form; and the level of expenditure for each such initiative. [2256/18]
View answerIn the time available, it has not been possible to provide the information requested. I will provide this to the Deputy once it is available.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
653. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of young children and teenagers ruled to have died in the past five years as a result of eating disorders. [54438/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
654. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health if there is a permanent speech and language therapist in place in the schools for the deaf in Dublin; and the reason a school (details supplied) does not have a permanent speech and language therapist. [54440/17]
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 particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the HSE. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
655. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if persons (details supplied) in County Kildare are paying double for their weekly medication. [54483/17]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
656. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health if there is a cap on the number of patients per general practitioner within the general medical services scheme; if so, the cap; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54660/17]
View answerUnder the terms of the General Medical Services and GP Visit Card contracts, the number of persons who hold a medical card or GP visit card on a GP's patient panel may not exceed 2,000, except in exceptional circumstances.
Under the terms of the contract for the provision of services to children under six years of age, the aggregate number patients under six and all other patients who hold a medical card or GP visit card on a GP’s patient panel may not exceed 2,200, except in exceptional circumstances.
657. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health the number of doctors leaving the general medical services scheme from 2012 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54661/17]
View answerAs this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
658. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health the reason the GMS panel is frozen when a doctor retires or resigns from the GMS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54662/17]
View answerAs this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
659. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the unwinding of the FEMPI cuts imposed on employees of section 39 organisations; the progress being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54800/17]
View answer660. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if funding will be made available to his Department and the HSE to ensure that the section 39 pay restoration will take place in compliance with the Labour Court ruling in the case taken by an association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55155/17]
View answer717. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the cost of restoring section 39 grants to pre-2008 levels in order to account for pay restoration in section 39 organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54570/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 659, 660 and 717 together.
Whilst it is understood that pay cuts were implemented in many section 39 organisations, it is not clear if these cuts were applied in a universally consistent manner across all section 39 agencies. So while staff may have been subject to cuts, it is not known if the cuts were to the same extent as those applied to public servants. There are significant cost implications to be considered. Also, staff in these organisations are not public servants and, as such, are not entitled to the pay restoration provided for in the Public Service Agreements. Indeed, the issue of public servant status for the employees of such organisations is an issue which goes beyond the health sector with far reaching implications across the public sector as a whole.
However, I am continuing to engage with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in an effort to find a way to address this complex situation.
661. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in determining the appropriate scheme to replace the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2148/18]
View answer662. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when a replacement for the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant will be announced; the potential criteria for the new scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54304/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 661 and 662 together.
I was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the proposed Health (Transport Support) Bill with the Joint Committee on Public Petitions on Wednesday 11 October. The Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013. Since the closure of the Mobility Allowance, the Government has directed that the Health Service Executive should continue to pay an equivalent monthly payment of up to €208.50 per month to the 4, 133 people in receipt of the Mobility Allowance, on an interim basis, pending the establishment of a new Transport Support Scheme.
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. The Programme for a Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme to assist those with a disability to meet their mobility costs. 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 draft General Scheme and Heads of Bill were circulated to other government Departments and have been the subject of consultation between the Department of Health and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. When the consultation with other relevant Departments has been completed, the next step will be to seek Government approval to the drafting of a Bill for the new Scheme.
It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners, remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Finance.
Specifically adapted vehicles driven by disabled persons are also exempt from payment of tolls on national toll roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular Scheme.
663. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if an organisation (details supplied) has received funding from his Department or the HSE directly or indirectly for the provision of information technology services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54313/17]
View answerThe organisation in question has not received any ICT Capital funding from my Department. I have arranged for the HSE to respond on their behalf directly to the Deputy regarding this matter.
664. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided and ring-fenced to provide an ambulance base and staff in the north Connemara area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54314/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
665. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined and the issues raised progressed. [54315/17]
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.
666. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the process for the tendering of a shop at Our Lady's Children's Hospital (details supplied); and when it went out for tender. [54316/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.
667. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if an operation for a person (details supplied) will be scheduled as a matter of urgency. [54321/17]
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.
668. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if a person has been appointed to head the implementation office of Sláintecare; if not, when the advertisement will be placed; the timeframe for the recruitment process to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54327/17]
View answerMy Department is seeking to appoint an exceptional candidate to lead the Sláintecare programme of reform of the health service in Ireland as soon as possible. The process for appointing the Executive Director of the Sláintecare programme office has commenced, with the advertisement of the position by the Public Appointments Service on Friday 12 January 2018. As part of the recruitment process, a broad and comprehensive executive search is also being undertaken. The closing date for receipt of applications by the Public Appointments Service is 1 February 2018 and it is expected that a recommendation on the person to be appointed will be made to my Department before April 2018.
669. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of assaults that have been recorded against front-line staff, including nurses, doctors, social workers, ambulance staff and other health professionals, in each of the past five years by geographical location and profession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54329/17]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
670. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of work days that have been lost as a result of assaults on staff in health care employments; the cost to the Exchequer of such enforced absences from work; the number of staff who have not returned to duties as a result in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54330/17]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
