Maurice Quinlivan
Question:322. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the details of jobs that are categorised as highly skilled for the purposes of employment permits. [13549/18]
View answerWork Permits Data
Questions (322)
Written answers
My Department operates a managed employment permits system which maximises the benefits of economic migration while minimising the risk of disrupting our labour market.
The Employment Permits Act 2006, as amended, sets out a requirement that regard is taken of shortages or surpluses of skills, qualifications and experience required to achieve economic and social development and competitiveness, and for the proper functioning of economic sectors.
The Act of 2006, as amended, provides for the identification of highly skilled occupations for which there is a skills demand and an ineligible occupations list for which there is an evidence that there is sufficient capacity within the Irish/EEA labour market to fill job vacancies. Every other job in the labour market where an employer cannot find a worker, may be eligible for an employment permit subject to certain criteria.
Reviews of the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List (HSEOL) and the Ineligible Categories of Employment List (ICEL) are undertaken twice annually to ensure that they reflect the exigencies of a changing labour environment. Occupations designated highly skilled and on the HSEOL are eligible for Critical Skills Employment Permits.
An occupation may be considered for inclusion on the HSEOL provided that:
- There are no suitable Irish/EEA nationals available to undertake the work;
- Development opportunities for Irish/EEA nationals are not undermined;
- Genuine skills shortage exists and that it is not a recruitment or retention problem;
- The Government education, training, employment and economic development policies are supported;
- The skill shortage exists across the occupation, despite attempts by industry to train and attract Irish/EEA nationals to available jobs.
The rationale underpinning the inclusion on or omission from the lists of any particular occupation is driven by skills demands in the economy, and is based, in the first instance, on research undertaken by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs for the National Skills Council. This evidence is subsequently augmented by a public consultation process.
The current HSEOL can be viewed on my Department’s website, at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Employment-Permit-Eligibility/Highly-Skilled-Eligible-Occupations-List/.
The focus of the employment permit regime in recent years has been to ensure that the skills requirement of enterprise in the State can be met through economic migration where necessary. However, as we approach full employment, labour as well as skills needs are beginning to manifest. It is imperative that the employment permits system remains correctly oriented to meet the State’s emerging labour market needs, be they labour or skills shortages. Consequently, my Department is undertaking a review of our economic migration policy. I have established an Inter Departmental Group to steer the review and have requested that it report to me by the end of June 2018.
Ministerial Meetings
Questions (323)
David Cullinane
Question:323. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when she will next meet the CEO of Science Foundation Ireland (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13695/18]
View answerWritten answers
I have met with the Director General of Science Foundation Ireland, Professor Mark Ferguson, on a number of occasions since my appointment as Minister. I will meet with Professor Ferguson again in the near future although that has yet to be scheduled in my diary.
My colleague Minister John Halligan T. D., in his role as Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development meets with Professor Ferguson on a regular basis for structured dialogue on SFI issues. Two such formal meeting haven taken place this year, in January and March. Another such meeting is scheduled for April.
IDA Ireland Portfolio
Questions (324)
James Browne
Question:324. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 112 of 25 January 2018, if IDA lands are available in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13770/18]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised that, at present, IDA Ireland does not own any land in County Clare. However, should any new or existing clients of the Agency require a property solution in the County, the IDA's property team would provide their full support.
There is a strong base of investment in Clare with 68 IDA client companies employing a total of 6,775 people. The level of employment by FDI companies in the County has also increased by almost 12% since 2013. The IDA continues to engage with its client base to help support further employment and investment growth in Clare.
IDA Ireland Data
Questions (325, 326, 327)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:325. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of companies supported by the IDA in County Donegal in each of the years 2000 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [13775/18]
View answerMaurice Quinlivan
Question:326. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs at IDA-supported companies in County Donegal in each of the years 2000 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [13776/18]
View answerMaurice Quinlivan
Question:327. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the details of companies and the number of employees at each individual company supported by the IDA in County Donegal in tabular form. [13777/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 325 to 327, inclusive, together.
I am determined to support the growth of high-quality and sustainable employment across Ireland, including in County Donegal. Last year the number of IDA supported jobs in Donegal increased by 11%, reaching a total of 3,389. The Agency continues to work hard to create further employment opportunities in the County and to increase the number of multinational companies located there, which currently include SITA, Optibelt and Pramerica.
Employment details, such as the number of employees within individual companies, are provided to the IDA on a confidential basis by its clients as they are considered sensitive commercial information. My Department is therefore unable to release this information.
The following tables outline the employment figures for Donegal from 2000 to 2017. The figures for 2018 will not be available until my Department's Annual Employment Survey (AES) is carried out in November 2018.
|
- |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
1. Number of Companies |
14 |
13 |
13 |
13 |
13 |
13 |
14 |
13 |
|
2. Total Jobs |
2,739 |
2,574 |
2,640 |
2,287 |
2,206 |
2,101 |
1,563 |
1,623 |
|
3. New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
308 |
353 |
179 |
141 |
136 |
252 |
106 |
176 |
|
4. Job Losses |
-341 |
-518 |
-113 |
-494 |
-217 |
-357 |
-644 |
-116 |
|
5. Additional Jobs Created (Net Change) |
-33 |
-165 |
66 |
-353 |
-81 |
-105 |
-538 |
60 |
|
- |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
1. Number of Companies |
14 |
14 |
12 |
12 |
13 |
13 |
13 |
12 |
12 |
12 |
|
2. Total Jobs |
1,764 |
1,817 |
1,847 |
2,101 |
2,223 |
2,382 |
2,607 |
2,918 |
3,039 |
3,389 |
|
3. New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
61 |
98 |
281 |
277 |
164 |
183 |
247 |
330 |
145 |
375 |
|
4. Job Losses |
-65 |
-45 |
-251 |
-23 |
-42 |
-24 |
-22 |
-19 |
-24 |
-25 |
|
5. Additional Jobs Created (Net Change) |
-4 |
53 |
30 |
254 |
122 |
159 |
225 |
311 |
121 |
350 |
Work Permits Data
Questions (328)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:328. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of visas granted to non-EU workers on film and television productions in receipt of State funding in each of the years 2007 to 2017. [13961/18]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has responsibility for the State's employment permits regime. During the years referred to by the Deputy a total of 559 employment permits were issued under the sectoral heading of "Entertainment" which includes film and television productions. My Department does not record if the particular enterprise in which a person is employed is in receipt of State funding.
The Department of Justice and Equality has responsibility for issuing immigration permissions/visas and I am advised that they do not record the industry in which a person is employed nor whether the particular enterprise the person works in is State funded.
Permits granted to non -EU workers in the entertainment sector from 2007 – 2017
|
Year |
Number |
|
2007 |
59 |
|
2008 |
59 |
|
2009 |
37 |
|
2010 |
35 |
|
2011 |
18 |
|
2012 |
27 |
|
2013 |
33 |
|
2014 |
21 |
|
2015 |
40 |
|
2016 |
97 |
|
2017 |
133 |
|
TOTAL |
559 |
Health Services
Questions (329)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:329. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a matter (details supplied) will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13583/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond directly to the Deputy.
Ambulance Service
Questions (330)
Michael McGrath
Question:330. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the role of the ambulance service in the event that a person is reported by a member of the public as being suicidal in a public place with their life being in imminent danger; the protocols that apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13676/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (331)
Pearse Doherty
Question:331. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will have a procedure carried out at Sligo University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13521/18]
View answerWritten answers
Under 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 the Deputy directly.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (332)
John Curran
Question:332. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health when an appointment for surgery for a person (details supplied) will be made at Cappagh Hospital. [13522/18]
View answerWritten answers
Under 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 the Deputy directly.
Drugs Payment Scheme Coverage
Questions (333)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:333. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who were receiving Versatis on the drug payment scheme and the medical card in November 2017; the number of persons removed and still receiving Versatis on these two schemes respectively; and his plans to ensure the return of this drug to persons on these schemes. [13523/18]
View answerWritten answers
Under 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.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (334)
Pearse Doherty
Question:334. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a reply will issue to correspondence from a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13524/18]
View answerWritten answers
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.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services
Questions (335)
Seán Crowe
Question:335. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a situation facing the family of a person (details supplied). [13526/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (336)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:336. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13545/18]
View answerWritten answers
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 question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme
Questions (337, 338)
Michael McGrath
Question:337. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to publish the review of the pricing system for long-term residential care facilities, as recommended within the review of the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13546/18]
View answerMichael McGrath
Question:338. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce an independent appeals mechanism within fair deal to provide third party recourse for nursing home providers that cannot agree a fee with the NTPF and to bring greater transparency to the fair deal pricing mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13547/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 337 and 338 together.
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as Fair Deal, is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
The Report of the NHSS Review published in 2015 identified a number of issues for more detailed consideration, including a review of pricing mechanism by the NTPF, with a view to:
- Ensuring value for money and economy, with the lowest possible administrative costs for clients and the State and administrative burden for providers;
- Increasing the transparency of the pricing mechanism so that existing and potential investors can make as informed decisions as possible; and
- Ensuring that there is adequate residential capacity for those residents with more complex needs.
A Steering Committee has been established to oversee this review which is chaired by the NTPF and includes representatives from my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The NTPF has responsibility for the development of this report, although Department Officials continue to engage with the NTPF regarding the review. The most recent update from the NTPF is that the report will be finalised and ready for review in the first half of 2018.
With regard to the Deputy’s question on plans to introduce an independent appeal mechanism within the NHSS to provide third party recourse for nursing home providers that cannot agree a fee with the NTPF, I cannot nor would I wish to, prejudge the outcomes of the NTPF pricing mechanism review. However I welcome the work to date and look forward to the NTPF concluding the review later this year.
Drugs Payment Scheme Coverage
Questions (339)
John Brassil
Question:339. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if Melatonin will be made available under the medical card scheme for children with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13584/18]
View answerWritten answers
Under 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.
Medical Card Applications
Questions (340)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:340. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the calculations used in determining the assessment of a medical card application by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13591/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.