Written Answers Nos. 626-639
626. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the review of eligibility for employment permits (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16590/18]
View answerIreland operates a managed employment permits system which maximises the benefits of economic migration while minimising the risk of disrupting the domestic labour market. In order to ensure that the system is responsive to the changes in economic circumstances and labour market conditions, the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List (HSEOL) and the Ineligible Categories of Employment List (ICEL) for employment permit purposes are reviewed on a twice yearly basis.
Following a review of the Highly Skilled and Ineligible lists of Employment earlier this year certain chef grades were removed from the ineligible occupation list. This means that if an employer is unsuccessful in filling a vacancy either domestically or from across the European Economic Area (EEA) it can be filled by a suitably qualified non-EEA national.
The removal of certain chef grades from the ineligible lists will ensure that there is a mechanism to address the shortage of qualified chefs in the short-term. A quota of 610 permits has been applied to ensure that in the longer term the demand for chefs is met from a steady supply in the Irish labour market and to that end work is underway to increase the supply of chefs through training initiatives such as the development of a new Commis Chef Apprenticeship and a Chef de Partie Apprenticeship.
In addition, a number of employments in animation were added to the highly skilled list. Irish animation industry has emerged as a central component of Ireland’s digital and creative economy. However, the lack of available experienced highly skilled animation professionals limits the sector’s continued growth and expansion.
It is also 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. An Inter Departmental Group to steer the review has been established with a report expected by the end of June 2018.
627. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the start-up and job creation in Newcastle West, County Limerick, by a company (details supplied) as announced previously; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16607/18]
View answerOrtec Inc., a biomaterial and polymer technology company serving the life sciences industry, previously announced plans to establish a facility in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. The investment, once in place, will lead to the creation of up to 110 skilled engineering and science jobs in the region.
The IDA is in regular contact with the Ortec Inc. about its investment plans. I understand that the company has confirmed that it remains fully committed to the establishment of the facility in Limerick and it is working closely with stakeholders locally to progress the project.
628. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA supported site visits made to date in 2018, by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16645/18]
View answerThe IDA collates data on the number of site visits on a quarterly basis. Information on site visits for the first quarter of 2018 will be available within the coming weeks.
629. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of companies that have availed of Enterprise Ireland lean business supports which aim to strengthen the competitiveness and export potential of firms, by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16646/18]
View answerCompetitiveness has always been a strategic imperative for the Enterprise Ireland (EI) client base given the small and open nature of the Irish economy and their resulting need to internationalise at an early stage. Enterprise Ireland’s clients must continually innovate and evolve in order to keep pace with macroeconomic and technological changes and successfully compete and win sales in global markets. Following from the Brexit vote, the business environment which Enterprise Ireland’s clients are operating in contains new uncertainties, including a volatile exchange rate. Immediate and ongoing action is required to strengthen the competitiveness of clients and to reposition the Irish exporting sector for future growth.
The Lean Programme is a response offered to Enterprise Ireland clients in an effort to support their competitiveness building activities. The Lean programme trains management and staff in client companies to improve their capability and capacity to improve their operations. The offer is targeted to address all areas of operations from design through production to delivery and logistics. Client projects have improved operational performance across the key areas of their business and across all the key sectors represented by Enterprise Ireland clients.
The supported activities relate to the training of management and staff and include formal training activities, best practice study activities, network engagement with other like-minded companies who are challenging to improve their competitiveness. Training is delivered by trainers who are registered on the Enterprise Ireland Directory of Lean Service Providers. Trainers have to meet defined criteria before they are registered on the Directory.
The IDA and Údarás na Gaeltachta have adopted the Lean Programme to support their clients on their competitiveness improvement journeys. In addition, the LEO offices have adopted a Lean Start offer for their clients. Both Teagasc and Bord Bia are now engaging with the EI developed Lean approach. Initial pilots in the Horticultural (Mushroom) and protein production (Pig) areas are underway.
The following table shows the number of companies that have availed of Enterprise Ireland lean business supports by county.
|
County |
No of Companies |
|
Carlow |
15 |
|
Cavan |
19 |
|
Clare |
16 |
|
Cork |
58 |
|
Donegal |
18 |
|
Dublin |
137 |
|
Galway |
35 |
|
Kerry |
8 |
|
Kildare |
29 |
|
Kilkenny |
9 |
|
Laois |
8 |
|
Leitrim |
5 |
|
Limerick |
20 |
|
Longford |
7 |
|
Louth |
22 |
|
Mayo |
16 |
|
Meath |
26 |
|
Monaghan |
22 |
|
Offaly |
17 |
|
Roscommon |
5< |
|
Sligo |
6 |
|
Tipperary North |
8 |
|
Tipperary South |
6 |
|
Waterford |
13 |
|
Westmeath |
16 |
|
Wexford |
20 |
|
Wicklow |
14 |
|
Grand Total |
574 |
Source: Report excludes infrastructural clients, recipients of Employment Subsidy Schemes I and II, Community Enterprise Centres and Shannon Free Zone transfer companies, and Innovation Partnerships & Innovation Vouchers [formerly reported on MIS] and list of Lean Transform approvals which have been paid.
630. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health when the motorised transport grant will recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14982/18]
View answerThe 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. The Health (Transport Support) Bill is on the list of priority legislation for publication in the Spring/Summer session 2018. 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.
It is hoped to bring a General Scheme and Heads of Bill to Government shortly, seeking Government approval to the drafting of the Bill for the new Transport Support Payment.
With regard to the Motorised Transport Grant, this scheme operated as a means-tested grant to assist persons with severe disabilities with the purchase or adaptation of a car, where that car was essential to retain employment. The maximum Motorised Transport Grant, which was payable once in any three-year period, was €5,020. Following closure of the scheme in February 2013, no further Motorised Transport Grants have been payable.
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.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport support schemes available to persons with disabilities in the State and on-going work is being carried out by Government Departments, agencies and transport providers to further improve access to public transport services. Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of public transport for people with a disability.
631. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if Ireland is confined to only EU regulations on nutritional labelling or if there is scope for member states to introduce further minimum standards in respect of nutrition labelling on food products. [15441/18]
View answerRegulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers (FIC) is the main regulation governing the labelling of foods. It introduced a mandatory requirement in December 2015 for the provision of nutrition labelling on pre-packaged foods. The mandatory information requires a declaration of the energy value, and the amounts of fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein and salt. The content of the mandatory nutrition declaration may be supplemented with an indication of the amounts of one or more of (a) Monounsaturates; (b) Polyunsaturates; (c) Polyols; (d) Starch; (e) Fibre; (f) Any of the vitamins or minerals listed in point 1 of Part A of Annex XIII to FIC, and present in significant amounts as defined in point 2 of Part A of Annex XIII to FIC.
The Regulation sets out the manner in which these nutrients must be presented.
In addition to the mandatory particulars, including nutrition information referred to in FIC [Article 9(1) and in Article 10], Member States may, under Article 39 and in accordance with the procedure laid down in FIC [Article 45 - notification procedure], adopt measures requiring additional mandatory particulars for specific types or categories of foods, justified on grounds of at least one of the following:
(a) The protection of public health;
(b) The protection of consumers;
(c) The prevention of fraud;
(d) The protection of industrial and commercial property rights, indications of provenance, registered designations of origin and the prevention of unfair competition.
632. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of students in preschool facilities, primary level and second level, respectively, who are awaiting an assessment of need in each county in tabular form; the engagement he has held with other officials on reducing the backlog; and his plans to amend legislation underpinning the length of time guaranteed for an assessment of need. [15589/18]
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.
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.
633. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae 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. [15650/18]
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 the Deputy directly.
634. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the status of the reversal of the Haddington Road agreement under the financial emergency measures (details supplied). [15658/18]
View answerThe Public Service Stability Agreement 2018 to 2020 is an extension of the Lansdowne Road Agreement and applies for the period 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020. Provisions of the Lansdowne Road Agreement (and earlier agreements as appropriate) continue to apply, save where varied by this agreement.
Within this agreement, it has been provided that an opportunity shall be offered to public health service employees to permanently revert to pre-Haddington Road Agreement (HRA) hours. Any individuals exercising this option will have their pay reduced commensurately. The application at sectoral level depends on service delivery requirements and business needs. Management are obliged to give due consideration to each application on its own merits, having regard to service exigencies. Public health service employees have an opportunity until 1 May 2018 to apply to permanently revert to pre HRA hours.
635. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Health if a motorised vehicle grant for persons with disabilities which was discontinued a number of years ago will be reintroduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16415/18]
View answerThe 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. The Health (Transport Support) Bill is on the list of priority legislation for publication in the Spring/Summer session 2018. 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.
It is hoped to bring a General Scheme and Heads of Bill to Government shortly, seeking Government approval to the drafting of the Bill for the new Transport Support Payment.
With regard to the Motorised Transport Grant, this scheme operated as a means-tested grant to assist persons with severe disabilities with the purchase or adaptation of a car, where that car was essential to retain employment. The maximum Motorised Transport Grant, which was payable once in any three-year period, was €5,020. Following closure of the scheme in February 2013, no further Motorised Transport Grants have been payable.
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.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport support schemes available to persons with disabilities in the State and on-going work being carried out by Government Departments, agencies and transport providers to further improve access to public transport services. Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of public transport for people with a disability.
636. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of psychotherapists employed on full-time permanent contracts by the HSE nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14944/18]
View answer637. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health the numbers of psychotherapists employed by the HSE on rolling or yearly contracts nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14945/18]
View answer638. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health his plans to create full-time permanent positions for the psychotherapists employed on rolling or yearly contracts; the locations in which these positions will be offered by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14946/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 636 to 638, inclusive, together.
I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly on these matters.
639. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the large discrepancies in fees payable to the HSE and private nursing homes under the fair deal scheme in County Wexford; when the findings of the review of the pricing system for long-term residential care facilities will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14953/18]
View answerThe 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.
In relation to variations in the cost of care for public and private nursing homes it is acknowledged that public nursing homes have, in general, a higher cost of care. It is understood that a number of factors contribute to this such as higher dependency levels of clients requiring a higher staff skill mix, environmental implications for staffing levels and the geographical provision of residential placements.
That said, there is a need to undertake a deeper analysis of the factors driving the higher costs of care in public units. This is why the 2015 Review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme also identified the need for a Value for Money and Policy (VFM) review of the cost differentials in public and private/voluntary residential facilities. My Department will be working on this VFM throughout the year.
