Written Answers Nos. 125-143
125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she has continued to monitor the availability of the requisite skills in the workplace having particular regard to the skills requirements of the high-tech industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17063/18]
View answerMy Department is aware that it is essential that Irish enterprise has access to high-quality, adaptable and flexible talent. In order to meet this demand, the Government is committed to building and retaining a highly skilled indigenous workforce to serve the needs of the economy.
This goal is set out under the framework of two overarching skills development strategies:
- Ireland’s National Skills Strategy 2025, which sets out a vision of how Ireland can continue to develop relevant skills and ensure that the supply of skills is activated and effectively used; and
- Action Plan for Education, 2016-2019, which aims to make the Irish education and training system the best in Europe over the next decade
The sophisticated skills architecture established in Ireland is key in identifying and responding to skills gaps as identified by enterprise and education and training providers. It constitutes the following:
National Skills Council (NSC): The NSC was established in 2017. It provides a mechanism for mediating demands on resources in a manner that facilitates prioritisation within the identified needs, while at the same time enhancing the education and training provider responses to identified skills needs and ensuring delivery on priorities. The Council draws on the work of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit in SOLAS, and the Regional Skills Fora.
Regional Skills Fora: A network of 9 Regional Skills Fora fostering close co-operation at regional level between education and training providers and regional enterprise. The Fora provide a cohesive education-led structure for employers and the further education and higher education system to work together in building the skills needs of their regions.
- Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN): The EGFSN is an independent, non-statutory body, which includes representatives from the business community, education and training providers, learner-support groups, trade unions, and a smaller number of Government Departments and agencies. It identifies the skills required by enterprise across occupations and sectors, as well as providing information to education and training providers to allow them to support the alignment of programmes with employers’ needs. My Department, in conjunction with SOLAS, provides the EGFSN with research and secretariat support.
High level ICT skills have been a key concern of the EGFSN since 2013, when it undertook the study Addressing Future Demand for High-Level ICT Skills. This study included a demand forecast for such skills, both in the ICT sector and across other sectors of the economy, over the period 2013-2018. A related objective was how Ireland could retain and attract high-level ICT Skills to address immediate high level ICT skills recruitment needs. The findings and recommendations of this report were essential inputs into the development of the ICT Skills Action Plan 2014-2018.
At official level, my Department has also been involved in the High Level Steering Group responsible for monitoring the implementation of the ICT Skills Action Plan. As the Department of Education and Skills looks to develop a new ICT Skills Action Plan for the coming years, the EGFSN is now engaged in a refresh of the demand forecast exercise undertaken in 2013, for the period 2017-2022.
Through the agencies and initiatives mentioned above my Department and the Department of Education and Skills will continue to ensure that an adequate and appropriately skilled workforce remains readily available to meet the requirements of the high tech industry.
126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the degree to which emphasis is placed on the facilitating and encouraging employment generating enterprises throughout the regions with particular reference to the need to ensure an even spread of investment with consequent benefit to the economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17064/18]
View answerOn becoming Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, I made jobs and enterprise growth in the regions my top priority.
Since 2015, the Regional Action Plan for Jobs initiative has been a central pillar of the Government's ambition to create 200,000 new jobs by 2020, with 135,000 of these jobs to be located outside of Dublin. Eight Regional Action Plans for Jobs (RAPJs) were published by the Department between June 2015 and January 2016, aimed at raising employment levels in the regions and facilitating them to achieve their economic potential.
The primary objective of these plans is to have a further 10 to 15 per cent at work in each region by 2020 and to ensure the unemployment rate of each region does not exceed the State average by more than one percentage point.
The Plans, incorporating over 1,300 actions, are being monitored and driven in each region by Implementation Committees, comprising representatives from the business community, as well as the Local Authorities, Enterprise Agencies, and other public bodies in the region. Many of the actions set out in the RAPJs require active engagement with, and the development of networks within, the private sector. To drive this process, key industry figures have been appointed to act as Enterprise Champions within each Region. Indeed, eight of the nine Implementation Committees are industry led.
Progress across the eight regions has been very positive since the launch of the initiative, with an increase in employment of 8.5% or 118,600 jobs in the regions outside of Dublin and 166,800 additional jobs nationwide, from Q1 2015 to Q2 2017. Importantly, the Plans have been embraced within the regions and implementation rates for actions within the First and Second Progress Reports are over 90% for each region. Final progress reports for the current iteration of the Regional Plans are in preparation and will be published in the coming weeks.
The enterprise agencies have recorded substantial progress in the past few years. Under the IDA ‘Winning’ Strategy 2015-2019, the Agency is targeting a minimum 30% to 40% increase in the number of investments for each region outside Dublin in the period of the Strategy. These targets have been developed taking into account the key factors crucial to attracting and retaining FDI.
Since the IDA ‘Winning’ Strategy was launched in 2015, half of all new IDA backed jobs created, were outside Dublin. All regions saw increases in IDA employment in 2017, with the South East experiencing the highest growth at 9%.
Similarly, every region saw increases in Enterprise Ireland-supported jobs in 2017, with 64% of new positions outside of Dublin. The West, Mid-West and North West saw the largest level of increases at 7%.
Micro and small businesses supported by the Local Enterprise Offices are making a hugely important contribution to employment growth. An average of 3,750 new jobs were created in LEO supported companies in each of the last four years.
To support the ambition, goals, and implementation of the Regional Action Plans for Jobs, last May my Department launched the €60m Regional Enterprise Development Fund. This competitive Fund is being rolled out by Enterprise Ireland over the next 4 years to support collaborative and innovative projects that can sustain and add to employment at a national, regional and county level. In December last year I announced an allocation of €30.5 million under the first call under the Fund, with 21 projects from all over the country approved for funding.
I launched the second call under the REDF on Monday 16th April, which will allocate the remainder of the €60 million, and I hope to see more successful projects coming through from all regions. I want to see all regions benefitting from this Fund and to this end, I am committed to ensuring that a minimum of €2 million in funding will be allocated to each region once projects submitted meet the threshold of standard set by Enterprise Ireland under the Scheme.
Building on the progress and momentum of collaboration achieved to date through the Regional Action Plans is my priority. On Monday last I also met with the Chairs of the Regional APJ committees and other regional stakeholders, and together we have started a process to refresh and refocus all Regional Plans to ensure their relevance and impact out to 2020. I look forward to working further with the regional stakeholders all over the country to ensure we deliver to the employment targets for 2020 set out under the Regional Plans.
127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the degree to which the reliance on technology remains an integral part of business and enterprise expansion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17065/18]
View answer130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which innovation and technology remains an integral part of new businesses being set up here in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17068/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 130 together.
Technology and Innovation remains an integral part of any business, both new businesses getting started and established companies wishing to continue to grow and expand. In simple terms, innovation involves helping companies improve competitiveness by developing new processes, products or services. Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) are essential components in a company’s ability to maintain a competitive edge in the market and increase output.
Enterprise Ireland’s annual business results survey notes that Enterprise Ireland clients invested €916m in innovation in 2016 and over half of these used Enterprise Ireland RDI funding and support. This illustrates the commitment to innovation in firms, both new and existing and also the importance of Enterprise Ireland support in helping them to pursue their Innovation goals.
Enterprise Ireland encourages companies to engage with RDI by collaborating with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) or by sourcing/licensing new technologies from HEIs which can provide a step change in their innovative capabilities. At the same time Enterprise Ireland has supports in place to help companies maximise the funding they can receive from the European Union. These supports all help new and existing companies to develop new and improved products and services which serve as the basis for sustainable economic growth and are detailed below.
In Company RD&I supports the development of new or substantially improved products, services or processes which will have a competitive advantage in their target market. This enables companies to increase employment through sustainable and substantially increased sales. The new Agile Innovation Fund was launched in Quarter 4 2017 and is already gaining huge interest from companies. This Fund allows up to 50% in support for projects to a maximum total cost of €300,000 and has fast track approval.
128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the degree to which IDA Ireland's development programme continues to develop to maximise advantages for job creation and economic competitiveness on international markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17066/18]
View answerCompetition for global foreign direct investment (FDI) has become increasingly intense. Nevertheless, multinational companies continue to invest and reinvest here with leading global firms from many sectors - including life sciences, ICT, engineering and digital media - all based in Ireland. The contribution that these investments make to our wider economy is undoubtedly significant and the Government is working hard to ensure that the country remains a destination of choice for overseas firms.
Ireland's strengths when it comes to attracting FDI are well documented. These include our competitiveness, talented and productive workforce, favourable demographics and membership of the European Union. Our pro-enterprise business environment, and track record as a home to FDI, are also key factors. Reinforcing and sustaining these strengths is important to ensuring Ireland's continuing FDI competitiveness.
The IDA's 2017 Annual Results provides evidence of our continuing capacity to attract FDI to Ireland. Total employment by overseas companies in Ireland has now surpassed 210,000 people - a record level - with the numbers of investments also increasing. We are also attracting more investment to the regions.
129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the measures she continues to take to develop and improve the competitiveness of Irish goods and services on world markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17067/18]
View answerIreland’s competitiveness has improved in recent years. In 2017, Ireland moved from seventh to sixth in the IMD (Institute for Management Development) World Competitiveness Yearbook. Most importantly, Ireland’s improved competitiveness is reflected in the labour market. The results from the Labour Force Survey in respect of Q4 2017 shows employment totalled 2,231,000, up 3.1% or 66,800 from the same quarter in 2016. Employment increased in twelve of fourteen economic sectors over the year.
While our competitiveness performance in recent years has been positive, Brexit brings into sharp focus the need for continued improvement in competitiveness. The immediate challenge for Ireland is to ensure growth is sustainable, enterprises are resilient and our economy is internationally competitive. As Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, my objective is to create the best possible environment for enterprise, entrepreneurship, innovation and investment across all regions. Our enterprise policies are delivering but Brexit, international tax developments, US policy developments and technological advances present direct events that will have an impact on Ireland’s prospects.
Brexit has exposed how Irish export markets are geographically concentrated and the range of products and services exported has likewise become increasingly concentrated. Our Brexit response has seen further company-led expansion into markets and a deepening of trade links with the world’s leading and emerging economies. My Department through Enterprise Ireland is actively supporting exporters, particularly SMEs to intensify their efforts to scale and diversify sustainably and to enhance the competitiveness of Irish exports.
Through the implementation of Enterprise 2025 Renewed and the Action Plan for Jobs 2018 we have set out a range of short and long term measures to deepen resilience in Ireland’s enterprise and enhance the competitiveness of Irish exports.
131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the degree to which an adequate and appropriately skilled workforce remains readily available here to meet the innovative challenges of the workplace; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17069/18]
View answerAs we draw closer to full employment, it is essential to ensure that Irish enterprise has access to high-quality, adaptable and flexible talent. In order to meet this demand, the Government remains committed to building and retaining a highly skilled indigenous workforce.
This goal is set out under the framework of two overarching skills development strategies:
- Ireland’s National Skills Strategy 2025, which sets out a vision of how Ireland can continue to develop relevant skills and ensure that the supply of skills is activated and effectively used; and
- Action Plan for Education, 2016-2019, which aims to make the Irish education and training system the best in Europe over the next decade
The sophisticated skills architecture established in Ireland is key in identifying and responding to skills gaps as identified by enterprise and education and training providers. It constitutes the following:
- National Skills Council (NSC): The NSC was established in 2017. It provides a mechanism for mediating demands on resources in a manner that facilitates prioritisation within the identified needs, while at the same time enhancing the education and training provider responses to identified skills needs and ensuring delivery on priorities. The Council draws on the work of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit in SOLAS, and the Regional Skills Fora.
- Regional Skills Fora: A network of 9 Regional Skills Fora fostering close co-operation at regional level between education and training providers and regional enterprise. The Fora provide a cohesive education-led structure for employers and the further education and higher education system to work together in building the skills needs of their regions.
- Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN): The EGFSN is an independent, non-statutory body, which includes representatives from the business community, education and training providers, learner-support groups, trade unions, and a smaller number of Government Departments and agencies. It identifies the skills required by enterprise across occupations and sectors, as well as providing information to education and training providers to allow them to support the alignment of programmes with employers’ needs. My Department, in conjunction with SOLAS, provides the EGFSN with research and secretariat support.
An example of the EGFSN’s upcoming work on meeting the challenges of rapid innovation and its impact on the Irish workforce is the report on Skills for the Digital Economy. This report will emphasise the importance of the constant reskilling and upskilling of the workforce in creating a resilient economy. The report will focus on how different roles and different sectors will be impacted by digitalisation and will develop a synopsis of approaches to upskilling the existing workforce. The report will add to the body of work completed by the EGFSN since its inception in relation to filling skills gaps using our current labour market.
Further to this, a number of agencies and initiatives work in collaboration with my Department in order to ensure our workforce is equipped with the skills necessary to meet the growing demands of enterprise.
- Springboard is an initiative under the Higher Education Authority that strategically targets funding of free higher education courses to engage jobseekers to upskill or reskill in areas where there are identified labour market skills shortages or employment opportunities. As of 2018 Springboard offers 208 free, part-time and intensive conversion courses in higher education from certificate, to degree, to post-graduate level. All Springboard courses lead to qualifications in enterprise sectors which are growing and need skilled personnel, including ICT; manufacturing; international financial services; and key skills for enterprise to trade internationally.
- Skillnets is a state-funded, enterprise-led body established in 1999. Skillnets operates a number of specialised programmes which have played a significant role in addressing current and future skills needs in Ireland. For example, the Future Skills Needs Programme (FSNP) facilitates collaboration between enterprise, academic institutions and industry training providers to develop innovative new programmes that specifically address the future skills needs of businesses. Working in close collaboration with its networks, Skillnets ensure training interventions are relevant to the specific skills needs of participating firms, congruent with the ever-changing world of work, and meeting a high bar in terms of programme design and delivery.
- SOLAS is an agency of the Department of Education and Skills established in 2013 under the Further Education and Training Act. SOLAS functions are to manage, co-ordinate and support the delivery of this integrated Further Education and Training by the Education and Training Boards (ETBs); to monitor delivery and provide funding based on reliable, good quality data and positive outcomes; and to promote Further Education and Training provision that is relevant to individual learner needs and national skills needs. This includes the needs of business and future skills requirements. The work of SOLAS is vital in meeting future skills needs through the Irish talent pool. Under the Action Plan for Jobs 2018, SOLAS will support up to 6,200 apprenticeship registrations and 3,900 traineeship enrolments throughout this year.
Through the agencies and initiatives mentioned above my Department and the Department of Education and Skills will continue to ensure that that an adequate and appropriately skilled workforce remains readily available to meet the innovative challenges of the workplace.
132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of countries with which Ireland now competes for foreign direct investment; if she is satisfied that Ireland remains an attractive location for investment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17070/18]
View answerIreland remains a global leader in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and competes with a range of jurisdictions across Europe, Asia and the Americas. Whilst this competition is increasingly intense, our country has a number of key strengths that continue to make us a highly attractive destination for FDI. These include our highly skilled workers, first-class education system and positive demographics. Our membership of the EU and Eurozone, pro-enterprise policy environment, and competitive corporation tax regime are other significant selling points.
Taken together, these strengths help the IDA make a compelling case to prospective investors about the merits of investing in Ireland. They also help to explain our strong national performance in terms of FDI-driven investment and job creation. In 2017, for example, the IDA's client companies created over 19,500 new jobs across a range of sectors, bringing total employment at FDI firms to 210,000.
Ireland clearly therefore does remain an attractive location for FDI. The Government is nevertheless conscious of our need to remain as competitive as possible. That is why it will continue to explore how to both reinforce existing strengths and find new ways of attracting job-rich investment to the country.
133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which the knowledge development box continues to be an asset in securing investment in jobs here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17072/18]
View answerThe Knowledge Development Box (KDB), introduced in Budget 2016, forms part of Ireland’s competitive offering to continue to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and to support Irish owned companies to innovate and to compete effectively on international markets. The KDB provides an effective 6.25% rate of corporation tax which is internationally competitive. The KDB complements the existing suite of initiatives available to companies that undertake R&D activities in Ireland across the lifecycle of research and development – providing a competitive proposition for continued business investment.
The continuing imperative to establish Ireland as the best place in which to succeed in business is reinforced in our national Enterprise and Innovation strategies - strategies based on export-led growth, underpinned by innovation and talent - strategies that aim to embed resilience, to deliver sustainable employment opportunities and a higher standard of living for all.
As a key part of Ireland's competitive offering as a location of choice from which to do business, the KDB has helped secure investment since its introduction in 2016. It will continue to form part of Ireland's proposition and stimulate further investment in R&D activities by both Irish and foreign owned enterprises - ultimately delivering jobs and economic substance in Ireland.
134. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in commencing sections 20 to 23, inclusive, of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015; the timeframe for the commencement of the sections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16923/18]
View answerA number of technical drafting issues have come to light in relation to Parts 2 & 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015. The implications of these issues are being explored by officials in my Department and the Office of the Attorney General and clarification on whether primary legislation is required to resolve these issues is being sought. In the event that primary legislation is required I would seek to deal with it as a matter of urgency.
135. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the rights a person has when a general practitioner patient dispute occurs; if there are procedures in place to resolve these disputes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16833/18]
View answer136. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if a general practitioner can unilaterally decide to remove medical card patients who they deem difficult without a patient's ability to challenge this decision or have access to a process that will adjudicate the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16834/18]
View answer137. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if the process of general practitioner removal of medical card patients from his or her list will be examined; if there are policies, structures and patient representation in place in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16835/18]
View answer138. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if there are statistics available regarding the number of medical card and private patients removed from general practitioner lists and the reasons for removal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16836/18]
View answer139. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that general practitioner patients have full rights and protection in patient-general practitioner disputes including a right to challenge a general practitioner decision and to protect their good name, especially in relation to sourcing another general practitioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16837/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 135 to 139, inclusive, together.
As these questions relate to operational matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
140. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if he has received correspondence from a company (details supplied) in relation to a new drug scheme for persons with MS; and his plans to meet the company to discuss the matter further [16844/18]
View answerThe HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the 2013 Act. The Act specifies the criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines.
The 2013 Act does not give the Minister for Health any powers in this regard. The HSE does not require approval or consent from the Minister or Government when making a reimbursement decision.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) for the HSE, and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions. The NCPE uses a decision framework to systematically assess whether a drug is cost-effective as a health intervention.
As outlined in the IPHA agreement, and in line with the 2013 Act, the HSE will decide, within 180 days of receiving the application (or a longer period if further information is sought from the company), to either:
1. add the medicine to the reimbursement list or agree to reimburse it as a hospital medicine,
2. refuse to reimburse the medicine.
The HSE strives to reach a decision in as timely a manner as possible and within the 180 days. However, because of the significant monies involved, it must ensure that the best price is achieved, as these commitments are often multi-million euro investments on an on-going basis. Successful price negotiations also allow for further drugs to be approved within the finite budget available.
I have been informed that the NCPE are currently conducting a health technology assessment on Ocrelizumab for the treatment of adult patients with early primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) and for the treatment of adult patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS).
I can confirm that I received a letter from Roche Products (Ireland) Ltd in December 2017 concerning Ocrelizumab, however as I have stated, the drug in question is being assessed in accordance with the statutory procedure in place. I am keen to engage with Industry and to explore ways in which new medicines might be more easily introduced in Ireland. However, any innovative approaches that may be tabled must be compatible with the statutory provisions which are in place and must also recognise the fundamental pricing/funding issues in the context of finite Exchequer resources.
My Department will be engaging with Industry over the coming months to explore avenues for securing more timely and affordable access to new medicines.
141. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if the mobility allowance will be reintroduced for new applicants in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16845/18]
View answer142. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made on the new transport support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16846/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.
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. 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.
143. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the HSE’s engagement with the introduction of a new in-school speech and language service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16848/18]
View answerThe Programme for a Partnership Government commits that a new model of In-School Speech and Language Therapy will be established.
Budget 2018 provided an additional €2m to introduce a demonstration project for in-school Therapy services in 2018.
It is intended that the project should commence in schools from September 2018 and proceed over the course of the 2018/19 school year.
The demonstration project will develop and test a model for the delivery of in-school speech and language and occupational therapy support, in a defined regional area, across a range of schools, in conjunction with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and supplementing existing HSE therapy services.
The demonstration model will focus on developing greater linkages between educational and therapy supports.
An Interdepartmental Working Group, including representatives from the National Council for Special Education, the Department of Education, the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive, and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, has been appointed to develop the pilot/demonstration model for In-school Therapy Services.
Further details will be announced in relation to the project in the near future.
