Bernard Durkan
Question:172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a person (details supplied) will become eligible for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28573/18]
View answerNaturalisation Applications
Questions (172)
Written answers
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that there is no record of a current application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy. A determination on whether an applicant satisfies the statutory criteria attendant to naturalisation can only be made after an application is received.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, which governs the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation.
Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation, as well as the relevant application forms, is available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie. The website also contains guidance on the completion of an application for naturalisation and an on-line naturalisation residency calculator which individuals may find of assistance in establishing if the statutory residency requirements are met.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Startup Funding
Questions (173)
Bernard Durkan
Question:173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the correct procedure to be followed by a start-up business to apply for financial assistance; the number of schemes operating that are offering financial assistance in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28407/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) and Enterprise Ireland and are the agencies within the remit of my Department which support start-ups across the country.
The LEOs are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for advice and guidance, financial assistance and ‘soft’ supports for anyone wishing to start their own business. The LEOs may offer direct financial assistance to microenterprises (10 employees or fewer) in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities.
LEO grant support schemes for start-ups include Priming Grants (available to micro enterprises within the first 18 months of start-up and may be paid to buy new equipment and assist with direct business costs such as salary, rent, utilities, marketing and consultancy). The LEOs may also offer a Feasibility Study Grant, the aim of which is to assist start-ups with the cost of researching a new business idea to establish viability and sustainability.
The LEOs may also provide a Technical Assistance for Micro Enterprise Grant which can enable clients to explore and develop new market opportunities. It supports participation at trade fairs, the development of specific marketing materials and to investigate new internal or external processes to develop export business.
Anyone who wishes to apply for LEO financial assistance should contact their LEO who will assess the applicant’s eligibility in line with certain criteria including the potential for employment and sales growth. Once the application has been assessed, a meeting will be arranged with the LEO and the applicant to discuss the business proposal. The application will then be evaluated by the LEO Evaluation and Approvals Committee and the applicant will be informed of the decision in writing.
Anyone with a viable business proposal can make an application through their LEO to MicroFinance Ireland (MFI), which offers loans of up to €25,000 to start-ups with viable business propositions that do not meet the conventional risk criteria applied by the banks. Further information on any of the schemes can be found at www.localenterprise.ie
Enterprise Ireland (EI) supports companies in regional and rural areas to start, innovate and remain competitive in international markets, now and into the future. EI actively works with High Potential Start-Up (HPSU), companies with the potential to develop an innovative product or service for sale in international markets and the potential to create 10 jobs and €1m in sales within 3 to 4 years of starting up. In 2017 Enterprise Ireland supported 90 HPSUs with an equity investment.
EI’s HPSU Team works with start-up companies to ensure that they can avail of supports that reflect the stage of development of the business and the type of activity in which the business is engaged. Each year EI provides early stage advice and direction to over 950 entrepreneurs and provides some level of early stage funding to over 450 Start-Up businesses. The Start-Up Enquiries Team guides potential HPSUs towards supports most relevant to them and are the first port of call for a prospective HPSU. This Team will advise on what is required to develop and scale a business.
In addition to their head office in Dublin, Enterprise Ireland has a national network of nine regional offices throughout Ireland. These offices are located in Dundalk, Letterkenny, Sligo, Galway, Athlone, Shannon, Tralee, Cork & Waterford. Further information and detail on the schemes is available on EI’s website – www.enterprise-ireland.com
The supports EI makes available to HPSUs are presented in the Table below:
|
Enterprise Ireland Start-Up Supports |
||
|
Support |
Description |
Method of Application |
|
HPSU Feasibility Grant |
Used to support the development of an innovative/high potential start-up and the development of an Investor Ready Business Plan. Eligible costs include; Salaries and Overheads, Consultancy Fees, Foreign Travel and Subsistence, EI approved Business Accelerator Fees, Trade Fair costs and Prototype costs. |
Contact your Enterprise Ireland Adviser and apply via the Online Application Tool |
|
New Frontiers Entrepreneur Development Programme |
New Frontiers is Ireland’s national entrepreneur development programme run in partnership with the Institutes of Technology. The programme is designed to support entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas who are planning to establish and run their own company. |
Various call dates throughout the year. Two phases: Phase 1 is run over several evenings – no financial assistance given. Competitive call for Phase 2: Stipend of €15k given to successful applicants. Applications managed through individual IOTs |
|
Mentor Grant |
Used to support the cost of a Mentor Assignment. Enterprise Ireland can match you with an experienced business mentor to assist you in your start-up phase or advise on specific areas of your plan. |
Contact your Enterprise Ireland Adviser and apply via the Online Application Tool |
|
Innovation Voucher
|
Innovation Vouchers, worth €5,000, are available to assist early stage companies to work with a registered college or knowledge provider in Ireland and Northern Ireland to explore a business opportunity or solve a technical problem. |
Various call dates throughout the year and apply via the Online Application Tool. |
|
Competitive Start Fund (CSF) |
A €50k equity investment designed to accelerate the development of high potential start-up companies by supporting them to achieve commercial and technical milestones such as evaluating international market opportunities or building a prototype. |
Various call dates throughout the year. |
|
Innovative HPSU Fund (Equity) |
The Innovative HPSU Fund allows Enterprise Ireland to offer equity investment to HPSU clients, on a co-funded basis to support the implementation of a company’s business plans. First time and follow-on equity investments in HPSUs are supported under this offer. |
Contact your Enterprise Ireland Development Adviser |
|
Regional Accelerator |
EI has invested in 4 Accelerators on a pari passu basis with the private sector. The vision of the Accelerator Development Scheme (2015-2017) is to increase the number of Accelerators that are operating in the Irish market to support the commercial development of entrepreneurship, company creation and job creation in all sectors ICT, Medtech and, Aviation and Aerospace technologies. |
Various call dates will commence in Q3 2018 for the next cohort selection. |
|
Seed & Venture Capital Funds |
Enterprise Ireland has also invested in a number of Seed & Venture Capital Funds in the General technology and Lifesciences sectors. These funds invest equity in a range of high growth companies with global potential |
There are a number of currently supported list of Seed & Venture Capital Funds which is available from our Seed and Venture Capital 2017 Report. |
Brexit Supports
Questions (174)
Billy Kelleher
Question:174. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the contingency plans and strategies ready for deployment in the event of a no-deal Brexit for small and medium enterprises, businesses and exporters as warned by several EU leaders and President Juncker; and the details of such plans. [28606/18]
View answerWritten answers
Brexit presents the most significant economic challenge of the past 50 years for businesses in all parts of the country. My Department and its agencies are working hard to ensure that all potentially impacted firms are taking the necessary steps to mitigate the risks and take advantage of potential opportunities resulting from Brexit.
My Department is engaged in helping SMEs prepare to withstand all Brexit scenarios, including a no-deal situation. Encouraging companies to take action to identify their individual areas of exposure and to take positive steps to address them will build strong resilient businesses that can prosper in the face of difficult economic circumstances.
I am confident that the agencies under my remit have the supports available to enable companies to both consolidate market share within the UK, and become more resilient by broadening their exports to other international markets.
Enterprise Ireland (EI), has launched several initiatives in response to Brexit, including:
- Brexit Scorecard: This interactive online platform can be used by all Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit under six business pillars. Based on answers supplied by the user, the Scorecard generates an immediate report which contains suggested actions and resources, and information on events for companies to attend, to prepare for Brexit.
- Be Prepared Grant: This grant offers SMEs a grant of up to €5,000 to assist them in preparing an action plan for economic shocks such as Brexit. The grant can be used to help cover consultancy, travel and travel expenses associated with researching the direction of their action plan.
- Brexit Advisory Clinics: Enterprise Ireland held four Brexit Advisory Clinics over the past few months in Portlaoise, Mayo, Cavan, Cork and last week in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. The purpose of these Clinics is to support companies affected by Brexit to take immediate action to address their exposure. More Clinics are due to take place throughout the year.
- Brexit 'Act On' Programme: This funding is to support the engagement of a consultant to draw up a report with tailored recommendations to help clients address weaknesses and become more resilient.
- Strategic Consultancy Grant: This grant helps client companies to hire a strategic consultant for a set period to assist the company to develop and implement significant strategic initiatives.
In addition, EI is implementing extensive trade mission and event schedules focused on further developing in-market expertise and networks, and placing greater focus on identifying new sectoral opportunities and stimulating demand for Irish products and services through international marketing campaigns. In 2017, EI launched a new Eurozone Strategy to increase exports to Eurozone countries by 50% by 2020.
The 31 LEOs nationwide are assisting clients with a suite of supports which includes information, training and mentoring on Brexit related issues as well as advice on other sources of support.
InterTrade Ireland (ITI), has also been very active in assisting businesses address the challenges that Brexit may present for future cross-border commerce. A series of information and awareness raising events have been underway in towns across both North and South over recent months. ITI is also rolling out a ‘Start to Plan’ readiness voucher scheme, which enables companies to purchase specialist advice in areas such as customs, tax, tariff and non-tariff barriers, legal and labour mobility issues.
Other initiatives that my Department is advancing include the €300 million Brexit Loan Scheme, under which accessible finance is made available to businesses at favourable terms. I recently launched the second call of the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, which is aimed at supporting the development and implementation of collaborative and innovative projects that can sustain and add to employment at a national, regional and county level. Twenty-one successful applicants representing all regions of the country have secured up to €30.5m for their projects in the first competitive call.
The work of my Department is focused on supporting businesses throughout the country to withstand current challenges and succeed into the future, therefore I feel that all our efforts will put Ireland in a strong position in the event of a hard Brexit/no-deal scenario.
EU Directives
Questions (175)
Billy Kelleher
Question:175. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she had discussions with the Minister for Justice and Equality regarding Ireland opting into the EU reception conditions directive (details supplied); the way in which such persons can access work permits via her Department; the supports and points of contact available for information in this area; if an analysis of skills shortages in the economy and sourcing labour from non-EU persons including those that wish to access the labour market via this directive was carried out; and the number of inquiries received on this matter from interested persons since Ireland opted into the directive. [28607/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Supreme Court judgement in NVH v MJE of 30 May 2017 declared that an absolute ban on the right to work for international protection applicants is contrary to Article 40.1 of the Constitution. Under section 16(3)(b) of the International Protection Act 2015, an applicant was prohibited from accessing or seeking to access the labour market while their application is being determined. The Government approved the recommendations of the inter-Departmental Working Group (IDG) chaired by the Department of Justice and Equality (DJE),established to examine the implications of the judgement and decided to opt into the EU (recast) Reception Directive to give effect to the Supreme Court Judgement.
An Implementation Group was established to oversee the opt-in process and involved formal discussions with the European Commission to ensure compliance with each aspect of the Directive. My Department's officials participated proactively and constructively on the IDG and on the Implementation group in relation to labour market access.
Arrangements agreed under the opt-in process, which falls under the remit of the Minister for Justice and Equality, were announced on the 27th June 2018. International Protection Applicants may apply to the Minister for Justice and Equality for a labour market permission, which covers both employment and self-employment, if they haven't received their first instance decision within 9 months. The Labour Market Access Unit (LMAU) of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), on behalf of the Minister, will process applications. The permission will be granted to eligible applicants for six months and will be renewable until there is a final decision on their protection application.
Under the new arrangements for International Protection Applicants will not have access to the employment permit system operated by my Department.
The interim arrangements for the short period from 9th February 2018 when Section 16(3)(b) was struck down until the introduction of the new process, enabled those seeking international protection to access the labour market through the Employment Permit Acts on the same basis as other non-EEA citizens. The Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that only two applications for employment permits had been received from International Protection applicants.
The Department of Justice and Equality advise that on 9th February 2018 it established a self-employment scheme for those who have sought International Protection in Ireland that are waiting more than nine months for a first instance decision on their application. As of Friday 22nd June 2018, the Department of Justice and Equality had received 754 applications for self-employment and 525 of those applications had been granted.
Ireland operates a managed employment permits system which maximises the benefits of economic migration while minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. It operates an occupational list system for in-demand occupations and those for whom a ready source of labour is available which are ineligible for an employment permit. Changes to access to the Irish labour market for occupations through the employment permits system are made on the basis of evidence involving research by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, the National Skills Council, a public consultation process and extensive engagement with Government Departments.
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Remit
Questions (176)
Billy Kelleher
Question:176. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on a proposal reported in the media (details supplied) that the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has requested the powers to mount electronic surveillance and intercept communications such as tapping phones and emails as a further tool to fight combat white collar crime. [28608/18]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware of the media report to which the Deputy refers. However, I have not yet received a request from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission on this matter. I will consider any such request in consultation with the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Attorney General.
General Practitioner Services
Questions (177)
Michael Harty
Question:177. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health his views on the depth of the manpower crisis that exists in general practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28531/18]
View answerWritten answers
General Practitioners play a crucial role in the provision of primary care services. The number of GPs on the specialist register continues to increase – up from 2,270 in 2010 to 3,668 in 2018 and the number of GPs contracted by the HSE has also risen from 2,098 in 2008 to 2,497.
The Government is aware of workforce issues facing general practice, including the influence of demographic factors, and has implemented a number of measures to improve recruitment and retention in general practice.
GP training places have increased from 120 to 194 places since 2009. Our objective is to achieve annual increases in the number of training places while ensuring that all of the places are filled.
Entry provisions to the GMS scheme have been changed to accommodate more flexible GMS contracts and the retirement age has been extended to 72. An enhanced support package for rural practices has also been introduced with improved qualifying criteria and an increased financial allowance of €20,000 per annum.
The Government is committed to engaging with GP representatives on necessary service improvements and reforms to the current contract.
My Department and the HSE met with the IMO at the beginning of May to set out the State's position and subsequently wrote to the Organisation setting out these proposals formally and its response is awaited.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the Government remains committed to the continued development of GP capacity to ensure that patients across the country continue to have access to GP services and that general practice remains an attractive career option.
Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage
Questions (178)
Jack Chambers
Question:178. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health if dementia will be added to the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28412/18]
View answerWritten answers
The LTI Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (179)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:179. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of specific services to a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and the reason for the ongoing delay in the delivery of these services [28414/18]
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.
Home Help Service Provision
Questions (180)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:180. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for additional home help by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28417/18]
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.
Hospital Appointments Administration
Questions (181)
Niamh Smyth
Question:181. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an appointment sooner than 1 August 2018 will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28419/18]
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, since 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.
Commencement of Legislation
Questions (182, 213)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:182. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health when sections 2 and 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 will be commenced to allow registration of the non-biological parent's name on the child's birth certificate; the support that will be available to couples to register the non-biological parent on the child's birth certificate in the case of donor assisted births; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28423/18]
View answer
Pearse Doherty
Question:213. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being faced by same-sex couples with children seeking to obtain parental rights equal to heterosexual couples in view of the fact that parts of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 have not been commenced (details supplied); the timeline for the legislation in respect of these specific issues to be commenced; the supports that will be made available to couples in order to register a non-biological parent on a child's birth certificate such as in the case of donor assisted births at present and post commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28522/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 213 together.
The Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 reforms and updates family law to address the needs of children living in diverse family types, the commencement of Parts 2 & 3 of the Act is the responsibility of the Minister for Health. During the preparation of regulations to facilitate the commencement of Parts 2 & 3 of the Act a number of technical drafting issues came to light that required amendments to the Act of 2015 through primary legislation.
The Minister for Health received Government approval on Tuesday 26 of June to draft an amendment Bill to remedy the defect in the Act of 2015. The commencement of parts 2 and 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 will allow same-sex couples to apply to the courts for parentage rights. This will be a very welcome step for lots of families. I hope to be in a position to introduce this legislation into the Dáil as soon as possible and commence in the autumn.”
The registration of births is the responsibility of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
Counselling Services Provision
Questions (183)
Bernard Durkan
Question:183. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if contact can be made with a person (detail supplied) to facilitate a required counselling session; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28425/18]
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.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme Appeals
Questions (184, 185)
Brendan Smith
Question:184. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when the review of the fair deal pricing mechanism will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28426/18]
View answerBrendan Smith
Question:185. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce an independent appeals process in respect of the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28427/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 185 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 the pricing mechanism used 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.
The terms of reference for the review of the pricing mechanism also includes consideration of the appeals mechanism available to nursing homes.
A Steering Committee was established to oversee this review, chaired by the NTPF and including representatives from my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The NTPF are close to completing the review and will bring a draft of report to the Steering Group shortly.
Hospital Appointments Delays
Questions (186)
Barry Cowen
Question:186. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect an appointment. [28467/18]
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, since 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.
Health Services Staff Recruitment
Questions (187)
Jackie Cahill
Question:187. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if a nurse specialist for multiple sclerosis will be appointed in the Mid West hospital group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28470/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
Speech and Language Therapy Provision
Questions (188)
Jackie Cahill
Question:188. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the location in which a person (details supplied) can access speech and language therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28472/18]
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.
Medical Card Applications
Questions (189)
Frank O'Rourke
Question:189. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if a medical card application by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28474/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Haddington Road Agreement Implementation
Questions (190, 191)
Clare Daly
Question:190. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of employees that did not make the criteria in the first round of the Haddington Road regularisation process; and the number of that group whose attention was formally drawn to the appeals process in the correct timeframe by human resources senior management. [28475/18]
View answerClare Daly
Question:191. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will be required to review the number of staff regularised outside of the Haddington Road Agreement or appeals process that met no criteria. [28476/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 191 together.
The Haddington Road Agreement provided for the regularisation of long term acting positions in the context of workforce planning for IMPACT (now FORSA) grades. HSE HR Circular 017/2013 and associated HR Guidance document sets out the implementation arrangements for the HSE. An audit of the implementation of the regularisation process is underway.
As the questions seeks specific data, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.