Skip to main content
Normal View

Thursday, 27 Sep 2018

Written Answers Nos. 105-129

Prisoner Discipline

Questions (105)

Clare Daly

Question:

105. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 292 of 18 September 2018, his views on the measures to reduce the number of prisoners on restricted regimes in view of the fact that the number has increased from 339 in 2013 to 536 in July 2018; and his plans to review the current policy. [39252/18]

View answer

Written answers

I wish to advise the Deputy that I am satisfied that every effort is being taken by my officials in the Irish Prison Service to reduce the number of prisoners on restricted regimes.

The Deputy will be aware that there are a number of serious gangland feuds occurring in Dublin and elsewhere leading to serious crimes being committed and persons being sentenced to imprisonment for committing those crimes. The tensions being generated on the ‘outside’ are imported into the prison system resulting in an increase in tension and a feeling among prisoners that they do not wish to mix with the general population in individual prisons. The emergence of these feuds, coupled with other factors has resulted in greater numbers of prisoners seeking ‘protection’. While every reasonable effort is being taken to encourage prisoners to mix within the general population, it is also the case that there is no provision available to ‘force’ prisoners off protection. The vast majority of prisoners on protection are there at their own request.

The Director General of the Irish Prison Service continues to Chair a high-level group which considers various measures to reduce the number of prisoners held on restricted regimes, which includes prisoners on protection. Since the introduction of the quarterly Census of Restricted Regime Prisoners the number of prisoners on 22/23 hour restricted regime has actually decreased by 176 or 83% from 211 in July 2013 to 35 in July 2018.

Brexit Issues

Questions (106)

Lisa Chambers

Question:

106. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if additional financial resources have specifically been given to An Garda Síochána to prepare for the possibility of a no-deal Brexit; if members of An Garda Síochána have undergone specific training in order that they are equipped to deal with a no-deal Brexit; if so the details of that training; if his Department has undertaken an analysis of the resources, financial, staffing and otherwise that it will require in the event of a no-deal Brexit; if his Department has a detailed contingency plan in place that is ready to be operationalised in the event of a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39254/18]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade is coordinating the whole-of-Government response to Brexit. In this capacity, he is working closely with all Ministers, including myself, to address the many challenges Brexit will present . However, I do want to emphasise that it is this Government’s firm intention that the same border arrangements as currently apply on the island of Ireland will continue into the future. In its approach to the Brexit negotiations, the Government has ensured that protecting the gains of the Peace Process and the avoidance of a hard border is a high priority for Ireland, our partner Member States and the European Commission.

As the Deputy is aware, the Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote and as such is responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources at his disposal, including personnel. Those resources have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2018 of more than €1.6 billion. This budgetary provision as well as the significant capital investment in An Garda Síochána in recent years are in support of the Government’s commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country, to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. 

Garda management keep the distribution of resources under active review in line with operational and security demands, as determined by the Commissioner, including any possible policing requirements post Brexit. In that respect, I am assured that An Garda Síochána is preparing for Brexit with a wide-ranging focus to determine operational requirements, including personnel and technology.  I am assured that An Garda Síochána will continue to progress their contingency preparations, and is committed to ensuring the organisation is prepared for the associated policing implications and challenges arising therefrom.

My Department is engaged on an on-going basis with An Garda Síochána as part of the deep and detailed work being undertaken right across Government and the public sector in response to the UK's decision to leave the EU. Indeed, in June Department officials and a member of An Garda Síochána met with the European Commission in Brussels to discuss North-South cooperation in the areas of law enforcement and police and judicial cooperation.  Earlier this week, in the latest in a series of such meetings, senior officials from my Department met with An Garda Síochána to further discuss Brexit preparations. Furthermore, An Garda Síochána is represented at a senior level in the ongoing discussions between my Department and the UK's Home Office in relation to the operation of the Common Travel Area.

An Garda Síochána works very closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland in combatting cross-border crime, including in the pursuit of individual criminal investigations.  This ongoing close co-operation, across the full range of policing responsibilities of both services, is in place and will continue in place regardless of the final shape of Brexit. Joint working is central to the shared objectives of An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland to combat crime of all sorts and to promote community safety on the island of Ireland.  There are many collaborative policing initiatives in place including the cross border policing strategy, updated and published by both police services in 2016, the annual cross border policing seminar on organised crime as well as formal protocols for secondments and exchanges between the two jurisdictions.  In November 2015, the British and Irish Governments and the Northern Ireland Executive agreed a series of measures in the agreement A Fresh Start, The Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan, as part of a concerted and enhanced effort to tackle organised and cross jurisdictional crime.  These measures included the creation of the Joint Agency Task Force, which builds on existing law enforcement frameworks and to increase the collective effectiveness of operational law enforcement actions.  These examples of the intensification of police co-operation are driven by a shared imperative to ensure normalisation in the security and policing environment, to promote reconciliation and to enhance community safety for all communities on the island.  It is imperative that strong political leadership is in place to drive and further develop these initiatives on both sides of the border.  In this regard I am sure that the Deputy will join me in calling for the full restoration of the Executive in Stormont as a matter of urgency. 

And so I want to assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána has the full support of the Government in dealing with the implications of Brexit and will provide whatever resources are required to keep our people and our communities safe. This is clearly demonstrated by this Government’s track record of investment in An Garda Síochána and in the Government plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, including 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, almost 2,200 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide of whom 214 have been assigned to the Northern Garda Region. Taking account of projected retirements, Garda numbers are expected to reach 14,000 by the end of this year and 15,000 during 2021.

Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and enhance visibility within our communities and will enable the Commissioner to deploy additional resources to meet the challenges of Brexit, should he deem it necessary.

Immigration Status

Questions (107)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of residency in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39335/18]

View answer

Written answers

I refer the Deputy to the reply given to his recent Parliamentary Question No. 277 of Tuesday 18th September 2018. The status of the person concerned is as set out in that reply:

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned presented a new passport on 5 April 2018 at the Burgh Quay Registration Office. The passport was referred to An Garda Síochána technical bureau for examination and the matter is now being dealt with by An Garda Síochána.

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.

Immigration Status

Questions (108)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 422 of 7 of September 2018, if provision will be made to update a stamp 4 in the case of a person (details supplied); the reason their documentation has not been updated with particular reference to the fact that a number of members of their family are Irish citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39336/18]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, as previously stated in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 422 of 7 of September, 2018,  it would appear this person's presence in the State may be unlawful as their most recent permission to remain in the State expired in December, 2011.

In order to allow for a full examination of the person's circumstances, the person concerned should write to Unit 2, Domestic Residence and Permissions Division, INIS, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 and provide a detailed account and documentary evidence  of their personal circumstances since the expiration of their permission to reside in this State. 

This account may also include the circumstances of family members of the person concerned.

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.

Immigration Status

Questions (109)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

109. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current and expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39337/18]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State, on a stamp 4 basis, as the parent of an Irish citizen child on 1 March, 2002. The permission was subsequently renewed with the latest permission granted up to 21 July, 2016 by the Garda National Immigration Bureau. 

I am further informed that representations were received from the person concerned on 23 January, 2018.  INIS was in contact with the person concerned on 29 January, 2018 seeking supporting documentary evidence, however, INIS has no record of a response. I understand it remains open to the person concerned to provide the required information and the application will be given detailed consideration by INIS.

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.

Immigration Status

Questions (110)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if and when leave to remain will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39339/18]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that it would appear the person referred to by the Deputy has been unlawfully in the State since the expiration of their most recent permission to reside on 31 October, 2015.

The Deputy will appreciate that, under the relevant provisions of the Immigration Act, 2004, a non-national may not be in the State other than within the terms of a permission from the Minister for Justice and Equality.  In order to allow for a full examination of the person's circumstances, the person concerned should write to Unit 1, Domestic Residence and Permissions Division, INIS, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 and provide a detailed account and documentary evidence of their personal circumstances since the expiration of their permission to reside in this State.

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.

Immigration Status

Questions (111)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if further consideration will be given to the case of a person (details supplied) with particular reference to updating their leave to remain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39340/18]

View answer

Written answers

I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned applied on 14/04/2016 for a residence card as a family member of an EU citizen under the provisions of the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015 and Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.   They stated at that time that they were a sibling of a Union citizen.

The person concerned was informed on 06/04/2017 that their application had been refused.  They were advised at that time that they had failed to submit satisfactory documentary evidence of their dependence on the EU citizen, including dependence prior to residing in the State.  On the basis of the documents supplied, the person concerned had failed to establish that they were a permitted family member of a Union citizen in accordance with the Regulation 2015.

The person concerned requested a review of that decision on 15/05/2017, which is currently being processed.  INIS will correspond with the person concerned should further documentation, information or clarification be required.  Applications are dealt with in strict chronological order and a decision will issue to the person concerned in due course.  Although the EU Treaty Rights Review Unit is experiencing delays in processing due to an unprecedented number of applications, there will be no avoidable delay in completing the application made by the person concerned and they should expect a decision on their application in the coming weeks. 

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS 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 INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Immigration Status

Questions (112)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a person (details supplied) has permission to remain here as the spouse of an Irish national who currently cannot be considered along with their spouse for accommodation purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39341/18]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that an application for permission to reside in the State was received from the person concerned on 3 April, 2018, based on their marriage to an Irish national.

The Deputy will appreciate that such applications are dealt with in chronological order.  It should be noted that marriage to an Irish national does not confer an automatic right of residence in the State and I understand that INIS will write to the person concerned in relation to the progress of their application in due course.  

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.

Immigration Status

Questions (113)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reconsidered; if an application for residency will be entertained on this basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39342/18]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that there is no record of a request from the person concerned for permission to reside in the State.

The Deputy will appreciate that, under the relevant provisions of the Immigration Act, 2004, a non-national may not be in the State other than within the terms of a permission from the Minister for Justice and Equality.  In order to allow for a full examination of the person's circumstances, the person concerned should write to Unit 2, Domestic Residence and Permissions Division, INIS, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 and provide a detailed account and documentary evidence of their personal circumstances since the expiration of any permission to reside in the State previously held. 

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 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 was of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Deportation Orders Re-examination

Questions (114)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a deportation order will be set aside in the case of a person (details supplied) on the basis of their marriage to an Irish citizen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39343/18]

View answer

Written answers

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order signed on 29 September 2017.  This Order requires the person to remove themselves from the State and remain outside the State.  The enforcement of the Deportation Order is a matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.  

Representations were received, and acknowledged, on 10/01/2018 in relation to an application by the person concerned for permission to remain in the State on the basis of her marriage to an Irish national.  This application was refused as the person concerned was subject to a Deportation Order.  The representations are now being considered in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended). 

The Deputy might wish to note that any such decision will be to 'affirm' or 'revoke' the existing Deportation Order.  In the meantime, the deportation order remains valid and in place.  

 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.

Departmental Staff Careers

Questions (115)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if and when an appeal in respect of a work record and opportunities for promotion can be progressed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39346/18]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, the Civil Service has a comprehensive suite of policies and protocols for the support and management of all staff.  The details of engagements between individual staff members and Human Resources is strictly confidential but I am assured that the individual who is the subject of this Question is being given every consideration and support in accordance with the principles of natural justice and subject to the terms and conditions of their employment.

Wards of Court

Questions (116)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which funding of wards of court is adequately catered for with particular reference to the need to ensure the availability of sufficient funding to meet the requirements of wards in view of the circumstances and costs of care in individual cases; if the management of funds is sufficiently sensitive to general and individual needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39347/18]

View answer

Written answers

The High Court has jurisdiction in wards of court matters and management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998. 

As the Deputy may be aware, it is a matter for the presiding judge, who is, under the Constitution, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions, to determine the level of funding awarded in individual cases. As the Deputy may also be aware, wardship funds are not public funds. The funds of a person who is taken into wardship move into the custody and supervision of the High Court which then holds and invests those funds as appropriate for the benefit of the ward.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has advised that the management of court funds by the Courts Service is sensitive to, and takes full account of, the needs of the wards of court in the management and investment of the available funds. The Courts Service has further advised that the Wards of Court Office appoints a case officer for each ward of court when the person is brought into wardship who meets with the committee appointed by the President of the High Court and liaises with that committee throughout the wardship to ensure that the care and monetary needs of the ward are met taking into account the initial award.

It is standard procedure for funds of the ward to be brought under the custody of the court for investment by the Accountant of the Courts of Justice in accordance with the directions of the President of the High Court and the Registrar of the Office of Wards of Court. Investment of court funds is carried out in line with the strategies devised and reviewed on a regular basis by the Investment Committee, chaired by the President of the High Court.

The Investment Committee reviews the investment strategies with the assistance of its investment advisors to ensure the protection and suitable investment of funds of wards, minors and others lodged in court for the benefit of those persons. Investment policies and orders made thereunder must be in accordance with the Trustee (Authorised Investments) Act 1958. This procedure was examined and approved by the court in the case entitled "In the Matter of M. H., a Ward of Court" [2011] IEHC 129. 

The Courts Service has informed me that a conservative investment policy is followed. When deciding where and how to invest court funds, the overriding objective is the achievement of an optimal total financial return having regard to the need for liquidity and capital security, taking account of income generation and capital growth requirements. Where there is a requirement to generate a higher return to sustain the value of the funds for the longest period possible, such funds are invested in longer term growth and income generating strategies.

Finally, I am delighted to inform the Deputy that I have signed the Commencement Order bringing Parts 1, 2 and 3 of the Civil Liability (Amendment) Act 2017 into operation with effect from 1 October 2018. The Act, which allows courts the power to award periodic payments rather than a lump sum payment in cases of catastrophic injury, will provide much needed financial security to persons requiring lifelong care and assistance following a catastrophic injury. I believe that the availability of a periodic payment to catastrophically injured persons will ensure that they will receive the care and assistance they require for the rest of their lives.

Work Permits Appeals

Questions (117)

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

117. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of an urgent work permit appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39128/18]

View answer

Written answers

The Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that following the submission and consideration of additional information at review stage a decision has been made to award a General Employment Permit to the person concerned and the permit issued on 26th September 2018.

Health Services Staff Remuneration

Questions (118)

Michael McGrath

Question:

118. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the pay arrangements that apply for nurses and consultants involved in a certain hospital activity (details supplied); and the per patient fee for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39180/18]

View answer

Written answers

The Outpatient Waiting List remains a significant challenge to be addressed in 2018. Waiting list figures for August 2018 show there are over 514,500 patients on the outpatient waiting list. Each year, 3.3 million patients attend hospital outpatient clinics for appointments.

The HSE, in consultation with the NTPF and the Department of Health, is in the process of finalising an Outpatient Action Plan for the remainder of 2018 which will support the HSE’s compliance with its National Service Plan targets, reduce the growth in the number of patients waiting for outpatient services. The Plan will include initiatives to improve the accuracy of the waiting list through the establishment of central waiting list validation function in the NTPF. In addition, the NTPF has invited proposals from hospital groups, which has resulted in the approval of 12,600 outpatient appointments.

The NTPF will deliver additionality to the health system through both outsourcing and HSE insourcing. NTPF insourcing arrangements are governed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NTPF and the public hospital. In order to avoid double payment to the public hospital, the conditions for insourcing include the following:

The treatment to be provided further to the MoU is additional to and separate from treatment provided further to funding received from any other source, including treatment provided under the National Service Plan.

The cost of the treatment charged to the NTPF shall only relate to the additional costs incurred by the Treating Hospital in providing the required treatment relative to the costs that would have been incurred by the Treating Hospital if the treatment had not been provided.

In relation to the particular question raised regarding Outpatient Clinics, the NTPF does not pay nurses and consultants, payments are made to the hospitals only. The NTPF pays for additional activity only at a marginal cost. Additional activity could cover extra OPD clinics, evening or weekend clinics for instance. The marginal cost can therefore cover overtime paid by the hospital but does not include basic pay.

Ministerial Meetings

Questions (119)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

119. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when the promised and deferred meeting with an organisation (details supplied) will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39133/18]

View answer

Written answers

Owing to scheduling difficulties, it was not possible for me to meet with MS Ireland in June. However, I am willing to meet with MS Ireland on a mutually convenient date.

Service Level Agreements

Questions (120)

Tom Neville

Question:

120. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Health the timeline for implementation of the service level agreement being drafted between University of Limerick Hospital group and Saolta University Health Care group to enable a person (details supplied) to provide transcatheter aortic valve implantation, TAVI, services on behalf of UL Hospital group; and his views on whether it is imperative that this service level agreement is implemented in view of the fact that the procedure is life saving. [39134/18]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.

Disabilities Assessments

Questions (121)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

121. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of medical assessments for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39136/18]

View answer

Written 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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Services for People with Disabilities

Questions (122)

Peter Burke

Question:

122. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the options, services, facilities or initiatives available to young adults with disabilities (details supplied) that finish full-time education at 18 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39142/18]

View answer

Written 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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Disability Services Funding

Questions (123)

James Browne

Question:

123. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided for an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39144/18]

View answer

Written 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 a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Patient Data

Questions (124)

James Browne

Question:

124. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of occasions on which persons under 18 years of age received treatment in the United Kingdom in each of the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39145/18]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.

National Dementia Strategy

Questions (125)

Michael McGrath

Question:

125. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to put in place services for persons with dementia under 65 years of age and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39146/18]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

National Dementia Strategy

Questions (126)

James Browne

Question:

126. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the status of supports for persons with dementia in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39147/18]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Primary Care Centres Provision

Questions (127)

James Browne

Question:

127. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the status of the development of a new primary care centre at a location (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39148/18]

View answer

Written answers

As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.

Primary Care Centres Provision

Questions (128)

James Browne

Question:

128. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the status of the development of a new primary care centre at a location (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39149/18]

View answer

Written answers

As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.

National Dementia Strategy

Questions (129)

James Browne

Question:

129. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if an organisation (details supplied) will be assisted with its plans for better services in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39150/18]

View answer

Written answers

As a response to the challenges facing people with dementia and their families and carers, the National Dementia Strategy was launched in December 2014. The Strategy contains 35 priority and additional actions and its implementation is being led by the National Dementia Office in the HSE. The office has made substantial progress towards developing evidence-based care pathways for people with dementia. Progress made to date and future plans, are recorded in the mid-term review of the Strategy's implementation, which was published in May this year.

The Strategy’s implementation was boosted at the time of its launch through a joint programme of investment by the HSE and the Atlantic Philanthropies. This €27.5 million investment allowed for a number of key actions within the strategy to be resourced and implemented. It funded the PREPARED programme, which offers education and clinical resources for GPs and Primary Care Teams; intensive homecare packages for people with dementia; the Understand Together awareness campaign; and the establishment of the National Dementia Office, which has an important role in implementing the Strategy. The Office has made substantial progress towards developing evidence-based care pathways for people with dementia. Additional projects are being funded through €6.26 million in Dormant Accounts funding secured by the Department of Health in the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plans.

In 2016 and 2017, the National Dementia Office partnered with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland on a project to map dementia-specific community-based services and supports. It provides a useful snapshot and baseline study into what, where and when dementia services are being offered. The study has also been used to inform a service finder hosted on the National Dementia Office’s website. This allows people to search for dementia-specific community services in their area. There are gaps in access to services and a large variance in what services are provided across the country. The National Dementia Office has met with senior HSE officials in each Community Healthcare Organisation region to highlight gaps in each area and to develop local action plans to improve service provision.

The National Dementia Office has also developed a needs analysis framework to support local dementia service planning and development. This framework is a mechanism to help the Office direct time, energy and resources into dementia care that most appropriately meets the needs of people with dementia. It will be used to make dementia service development more responsive and consistent across the country.

The National Dementia Strategy calls for the HSE to consider the provision of dementia advisers, based on the experience of demonstrator sites. An evaluation of the Dementia Adviser Service was published on 26th September. It recommends the continuation and expansion of the service to ensure equity of access countrywide.

A priority action in the National Dementia Strategy is the appointment of key workers to coordinate each patient's care and promote continuity, and ensure that the patient knows who to access for information and advice. It is proposed that the key worker will be responsible for the coordinated planning and delivery of individually tailored care plans, developed in consultation with the person, their family carers and a range of health and social care practitioners. The key worker will also provide expert knowledge and leadership in dementia.

The Department of Health has secured funding through the 2018 Dormant Accounts Action Plan to continue funding in 2019 for the Dementia Community Activation Coordinator post which has been co-funded through a partnership between the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and the HSE during 2018. The Community Activation Coordinator is working with national organisations and key community stakeholders to support community dementia champions across Ireland. The Coordinator will seek to grow the number of champions and people within communities to take action to create sustainable dementia inclusive communities.

With regard to the specific request for additional support for dementia services in Co. Wexford referred to by the Deputy, the level of funding available for the Department of Health in 2019 and the quantum of services to be provided by the HSE will be considered as part of the national Estimates and budgetary process and National Service Planning.

Top
Share