Thursday, 4 Oct 2018

Written Answers Nos. 94-116

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (94)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

94. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter regarding a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40427/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy is aware, a building project for the school referred to is included in my Department's Capital Programme.

In that regard a technical site visit was carried out by my Department at the school's current site with a view to developing the project brief. My Department will continue to liaise with the school authority in respect of the project.

DEIS Status

Questions (95)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

95. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if DEIS status will be awarded to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40477/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department has introduced an objective, statistics based model for assessing which schools merit inclusion in the DEIS Programme, so that all stakeholders can have confidence that we are targeting extra resources at those schools with the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage.

DEIS Plan 2017 states that the improved data on the socio-demographic of schools resulting from the new identification model will have an impact not only on the assessment of schools for inclusion in the programme but also on the scaling of resources to allow for more graduated levels of support. This in turn allows for the ultimate objective of allocating resources to best meet the identified need of individual schools.

In order to achieve this, the current identification model needs to be as accurate as possible and this will be facilitated by the use of Eircode to ensure correct inputting of addresses. Further analysis is also required to examine other variables known to be strong predictors of educational disadvantage in the context of resource allocation.

Therefore, in order to ensure the quality of the address data and conduct further analysis, it has been decided to conduct further quality assurance on the model before extending these envisaged uses of the model. Therefore, it is not intended to extend the DEIS programme to any further schools until this work is complete.

DEIS Plan 2017 provides that if we are to have the maximum possible impact on providing opportunities for students most at risk of disadvantage, then our extra resources must be targeted as closely as possible at those students with the greatest level of need.

Work has commenced on identifying such interventions that are having the greatest impact on tackling educational disadvantage. This will involve testing new approaches in groups of schools and working closely with schools in school self-evaluation and planning improvements.

Apprenticeship Programmes

Questions (96)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

96. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 103 of 16 May 2018, the status of the review being undertaken to increase participation in apprenticeships of under-represented groups. including examination of pre-apprenticeship programmes; if the review has been completed; when the review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40495/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

As set out in the Action Plan to Expand Apprenticeship and Traineeship in Ireland, SOLAS is currently reviewing pathways to participation in apprenticeship. The review will identify any barriers that may exist to participation in an apprenticeship programme. The purpose of the review is to ensure that our national apprenticeship system is more reflective of the range and diversity of our population, more inclusive of diverse backgrounds and abilities and that apprenticeship opportunities are more readily accessible to all. The review will result in the publication of actions in this area in the coming weeks, along with the background research.

Youthreach Programme Review

Questions (97)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

97. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the review of Youthreach will be completed and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40496/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Under the Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy (2014-2019), SOLAS committed to commissioning a series of independent evaluations of key elements of FET provision to ensure that they are effective in delivering the objectives of the programme for learners. The Youthreach evaluation is one of this series of evaluations. This evaluation will examine the outputs and outcomes of the Youthreach programme (delivered in Youthreach Centres and Community Training Centres) and the effectiveness of this provision. The report will also make recommendations on how the programme can be developed in the future.

Following a competitive tendering process, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) were commissioned by SOLAS to undertake the evaluation. ESRI began their research in September 2017 and SOLAS expect to receive a final report shortly. Publication will take place once SOLAS and my Department have had an opportunity to consider and respond to the recommendations.

Educational Supports

Questions (98)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

98. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the review of out-of-school education will be completed and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40497/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy is aware under Action 88 of DEIS Plan 2017 the Department of Education and Skills (DES) and Tusla committed to review the current provision for out-of-school education to inform future supports in this area. This review will assist in the development of a plan for a successful interagency approach to supporting groups such as children and young people who have disengaged or are at risk of disengaging from the mainstream education system.

This review is currently being carried out by a Working Group chaired by the Department of Education and Skills. Earlier this year I invited submissions from interested persons and parties as part of a public consultation process to gather a range of perspectives to better understand how best to support those who have disengaged from mainstream education or are at risk of doing so. The review process is at an advanced stage and, subject to no issues arising, the working group aims to finalise a report by the end of the year.

Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme

Questions (99)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

99. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 7 September 2018, the costs of each action outlined. [40514/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

A set out in the response to Parliamentary Question no. 281 of September 2018, it was estimated that an overall budget of €2.3m would be required in 2018 to implement a range of actions in the Policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022. The cost for the allocation of additional teaching hours to primary and post-primary schools participating in the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme from September 2018 was estimated at in the region of €1m. This estimate was based on the provision of additional hours to all primary and post-primary Gaeltacht schools under the terms of Department of Education and Skills Circulars 0033/2017 and 0034/2017, and Circulars 0021/2018 and 0022/2018 for primary and post-primary schools in the Gaeltacht. Funding for up to 30 participants on a new Irish-medium M.Ed. programme commencing from September 2018 was estimated at €210,000 on the basis of the norms for the cost of teacher education places. Implementation of the e-hub digital project in post-primary schools was estimated at a cost of €70,000 in 2018, however, it should be noted that the cost of project implementation was estimated when the project was at an embryonic stage of development. The allocation of hours for the Forás language development programme in two post-primary schools in the Gaeltacht was estimated at €120,000 on the basis of the allocation of two ex-quota teaching posts to two schools. The estimated budget to support an Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) in the implementation of Policy actions, including the extra allocation of two Education Officers to COGG, amounted to in the region of €200,000. Provision for substitute cover for primary and post-primary teachers attending additional CPD under the implementation of the Policy on Gaeltacht Education, which was estimated on the basis of attendance by schools at the CPD in accordance with Circulars 0033/2017, 0034/2017, 0021/2018 and 0022/2018, was estimated at in the region of €120,000 for 2018. Provision for printing, administration and staffing of the Gaeltacht Education Unit in the Department was estimated in the region of €220,000.

A further €133,000 was estimated to cover the cost of the payment of a grant, for the purchase of Irish-medium resources, to primary and post-primary schools participating in the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme, while in the region of €210,000 was estimated to cover the cost of release days and CPD for new entrants to the Scheme, along with provision for associates and the secondment of two teachers to NUIG to support implementation of the Policy.

Overall expenditure across Policy actions in 2018 is in line with the estimated expenditure of €2.3m.

Irish Language

Questions (100)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

100. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost per year of establishing the two new Irish-medium teacher education programmes (details supplied). [40515/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

A key aim of my Department's Policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022 is to increase the supply of teachers who can deliver high quality Irish medium education in primary and post-primary schools. To work towards achieving this Policy objective, in March 2018, I announced plans for the commencement of two new Irish-medium teacher education programmes which will deliver up to 60 new places for teacher education through Irish annually.

Mary Immaculate College commenced the delivery of an Irish-medium Masters in Education (M.Ed.) for primary and post-primary teachers, including principals, in September 2018, while Marino Institute of Education will deliver a 4-year Irish-medium Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) initial teacher education course for primary teachers commencing in 2019.

The estimated cost for the first year of the delivery of the M.Ed. programme which is being offered by Mary Immaculate College is in the region of €210,000. The estimated cost for the first year of the delivery of the B.Ed. programme to be offered by Marino Institute of Education is in the region of €340,000.

An overall budget allocation of €2.3m was provided for the implementation of actions under the Policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022 in 2018.

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Questions (101)

Alan Kelly

Question:

101. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason in correspondence (details supplied) of 31 August 2018 his Department states that it is not clear that equipment is essential in the case of a person in view of the fact that a HSE report states that it is essential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40523/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As this refers directly to an individual person I have referred this query to the NCSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

The NCSE through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports, including applications for assistive technology.

SENOs make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology is required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making recommendations for support, as set out in Circular 0010/2013 which is published on my Department’s website.

https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0010_2013.pdf

In order to qualify for equipment under the assistive technology scheme, a child must have been diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must also have a recommendation in a professional assessment that the equipment is essential in order to allow the child to access the curriculum. It must also be clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (102)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

102. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school building project at a school (details supplied) in County Meath; the projected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40525/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA).

While the NDFA secured a Notice To Grant Planning Permission for the project from the local authority, this has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála by third parties. The project will be progressed when the decision of the Bord becomes available. Pending that decision, it is not possible to put a completion date on the project.

Garda Transport Expenditure

Questions (103)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

103. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the required funds will be made available to recommission or replace the recommended and required number of Garda squad cars for the Drogheda and greater Drogheda area; if funding can be made available to provide for more community patrol units in view of reports outlining that only one operates between Drogheda and Dundalk; his future plans to address fleet numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40507/18]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will be aware that there has been very significant investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years. The Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet, to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet, in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 - 2015. In total in the period 2013 - 2017, almost €44 million has been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period to ensure that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.

As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles across the various Garda divisions are a matter for the Commissioner in the light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in that matter.

I understand however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure their optimum use. Responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between districts and stations as required by operational requirements.

Drogheda and the Greater Drogheda area form part of the Louth Division in the Northern Region. I can confirm that €4.7 million was provided for the purchase of vehicles for the Garda fleet in 2018. I am informed by the Garda authorities that 25 vehicles were purchased on behalf of the Northern Region in 2018, 12 of which have been allocated to date. This includes 3 new vehicles allocated to Louth Division. I am further informed that the remaining 13 vehicles are in the course of delivery to the Northern Region and will be allocated based on operational requirements.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the 2018 budget in respect of the fleet is now fully committed.

Naturalisation Applications

Questions (104)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a further reconsideration of an application for naturalisation will be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied); and if the case will be reconsidered in view of the nature of the offence, which was traffic violations. [40533/18]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was refused for reasons provided to the person concerned in a letter issued on 6 February 2018 advising of the decision. There is no appeals process provided for under legislation.

However, 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. The fact that a person may have had an application refused does not preclude or disqualify them from submitting a fresh application in the future. Indeed, the letter advising an applicant of a negative decision also informs them that they may re-apply for the grant of a certificate of naturalisation at any time. The letter advises that, when considering making such a re-application, they should give due regard to the reasons for the refusal which were contained in the submission attached to the refusal letter and that any further application will be considered taking into account all statutory and administrative conditions applicable at the time of application.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and I know the Deputy will appreciate that it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

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.

Deportation Orders Re-examination

Questions (105)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the process to be followed in the case of persons (details supplied); if they will be considered for residency or work permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40535/18]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the persons concerned are the subject of Deportation Orders made on 15 September 2017.

These orders require the persons concerned to remove themselves from the State and to remain out of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is a matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

I am satisfied that the decisions made in these cases were made after a detailed examination of all relevant factors and under all applicable legislation. This being the case, I see no basis for having these cases further reviewed.

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.

Family Reunification Applications

Questions (106)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

106. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the correct procedure to be followed to facilitate a spousal join in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40538/18]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that it is open to any visa required national to apply for a visa for any purpose. Each visa application is considered on its individual merits, with the Visa Officer having regard to all of the information and documentation available. The onus rests at all times with the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer that the visa sought should be granted.

As regards the application procedure, guidelines on how to apply for particular types of visas are available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie In addition, detailed information on the circumstances in which a person can seek to sponsor a family member to join them in the State are set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification which is also available on the website.

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

In addition, applicants may themselves e-mail queries directly to [e-mail].

Asylum Applications

Questions (107)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a decision to refuse leave to remain or extended residency in the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed in view of the person's efforts to achieve the necessary education and competence to facilitate employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40539/18]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that if an application for International Protection has been made in the State, for confidentiality reasons it is not the practice to comment on such applications and the applicant or their designated legal advisor should contact the International Protection Office directly either by email to [e-mail], by telephone to the IPO Customer Service Centre at 01 6028008 or in writing to Customer Service Centre, International Protection Office, 79-83 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2.

Similarly, the International Protection Appeals Tribunal operate an email service which can be contacted by individuals with any queries regarding their application - [e-mail].

The Ministerial Decisions Unit operate a similar email service at [e-mail].

Under Section 26 of the International Protection Act 2015, it is an offence to identify an international protection applicant. The offence is punishable by summary conviction to a Class A fine or a term of imprisonment of 12 months or both.

An applicant may appeal a recommendation by an international protection officer that the applicant should not be given a refugee declaration and/or a recommendation that the applicant should not be given a subsidiary protection declaration to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal.

Where an international protection officer recommends that an applicant should be given neither a refugee nor a subsidiary protection declaration, the Minister will consider in accordance with section 49 of the International Protection Act 2015 whether to give the applicant concerned a permission to remain in the State.

Where the Tribunal affirms a recommendation that the applicant should not be given a refugee declaration and a recommendation that the applicant should not be given a subsidiary protection declaration, the Minister will, upon becoming aware of a change in circumstances or receiving new information from an applicant that had it been in the possession of the Minister when making such decision would have been relevant to that decision, review the decision in relation to permission to remain in the State.

The Chief International Protection Officer, following consultation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), published a statement on the Prioritisation of Applications for International Protection under the International Protection Act 2015 on 27 February 2017, which is available on the website of the International Protection Office www.ipo.gov.ie.

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.

Brexit Issues

Questions (108)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the jurisdictions with which the greatest improvement of trade is likely to be achieved in the aftermath of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40549/18]

Written answers

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

Brexit has brought ever-sharper focus upon the importance for Irish companies of pursuing diversified export markets as well as new market opportunities. This includes markets that are growing as well as markets where there is already a well established presence but with potential for further growth. Supporting such actions are key priorities for Government and my Department.

Ministerial-led Trade Missions support the Government's major drive towards market diversification. The majority of trade missions are taking place to the Eurozone, North America and Asia Pacific, which represent the strongest growth opportunities for Irish companies. These Trade Missions focus on promoting the innovative capabilities and competitive offers of Irish companies to international buyers in sectors including internationally traded services, fintech, high-tech construction, engineering, ICT and lifesciences.

The Government’s Enterprise 2025 Renewed strategy published in March 2018 sets out targets for export growth and diversification within the indigenous exporting base, with ambitions to increase exports as a percentage of total sales of Irish owned companies from 52% to between 55% and 60% by 2020 and increase Enterprise Ireland client exports beyond UK markets from €14.1 billion to €17.4 billion by 2020. The strategy also targets a 50% increase in the number of FDI investments from non-US markets by 2020.

In 2017, Enterprise Ireland launched its Eurozone Strategy as a key element of its supports to help companies diversify their export markets. In particular, it aims to increase exports to the Eurozone by €2bn per annum by 2020, equivalent to a 50% increase. This would represent one of the most significant shifts in Enterprise Ireland supported client exports into the Eurozone and is particularly important in the context of Brexit.

Furthermore, in June 2018, the Government formally launched the ‘Global Ireland – Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025’ initiative. Global Ireland will support efforts to grow and diversify export markets, inward investment and tourism, as Brexit becomes a reality. It will ensure that Ireland is better positioned to build the alliances necessary to advance its interests and defend its positions in a post-Brexit EU, while also helping to secure our deep and positive relationship with the UK and its constituent parts into the future. Under the Global Ireland initiative Enterprise Ireland will further increase the diversification of client exports into new markets, with the ambition that 70% of exports will go to markets beyond the UK by 2025.

As well as the global efforts supported by our agencies, key to our success has been our commitment to trade liberalisation in order to open new markets for our indigenous sectors. The EU has successfully concluded a number of important trade agreements with trading partners and is in the process of negotiating or upgrading its agreements with many more. These existing suite of EU Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and new trade deals will continue to be very important for Ireland. With a small domestic market, further expansion in other markets is essential to our continued economic growth and in this regard Ireland will continue to support the EU’s ambitious programme of negotiating new Free Trade Agreements, opening new markets for Irish companies and increasing export and investment opportunities.

IDA Ireland Site Visits

Questions (109)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

109. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA site visits in each county in quarters 1, 2 and 3 of 2018, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40531/18]

Written answers

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

IDA Ireland continues to highlight the benefits of expanding or locating in all counties of Ireland to its client base. It is important to remember, however, that the final decision as to where to invest always rests with the company concerned. It is also the case that site visit activity does not necessarily reflect investment potential, as at least 70% of all new foreign direct investment (FDI) comes from existing IDA Ireland client companies.

Site visits nevertheless do represent an important tool through which investors can be encouraged to invest in regional areas and the IDA always does its utmost to ensure that investors consider all potential locations when visiting Ireland.

The table below sets out the number of IDA Ireland site visits to each county in Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 of 2018. Figures for Quarter 3 of this year will be compiled by the end of October.

County	Q1 2018	Q2 2018
Dublin	69	72
Kildare	4	0
Meath	1	3
Wicklow	0	1
Laois	4	2
Longford	0	0
Offaly	0	1
Westmeath	3	9
Clare	4	3
Limerick	8	7
Tipperary	1	1
Cavan	0	1
Louth	6	6
Monaghan	0	1
Donegal	0	3
Leitrim	2	3
Sligo	5	3
Carlow	1	2
Kilkenny	0	2
Waterford	5	9
Wexford	0	1
Cork	10	14
Kerry	0	5
Galway	10	20
Mayo	2	2
Roscommon	0	1
Total	135	172

Brexit Supports

Questions (110)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

110. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the ongoing work and plans regarding developing an investment loan scheme that would offer long-term loans to businesses for a post-Brexit environment. [40532/18]

Written answers

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation is considering proposals to develop a longer-term Investment Loan Scheme to help businesses strategically invest in a post-Brexit environment. Decisions on this will be made in the context of the forthcoming Budget.

Working Holiday Visas

Questions (111)

Willie Penrose

Question:

111. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the way in which a horse trainer working in the agriculture industry can obtain an employment visa for a Brazilian national who has a holiday visa to work as an assistant trainer to them here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40563/18]

Written answers

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

The Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA) scheme is operated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. A person who holds a WHA is required to obtain a permission from the Minister for Justice and Equality to enter, reside and work (under the terms of the WHA) in the State. Under the terms of the WHA, it is not possible to apply for an employment permit whilst in the State.

Therefore, the terms of the WHA preclude this Brazilian national from being eligible to apply for an employment permit.

The foreign national may consider submitting an application for an employment permit from outside the State, on foot of an eligible job offer, which will be considered subject to the usual criteria applying under the Employment Permits Acts and Regulations.

General Medical Services Scheme Review

Questions (112, 170)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

112. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if changes to the rent-a-room scheme that would remove the barriers for uptake by which persons with spare bedrooms do not wish to rent them out, as the income generated from doing so may impact on their ability to qualify for medical general practitioner visit cards; the steps he will take to address this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40580/18]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

170. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if changes to the assessment of rental income that is generated under the rent-a-room scheme for the calculation of means in order that it does not impact on income assessment for medical general practitioner visit cards will be considered in view of the ongoing housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40579/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 170 together.

There are no proposals at present to amend the current assessment guidelines for the granting of eligibility for medical cards or GP visit cards. However, I will ask my officials to discuss the Deputy's suggestion with officials in the Department of Housing and it should be noted that the gross income limits are reviewed annually and considered in the context of the budget.

Nursing Staff Provision

Questions (113)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

113. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a public health nurse will be reinstated in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40344/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Data

Questions (114)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

114. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting placement under the fair deal scheme; the average waiting time; the number of persons awaiting placement under the scheme in each local health office area, in tabular form; and the length of time waiting [40361/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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

Nursing Home Services

Questions (115)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

115. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of State-owned nursing homes in each county; the bed capacity in each; and the number of beds currently occupied, in tabular form. [40362/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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

Orthodontic Services Waiting Lists

Questions (116)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

116. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons under and over 16 years of age waiting for orthodontic treatment for one year or less, one to two, two to three, three to four and more than four years, respectively, by LHO area, in tabular form. [40363/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.