Written Answers Nos. 293-311
293. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to introduce minimum standards for wheelchairs used on public transport; and her further plans to introduce a wheelchair passport scheme similar to that in the UK. [53775/18]
View answerThe National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) develops standards for products and services upon request of industry, regulators or policy makers. Indigenous standards may be promulgated where no existing international or European standards have been adopted or proposed.
Section 8 of the National Disability Authority Act 1999 provides that the National Disability Authority (NDA), which is under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, has a role in advising the Minister on appropriate standards for programmes and services for persons with disabilities. This extends to the development of guidelines in the area of accessibility to public transport.
NSAI works closely with the National Disability Authority (NDA) and other disability interest groups on matters of international standardisation to support policy on accessibility. NSAI has informed me that there is currently no request from Irish stakeholders to work specifically on the topic of minimum standards for wheelchairs used in public transport in Ireland or a wheelchair passport.
The NDA has published Recommended Accessibility Guidelines for Public Transport Operators. In light of its policy remit in this area, it would be a matter for the NDA to consider the benefits of introducing minimum standards for wheelchairs used on public transport and a passport system for wheelchair users, and to make recommendations on those issues as appropriate.
294. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the amount spent on social media by her Department in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the projected spend in 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53983/18]
View answerDetails of expenditure incurred by my Department and its Offices over the period 2016 to date on social media are set out in the table below.
It is not possible at this stage to provide details of the projected spend on social media in 2019 as projects where the use of social media may be considered beneficial will only be identified over the course of the year.
My Department and its Offices use external media providers having regard to the business needs for such services. In engaging such providers, the Department and its Offices are mindful of the need to secure value for money and, accordingly, strive to keep costs to the minimum.
Expenditure Incurred by Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and its Offices on Social Media over the period 2016 to date
|
Description of Social Media Advertising Campaign |
Company Engaged to assist Department/Office with Advertising Campaign |
Cost Incurred in 2016 |
|
Nil |
Nil |
€Nil |
|
Description of Social Media Advertising Campaign |
Company Engaged to assist Department/Office with Advertising Campaign |
Cost Incurred in 2017 |
|
Nil |
Nil |
€Nil |
|
Description of Social Media Advertising Campaign |
Company Engaged to assist Department/Office with Advertising Campaign |
Cost Incurred to date in 2018 |
|
Targeted LinkedIn campaign to promote awareness of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund and the launch of the first call for funding |
Spark Foundry |
€2,742 |
295. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the amount spent on marketing and media by her Department in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the projected spend in 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54000/18]
View answerThe table below provides details of expenditure incurred by my Department and its Offices on marketing and media, including advertising campaigns, over the period 2016 to date.
It is not possible at this stage to provide details of the projected spend by my Department in 2019 on marketing and media initiatives as projects which are considered beneficial will only be identified over the course of the year.
With regard to the Offices under the aegis of my Department, the Companies Registration Office estimates that it will spend €103,000 on business awareness campaigns in 2019. Due to the change of name of the Patents Office to the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland, it is estimated that expenditure of €30,000 will be incurred by that Office on marketing and media in this regard in 2019.
My Department and its Offices use external service providers having regard to the business needs for such services. In engaging such providers, the Department and its Offices are mindful of the need to secure value for money and, accordingly, strive to keep costs to the minimum.
Expenditure incurred by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and its Offices over the period 2016 to date on Marketing, Media and Advertising Campaigns
|
Description of Marketing/Media Initiative and Advertising Campaign |
Service Provider |
Cost Incurred in 2016 |
|
Advertising campaign to raise awareness of the Prompt Payment Code |
Strategem b.t.l. Ltd. |
€36,232 |
|
Information campaign for the implementation of the Construction Contracts Act, 2013 |
Mediavest Ltd |
€19,523 |
|
Newspaper advertising regarding mandatory e-filing campaign. Companies obliged to file annual returns with CRO electronically in 2017. |
Mediavest Ltd |
€40,617 |
|
Web development and creative video and radio production costs associated with the actionplanforjobs.ie awareness campaign to promote business supports for SMEs. |
Atomic Advertising Ltd |
€12,054 |
|
Communications Services for WRC including PR, media monitoring, advising on design, content and production of reports and brochures. |
Barberry Ltd |
€4,982 |
|
Design of Digital distribution of DBEI Business Bulletin |
Acton BV |
€1,623 |
|
WRC Magazine Advert |
TFS Media Agency T/A 256 Media |
€677 |
|
Communication Services for WRC, including media Monitoring |
Fuzion Communications |
€443 |
|
WRC branded promotional pens |
National Pen Ltd |
€996 |
|
WRC Exhibition space |
National Ploughing Association of Ireland |
€2,394 |
|
WRC at SFA Annual Conference 2016 |
IBEC-Small Firms Association |
€2,399 |
|
WRC Exhibition Stand at TY Expo 2016 |
Transition Year Ireland |
€517 |
|
WRC Exhibition Stand at ISME 2016 National Conference |
Irish Small and Medium Enterprise Association |
€1,599 |
|
Total Expenditure Incurred in 2016 |
€124,056 |
|
|
Description of Marketing/Media Initiative and Advertising Campaign |
Service Provider |
Cost Incurred in 2017 |
|
Advertising campaign to raise awareness of the Prompt Payment Code |
Strategem b.t.l. Ltd. |
€25,165 |
|
Information campaign for the implementation of the Construction Contracts Act, 2013 |
Mediavest Ltd |
€1,765 |
|
Workplace Relations Commission advert in National Ploughing Championship catalogue |
Guerin Media Ltd |
€1,230 |
|
Radio and newspaper advertising relating to the Workplace Relations Commission’s “Walk Through Working Life” campaign launched at the 2017 Ploughing Championships |
Fuzion Communications |
€4,404 |
|
Advertising in relation to the opening of the Workplace Relations Commission Sligo Office |
Fuzion Communications |
€3,198 |
|
Design of advertisements for WRC |
Fuzion Communications |
€5,899 |
|
Production/design of artwork for WRC |
Paul Martin Communications Ltd |
€148 |
|
Design and production of pull up banners for WRC |
Hudson Print Room Ltd |
€1,107 |
|
Artwork for WRC work programme |
Print Stations |
€117 |
|
Provision of Communication services to the Workplace Relations Commission |
Fuzion Communications |
€12,122 |
|
WRC Jobs Expo Stand |
Careers Unlimited |
€3,690 |
|
WRC Jobs Expo Stand |
Careers Unlimited |
€2,592 |
|
Supply and set up WRC Marquee at National Ploughing Championships |
All in One Event Hire |
€4,898 |
|
WRC Exhibition space, admission tickets |
National Ploughing Association of Ireland |
€4,902 |
|
WRC Exhibition Stand at TY Expo 2017 |
Transition Year Ireland |
€517 |
|
WRC Exhibition Stand at Zeminar 2017 |
Zeminar |
€2,454 |
|
WRC at SFA Annual Conference 2017 |
IBEC-Small Firms Association |
€2,460 |
|
WRC Exhibition Stand |
ICTU |
€450 |
|
Design, production, delivery and erection of WRC Serpentine Exhibition stands and banners |
Applied Signs and Display Ltd |
€34,409 |
|
Newspaper and radio advertising regarding mandatory e-filing campaign. Companies now obliged to file annual returns with CRO electronically. |
Mediavest Ltd |
€161,249 |
|
Design of Digital distribution of DBEI Business Bulletin |
Acton BV |
€1,623 |
|
Total Expenditure Incurred in 2017 |
€274,399 |
|
|
Description of Marketing/Media Initiative and Advertising Campaign |
Service Provider |
Cost Incurred to date in 2018 |
|
Advertisement in the August 2018 edition of the Accountancy Ireland magazine to create awareness of the supportingsmes.ie online tool |
Chartered Accountants Ireland |
€3,247 |
|
Advertising Location Signs for WRC at the Tullamore Show |
Tullamore & County Offaly Show |
€100 |
|
Advertising costs relating to the recruitment of external adjudicators |
Public Appointments Commission |
€3,424 |
|
Adverts costs in Agriland (On Line advertising) |
Fuzion Communications |
€1,476 |
|
Newspaper advertisements seeking written submissions in respect of the Labour Court review of Joint Labour Committees 2018 |
Media Vest Limited |
€7,169 |
|
Design of advertising for Workplace Relations Commission stand at National Ploughing Championships |
Fuzion Communications |
€2,287 |
|
Workplace Relations Commission seminar - The World of Work – A shifting landscape – design of brochures and PR |
Fuzion Communications |
€3,266 |
|
Workplace Relations Commission employment rights public awareness campaign – Market Garden |
Irish Farmers Journal |
€8,467 |
|
Advertisement promoting Workplace Relations Commission stand at the National Ploughing Championships |
Irish Farmers Journal |
€3,764 |
|
Advertisement promoting Workplace Relations Commission stand at the National Ploughing Championships |
Westmeath / Offaly Independent Print Co Ltd |
€708 |
|
Radio advertisement promoting Workplace Relations Commission stand at the National Ploughing Championships |
Midlands 103 |
€5,910 |
|
Advertisement promoting Workplace Relations Commission stand at the National Ploughing Championships |
Guerin Media Ltd |
€431 |
|
Newspaper advertising to promote awareness of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund and the launch of the first call for funding |
Mediavest Ltd |
€10,677 |
|
Targeted LinkedIn campaign to promote awareness of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund and the launch of the first call for funding |
Spark Foundry |
€2,742 |
|
Printing of Trade Licensing information leaflets |
Print Depot |
€215 |
|
Communication services for WRC including PR, Advising on the design, content and production of reports, brochures, documents and audio-visual concepts and productions, media monitoring |
Fuzion Communications |
€8,961 |
|
Print and supply for Ploughing |
Vestigo Logistics Ltd |
€7,770 |
|
Design and Print for Ploughing Marquee |
Vestigo Logistics Ltd |
€1,769 |
|
WRC branded promotional pens |
National Pen Company |
€2,810 |
|
Promotional merchandise, mugs, bags, highlighters, bottles and WRC branded Jackets and Polo shirts |
Zip Office Solutions |
€12,528 |
|
WRC Exhibition space |
National Ploughing Association of Ireland |
€4,953 |
|
WRC at Taking care of Business exhibition |
Health & Safety Authority |
€727 |
|
WRC Exhibition Stand School Summit |
Bell Media Ltd |
€2,706 |
|
WRC Exhibition Stand at ITBA Expo 18 |
Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association |
€1,230 |
|
WRC Jobs Expo Stand |
Careers Unlimited |
€9,840 |
|
WRC Exhibition Stand at Retail Retreat 2018 |
Retail Excellence Services Ltd |
€3,075 |
|
WRC Stand at GradIreland Live |
GTI Media Ltd |
€2,429 |
|
WRC HR Leadership Summit 2018 Sponsorship |
IBEC-Small Firms Association |
€6,150 |
|
WRC Trade Stands advertising and Entrance Tickets |
Tullamore and County Offaly Agricultural Show |
€819 |
|
WRC Conference Stand and Media Advertising |
Business Studies Teachers Association of Ireland |
€500 |
|
WRC Marquee set up National Ploughing Championships |
All in One Event Hire |
€4,971 |
|
WRC Stand at ISME Annual Conference 2018 |
Irish Small and Medium Enterprise Association |
€2,768 |
|
WRC Chair and Table Rental for Exhibition |
Exhibition and Conference Services Ltd |
€160 |
|
WRC Chair and Table Rental for Exhibition |
Total Event Rental |
€268 |
|
Design of Digital distribution of DBEI Business Bulletin |
Acton BV |
€1,623 |
|
Print and delivery of 6,000 Brexit Ready leaflets |
Fine Print Ltd |
€610 |
|
Print and delivery of 3,000 Brexit Ready leaflets |
Impress Printing Works Ltd |
€330 |
|
Printing of 6 DBEI and GOI branding pull ups (inc. provision of poles and carry cases) |
Power Design |
€1,205 |
|
Design and print of Brexit leaflets for the National Ploughing Championships |
Wilson Creative |
€861 |
|
Nomadic Stand |
Wilson Creative |
€470 |
|
Nomadic Stand |
Wilson Creative |
€1,180 |
|
Total Expenditure Incurred in 2018 |
€134,596 |
296. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health the number of schools in which vaccines (details supplied) have been administered to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54020/18]
View answerAs this PQ refers to information not readily available in my Department, I have referred it to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
297. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the full entitlements of children between 12 and 16 years of age in the HSE dental programme; if children between 12 to 16 years of age are entitled to full and free dental treatments needed without restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53507/18]
View answerA targeted fissure sealant programme is provided for children usually in 2nd and 6th class in primary school ( when children are generally aged between 6 to 8 and 11 to 13 years of age). In addition, a screening programme is provided for these same classes (age groups) with necessary interventions for permanent teeth including fillings and extractions. Treatment of pain and emergency treatment is provided in HSE dental clinics to children up to 16 years of age. The HSE also provides orthodontic treatment to those who have been assessed and referred for treatment before their 16th birthday.
Future provision of oral health services will be informed by the new National Oral Health Policy, which is currently being finalised and I expect will be published early in 2019. The aim of the policy is to develop a model of care that will enable preventative approaches to be prioritised, improve access, and support interventions appropriate to current and future oral health needs.
298. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a medical card application assessment will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53510/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
299. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53513/18]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, 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.
300. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the crisis in Traveller suicide in view of the final report on the Future of Mental Health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53515/18]
View answer301. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if resources will be allocated to address the disproportionate rate of suicide in the Traveller community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53517/18]
View answer302. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to proposals to establish a specific Traveller mental strategy with allocated resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53518/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 300 to 302, inclusive, together.
I am aware of the challenges faced by the Traveller community, having visited Pavee Point in May 2018 and launched an Evaluation Report of the Traveller Cultural Awareness Training programme in Kilkenny in October.
One of the goals of Connecting for Life - Ireland’s National Strategy to Reduce Suicide, which runs from 2015 to 2020, is to target approaches to reduce suicidal behaviour and improve mental health amongst particular high-risk groups. Members of the Traveller community are recognised in this strategy as being one of the priority groupings most vulnerable to suicide.
To address this issue, targeted mental health and stigma reduction campaigns are in development for the Travelling community. To date, this has involved focus group testing of the national mental health Little Things campaign messaging with traveller groups. Based on this process, the National Office for Suicide Prevention will further develop the communication campaigns using appropriate messaging and media channels for this target population group. The Samaritans (funded under the Connecting for Life strategy) are also working at a local level to promote their service to this priority group.
In addition, the HSE and Primary Care Social Inclusion currently funds Exchange House Ireland to deliver targeted health programmes. This includes two suicide prevention projects targeting the Traveller Community; the National Traveller Suicide Prevention Service and Travelling to Wellbeing.
Exchange House Ireland provides a range of services and supports to approximately 8,000 Travellers annually. The National Office for Suicide Prevention commissioned a review of the projects (2016-2017) in line with its goal to build the evidence base in support of targeted initiatives for priority groups, and to further inform its role in funding suicide prevention initiatives and establish how the existing projects align with the Connecting for Life strategy.
The Department of Justice and Equality led on the development of the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy. The strategy provides a set of specific actions that need to be taken to bring about a real improvement in quality of life for Travellers and Roma. A number of cross–cutting themes emerged in the consultation process for the strategy such as accommodation, employment, health and education. The strategy, published in June 2017, includes agreed actions aiming to improve the health of travellers.
The Oversight Group working on the refresh of the Vision for Change national mental health policy proposes that policy changes will benefit all those engaging with mental health services. The Terms of Reference for the Group place a particular emphasis on social inclusion and the needs of vulnerable groups, including the Traveller community, which will be incorporated into the final report with a focus on reducing stigma and discrimination. Therefore, it is not proposed to have a separate traveller specific mental health strategy report.
303. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of plans for the development a new long-stay facility at St. Finbarr's Hospital, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53528/18]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
304. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of plans for the development of a primary care centre at a location (details supplied) in County Cork; the steps in the process; when the primary care centre will be developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53529/18]
View answer305. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of plans for the development of a primary care centre at a location (details supplied) in County Cork; the steps in the process; when the primary care centre will be developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53530/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 305 together.
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.
306. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason persons who have medical cards are being charged €10 for blood tests by their general practitioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53531/18]
View answerUnder the terms of the current GMS contract, GPs are required to provide eligible patients with ''all proper and necessary treatment of a kind usually undertaken by a general practitioner and not requiring special skill or experience of a degree or kind which general practitioners cannot reasonably be expected to possess." There is no provision under the GMS GP contract for persons who hold a medical card or GP visit card to be charged for routine phlebotomy services provided by their GP which are required to either assist in the diagnosis of illness or the treatment of a condition.
The HSE has advised GPs that where a blood test forms part of the investigation or necessary treatment of a patient’s symptoms or conditions, this should be free of charge for patients who hold a medical card or GP visit card. Notwithstanding this, I am aware that some GPs are charging GMS patients for phlebotomy services in some circumstances.
This is a matter of concern for me as it has long been the position, under successive Governments, that no user charges should apply to GP services provided to GMS and GP visit card patients. If a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes he or she has been incorrectly charged for routine phlebotomy services by his or her GP, then that patient should report the matter to their HSE Local Health Office.
307. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the concerns of an association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53532/18]
View answerIt should also be noted that as party to the Public Service Stability Agreement, the INMO and the PNA has agreed that there will be no cost-increasing claims for improvements in pay or conditions of employment for the duration of the Agreement. The Agreement also precludes industrial disputes for the duration.
Notwithstanding this, both the INMO and the PNA have rejected the pay proposals recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission. Both unions have also balloted their members for industrial action. The results of these ballots indicate that their members strongly support taking such action. Health Sector management has met with these unions on two occasions to discuss their demands but it has not been possible to reach agreement. Health sector management remain open to further engagement.
I understand that the National Oversight Body has invited both parties (Health sector management and INMO and PNA) to a meeting to discuss the issues early in the new year. I would hope that this could help progress matters.
308. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he plans to meet his US counterpart. [53537/18]
View answerMinisters ordinarily meet their counterparts when on official business in their jurisdictions or when welcoming a visiting delegation. Where the US is concerned, neither has occurred during my tenure.
309. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the actions being taken to reduce the waiting time for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53540/18]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
310. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53541/18]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
311. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health the amount spent by his Department on public advertising and the purchase of external communications and publicity in 2018 by advertising campaign including specific amounts on social media campaigns (details supplied) or other digital platforms; the amount spent on public relations or other communications support in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53578/18]
View answerHealthy Ireland is the only advertising campaign being run by the Department of Health in 2018. The campaign, which focuses on three key themes – Healthy Eating, Physical Activity and Mental Wellbeing, aims to encourage people to make positive choices to improve their physical and mental health, while also providing support and information to help people make those healthier choices.
Total Costs for this campaign in 2018 were €390,456 including VAT (to end November).
