Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:165. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if an orthosis will be provided for a person (details supplied). [11379/19]
View answerHealth Services Provision
Questions (165)
Written answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Respite Care Services Provision
Questions (166)
Brendan Smith
Question:166. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing concern of parents regarding perceived inadequate services (details supplied); when the necessary resources, both personnel and facilities, will be provided to ensure that a proper level of services will be provided without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11394/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.
This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Respite Care Services Provision
Questions (167)
Brendan Smith
Question:167. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when the necessary improvement works will be carried out to a centre (details supplied) to enable the restoration of services; if the centre will become operational without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11395/19]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the healthcare property estate and the provision of public health services, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
Respite Care Services Provision
Questions (168)
Brendan Smith
Question:168. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when new facilities will be developed for the provision of respite services (details supplied) in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11396/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.
This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services Reform
Questions (169)
John McGuinness
Question:169. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the work undertaken by the HSE in collaboration with a group (details supplied) to examine reform of the healthcare system; if pilot programmes were set up as part of the work; if so, the details and outcome of each project; his plans to continue engagement with the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11399/19]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly.
Disabilities Assessments
Questions (170)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Question:170. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting a first assessment from the HSE under the Disability Act 2005 by LHO area in tabular form. [11404/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.
This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Speech and Language Therapy Waiting Lists
Questions (171, 172, 173)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Question:171. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the speech and language therapy assessment waiting list by LHO; and the number waiting less than 4, 4 to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively in tabular form. [11405/19]
View answerMargaret Murphy O'Mahony
Question:172. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the speech and language therapy initial treatment waiting list by LHO; and the number waiting less than 4, 4 to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively in tabular form. [11406/19]
View answerMargaret Murphy O'Mahony
Question:173. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the speech and language therapy further treatment waiting list by LHO; and the number waiting less than 4, 4 to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively in tabular form. [11407/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 to 173, inclusive, together.
As these questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for them to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
Occupational Therapy Waiting Lists
Questions (174)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Question:174. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the occupational therapy first time assessment waiting list by LHO; the number waiting less than four, four to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively; and the number waiting aged zero to four, five to 17, 18 to 64 and 65 plus years of age, respectively in tabular form. [11408/19]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Housing Adaptation Grant
Questions (175)
Peter Burke
Question:175. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if his Department or the HSE administer grant funding to families that need significant upgrades to their homes to accommodate children with profound physical disabilities that would not pass a means test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11415/19]
View answerWritten answers
Policy, including in relation to means testing, for Housing Adaption Grants for People with a Disability is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government. Families of children requiring adaptions may also wish to contact their Local Health Office to determine the full range of supports and services available from the HSE.
HSE Data
Questions (176)
John McGuinness
Question:176. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the number of medical device companies located here and supported by IDA Ireland that are doing business with the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11424/19]
View answerWritten answers
As the health aspect of this question concerns HSE procurement of medical devices, it has been referred to the agency for direct reply to the Deputy.
National Children's Hospital Location
Questions (177)
John McGuinness
Question:177. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a cost comparison analysis was carried out on all the proposed sites for the national children's hospital; the reason for the selection of the St. James's site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11425/19]
View answerWritten answers
A Review Group (Dolphin Group) was appointed in March 2012 to advise the Minister for Health on the options for the new children’s hospital, following the refusal by An Bord Pleanála to give planning permission for the proposed new children’s hospital on the Mater campus. The Group assessed the comparative strengths and weaknesses of a number of potential co-location sites and set out a range of options in their report.
The report informed the subsequent decision to locate the hospital at the campus of St James’s Hospital to ensure that the planned co-location with an adult hospital and, ultimately, tri-location with a maternity hospital, would be delivered.
In identifying the new site, Government considered the report of the Dolphin Group along with detailed supplementary information on cost, time and planning which was subsequently sought from members of the Group with the relevant technical expertise. This included an evaluation of the costings of the different options outlined in the report.
The decision was led by clinical considerations. From a clinical and academic perspective, St James’s Hospital was identified as the hospital that best met the criteria to be the adult partner in co-location because it had the broadest range of national specialties and excellent research and education infrastructure.
National Children's Hospital Expenditure
Questions (178)
John McGuinness
Question:178. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the person or body who signed off on the cost estimates at each stage of the national children's hospital; and the budgeted projected cost of the project at each month since 2016. [11426/19]
View answerWritten answers
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building and equipping the new children's hospital and outpatient and urgent care centres in accordance with a brief approved by the HSE with the prior consent of the Minister for Health.
Under the relevant statutory instrument, the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (Establishment) Order 2007 (S.I. 246 of 2007), the then Minister consented in June 2014, followed by HSE approval, to a project brief, incorporating a preliminary design brief, which Government was advised would enable the NPHDB to appoint a design team to commence design activities and user consultation and preparation of a detailed Business Case with a view to the submission of a planning application to an Bord Pleanála in 2015. Government noted the construction cost estimate for which the NPHDB is responsible as follows based on a preliminary estimate in 2014 of €790m, the refined estimate following design development in 2015 of €800m and the and pre-tender estimate in 2016 of €854m.
Tender bids were received by the NPHDB at the end of October 2016. The Final Project Brief (incorporating Final Design Brief, Definitive Business Case and Project Execution Plan) were updated to reflect the post tender revised capital costs. In February 2017 the NPHDB submitted the Final Project Brief to the HSE for review seeking the Minister for Health’s consent and HSE approval in line with the approval process set out in the Board’s Establishment Order. In April 2017, I brought a Memorandum to Government advising of the outcome of the tender process undertaken by the NPHDB with associated capital costs of €983m of which €916m was to be met by the Exchequer, and seeking approval for the construction investment decision, following which the HSE approved the Project Brief with my prior consent.
In November 2018, following completion of the second stage of the two-stage tender procurement process, the NPHDB advised that the final cost of the design, build and equipment programme for which the NPHDB is responsible was €1,433 million, €450m more than advised to Government in April 2017. In December 2018 I brought a further Memorandum to Government of the revised costs and Government approved the construction investment to allow Phase B of the hospital to be instructed.
The breakdown of capital expenditure on the new children's hospital project from 2016 to 2018 is as follows:
|
Year |
Breakdown of expenditure |
|
2016 |
€30.64m |
|
2017 |
€67.75m |
|
2018 |
€107.85m |
The monthly expenditure drawn down in respect of the new children's hospital from 2016 to date will be provided separately to the Deputy.
National Children's Hospital
Questions (179)
John McGuinness
Question:179. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the person or body who authorised the changes to the design brief of the national children's hospital in each of the years 2016 to 2018. [11427/19]
View answerWritten answers
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building and equipping the new children's hospital and outpatient and urgent care centres in accordance with a brief approved by the HSE with the prior consent of the Minister for Health, and subject to any subsequent variations to this brief as may be determined by the Executive in consultation with the Board, and with the prior consent of the Minister.
Under the relevant statutory instrument, the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (Establishment) Order 2007 (S.I. 246 of 2007), the then Minister consented in June 2014, followed by HSE approval, to a project brief, incorporating a preliminary design brief, which Government was advised would enable the NPHDB to appoint a design team to commence design activities and user consultation and preparation of a detailed Business Case with a view to the submission of a planning application to an Bord Pleanála in 2015. The project brief did not at that stage specify the two stage procurement approach.
The size, complexity and specialist nature of this project informed the decision by the NPHDB to adopt a two-stage procurement process which was developed by the NPHDB over the course of 2014 and 2015 with the involvement of the Government Contracts Committee for Construction (GCCC), and finalised in the early part of 2016 prior to the issue of the new children's hospital tender documentation. This two stage procurement approach was set out in the 2016 updated Project Brief and Business Case as follows:
- Procurement stage 1 : a full tender and contract for Phase A on the basis of a detailed design, with the tendering of Phase B on a preliminary 1st stage design with an approximate and remeasurable bill of quantities reflecting the preliminary 1st stage design; and
- Procurement stage 2 : While the basement Phase A works were under construction, the 2nd stage detailed design for the above ground Phase B works was completed. This was done on a remeasurable basis with a full bill of quantities priced at the 1st stage preliminary design tendered rates.
Tender bids were received by the NPHDB at the end of October 2016. The Final Project Brief (incorporating Final Design Brief, Definitive Business Case and Project Execution Plan) were updated to reflect the post tender revised capital costs. In February 2017 the NPHDB submitted the Final Project Brief to the HSE for review seeking the Minister for Health’s consent and HSE approval in line with the approval process set out in the Board’s Establishment Order. In April 2017, I brought a Memorandum to Government advising of the outcome of the tender process undertaken by the NPHDB with associated capital costs of €983m of which €916m was to be met by the Exchequer, and seeking approval for the construction investment decision, following which the HSE approved the Project Brief with my prior consent.
The NPHDB had responsibility for completion of the detailed design and this formed part of the services provided by the design team contracted to the NPHDB. In November 2018, following completion of the second stage of the two-stage tender procurement process, the NPHDB advised that the final cost of the design, build and equipment programme for which the NPHDB is responsible was €1,433 million, €450m more than advised to Government in April 2017. In December 2018 I brought a further Memorandum to Government of the revised costs and Government approved the construction investment to allow Phase B of the hospital to be instructed.
National Children's Hospital
Questions (180)
John McGuinness
Question:180. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if each change to the design brief to the national children's hospital was costed in advance of it being instructed. [11428/19]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board to respond to you directly.
National Children's Hospital
Questions (181)
John McGuinness
Question:181. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the consultants appointed to the national children's hospital will be held financially accountable for errors in the budget. [11429/19]
View answerWritten answers
An independent review, commissioned to understand the reasons for the cost escalation associated with the new children's hospital, is underway. The review's terms of reference provide that the review will deal with the accountability of the relevant key parties, functions and roles. The review will be completed by the end of March, subject to availability of relevant documentation and personnel, and will inform appropriate next steps by decision makers, including Government.
National Children's Hospital
Questions (182)
John McGuinness
Question:182. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the board of the national children's hospital were satisfied the chosen tender was an economically viable tender when it was accepted. [11430/19]
View answerWritten answers
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board undertook a competitive tender process for the construction of the new children's hospital. The contractor tendered their price for Phase A and Phase B works and the contract was awarded by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board based on the prices received for both Phases A and B based on Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) criteria. The MEAT criterion enables the contracting authority to take account of criteria that reflect qualitative, technical and sustainable aspects of the tender submission as well as price when reaching an award decision.
National Children's Hospital
Questions (183)
John McGuinness
Question:183. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health when an undertaking was made to underwrite the entire cost of the national children's hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11431/19]
View answerWritten answers
Established under the National Paediatric Hospital Development (Establishment) Order 2007, the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building and equipping the new children’s hospital and outpatient and urgent care centres in accordance with a brief approved by the HSE with the prior consent of the Minister, and subject to any subsequent variations to this brief as may be determined by the HSE in consultation with the Board, and with the prior consent of the Minister.
In April 2017, I brought a Memorandum to Government advising of the outcome of the tender process undertaken by the NPHDB with associated capital costs of €983m of which €916m was to be met by the Exchequer, and seeking approval for the construction investment decision, following which the HSE approved the Project Brief with my prior consent.
In November 2018, following completion of the second stage of the two-stage tender procurement process, the NPHDB advised that the final cost of the design, build and equipment programme for which the NPHDB is responsible was €1,433 million, €450m more than advised to Government in April 2017. €319m of the additional cost relates to construction costs, and the balance of €131m, which includes €50m in VAT, relates to costs associated with NPHDB staff, planning, design team fees, risk/contingency, and equipment. The total of €450m requires net additional Exchequer funding of €320m (of which €50m is VAT) and an additional €130m in philanthropy. In December 2018 I brought a further Memorandum to Government of the revised costs and Government approved the construction investment to allow Phase B of the hospital to be instructed.
An independent review commissioned to understand the reasons for the cost escalation associated with the new children's hospital construction project is underway. The terms of reference of the review require it, inter alia, to develop any further recommendations, if any, which may identify any areas of potential costs savings or reductions, which are consistent with the applicable contractual undertakings and the delivery of the project. The review will be completed by the end of March subject to availability of relevant documentation and personnel, and will inform appropriate next steps by decision makers, including Government.
Orthodontic Services Provision
Questions (184)
Bernard Durkan
Question:184. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if orthodontic treatment is available to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11441/19]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Harbours and Piers Maintenance
Questions (185)
Tony McLoughlin
Question:185. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the OPW funding allocated towards the upkeep of the Pollnadiva pier, Dromore West, County Sligo, since 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11297/19]
View answerWritten answers
My Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute.
In addition, my Department also has responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of North Harbour at Cape Clear, as well as the maintenance of a small number of specific piers, lights and beacons throughout Ireland, in accordance with the 1902 ex-congested Districts Board piers, lights and Beacons Act.
The Office of Public Works falls under the remit of its parent department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
Responsibility for the development and maintenance of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways rests with each Local Authority in the first instance and their parent Department, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government thereafter. The responsibility for the development and maintenance of Pollnadiva Pier therefore rests with Sligo County Council.
As part of the annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, my Department has provided limited funding to assist coastal Local Authorities in carrying out small-scale projects for the development and repair of piers, harbours and slipways in their ownership. In 2013 funding of €63,750 was provided by my Department to Sligo County Council for the purposes of repair works at Pollnadiva Pier.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have approved funding of €2m for the Local Authority element of my Department's 2019 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. My Department wrote to Coastal Local Authorities on January 28th inviting them to submit prioritised lists of projects for consideration.
An application for funding has been submitted by Sligo County Council in respect of Pollnadiva Pier under the 2019 programme. Detailed applications have now been requested from Local Authorities for short-listing.
Fishery Harbour Centres
Questions (186)
Pearse Doherty
Question:186. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of revenue-generating activities at Killybegs Harbour, County Donegal, in 2018 and to date in 2019; the income accrued from each of these activities during the period including from the fees and payments paid by each of the individual harbour users, customers and partners in exchange for harbour services and use of harbour facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11302/19]
View answerWritten answers
My Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute.
Receipts in respect of Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 are set out in the following table. The figures supplied for the years 2016 and 2017 have been extracted from the published Financial Statements for those years which have been certified by the Comptroller and Auditor General. The figures supplied in respect of 2018 are draft uncertified figures as the Financial Statements for 2018 are under preparation.
|
|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 (Draft) |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
Harbour dues |
2,474,471 |
2,437,827 |
2,596,407.26 |
|
Rental |
192,959 |
181,470 |
129,196.98 |
|
Miscellaneous |
21,102 |
16,995 |
17,951.38 |
|
Asset Disposal |
0 |
337,334 |
0 |
|
TOTALS |
2,688,523 |
2,973,626 |
2,743,555.62 |
Food Quality Assurance Scheme
Questions (187)
Jackie Cahill
Question:187. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if companies that carry out quality assurance audits are Irish companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11310/19]
View answerWritten answers
As I recently advised the Deputy, all of Bord Bia’s Quality Assurance Schemes are audited by independent auditor bodies which have been selected following a public procurement process in accordance with the relevant EU Directives.
In accordance with EU law, nationality is not a criteria which can be differentiated upon under the procurement process.
Beef Environmental Efficiency Scheme Data
Questions (188, 189)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:188. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications for the beef environmental efficiency pilot scheme by county; the number of cows applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11356/19]
View answerMichael Fitzmaurice
Question:189. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications to the beef environmental efficiency pilot scheme in terms of herd size (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11357/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 189 together.
The Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot (BEEP) is a targeted support of €20 million for suckler farmers, specifically aimed at further improving the economic and environmental efficiency of beef production. As well as clear environmental and climate benefits, the BEEP will provide farm gate investment at a time of market volatility and uncertainty relating to Brexit. The pilot has been designed to be as straightforward as possible.
Applications from 18,593 herd owners have been received for the Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot. As calves born up until 30 June 2019 are eligible, a final figure for eligible calves is not yet available.
The breakdown by county of applications of expressions of interest can be seen in the following table:
|
County |
Number of applications |
|
Carlow |
259 |
|
Cavan |
887 |
|
Clare |
1,453 |
|
Cork |
1,365 |
|
Donegal |
888 |
|
Dublin |
53 |
|
Galway |
2,015 |
|
Kerry |
948 |
|
Kildare |
212 |
|
Kilkenny |
509 |
|
Laois |
497 |
|
Leitrim |
626 |
|
Limerick |
594 |
|
Longford |
554 |
|
Louth |
175 |
|
Mayo |
1,739 |
|
Meath |
441 |
|
Monaghan |
624 |
|
Offaly |
450 |
|
Roscommon |
1,094 |
|
Sligo |
780 |
|
Tipperary |
818 |
|
Waterford |
277 |
|
Westmeath |
582 |
|
Wexford |
448 |
|
Wicklow |
305 |
|
Total |
18,593 |