Written Answers Nos. 152-177
152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position in regard to the determination of an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41538/19]
View answerI am advised by the Immigration Service of my Department that the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. If further documentation is required it will be requested from the applicant in due course.
As the Deputy will appreciate, 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 it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. The nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
I am aware the recent judgment of the High Court relating to continuous residency under Section 15(1)(c) of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956 (as amended) has given cause for concern. The matter remains before the courts, with the Court of Appeals reserving judgement earlier today (8th Oct) , therefore it is sub-judice. The outcome of the appeal will have a bearing on whether or not legislation is required. Should it be necessary, I intend to introduce a Bill in the Oireachtas as soon as possible this term.
My Department is doing everything possible to put a solution in place on an urgent basis. At the end of July, I obtained Cabinet approval for a proposed Bill to address the matter and intensive work is taking place in the Department where officials are working with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel in the Attorney General’s Office to finalise the draft Bill.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the Immigration Service 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 Immigration Service is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a review is possible in respect of the deportation order issued in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41539/19]
View answerI am informed by the Immigration Service of my Department that the person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order signed on 23 July 2018.
Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned requesting that the deportation order be revoked, pursuant to the provisions of Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended).
This request will be considered as soon as possible. A decision will then be made to either "affirm" or "revoke" the existing deportation order. This decision will be communicated in writing. 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 Immigration Service 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 Immigration Service is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
154. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41540/19]
View answerI am informed by the Immigration Service of my Department that all persons making an application for a certificate of Naturalisation are required to provide satisfactory documentary evidence of their identity and nationality. This is usually in the form of a current valid passport but may include other original supporting documents, such as a previously held or out of date passport, a birth certificate or register of birth and a marriage certificate.
In rare circumstances where an applicant cannot produce their current passport or a previous passport, birth certificate or other supporting documents, the applicant will be required to provide a full explanation. Such explanation should, where possible, be supported by satisfactory evidence that they have attempted to obtain such documentation and correspondence from the relevant authorities or embassy responsible for the issuing of passports and birth certificates in their country, clearly stating the reasons the documentation cannot be provided. The Immigration Service will consider the explanation given and, if satisfied it is for reasons genuinely beyond the applicants control may suggest alternative means to the person to assist in establishing their identity.
Queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made directly to the Immigration Service 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 email service except in the cases where the response is , in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the necessary required documentation has been received in the relevant section of his Department in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41541/19]
View answerAs I have previously advised the Deputy in this matter, written representations have been received from the persons concerned by the Immigration Service of my Department in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). That documentation was received from the persons concerned on 22 February 2019 and was acknowledged by the relevant unit of the Immigration Service on the same date.
The representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation, in advance of a final decision being made. The relevant division will be in contact directly with the persons concerned should any further documentation be required.
The issuance of employment permits is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
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.
156. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41542/19]
View answerI am advised by the Immigration Service of my Department that the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. If further documentation is required it will be requested from the applicant in due course.
As the Deputy will appreciate, 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 it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. The nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the Immigration Service 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 Immigration Service is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
157. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a list of the organisations and-or bodies that were in receipt of funding from the 2018 and 2019 Asylum Migration and Integration Fund will be provided; the amount in this funding stream; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41546/19]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that Ireland’s National Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) Programme was approved by the European Commission on 21 March 2016. The Funds Administration Unit in my Department has been designated as Ireland’s 'Responsible Authority' for the AMIF. The funding available to Ireland under the AMIF will be used over the lifetime of the Programme to support actions that will help the national objectives set out in the Programme. The eligibility period for the Programme extends to 2022.
Details of the National Programme, including details of the national objectives and specific actions set by Ireland can be found at - http://eufunding.justice.ie/.
The total AMIF spend managed by the Funds Administration Unit is as follows:
158. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number, date of publication and details of post enactment reports published by his Department since March 2011, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41569/19]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated, and I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
|
No. |
Title of Act |
Date of publication of Post-enactment Report |
|
1 |
Fines (Payment and Recovery) Act 2014 |
5 May 2015 |
|
2 |
Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014 |
19 June 2017 |
|
3 |
Court of Appeal Act 2014 |
20 February 2018 |
|
4 |
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 |
13 July 2015 |
|
5 |
Garda Síochána (Amendment) Act 2015 |
9 March 2018 |
|
6 |
Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Act 2015 |
1 March 2016 |
|
7 |
Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 |
7 January 2019 |
|
8 |
Marriage Act 2015 |
11 April 2019 |
|
9 |
Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) (Amendment) Act 2015 |
22 March 2017 |
|
10 |
Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 |
22 March 2018 |
|
11 |
Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 |
9 March 2018 |
|
12 |
Courts Act 2015 |
20 February 2018 |
|
13 |
Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Act 2015 |
30 August 2018 |
|
14 |
Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 |
12 April 2019 |
|
15 |
Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 |
27 February 2018 |
|
16 |
Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Act 2015 |
11 April 2019 |
|
17 |
Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions and Certain Disclosures) Act 2016 |
22 March 2017 |
|
18 |
Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act 2016 |
28 July 2017 |
|
19 |
Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 |
29 March 2018 |
|
20 |
Criminal Justice (Suspended Sentences of Imprisonment) Act 2017 |
29 March 2018 |
|
21 |
Courts Act 2017 |
18 May 2018 |
|
22 |
Criminal Justice (Offences Relating to Information systems) Act 2017 |
12 September 2018 |
|
23 |
Criminal Justice Act 2017 |
7 August 2018 |
|
24 |
Mediation Act 2017 |
4 January 2019 |
|
25 |
Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 |
22 November 2018 |
|
26 |
Civil Liability (Amendment) Act 2017 |
4 January 2019 |
|
27 |
Intoxicating Liquor (Amendment) Act 2018 |
22 August 2019 |
|
28 |
Domestic Violence Act 2018 |
16 July 2019 |
|
29 |
Data Protection Act 2018 |
23 August 2019 |
|
30 |
Intoxicating Liquor (Breweries and Distilleries) Act 2018 |
27 August 2019 |
159. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of acts passed since March 2011 that his Department is responsible for; the date each act was signed into law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41585/19]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated, and I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
|
Title of Act |
Date of Enactment |
|
1. Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 |
24 January 2011 |
|
2. Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011 |
26 January 2011 |
|
3. Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2011 |
2 February 2011 |
|
4. Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 |
2 August 2011 |
|
5. Criminal Justice Act 2011 |
2 August 2011 |
|
6. Criminal Justice (Community Service) (Amendment) Act 2011 |
2 August 2011 |
|
7. Twenty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution Act 2011 |
17 November 2011 |
|
8. Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Act 2011 |
19 December 2011 |
|
9. Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011 |
20 December 2011 |
|
10. Jurisdiction of Courts and Enforcement of Judgements (Amendment) Act 2012 |
10 March 2012 |
|
11. Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences Against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 |
18 July 2012 |
|
12. Criminal Justice (Search Warrants) Act 2012 |
24 July 2012 |
|
13. European Arrest Warrant (Application to Third Countries and Amendment) and Extradition (Amendment) Act 2012 |
24 July 2012 |
|
14. Equal Status (Amendment) Act 2012 |
20 December 2012 |
|
15. Europol Act 2012 |
26 December 2012 |
|
16. National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 |
26 December 2012 |
|
17. Personal Insolvency Act 2012 |
26 December 2012 |
|
18. Criminal Justice Act 2013 |
12 June 2013 |
|
19. Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) (Amendment) Act 2013 |
9 July 2013 |
|
20. Prison Development (Confirmation of Resolutions) Act 2013 |
23 July 2013 |
|
21. Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 |
24 July 2013 |
|
22. Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2013 |
24 July 2013 |
|
23. Thirty-third Amendment of the Constitution (Court of Appeal) Act 2013 |
1 November 2013 |
|
24. Fines (Payment and Recovery) Act 2014 |
16 April 2014 |
|
25. Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014 |
22 June 2014 |
|
26. Court of Appeal Act 2014 |
20 July 2014 |
|
27. Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 |
27 July 2014 |
|
28. Garda Síochána (Amendment) Act 2015 |
9 March 2015 |
|
29. Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Act 2015 |
18 March 2015 |
|
30. Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 |
6April 2015 |
|
31. Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Act 2015 |
1 June 2015 |
|
32. Civil Debt (Procedures) Act 2015 |
27July 2015 |
|
33. Personal Insolvency (Amendment) Act 2015 |
28 July 2015 |
|
34. Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Act 2015 |
29 August 2015 |
|
35. Marriage Act 2015 |
29 October 2015 |
|
36. Choice of Court (Hague Convention) Act 2015 |
25 November 2015 |
|
37. Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) (Amendment) Act 2015 |
1 December 2015 |
|
38. Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 * |
10 December 2015 |
|
39. Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provision s) Act 2015 |
18 December 2015 |
|
40. Courts Act 2015 |
20 December 2015 |
|
41. Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Act 2015 |
24 December 2015 |
|
42. Prisons Act 2015 |
25 December 2015 |
|
43. Bankruptcy (Amendment) Act 2015 |
25 December 2015 |
|
44. Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 |
30 December 2015 |
|
45. International Protection Act 2015 |
30 December 2015 |
|
46. Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 |
30 December 2015 |
|
47. Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions and Certain Disclosures) Act 2016 |
11 February 2016 |
|
48. Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act 2016 |
27 July 2016 |
|
49. Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 |
27 July 2016 |
|
50. Commission of Investigation (Irish Bank Resolution Corporation) Act 2016 |
27 July 2016 |
|
51. Courts Act 2016 |
28 December 2016 |
|
52. Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 |
22 February 2017 |
|
53. Criminal Justice (Suspended Sentences of Imprisonment) Act 2017 |
15 March 2017 |
|
54. Courts Act 2017 |
17 May 2017 |
|
55. Criminal Justice (Offences Relating to Information Systems) Act 2017 |
24 May 2017 |
|
56. Criminal Justice Act 2017 |
28 June 2017 |
|
57. Independent Reporting Commission Act 2017 |
26 July 2017 |
|
58. Mediation Act 2017 |
2 October 2017 |
|
59. Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 |
5 November 2017 |
|
60. Civil Liability (Amendment) Act 2017 |
22 November 2017 |
|
61. Intoxicating Liquor (Amendments) Act 2018 |
31January 2018 |
|
62. Public Service Superannuation (Amendment) Act 2018 |
28February 2018 |
|
63. Domestic Violence Act 2018 |
8 May 2018 |
|
64. Data Protection Act 2018 |
24May 2018 |
|
65. Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Act 2018 |
05 June 2018 |
|
66. Intoxicating Liquor (Breweries and Distilleries) Act 2018 |
22 July 2018 |
|
67. Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Act 2018 |
14 November 2018 |
|
68. Thirty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution (Repeal of offence of publication or utterance of blasphemous matter) Act 2018 |
27 November 2018 |
|
69. Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act 2018 |
26 December 2018 |
|
70. Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) (Amendment) Act 2019 |
26 February 2019 |
|
71. Criminal Law (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction) Act 2019 |
5 March 2019 |
|
72. Parental Leave (Amendment) Act 2019 * |
22 May 2019 |
|
73. Criminal Justice (Mutual Recognition of Probation Judgments and Decisions) Act 2019 |
7 July 2019 |
|
74. Land and Conveyancing Law Reform (Amendment) Act |
10 July 2019 |
|
75. Civil Law (Presumption of Death) Act 2019 |
10July 2019 |
|
76. Thirty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution (Dissolution of Marriage) Act 2019 * |
11 July 2019 |
|
77. Judicial Council Act 2019 |
23 July 2019 |
|
78. Courts Act 2019 |
23 July 2019 |
|
79. Coroners (Amendments) Act 2019 |
23July 2019 |
|
80. Parole Act 2019 |
23July 2019 |
|
81. Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) Act 2019 |
23 July 2019 |
|
82. Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions (Amendment) Act 2019 |
23July 2019 |
160. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the deployment of IDA Ireland staff within County Waterford and the south east region; and the way in which this compares to its staffing complement in 2014. [41491/19]
View answerThe IDA's South-East Regional Office is based in the Waterford City area and consists of six staff. The Agency's team there - as well their staff in Dublin and overseas - are working hard to attract further investment to the region. Those efforts are producing results, as demonstrated last year when 982 net new jobs were created in IDA client companies in the area. This represented an increase of almost 7% on the equivalent numbers for 2017. I am confident that we can sustain that record of performance and create more foreign direct investment-driven jobs and opportunities in the South-East region in the time ahead.
The table below sets out the roles of the six staff currently located in the IDA's Waterford Office. I have been informed by the Agency that staffing numbers in that office are the same as they were in 2014.
Table: Staff in the IDA Ireland South-East Regional Office
|
Regional Manager |
|
|
Regional Executive |
|
|
Regional Executive Assistant |
|
|
Business Development Manager |
|
|
Business Development Executive |
|
|
Business Development Executive Assistant |
161. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA site visits in quarter 1, 2 and 3 of 2019, by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41549/19]
View answerRegional development is a key priority for my Department. We understand the importance of achieving the best possible spread of employment and investment across the country and we have been working hard towards that goal. Significant progress has already been made, with 58% of all IDA client-supported employment now located outside of Dublin. This figure represents the highest such figure in the history of the Agency. Our aim remains to increase this percentage further by the end of this year.
When it comes to foreign direct investment (FDI), site visits do represent a valuable tool through which investors can be encouraged to invest in regional areas. However, as I have said before, site visit activity does not necessarily reflect investment potential, as a significant percentage of all new FDI comes from existing IDA client companies.
I want to emphasise that the IDA does its utmost to encourage its clients to locate or expand in regional Ireland. This is just as much a priority for the Agency as it is for my Department and the Government. Indeed, the IDA has targeted an increase of investment of 30% to 40% in every region by the end of its current strategy, a goal it is working hard to achieve. At the same time, we must recognise that the final decision as to where to invest always rests with the firm concerned. It is also the case, no matter what efforts we make to underline the undoubted benefits of regional locations, that certain overseas companies will only consider investing in large urban areas for various commercial or operational reasons.
The following table details the number of IDA site visits per county from 2018 until the second quarter of 2019. Information on site visits during the third quarter of 2019 will become available in the coming weeks.
Table A: IDA Site Visits by County, 2018-Q2 2019
|
County |
2018 |
Q1 2019 |
Q2 2019 |
|
Carlow |
7 |
3 |
3 |
|
Cavan |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|
Clare |
13 |
5 |
12 |
|
Cork |
61 |
17 |
23 |
|
Donegal |
8 |
1 |
1 |
|
Dublin |
269 |
56 |
90 |
|
Galway |
54 |
9 |
17 |
|
Kerry |
10 |
0 |
2 |
|
Kildare |
8 |
3 |
1 |
|
Kilkenny |
5 |
5 |
2 |
|
Laois |
10 |
2 |
1 |
|
Leitrim |
6 |
0 |
1 |
|
Limerick |
35 |
12 |
22 |
|
Longford |
5 |
0 |
1 |
|
Louth |
20 |
10 |
9 |
|
Mayo |
10 |
2 |
0 |
|
Meath |
6 |
1 |
1 |
|
Monaghan |
3 |
1 |
1 |
|
Offaly |
5 |
1 |
1 |
|
Roscommon |
3 |
0 |
1 |
|
Sligo |
15 |
8 |
9 |
|
Tipperary |
5 |
3 |
2 |
|
Waterford |
21 |
8 |
3 |
|
Westmeath |
22 |
6 |
5 |
|
Wexford |
3 |
1 |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
1 |
4 |
1 |
|
Total |
607 |
159 |
213 |
162. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the plans being developed regarding the rules in relation to the right to disconnect from work and to encompass a more flexible working approach and work life balance; and when the study arising from the Remote Working Consultation Forum will be completed and published. [41550/19]
View answerMy Department and I understand the growing importance of promoting a good work-life balance for employees as new ways of working emerge. This is addressed under Pillar 4 of our Future Jobs Ireland strategy. Pillar 4 is focused on increasing participation in the labour force as this will lead to the more equitable, balanced and sustainable development of Ireland’s economy.
Ambition 4.2 under Pillar 4 of this strategy is to foster participation through flexible working solutions. This includes several deliverables aimed at promoting flexible working, including the production of guidelines for employers on flexible and family-friendly working options. Flexible working encompasses a wide range of practices including part-time, compressed hours, job sharing, home-working and remote working. Such solutions allow for tangible benefits for employees including improving their work life balance. It also provides solutions for those who would otherwise take unpaid parental leave but cannot afford to do so.
A key deliverable under this ambition is the completion of research on remote working. My Department is currently leading on this research which will focus on understanding the prevalence and types of remote working arrangements within the Irish workforce and the attitudes towards such arrangements. The research will identify the influencing factors for both employers and employees partaking in remote working. The final report will also include an international policy review which will consider related policies abroad, such as the right to disconnect in France. This will help to inform future policy on remote work.
To guide this work, an Interdepartmental Steering Group has been formed with representatives across Government departments. The study will include desk research, identification of key data sources and one-on-one consultation with key stakeholders. The results of the Remote Working Consultation Forum, which I hosted in Cavan Digital Hub in July, will further inform this research.
The final report will be completed in Q4 of this year.
163. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number, date of publication and details of post enactment reports published by her Department since March 2011, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41558/19]
View answerDetails of the post enactment reports published by my Department during the period in question are set out in the following table.
|
Name of Act |
Date of Publication of Post Enactment Report |
|
Companies (Accounting) Act 2017 (No. 9 of 2017) |
19 March 2018 |
|
Competition (Amendment) Act 2017 (No. 12 of 2017) |
28 August 2018 |
|
Companies (Amendment) Act 2017 (No. 13 of 2017) |
19 March 2018 |
164. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of acts passed since March 2011 that her Department is responsible for; the date each act was signed into law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41574/19]
View answerA list of all legislation since March 2011 that my Department is responsible for is available on my Department's website at the following address: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Legislation/.
165. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the proposals being considered to strengthen social dialogue. [41589/19]
View answerThe nature and intensity of social dialogue in Ireland has changed considerably over the past four decades and particularly since the demise of the model of tripartite Social Partnership at the end of 2009. During the deep economic recession over subsequent years, social dialogue where it occurred, tended to be on a bilateral rather than on a tripartite basis.
As Ireland emerged from recession the Government in 2016 established the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) to bring together representatives of employers, trade unions and Government to discuss economic, employment and labour market issues. The Forum, which is chaired by the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Minister Paschal Donohoe, meets approximately 4 times a year. The first meeting each year is chaired by the Taoiseach. The Forum provides a consultative informal structure for an exchange of views and dialogue on economic and social policies insofar as they affect employment and the workplace.
Furthermore, as part of the Government’s Budgetary process for the last 4 years, under the auspices of the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, a National Economic Dialogue (NED) has taken place. This year's event was held in Dublin Castle on 26-27th June.
The Government will continue to work through LEEF and NED to strengthen the resilience of the economy and maximise opportunities to prepare our economy for the challenges ahead.
166. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of a cardio cath lab at Sligo University Hospital; the progress of the report into the issue sanctioned by him in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41385/19]
View answerThe National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 under the Chairmanship of Professor Phillip Nolan and a Steering Group was formed from nominations from interested stakeholders representing medical, professional/technical staff, nursing and patient representatives. The aim of the Review is to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive by establishing the need for an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service. 13 Steering Group meetings have taken place with a further two meetings scheduled to take place this year. A large volume of its work has been completed.
To date the National Review has completed a public consultation survey, collated and analysed information on activity levels in each of the Hospital Groups and all hospitals within each Group. A successful and well attended stakeholder consultation was held in November 2018. The Health Research Board - Collaboration in Ireland for Clinical Effectiveness Reviews (HRB-CICER) has completed an Evidence Review of Specialist Cardiac Services looking at (i) international standards for PCI centres (ii) international models that might be applicable to the Irish Healthcare system and (iii) the relationship between volume and patient outcomes for PCI. The Evidence Review has provided important guidance for the Steering Group thus far and arising from discussions at the Steering Group they have been asked to complete one additional evidence review question. Site visits to Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) centres commenced earlier this year and will be complete this month. These site visits have included meetings with stakeholders in clinical, administrative, nursing and allied health professional roles. In addition two international site visits are being planned to review and benchmark against established cardiology networks.
An additional workstream is being undertaken by the Health Intelligence Unit of the HSE with regards to Geospatial analysis and mapping of networks of cardiac services from a national perspective.
The Chair is targeting that the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services will be completed before the end of the year and I would expect to be informed of any change to that timeline.
167. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health the plans in place for the provision of the development of a new ambulance base in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41387/19]
View answerThe Health Service Executive recently published its Capital Plan for 2019-2021 outlining projects to be progressed over the three-year period, including a new ambulance base in Sligo.
The HSE is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects and has advised that this project is currently at the site selection/option appraisal stage, as a previously identified option has not materialised. It is intended to select and purchase a site and proceed with the appointment of a design team within the next 12 months.
It is important to recognise that all capital development proposals must progress through a number of approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement, before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established.
The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, which can impact on the timeline for delivery.
168. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if the result of the review of the slides of 221 women affected by the CervicalCheck issue will change his plans to continue with a policy of contracting out CervicalCheck screening programmes to private companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41388/19]
View answerThe 221 Patient Group Laboratory Audit Results Profile report provides information as to which laboratories carried out cervical screening tests for the women in the 221 patient group. The HSE has advised that the information in the report represents a very small subset of overall data for CervicalCheck, which has completed in excess of 3 million screening tests since 2008. As such, while this data is accurate as to which laboratories were used for women within the 221 group, I am informed that it would not be statistically sound to use it as a means of assessing the performance of any laboratory. The performance of laboratories used by CervicalCheck has been analysed and compared by Dr Scally, who has provided the necessary assurances in that regard.
Notwithstanding the above, the HSE made a strategic decision in 2018 to develop a national cervical screening laboratory, in conjunction with the Coombe Woman and Infants University Hospital. This included an initial capital allocation of €5 million to progress the development of the laboratory. The HSE has advised that a joint project team and steering group has been put in place to oversee all aspects of this project. The HSE advises that this enhanced facility will take some time to develop but will provide a better balance between public and private provision of laboratory services to the cervical screening programme.
169. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 409 of 1 October 2019, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the new public sector pay agreement has escalated the funding issue experienced by the North West Hospice (details supplied); the way in which the hospice can continue to deliver the level of service it does under the current financial situation; when the issue will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41390/19]
View answerAs previously outlined to the House, the current service level agreement process provides a forum for hospices to discuss any issues or difficulties with the Chief Officer of the relevant Community Healthcare Organisation.
Within this context, I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the further issues raised regarding the North West Hospice.
170. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 409 of 1 October 2019, if the HSE has established a working group to examine the constitution of a core specialist palliative care service including both pay and non-pay costs with a view to achieving full statutory funding of core services (details supplied); if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the core funding report is completed and was sent to HSE in early 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41391/19]
View answerAs this is in relation to a working group established by the Health Service Executive, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
171. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the amount spent on out of country placements (details supplied) for deaf persons in each of the years 2014 to 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41394/19]
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 is to furnish further details that relate to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) who will contact the Deputy for the particular details and reply directly to the Deputy on receipt of these details.
172. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the measures he plans to implement to address the issues affecting the retention and recruitment of general practitioners particularly in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41399/19]
View answerThe Government is aware of workforce issues facing general practice, including those affecting rural areas, and has implemented a range of measures in recent years to improve recruitment and retention in general practice.
These include changes to the entry provisions to the GMS scheme to accommodate more flexible/shared GMS GP contracts, and to the retirement provisions for GPs under the GMS scheme, allowing GPs to hold GMS contracts until their 72nd birthday. Enhanced supports for rural GP practices have also been introduced.
There has also been a significant expansion in the number of places on GP training programmes in recent years; up from 120 places in 2009 to 192 filled in 2019.
An agreement with the Irish Medical Organisation on contractual reform was concluded this year. In return for cooperation with a wide range of service developments and reforms, the Government will increase investment in general practice by approximately 40% (or €210 million) by 2023.
This will see significant increases in capitation fees for GPs who participate in the reform programme and the introduction of new fees and subsidies for additional services such as the chronic disease management programme. There will be a 10% increase in the rural GP allowance from 2020, an increase in the allowance paid to dispensing GPs, and a targeted fund of €2 million will be set aside to provide additional support to practices in deprived urban areas. Improvements in the maternity and paternity leave arrangements have also been agreed, in recognition of the need to ensure that general practice is compatible with doctors’ family commitments.
I am confident that these measures will make general practice more sustainable and a more attractive career option for doctors.
173. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the length of time persons are waiting for an assessment with the NDT in County Kildare; the reason for delay in assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41430/19]
View answer175. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of child psychologists carrying out assessments in the NDT in County Kildare. [41433/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 175 together.
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.
174. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding allocated to County Kildare for respite for children that require same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41431/19]
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.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
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.
176. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the extreme difficulties persons are experiencing accessing urgent mental healthcare services in the Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 area in particular psychotherapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41448/19]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to response directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
177. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the length of the waiting list for audiology services for children under 18 years of age in counties Laois and Offaly by county. [41449/19]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
