Thursday, 25 Mar 2021

Written Answers Nos. 148-167

Citizenship Applications

Questions (148)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15994/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

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.

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 my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at [e-mail], 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 Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Departmental Communications

Questions (149)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

149. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice the dedicated email addresses for Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas to contact her Department and bodies under its aegis as outlined in circular 25/2016. [16009/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I wish to advise the Deputy that the information requested, with regard to the dedicated email addresses for members of the Houses of the Oireachtas to contact my Department and the agencies under the aegis of my Department, are provided in the following table:

Agency	Email Address
An Garda Síochána	[e-mail]
Censorship of Publications Board	[e-mail]
Classification of Films Appeal Board	[e-mail]
Courts Service	[e-mail]
Criminal Assets Bureau	[e-mail]
Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal (CICT)	[e-mail]
Forensic Science Ireland	[e-mail]
Data Protection Commission	[e-mail]
Department of Justice	[e-mail]
Garda Síochána Inspectorate	[e-mail]
Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission	[e-mail]
Immigration Service Delivery (immigration queries)	[e-mail]
Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI)	[e-mail]
Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO)	[e-mail]
Irish Prison Service (IPS)	[e-mail]
Legal Aid Board	[e-mail]
Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA)	[e-mail]
Mental Health (Criminal Law) Review Board (MHRB)	[e-mail]
Office of the State Pathologist (OSP)	[e-mail]
Office of the Inspector of Prisons (OIP)	[e-mail]
Policing Authority	[e-mail]
Private Security Authority (PSA)	[e-mail]
Probation Service	[e-mail]
Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA)	[e-mail]

Protected Disclosures

Questions (150, 151)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

150. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of protected disclosures received by her Department in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021; the number that were accepted as a protected disclosure; the number that were in part or fully examined by a third party or consultancy; the number of protected disclosures under investigation over this period; and the number that were finalised and the contents accepted and acted on. [16035/21]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

151. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of protected disclosures received by her Department in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021 from officials within her Department; the number of officials who made protected disclosures over the period and who are now not working in her Department; and the number of protected disclosures received from retired officials of her Department over the period. [16053/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 151 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 came into operation on 15 July 2014 and my Department has a protected disclosures policy in place, which is available on the Department's website. The policy is kept under review and a revised Policy is due to be published in 2021.

With regard to the Deputy’s question about the number of protected disclosures received by my Department in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to-date in 2021, it is important to note that a number of agencies under the remit of my Department, including the Irish Prison Service, the Legal Aid Board, the Courts Service, An Garda Síochána and the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, have their own protected disclosures policies in place and report separately on disclosures received in line with the requirements of the Act.  

It is also important to note that officials working in these organisations may make a protected disclosure to that agency directly, as well as to my Department.

The table below sets out the number of protected disclosures made to my Department for the years requested.

Year	Allegations of Wrongdoing	Assessed as not a Protected Disclosure and/or transferred to the appropriate aegis body/area	Closed following investigation	Ongoing
2017	14	12	2	-
2018	13	5	5	3
2019	15	9	3	3
2020	23	16	0	7
2021 (to-date)	3	2	0	1
Total	68	44	10	14

The number of potential protected disclosures received from workers of the Department during the time period of 2017-2021 (to-date) is 7. The number of potential protected disclosures received from workers of the Irish Prison Service during the period is 37.

I will revert directly to the Deputy in respect of the question of the number of officials that made protected disclosures over the time period who are now not working in my Department.

Under the protected disclosures policy, the Department may assess or investigate disclosures through other processes if deemed more appropriate. Since 2018, the Department has engaged the services of independent external assessors and investigators under the Office of Government Procurement Framework.

Since 2018, a total of:

- 11 potential protected disclosures have been independently assessed by the external assessor;

- 4 protected disclosures have been investigated and concluded by the external investigators; and

- 7 protected disclosures are currently under investigation by external investigators.

Prior to the introduction of the OGP Framework for the assessment/investigation of protected disclosures in 2018, a majority of assessments/investigations were conducted by the Department’s Internal Audit Unit, with the exception of two investigations which were conducted externally.

Finally, where recommendations are made following investigation, they are communicated to the relevant area/organisation for consideration and/or implementation and reviewed periodically.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to Parliamentary Questions 150 and 151 for answer on 25 March 2021, in which you requested information in respect of protected disclosures made to the Department since 2017. You will recall that I provided statistical information about the number of disclosures received by my Department and accepted as protected disclosures; the number that were in part or wholly investigated by an external party; the number of disclosures under investigation and finalized; and the number of disclosures from officials of my Department. I undertook to revert to you directly in respect of your question about the number of officials who made disclosures over the time period in question, who are no longer working in the Department. I am informed that a very small number of staff (in single digits) have retired or transferred to other departments or organisations since making a protected disclosure or have made protected disclosures since they retired. I am very conscious of our obligations with regard to protecting the confidentiality of those who make disclosures and therefore I have not specifically broken out the number of individuals in each category in case there is any possibility that individuals might be identified. I know you will appreciate the importance of my Department complying with both the letter and the spirit of the protected disclosure legislation and wish to reassure you of my Department’s commitment to ensuring procedural fairness in all matters relating to disclosures.

I hope this information is of assistance.

Leave to Remain

Questions (152)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of the status of an application in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16069/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The person referred to by the Deputy was issued a letter refusing them permission to remain in the state on 11 December 2019. In response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), written representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.

These 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.  

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility ([e-mail]), 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 is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Court Sittings

Questions (153)

Colm Burke

Question:

153. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice if consideration will be given to allowing family court services in the Circuit Court and the District Court in Cork city to be held remotely given that under current level 5 Covid-19 restrictions there is an indefinite postponement of these court services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16098/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions. Furthermore, the scheduling of court cases and the allocation of court business are matters for the Presidents of the Courts and the presiding judges who are, under the Constitution, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that they activated enhanced Covid-19 Level 5 protocols in January 2021, in agreement with the Judiciary. The enhanced protocols meant that Courts remained open for urgent matters in areas of family law, criminal matters (especially cases involving people in custody), bail and urgent Judicial Reviews or Article 40 applications. Non urgent proceedings were adjourned.  Following the Government announcement to extend current Level 5 restrictions, the Courts Service and the Judiciary agreed to continue the existing Covid-19 Level 5 protocols into the month of March 2021.

In line with the direction of the President of the Circuit Court, Cork Circuit Court family trials are adjourned while restrictions are at level 5.   

In relation to divorce cases, it is a matter for each Circuit Court to evaluate cases before it to decide how to proceed and whether they are suitable for remote hearing. A Cork Circuit Court Judge sat for two days last month and 30 consent divorces were dealt with in the courthouse on those days. A small number of additional cases were held last week to trial the use of Virtual Meeting Room (VMR) technology in such cases. If successful, I understand that more consent divorce cases can be listed.  

The Courts Service informs me that the District Court Judge in Cork is hearing urgent domestic violence applications (protection orders, interim barring orders and barring orders) and cases involving emergency care orders.  The Judge is also taking ex-parte applications and where there are signed consents between the parties, these are being ruled.  Access and maintenance cases and safety orders are adjourned to dates later in the year.  In addition, some additional Court dates have recently been added to allow more matters to be heard and disposed of.  

The Courts Service has also advised that while facilities are not available to hear cases remotely in Midleton Court, a District Court Judge has sat on additional days to the scheduled dates so that the court list can be processed over more court days. 

The Courts Service confirmed that cases involving lay litigants cannot proceed using VMR technology.  This is to ensure that the in camera rule would not be breached, that there is no undue influence at play, or that matters are not recorded.  VMR courts are being used to call over child care cases with a limited number of legal practitioners who practice in this area. 

The Courts Service has assured me that the situation is kept under review in light of the current Level 5 restrictions. Any applications for a remote or physical hearing in respect of urgent matters as they arise can be made to the Judge in charge of the Family Law list.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (154)

Dessie Ellis

Question:

154. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Justice the mechanisms in place to inform persons whose attendance at court is requested that the courts are closed as a consequence of Covid restrictions given persons are currently being requested to attend court without being notified of the court's closure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16109/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in its functions. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has advised me as follows. 

The Courts Service has used all available means to keep court users updated on the status of their cases. This includes:

- Publishing details on the Courts Service's website setting out the types of cases that are proceeding;

- Using Twitter to communicate with those on social media;

- Sending adjournment letters to parties involved in cases;

- Notifying legal representatives of what proceedings are continuing and who should attend court; and

- Sending text messages or notices to those people called for jury service when they are no longer required.

The Courts Service advises that the current public health restrictions are effecting court sittings across the country and and the situation can change from day to day, which often means that arrangements change at short notice. The Courts Service makes every effort to give court users as much notice as possible but unfortunately there will always be a small number of instances when communications do not reach the intended parties on time. I am informed that the Courts Service will continue to minimise such cases and apologises to any court users who are inconvenienced.

Regarding the cases referred to by the Deputy due before the Court on 19 March, the Courts Service advises that the District Court office sent out 147 letters on 16 March, to all those concerned, notifying them that the Court would not be proceeding on that date.

Naturalisation Applications

Questions (155)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

155. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice the steps she has taken to put in place an enhanced process for the consideration of applications for naturalisation as directed by the Supreme Court (details supplied) in judgments delivered on 31 May 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16130/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Following the Supreme Court judgement in Pourgholami v Minister for Justice and Equality, I have established a Single Person Committee of inquiry into the refusal of applications of Irish Citizenship via the Naturalisation process where National Security concerns arise. 

The Committee has been established to review, on request from the applicant, the material upon which the decision to refuse to grant a certificate of naturalisation  was made, in circumstances where the basis of refusal is in whole or in part predicated on National Security concerns. The information concerned is secret and sensitive in nature but the Single Person Committee will ensure greater openness and transparency in the decision making process.

Retired Judge John Hedigan has agreed to serve as the Member of the Single Person Committee. The establishment of the Committee provides greater openness and transparency in the process for applicants who are refused a certificate of naturalisation in the small number of cases where National Security concerns arise.

Following his review of the material, the Member will advise me on its disclosure having regard to natural justice considerations and National Security interests including maintaining intelligence capabilities. The Member may advise me: not to disclose; partial disclosure; or full disclosure of the material.

Departmental Policy Functions

Questions (156)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

156. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice the engagement she has had on the policy of progressing disability services; and if she has contacted other Ministers regarding the policy. [16175/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I have not yet had any engagements with other Ministers on the policy of progressing disability services in my capacity as Minister for Justice.  As the Deputy will be aware, my colleague in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Minister of State Anne Rabbitte has policy responsibility for disability.

However, I would like to assure the Deputy that I am committed to ensuring that people with disabilities working both in my Department and the wider justice sector are appropriately equipped to carry out their duties. Considerable work is undertaken within my Department to retain staff with disabilities and to improve the quality of their experience within the work environment. Efforts across a range of areas such as role adjustments, redeployment in some cases, additional and specific training, physical work space adjustments and use of assistive technologies have enabled staff within my Department who have a disability to perform effectively in their role and make a meaningful contribution to the work of the organisation.

My Department follows the Civil Service Code of Practice on the employment of people with disabilities. My Department’s Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) is available to assist and support staff with disabilities, in confidence, and their line managers by providing information, guidance, and support, as well as assisting in the provision of reasonable accommodations. My Department will also roll out Disability and Autism Awareness training to all staff this year in line with the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021.  

The Deputy may also wish to note that my Department takes part in the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) programme every year. WAM is an initiative of the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD), which offers a six-month paid mentored work experience placement to graduates with disabilities. My Department also participates in the Job Shadow Day initiative, which brings people with disabilities and local employers together for one day in the workplace.

I am also committed to ensuring members of the public have access to the necessary services in order to ensure they can suitably and effectively interface with my Department.

In accordance with Section 26(2) of the Disability Act, my Department has an Access Officer who is responsible for providing, arranging or co-ordinating assistance to persons with disabilities who wish to access the services provided by the Department of Justice. The Access Officer also acts as a point of contact for persons with disabilities who wish to access such services.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to Parliamentary Question Number 157 which was for answer on 25 March 2021, where you asked if it is my Department or An Garda Síochána that set the fees for providing Garda report abstracts and any other supporting documentation relative to road traffic accidents when requested by the victim; if it is normal that victims of road traffic accidents are charged €260 for such information when requested; the way in which the charges are calculated and regulated; the legislation under which the regulations were introduced; if fees for such requests can be waived and the value of fees collected in this manner. You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the information is available.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the appropriate information, as identified in legislation, is provided to all persons involved in road traffic collisions. There is no fee in respect of the provision of this appropriate information. However, where persons are seeking additional information, including a copy of the investigation file, an appropriate fee has been set to cover the administration costs incurred by An Garda Síochána for the preparation of the documentation.

The Garda Commissioner as the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote is responsible for setting the level of fees applicable in relation to certain services.

Unfortunately, in many road traffic collision cases the accident is caused by the inappropriate actions of one of the vehicles or persons involved. Where the investigation of a road traffic collision remains ongoing and criminal proceedings are being contemplated or have already been initiated, or in circumstances where an inquest has not been completed by the Coroner, abstracts are not supplied. However, an amended/reduced abstract form containing “appropriate information” as provided for in Section 106(4), Road Traffic Act, 1961 as amended, may be provided free of charge.

Garda HQ Directive 36/2017 outlines the arrangements which apply in respect of fees for abstracts of Garda reports and copies of statements in respect of road traffic collisions. The following fee structure applies with effect from 1 January 2017:

- Fees in respect of fatal road traffic collisions will be waived.

- Fees in respect of road traffic collisions resulting in serious injury will be capped at €1,000

- Fees in respect of road traffic collisions resulting in material damage are payable as follows: :

	Item	Fee
	Collision Reports
	Forensic Collision Report – Full Report	€400
	Rough Data – Per Page	€40
	Copy of Scale Plan – Other that as provided as part of full report	€50
	Copy of Vehicle Examination Report (Unless provided as part of full report)	€70
	Photographs
	From Digital Camera (per disc)	€30
	A4 Index Sheet	€20
	Photographs (1st Photograph)	€25
	Each Subsequent photograph	€5
Abstract of Report		Copy of Statement
€60		€40

These instructions only apply to new applications received after 1st January 2017 .

The decision regarding the appropriate fee to be charged in respect of each application is based on the PULSE classification of the road traffic collision.

These documents are not the only way for families who have lost loved ones to find out details of what happened in a collision, as it is Garda policy to appoint a Family Liaison Officer to liaise with the family of a victim of a fatal road traffic collision and to provide timely, accurate information on the progress of the Garda investigation and of any prosecution initiated.

The role and functions of the Coroner are regulated by the Coroners Act 1962. The Coroner is confined to determining who, how, when and where, the deceased person died. Members of the Garda Síochána act as agents of the Coroner in assisting him/her carrying out his/her requirements under the Act.

The Garda Decision-Making Model provides personnel within An Garda Síochána with a decision-making process which assists them in determining the appropriate course of action when responding to requests for abstracts, witness statements and other relevant documentation. The Garda Decision-Making Model is a continuous cycle, constantly subjected to review in light of new information and/or intelligence becoming available. The assessment of this information/intelligence determines the necessary Garda response to resolve the incident.

For your further information, the table below sets out the total monies collected under Garda HQ Directive 36/2017 since it came into effect on 1 January 2017.

Year	Amount
2020	€628,000
2019	€757,000
2018	€748,000
2017	€710,000

I trust this information is of assistance.

Garda Reports

Questions (157)

John McGuinness

Question:

157. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice if it is her Department or An Garda Síochána that set the fees for providing Garda report abstracts and any other supporting documentation relative to road traffic accidents when requested by the victim; if it is normal that victims of road traffic accidents are charged €260 for such information when requested; the way in which the charges are calculated and regulated; the legislation under which the regulations were introduced; if fees for such requests can be waived; the value of fees collected in this manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16182/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, but I have not received this information in time. I will write to the Deputy as soon as the information is to hand.

International Protection

Questions (158)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

158. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the number of recommendations made under section 21(3) of the International Protection Act 2015 in each of the years 2018, 2019 and 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16193/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The table below provides the numbers of recommendations made under s21(3) of the International Protection Act 2015, in the years requested by the Deputy.

These applications for international protection were inadmissible under s.21(2)(a) of the International Protection Act 2015, as another EU Member State had already granted refugee status or subsidiary protection status to the person, which precludes them from making an application for international protection in the State. 

Decision Year	No of recommendations made under s21 (3) of the International Protection Act 2015
2018	43
2019	35
2020	18
Total	96

International Protection

Questions (159)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

159. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the number of personal interviews that took place under section 35 of the International Protection Act 2015 from 1 March 2020 to 15 March 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16194/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

A total of 498 interviews under section 35 of the International Protection Act 2015, took place in the period 1 March 2020 to 15 March 2021.  Of these, 45 interviews were adjourned and the applicant will be scheduled to attend a further interview to complete the process.

The interview schedule for the International Protection Office (IPO) has unfortunately been severely disrupted arising from the measures put in place to address the Covid-19 public health emergency.  Regrettably, interviews are currently suspended in line with public health measures to protect both applicants and staff of the IPO. 

While interviews are currently suspended, the IPO is planning for the resumption of interviews once the prevailing public health advice allows them to be carried out safely for all involved.

HSE Properties

Questions (160)

John Brady

Question:

160. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health his plans to sell the lands at a site (details supplied); the timeframe for the sale; if a review will be carried out on plans to sell the land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15972/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.

HSE Properties

Questions (161)

John Brady

Question:

161. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the status of the reopening of the former Wicklow district hospital as a care facility; his plans to open day care services at the premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15973/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Car Parks

Questions (162)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

162. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the 2018 HSE review of hospital car parking charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15974/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Programme for Government makes a commitment to introduce a cap on the maximum daily charge for patients and visitors at all public hospitals, where possible and to introduce flexible passes in all public hospitals for patients and their families. I am very aware of the financial burden this issue can cause some patients and families. Accordingly, my Department and the HSE are currently examining the issue, including consideration of the review submitted in 2018.

Disability Services Funding

Questions (163)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

163. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the number of business plans received by the HSE seeking funding for persons with disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021, by county; the number of these business plans that were made for children; the corresponding number of same approved for funding; the number which are outstanding in respect of which no funding has been approved in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15975/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

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

Respite Care Services

Questions (164)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

164. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the number of children aged under 18 years of age on waiting lists for respite by county; and the average length of time these children have been waiting for respite in tabular form. [15976/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

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

Health Services

Questions (165)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

165. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the reason for the reconfiguring of services in CHO2; the additional resources that will be put in place in each county to support this reconfiguration; the impact it will have on existing services primarily run by an organisation (details supplied); the way in which the new services will work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15977/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (166)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

166. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the number of children on waiting lists for treatment or procedures at Children's Health Ireland, Crumlin; the number of children on these waiting lists with an address in County Roscommon or County Galway; the average length of time these children have been waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15978/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The information requested by the Deputy is being collated by Department officials and a deferred reply will be submitted within ten working days.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (167)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

167. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if dance and stage school teachers are due to be vaccinated in the same cohort as mainstream educational teachers; and, if so, the cohort in which they are placed. [15982/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

On the 23rd of February 2021, I announced an update to Ireland’s COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy.

In comprising the initial Vaccine Allocation Strategy, the NIAC listed several conditions associated with increased risk of severe disease and death. In the intervening period, national and international evidence has become available which has enabled a more detailed analysis of underlying conditions that may increase the risk of developing severe disease or death.

The NIAC has now been able to more comprehensively identify those medical conditions and to distinguish between those which place a person at very high or high risk of severe disease if they contract the virus. Medical conditions and the magnitude of the risk they pose will continue to be monitored and periodically reviewed.

The NIAC continues to monitor data around this disease and indeed emerging data on effectiveness of vaccines on a rolling basis. Further details are available at the following link:

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/b44b2-minister-donnelly-announces-update-to-vaccine-allocation-strategy/

The next cohort to be vaccinated (Cohort 4) are those aged 16-69 and at very high risk of severe illness and death. Vaccination of this group began in March.

The ongoing review process will continue to look at the other priority groups yet to be vaccinated, along with the competing needs of those working or living in high-risk situations, carers who deliver essential services to highly dependent individuals in the home setting, and those who are socially vulnerable/disadvantaged.

It is important to emphasise that vaccination is only one part of our response to the prevention of COVID-19 infection. People who are vaccinated need to continue with all the public health measures that have been proven to reduce the risk of infection, i.e., limiting our social contacts, physical distancing, wearing a mask, hand hygiene, cough etiquette and avoiding non-essential travel until a sufficiently large proportion of the population are immune.