Written Answers Nos. 657-676
657. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Justice the reason for the delay in the processing of applications submitted by either a solicitor or a private individual for grants of probate and administration particularly in the Probate Office in Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24432/21]
View answerUnder 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 provided the following update on this matter.
The Courts Service advises that Kilkenny District Probate Registry had a temporary resourcing issue from February of this year, which has now been resolved. Prior to the pandemic, I understand that such issues were resolved by temporarily reassigning resources from other offices to back fill posts. However, travel restrictions and the risk of cross office infection arising from Covid-19 ruled out this option.
I am further advised that the Kilkenny Court Office notified the local Solicitors Associations in Carlow, Kilkenny and Laois of the situation and updated them regularly. The Office continued to deal with searches, issuing of copy wills and email and phone queries on Probate matters during this period.
The Courts Service has informed me that the issue has now been resolved and outstanding applications are being worked through.
658. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons employed by her Department; and the collective total salary received by employees of her Department. [24454/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy the total number of staff in my Department, offices/agencies staffed by my Department and the collective salary costs are as follows:
|
Number of Staff |
Collective Salary Cost |
|
|
Department |
1,445 |
€66,393,741 |
|
Offices/Agencies staffed by the Department* |
1,060 |
€55,525,135 |
|
Total |
2,505 |
€121,918,876 |
*Includes administrative staff in Irish Prison Service.
659. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice if she or her Department employ persons or firms to deal with public relations; if so, the number of persons employed by her Department to deal with public relations; the names of any firms involved; and the amount spent on public relations by her Department. [24455/21]
View answerFrom January 2019 to September 2020, public relations agency Drury Porter Novelli was engaged by my Department to provide public relations and communications support to the Balance for Better Business review group. This independent business-led review group was established by the Government to improve gender balance in senior business leadership in Ireland, and supported by the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
Services provided by Drury Porter Novelli included advice and assistance in regard to the overall communications strategy, ongoing communications support, and managing a social media presence for the Balance for Better Business initiative.
They also supported small scale public relations opportunities organised under the auspices of or in association with the initiative. The cost of these services to my Department is outlined in tabular form below:
|
PR Agency |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Drury Porter Novelli |
€41,922.33 |
€69,486.84 |
With the transfer of the equality function to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in October 2020, the contract with Drury Porter Novelli also moved across to Minister O'Gorman's Department.
Currently, there are no contracts in place with any external public relations firms and my Department's press office supports me in the delivery of my functions.
660. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí assigned to the local drugs units in the DMR west region as of 1 April 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24569/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing, administering and carrying on the business of An Garda Síochána. This includes the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff as well as the manner in which Gardaí are distributed and stationed throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 31 March 2021, the Dublin Metropolitan Region West (DMR West) has a total strength of 769 members of all ranks. There are currently 23 members assigned to the DMR West Drugs Units, 4 Sergeants and 19 Gardaí.
661. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice her views on the expedition of citizenship applications for non-national frontline healthcare workers; the actions she has taken to date to implement such a policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24585/21]
View answerI recognise and acknowledge the crucial role frontline workers are continuing to play in responding to the threat of COVID-19. They work in a challenging environment and deal with vulnerable people on a daily basis. Their exceptional commitment has been particularly clear throughout the pandemic, during which they have been playing a key role in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually inaccordance with legislation. There are no provisions to apply different criteria depending on the category of employment of the applicant. All applicants are required to meet minimumperiods of reckonable residence and standard checks are carried out as part of the overall process to maintain its integrity.
A significant backlog has built up regarding the granting of citizenships due to the inability to hold in person ceremonies during COVID-19. On 18 January 2021, a temporary system that enables applicants to complete their naturalisation process by signing a statutory declaration of loyalty was opened. Approximately 1,708 people have received their Irish citizenship since then including a significant number of healthcare and other frontline workers. A further 1,057 people have returned their signed statutory declarations and the Immigration Service will be sending them their certificates of naturalisation in the coming weeks.
It has also been decided to extend the statutory declaration process to a further 2,500 people by the end of June. At that point, we will have communicated with all those that were recorded, as at 30 December 2020, as having been in the system 24 months or more and 6,500 people, including a significant number of healthcare and other frontline workers, will have been given the opportunity to complete their Irish citizenship. Those receiving a communication from my Department are being invited to complete the final steps required prior to the granting of a certificate of naturalisation.
In-person citizenship ceremonies have been provisionally scheduled to resume in December 2021, subject to the safety of all involved being assured.
Plans for the digitalisation of the naturalisation process are well advanced, in line with the plan to significantly modernise the Justice Sector through increased digital and ICT investment. The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up additional resources to focus on enhanced customer service delivery, ensuring the integrity of the process is protected and processing applications in a timely and efficient manner.
662. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of funding the endoscopy action plan to build a sustainable endoscopy system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23713/21]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
663. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); if his officials will make contact with them with a view to offering advice; if he will facilitate their exemption from mandatory hotel quarantine on compassionate medical grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24309/21]
View answerMandatory hotel quarantine has been introduced as one element of Ireland’s public health measures to combat the transmission of COVID-19 variants of concern.
The Health Act 1947, as amended, provides that all persons arriving in Ireland from a designated state, or having travelled through a designated state in the previous 14 days, are required to undergo mandatory quarantine in a designated facility unless they are an exempted traveller under the Act. All applicable travellers must reserve and pay for a place in mandatory hotel quarantine.
The Act identifies those who are exempt from mandatory hotel quarantine and a full list of exemptions can be accessed on gov.ie/quarantine.
With effect from 8th May, if a person has travelled abroad for unavoidable, imperative and time-sensitive medical reasons they will not be required to undergo mandatory hotel quarantine on their return to Ireland. In addition, any carer or dependent travelling with this person will also be exempted from the requirement to undergo mandatory hotel quarantine.
As of 17th April, passengers who are 'fully vaccinated' and have the documents to confirm this are no longer required to complete mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival in Ireland. Dependents, including children, will also be exempted from the requirement to complete mandatory hotel quarantine in this instance. Please note that the 4 EMA approved vaccines currently accepted have specific definitions for when a person would be considered 'fully vaccinated'.
Passengers who are 'fully vaccinated' and exempt from hotel quarantine are still subject to other travel restrictions, such as the need to provide a negative pre-departure PCR test and complete a period of self-quarantine at home or wherever specified in their passenger locator form.
The provisions of the Act also allow for travellers to request a review of decisions relating to their quarantine; however this can only be undertaken once quarantine has begun.
Neither I as Minister for Health nor my Department have a role in decisions relating to whether individual persons must enter mandatory quarantine or whether individual persons are exempted travellers. All such decisions are to be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
Further information can be accessed on gov.ie/quarantine.
664. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health if he will consider correspondence (details supplied) in relation to a retired nurse; if the supplementary pension being sought in the case outlined will be paid as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24366/21]
View answerThe issues raised in the correspondence provided by the Deputy relate to PRSI cover as well as supplementary pensions.
In relation to PRSI class, the Government decided in 1995 that full social welfare cover should be extended to all newly appointed Civil and Public servants and that they should pay the full Class A social insurance contribution. The change was introduced by the Department of Social Protection under the Social Welfare (Modification of Insurance) (Amendment) Regulations 1995 (S.I. No. 77/1995), as amended.
This Regulation also provided that where a person, who had previously served in the civil or public service and paid modified insurance, had a break in service they would become Class A Social Insurance contributors.
Where a person is fully insured under the Social Welfare regulations their occupational pension is generally integrated with the State Pension i.e. when calculating the pension payable to an individual account is taken of any social welfare benefits to which an individual has an entitlement.
Supplementary pension is one particular aspect of integrated pensions which arise when a bridging payment is required to provide for an individual's overall public service pension entitlement because there can be a shortfall in this benefit in certain circumstances e.g. when a person, due to causes outside his/her control, fails to qualify for social insurance benefit or qualifies for such benefit at less than the maximum personal rate. However, these payments are not automatic and are subject to specific rules.
These integration arrangements and the rules for the payment of a supplementary pension have always existed for fully insured public servants. Similar rules for integrated pension schemes apply across the public service. In the HSE Employee Superannuation Scheme (SI 362 of 2010) the rules are set out at 9.5 of the Scheme.
665. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if a person who has previously tested positive and recovered from Covid-19 is exempt from mandatory hotel quarantine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24715/21]
View answerThe Health Act 1947, as amended, provides that all persons arriving in Ireland from a designated state, or having travelled through a designated state in the previous 14 days, are required to undergo mandatory quarantine in a designated facility unless they are an exempted traveller under the Act.
At this time, persons who have had a confirmed case of COVID-19 and have recovered are not exempted travellers under the Health Act.
As of 17th April, passengers who are 'fully vaccinated' and have the documents to confirm this are no longer required to complete mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival in Ireland. Dependents, including children, will also be exempted from the requirement to complete mandatory hotel quarantine in this instance. A full list of other exempted persons can be found on gov.ie/quarantine.
The Government continues to evaluate wider policy on international travel as informed by the epidemiological situation and public health advice, including the possibility of future exemptions. Public health will remain a paramount consideration.
666. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been waiting for an operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23610/21]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
667. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the planned reopening dates for funfairs, theme parks, amusement parks, circuses and aquariums. [23608/21]
View answer702. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health when outdoor amusement parks and arcades can reopen. [23715/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 667 and 702 together.
There has been considerable progress in reducing infection levels since the peak of the wave of infection in late 2020/early 2021 because of the widespread commitment and adherence by the public to the public health measures in place. While there is still a high level of infection nationally, the situation is considered reasonably stable and significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme.
In recognition of the improving situation, the Government announced a roadmap on the 29 April for the gradual lifting of some restrictions over the next two months, with a particular focus on allowing more outdoor activities. A range of measures will be eased in May, with a further easing of measures in June subject to the epidemiological situation at the time. Further detail is available on Gov.ie:
https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/0bd80-new-public-health-measures-announced-the-path-ahead/
NPHET advise that this phased plan for the months of May and June can be considered low to medium risk. However, they also advise that a faster reopening, in particular involving a greater level of indoor mixing, over these months would be very high risk.
I can confirm to the Deputies that outdoor amusement parks and arcades, funfairs, theme parks, amusement parks, and circuses are not permitted to reopen under current public health restrictions commencing on the 10 May. Aquariums are permitted to reopen. The level of restrictions will be kept under review by Government.
It is important to note that while there is now scope to ease a range of public health measures, this approach must continue to be cautious, gradual and on a phased basis, with sufficient time between any easing of measures to assess the impact. This will be critical to ensuring the protection of the gains of recent months, the protection of those most vulnerable, and the protection of health and social care, education, and childcare services.
Significant progress has been made on suppressing the virus over recent months due to the huge effort of people across the country. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. We all must continue to do everything possible to continue to avoid the virus spreading and to support the safe reopening of activities over the coming months.
668. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that have tested positive while staying in hotel quarantine since mandatory quarantine in Ireland was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23613/21]
View answerAs of May 7th, 94 guests in a designated facility have received a positive result from a test for COVID-19 since the system went live on March 26th.
669. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 tests taken in a location (details supplied) to date; the number of positive cases at the same location; the number of persons that failed to show up for Covid-19 tests; the average waiting period for a test at this location; the average waiting time for the return of results at the location; the number of staff by qualification at the location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23614/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
670. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23615/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly.
671. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a decision on their primary medical certificate application. [23621/21]
View answerThe Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme is underpinned by statute and comes within the remit of the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners. A requirement of the scheme involves Health Service Executive (HSE) Community Medical Doctors making a clinical determination as to whether an individual applicant meets the specified medical criteria for a Primary Medical Certificate.
Following a Supreme Court decision in June 2020, the assessment process for Primary Medical Certificates had to be suspended. While the approval of the Finance Act 2020 paved the way for assessments to recommence this year, the Community Medical Doctors have also played a key role in the National COVID-19 response, including the roll out of the vaccination programme.
I have been working with the HSE to ensure that the outstanding applications for Primary Medical Certificates are processed as a matter of urgency. HSE data indicates that 401 assessments were carried out between January and March 2021.
The HSE is continuing to monitor progress on these assessments in the context of the HSE Service Recovery and Restoration Plan. I intend to keep the matter under review, to ensure that we continue to work our way through outstanding applications.
As the issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter, I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
672. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of elective surgeries which were carried out in the state in each of the past five years and to date in 2021. [23629/21]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
673. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 tests carried out in airports in the state for each month since the start of the pandemic. [23630/21]
View answerI am presuming that the Deputy is referring to tests carried out in airports for travel related purposes. The HSE does not provide testing for Covid-19 at airports although the HSE recently opened a temporary ‘walk-in’ testing centre at Galway Airport as part of the HSE’s enhanced testing for local communities.
All passengers arriving in Ireland must:
- complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form
- provide evidence that you have a negative or ‘not detected’ result from a COVID-19 Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test carried out no more than 72 hours before you arrive into Ireland, or have evidence that you are exempt from this legal requirement
Passengers travelling from or via a designated state must also pre-book and pre-pay for a place in a designated facility for mandatory hotel quarantine.
In addition, as of Tuesday April 27th, all incoming passengers to Ireland from a non-designated State will receive communication via SMS to advise them of the option to avail of a free Covid-19 PCR test at least 5 days after their arrival. Those wishing to avail can contact any GP to book a free Covid-19 PCR test through the HSE, or they can attend one of the HSE’s free ‘walk-in test centres. A subsequent ‘not-detected’ result allows the person to exit self-quarantine early.
674. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of persons aged between 65 and 69 years of age who have registered for the Covid-19 vaccine; and the number of persons in that age bracket who have not registered. [23631/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
675. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of hospital appointments which were cancelled in 2020 and to date in 2021. [23633/21]
View answerI fully acknowledge the distress and inconvenience for patients and their families when elective procedures are cancelled, particularly for clinically urgent procedures. While every effort is made to avoid cancellation or postponement of planned procedures, the HSE has advised that planned procedures and operations can be postponed or cancelled for a variety of reasons including capacity issues due to increased scheduled and unscheduled care demand.
Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
676. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who were diagnosed with cancer in the State in each of the past five years and to date in 2021. [23634/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
