Written Answers Nos. 494-520
495. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Justice the status of the development of the third national strategy; if it is on track to be completed by the end of 2021; the details of the process for the draft strategy planned to go out to public consultation in September 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44979/21]
View answerTackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in all its forms is a priority for me and for Government.
My Department is leading the development across Government of the third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence which will place a priority on prevention and reduction and will include a National Preventative Strategy. This new Strategy is being co-designed in partnership with the sector. It will be the most ambitious strategy to date and will radically improve services and supports for victims. The strategy is on track to be developed by my Department in consultation with all relevant Departments and stakeholders with a view to it coming to Government for approval before the end of 2021.
The Department of Justice has partnered with Safe Ireland and the National Women’s Council (NWCI) to provide expert support in developing the new strategy. Among other actions, this includes expert advice on moving to an outcome-focussed framework, the development of a prevention focused strategy, and support for wider public involvement in the consultation phase.
The process is being supported by external research consultants who are working on a number of different elements including a review of the second national strategy, identifying the major issues to be addressed and coordinating public input into the new strategy. The public input to date has included -
- Five geographically focused workshops and 12 thematic workshops (addressing intersectionality and thematic sessions) attended by more than 100 individuals, and
- An online survey which attracted 109 responses, of which 87 were eligible. 77% of respondents were either victims/survivors of DSGBV or family and/or friends of victims/survivors.
Analysis of the feedback at these events is currently being examined.
Interviews with senior decision makers in relevant Departments and agencies have also been undertaken with a view to exploring potential co-design action areas for implementation.
In line with the cross Government approach being taken in developing this strategy, Minister Humphreys and I recently wrote to all Ministers asking how they can contribute to the strategy. We will also be asking the same of all of the relevant agencies in the justice sector, including An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service.
It is my intention to have a draft strategy ready for a further round of public consultation in the coming weeks.
496. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if she has deleted text messages or email correspondence related to Government or official communications at any point since January 2020 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45041/21]
View answerIt is not my practice to conduct Government business by text message.
Text messages, however, are used for routine matters, such as for office management, scheduling, diary meetings etc.
I am fully aware of my obligations under Freedom of Information legislation and I act in accordance with that legislation. All emails in my office are handled in full accordance with FOI requirements.
497. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of bench warrants currently outstanding in the Garda B and C Districts within the Dublin Metropolitan Region; the number of those warrants outstanding per district that are in excess of minimum of 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45050/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, difficulties in relation to the execution of warrants, including bench warrants, are a long-standing issue for many police services around the world; notably relating to persons actively seeking to evade detection and where limited identification information might be available to support enforcement. I am assured, however, that An Garda Síochána execute warrants as expeditiously as possible, giving priority to the execution of warrants relating to serious crimes.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the below table shows the count of outstanding bench warrants for the Districts requested by the Deputy and those outstanding for a period of 12 months or longer.
These figures were gathered from PULSE as of 16 September 2021 and are operational and subject to change.
|
District |
Outstanding |
12 Months or Older |
|
Pearse Street |
739 |
552 |
|
Store Street |
1905 |
1625 |
498. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda cars and vans attached to each Garda district within the Dublin Metropolitan Region as of 15 September 2021; if this number will be further increased before the end of 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45051/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. In addition, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for the allocation of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in these decisions. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that at 31 August 2021, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 3,228 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet. This represents an increase of over 7% since 31 August 2020 when there were 3,015 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet.
The following table, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, shows the number of vehicles attached to each Garda District within the DMR at 31 August, the latest date for which figures are available.
|
Division/District |
Cars |
Vans |
4x4 |
Others |
Total |
|
BLACKROCK-W |
33 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
38 |
|
DUNLAOGHAIRE-F |
37 |
9 |
0 |
1 |
47 |
|
DMR EAST |
70 |
13 |
1 |
1 |
85 |
|
BALBRIGGAN-Y |
13 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
14 |
|
BALLYMUN |
32 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
41 |
|
COOLOCK-R |
23 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
25 |
|
RAHENY-J |
22 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
25 |
|
DMR NORTH |
90 |
13 |
1 |
1 |
105 |
|
BRIDEWELL |
10 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
13 |
|
FITZGIBBON STREET |
22 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
29 |
|
STORE STREET |
35 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
42 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
67 |
13 |
3 |
1 |
84 |
|
CRUMLIN-G |
20 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
28 |
|
TALLAGHT-M |
32 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
40 |
|
TERENURE-P |
19 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
22 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
71 |
16 |
2 |
1 |
90 |
|
DONNYBROOK-E |
18 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
25 |
|
KEVIN STREET-A |
32 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
38 |
|
PEARSE STREET-B |
18 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
24 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
68 |
18 |
0 |
1 |
87 |
|
BLANCHARDSTOWN-K |
42 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
49 |
|
CLONDALKIN-L |
23 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
27 |
|
LUCAN-Q |
19 |
3 |
0 |
5 |
27 |
|
DMR WEST |
84 |
13 |
0 |
6 |
103 |
*The category 'others' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles
499. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of dogs currently in the Garda dog unit; the number of horses currently in the Garda mounted unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45052/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the allocation of resources among Garda units. As Minister for Justice, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 27 dogs attached to the Garda Dog Unit and 13 horses attached to the Garda Mounted Unit.
500. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardai who successfully completed the van personnel carrier course in 2020 and to date in 2021; the duration of this course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45055/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the arrangement of training courses for Garda members. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the aim of the Garda van personnel carrier course is to upskill operational Garda members in the driving of vans and personnel carriers which contain more than 8 seats. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that personnel carriers are used to transport operational members between points of duty and public events and public order situations.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that 21 Garda members successfully completed the van personnel carrier course in 2020 and 6 Garda members have successfully completed the course in 2021 to date. I am further advised that the course is 4 days in duration.
501. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí, by rank, attached to the diversion protective services unit in the Cavan-Monaghan, Sligo-Leitrim and the Wexford Garda division as of 13 September 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45056/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. Further, the allocation of Garda resources is made in light of identified operational demands. This includes deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions and specialist units. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in these matters.
I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure their optimum use.
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that Divisional Protective Services Units provide a best practice service in relation to all domestic abuse incidents and interventions and are responsible for the quality and conduct of their investigations, including the regular updating of victims.
For the Deputy's information, the following table, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Gardaí attached to Divisional Protective Services Units in Cavan-Monaghan, Sligo-Leitrim and Wexford at 20 September 2021.
|
Division |
Inspector |
Detective Sergeant |
Sergeant |
Detective Gardaí |
Gardaí |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
1 (Part time) |
2 |
- |
10 |
- |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
1 (Part time) |
1 |
- |
5 |
- |
|
Wexford |
- |
- |
2 |
- |
10 |
502. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Justice the number of bicycles and electric bicycles assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan Region east Garda division; the number of new bicycles and electric bicycles assigned in each of the years 2016 to 2020, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45073/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the distribution of resources across the various Garda Divisions. As Minister for Justice, I have no direct role in this matter.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) East Garda Division currently has use of 18 mountain bikes and that no new bikes have been allocated to this Division in the years 2016 to 2020. I am further advised that there are currently no electric bicycles allocated to the DMR East Garda Division.
503. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the progress of the inquest in relation to the Stardust fire; the timeframe and budget for same; and her views on whether the resources allocated will be sufficient. [45121/21]
View answer507. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the reason inquests (details supplied) have been further delayed due to issues in relation to legal aid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45240/21]
View answer508. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the reason the inquest for the 48 victims of the Stardust fire has been postponed from its original commencement date in October 2021; if her is Department still committed to ensuring the legal team of the families of the victims is funded in accordance with the legal aid rates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45248/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 503, 507 and 508 together.
The Stardust fire was a national tragedy that has left a particular legacy of pain for many people in North Dublin. I again offer my deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the 48 young people killed in the Stardust fire over forty years ago. These families have suffered a terrible loss. I also recognise the impact on everyone who attended that night and the impact on the local community.
I am committed to ensuring that the new inquests into the Stardust deaths and the families involved are provided with all relevant supports.
Government funding of up to €8m has been allocated for the new inquests. This funding will provide for legal aid for the families concerned and for other supports including the fit-out of the bespoke courtroom in the RDS.
The Legal Aid Board, which is independent in the conduct of its functions, is, I am informed, engaging with the legal representatives of the families to agree an appropriate funding structure and schedule.
The conduct of the Stardust inquests is entirely a matter for the Senior Dublin Coroner, Dr Myra Cullinane. Her independence in relation to such matters is set out in the Coroners Acts and I have no role in this regard.
I understand that the public facing elements of the inquests are expected to commence once the necessary preliminary hearings conclude. The Senior Dublin Coroner has held five preliminary hearings to date, and has scheduled a sixth pre-inquest hearing to take place on 13 October.
Further information can be found on the dedicated website at: www.stardustfireinquests.ie.
504. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice if the subscribed visas that were submitted before May 2021 in Afghanistan included applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45171/21]
View answer505. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice the number of visas her Department has granted to Afghans since 1 May 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45172/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 504 and 505 together.
In response to the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, my Department is currently focused on processing immigration applications for Afghan family members of Irish citizens and Afghan nationals living in Ireland.
I can inform the Deputy, that between 1 January 2021 and 30 April 2021, 64 applications for visas were made by Afghan citizens. During the same period, my Department granted a total of 47 visas to Afghan nationals.
From 1 May to 15 September 2021, my Department granted 170 visas to Afghan nationals, including 19 that were granted on appeal.
Visa applications for Afghan family members of Irish citizens and Afghan nationals living in Ireland are being assessed speedily and sympathetically. There are currently 196 EU Treaty Rights applications on hand in respect of Afghan nationals and 150 join family visa applications being processed from the Abu Dhabi Embassy.
In addition to visa applications, my Department is currently processing family reunification applications for 65 Afghan family members. These are being prioritised, with full consideration given to the current humanitarian context. To date this year, family reunification permission has been granted to 106 Afghan family members under the terms of the International Protection Act 2015.
The Government announced that a number of places would be allocated to Afghan nationals as ‘programme refugees’ under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP). The Department of Children, Equality, Integration, Disability and Youth (DCEIDY) has overall responsibility for the IRPP, with practical support provided by my Department by way of issuing visas to facilitate travel to Ireland. Priority has been given to those working on human rights issues, including the rights of women and girls and minorities, as well as those working with NGOs and European and international organisations. As of 19 September 2021, my Department has issued 368 visas or visa letters in lieu to this cohort on a humanitarian basis.
506. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice the budget allocation for the Data Protection Commission in each of the years 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [45209/21]
View answerThe figures requested by the Deputy are set out in the following table. There has been a continued year-on-year increase in funding for the Data Protection Commission (DPC) , which has its own Vote since 1 January 2020.
|
Year |
Allocated DPC Funding |
Underspends |
|
2021 |
€19,100,000 |
- |
|
2020 |
€16,916,000 |
€4.7m |
|
2019 |
€15,280,000 |
€4.8m |
The Commission received an allocation of €19.1 million in funding under Budget 2021. This represents a 13% increase on the €16.9 million that was allocated for 2020 and a more than five-fold increase from its 2015 allocation of €3.647m, in line with its increased functions. The expenditure to the end of August 2021 is €7.8 million.
There has also been a continued increase in the Commission’s staffing, most recently from 145 at the end of 2020 to 178 as of August 2021.
My Department has also supported the Commission in securing sanction for a new Dublin office premises in May 2021 alongside the ongoing operation of its office in Portarlington.
The Programme for Government clearly commits to ‘Recognise the domestic and international importance of data protection in Ireland.’ Moreover, that the Government ‘will ensure that Ireland delivers on its responsibilities under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)’.
In keeping with these commitments, my Department will continue to monitor the impact of implementation of the GDPR, the impact of any possible future regulatory changes as well as any changes within industry, in conjunction with the DPC, to ensure that the DPC continues to have the resources required to fulfil its important, statutory obligations. The existence of a professional and competent data protection regulator in Ireland is also a critical enabler to the development and growth of our digital economy.
509. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the reason the investigation into the Dóchas centre has not yet been completed; when is it expected to be completed and published in view of the concerns that have been raised regarding the facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45252/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Office of the Inspector of Prisons is a statutory body, independent in its work, including with respect to the management of the section 31(2) report referred to. The Inspector continues to engage with my officials regarding the progress made with a view to the finalisation of the report as soon as possible.
510. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the steps his Department will take to address the situation in which persons who suffered a severe adverse reaction to the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and are precluded on strict, medical grounds from receiving the second, find themselves through no fault of their own in certification limbo with concomitant negative effects on the practice of their profession and on their employment, such certification matter being inherently discriminatory and denying them equality though they have fulfilled their civic and public health duty (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45006/21]
View answer589. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the provisions in place for a person who has been advised to not take the Covid-19 vaccine due to adverse reactions to vaccines as a child; and if a letter from their general practitioner detailing this contraindication medically advised ineligibility for the vaccine will suffice for them in lieu of an EU Digital COVID Certificate and therefore allow them access to restaurants and other indoor spaces when it is required. [44710/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 510 and 589 together.
The current high level of COVID-19 infection and the dominance of the significantly more transmissible Delta variant poses a very substantial threat, particularly to those who are not fully protected through vaccination. The NPHET’s advice remains that those who are not fully vaccinated should avoid congregated indoor settings for their own and others safety.
For this reason, current Government policy, based on the advice of the NPHET, is that certification of immunity is required for indoor hospitality. On 31 August, the Government agreed that during the period between 6 September and 22 October, certification of immunity should be used to access some organised indoor and outdoor events and mass gatherings.
These measures have been implemented on an interim basis and subject to necessary criteria being met, the full reopening of events and activities will take place from 22 October, with certification of immunity as a prerequisite for access to, or engagement in, any activities or events no longer required (with the exception of international travel). However, it is important to note that the public health advice will continue to be that those who have not been fully vaccinated should avoid or exercise very high levels of caution in high-risk environments.
The Deputies may wish to be aware that on 15 July, NIAC made a recommendation, which was endorsed by the Chief Medical Officer and accepted by the Minister for Health that while the preference was for homologous vaccination regimens (using the same vaccine as part of a two dose regime) that selective use of heterologous vaccination schedules (two different vaccines used as part of two dose regime) should be permitted where a second vaccine dose of a homologous regimen is contraindicated, irrespective of whether the first dose was an mRNA or adenoviral vector vaccine. NIAC in conjunction with the RCPI and the Irish Association of Allergy and Immunology have prepared a guide to aid vaccinators and other healthcare workers on how to advise allergic individuals in respect of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, this guide is available here: rcpi-live-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/FAQs-about-COVID19-Vaccines-and-Allergies_12August2021.pdf
511. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health the plans that are in progress in his Department through his engagement with NPHET, the HSE and the Department of Education to reduce the number of days that students, children and young adults in primary and secondary school that are close contacts of confirmed Covid-19 cases must isolate which is currently ten days (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45049/21]
View answer586. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he has plans to change the public health advice given to schools in respect of deemed close contacts of confirmed Covid-19 cases being obliged to restrict their movements and remain at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44692/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 511 and 586 together.
Testing and contact tracing has been a key component of our response to the pandemic and has been fundamental to identifying the source and containing the spread of the virus. The role of testing and contact tracing, as part of the wider public health response, has been under ongoing review throughout the pandemic and will continue to be reviewed and amended in line with the epidemiological profile of the disease, its impact on healthcare utilisation and outcomes, and the vaccination status of the population.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has made a number of recommendations for the testing and tracing programme for the coming period, subject to an assessment of the impact of the return to education on the epidemiological profile of the disease.
I have approved a recommendation, for implementation in the coming days, focusing on children in early years and primary education settings to ensure that the education of the children of this country can continue uninterrupted to the greatest extent possible. The recommendations I have approved involve changes for children in childcare and primary education, discontinuing automatic contact tracing of close contacts, discontinuing testing of asymptomatic close contacts and a removal of the requirement for close contacts to self-isolate. It remains important that children who are symptomatic should continue to rapidly self-isolate and not attend school or socialise until 48 hours after resolution of symptoms.
NPHET has advised that any further potential changes to our testing and tracing programme will be subject to ongoing assessment of the prevailing epidemiological conditions, and I will give them consideration at the appropriate time.
Ensuring the availability of testing and tracing services in school settings remains a priority as the school year continues. It is important to note that these changes have not yet come in to effect and are subject to an assessment of the impact of the return to education on the epidemiological profile of the disease. It remains important that testing and contact tracing is carried out in line with currently agreed protocols for these activities within the HSE. The advise and guidance that currently applies continues to be made available on the HSE website.
Testing and contact tracing has been a key component of our response to the pandemic and has been fundamental to identifying the source and containing the spread of the virus. The role of testing and contact tracing, as part of the wider public health response, has been under ongoing review throughout the pandemic and will continue to be reviewed and amended in line with the epidemiological profile of the disease, its impact on healthcare utilisation and outcomes, and the vaccination status of the population.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has made a number of recommendations for the testing and tracing programme for the coming period, subject to an assessment of the impact of the return to education on the epidemiological profile of the disease.
I have approved a recommendation, for implementation in the coming days, focusing on children in early years and primary education settings to ensure that the education of the children of this country can continue uninterrupted to the greatest extent possible. The recommendations I have approved involve changes for children in childcare and primary education, discontinuing automatic contact tracing of close contacts, discontinuing testing of asymptomatic close contacts and a removal of the requirement for close contacts to self-isolate. It remains important that children who are symptomatic should continue to rapidly self-isolate and not attend school or socialise until 48 hours after resolution of symptoms.
NPHET has advised that any further potential changes to our testing and tracing programme will be subject to ongoing assessment of the prevailing epidemiological conditions, and I will give them consideration at the appropriate time.
Ensuring the availability of testing and tracing services in school settings remains a priority as the school year continues. It is important to note that these changes have not yet come in to effect and are subject to an assessment of the impact of the return to education on the epidemiological profile of the disease. It remains important that testing and contact tracing is carried out in line with currently agreed protocols for these activities within the HSE. The advise and guidance that currently applies continues to be made available on the HSE website.
512. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health the dates on which the various changes to the fair deal scheme announced in the Housing for All document are due to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45131/21]
View answerThe Indecon Report on the Taxation of Vacant Residential Property (2018) recommended that a major programme of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO) should be activated by Local Authorities to purchase vacant properties, even when these dwellings are not suitable for social housing.
In this regard, Housing for All: A new Housing Plan for Ireland provides for such a programme of CPO acquisitions, supported by a bridging finance facility from the Housing Finance Agency, which will allow Local Authorities to maximise opportunities to return vacant properties to productive use.
The objective of the programme, which will be introduced by the end of 2021, is for Local Authorities to acquire up to 2,500 vacant units by 2026 and present them to the open market for sale.
The Housing Agency will assist and advise Local Authorities with the CPO process. Vacant Homes Officers, already in situ in each Local Authority, will be responsible for driving this programme forward.
513. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the reason for the exclusion of home carers from the critical skills exemption to the non-EEA employment permit system; the way he plans to ensure the service will continue to be delivered in the home care sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44426/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to the introduction of a statutory scheme to support people to live in their own homes, which will provide equitable access to high-quality, regulated home care. The Department of Health is in the process of developing a statutory scheme for the financing and regulation of home-support. It is intended that the new scheme will provide equitable and transparent access to high-quality services based on a person’s assessed care-needs.
As part of this work, my department is examining the potential demand and cost of introducing such a scheme. Following this, work will be undertaken to examine the associated workforce requirements for the introduction of such a scheme and officials from the department will engage with relevant stakeholders from other sectors as required.
The employment permits system operated by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages. This objective must be balanced by the need to ensure that there are no suitably qualified Irish/EEA nationals available to undertake the work. The employment permits system is managed through the operation of the critical skills and the ineligible occupations lists which determine employments that are either in high demand or are ineligible for consideration for an employment permit.
The critical skills and ineligible occupation lists are reviewed twice a yearly in a process led by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment. It is an evidence-based process that takes account of labour market conditions and submissions from sectors and other stakeholders together with contextual factors, including in the current context, COVID-19. The purpose of the system is to maximise the benefits of economic migration while minimising the risk of disrupting the Irish labour market.
The review of the occupations list for 2021 is currently underway and officials from my department will engage in discussions with officials from the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment in respect of submissions received relating to the health sector. The public consultation phase of this review commenced on 1 July 2021 with a closing date for submissions of Thursday, 12 August 2021. The submissions received from the home care sector will be considered in the context of this review.
514. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied) who has been waiting in excess of five months for an MRI scan at University Hospital Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44437/21]
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.
515. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the community health organisations within the State which offer electricity subsidies to patients who suffer from COPD or similar illnesses which result in excessive use of oxygen machines and so on, in particular, in cases in which those persons are in low-income households; the reason a disparity appears to remain across different CHOs which clearly demonstrates that there is a postcode advantage in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44439/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
516. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason unit 1 in Merlin Park Hospital, Galway is not open for patients for overnight care; when it is anticipated that unit 1 will reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44443/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
517. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health when a corrected EU Digital COVID Certificate will issue to a person (details supplied) considering that they had already received eight certificates which were incorrect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44446/21]
View answerThe HSE have advised my officials that this issue has been resolved and that the Digital Covid Certificate (DCC) for Ms. Walsh has now been issued.
The issue arose because the national vaccination system (Covax) was over writing the corrected first name, despite this being submitted by the call centre on multiple occasions. In rectifying the issue one further DCC with the incorrect name was issued before the corrected DCC was finally sent by email.
518. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if his Department has plans to introduce a programme (details supplied) at Waterford Institute of Technology free of charge for those patients who cannot afford the programme but who could significantly benefit from same; if additional supports will be made available to cover these costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44449/21]
View answerThe promotion of physical activity has been a priority for my Department in the context of the implementation of Healthy Ireland, A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013 – 2025, and, more recently, the Healthy Ireland Strategic Action Plan.
This was evidenced by the publication of Get Ireland Active - the National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP); 2016-2020 (now extended to 2021). The National Sports Policy (NSP) was published by our colleagues in DTCAGSM (then DTTAS), in 2018. The two policies are being implemented in co-ordination, with Healthy Ireland represented on the Sports Leadership Group and DTCAGSM co-chairing the NPAP Implementation Group.
NPAP implementation is overseen by a cross-sectoral Implementation Group co-chaired by the Departments of Health and Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. The Departments of Education, Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth, Housing, Local Government & Heritage, and Rural & Community Development are also represented, along with Sport Ireland, the HSE, the Federation of Irish Sport, the Local Government Management Agency and the academic sector. The Sports Leadership Group, chaired by Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht, Jack Chambers T.D., also has cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary representation.
The NPAP contains 60 actions intended to promote increased physical activity levels across the population, divided into 8 Action Areas. Implementation of the current Physical Activity Plan is being reviewed this year with a view to charting the future direction of the Plan.
The evidence base regarding the protective effect of physical activity on health will be taken into consideration in drafting a renewed version of the Plan. Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of premature death globally. Previous research, quoted in the National Sports Policy, estimates that inactivity may contribute to 12,000 excess deaths in Ireland alone. In Ireland, non-communicable diseases – cancer, CVD, COPD and diabetes, account for 76% of all deaths.
If physical inactivity were absent in the Irish population it is estimated that the occurrence of new chronic heart disease cases would reduce by 8.8%, new diabetes cases by 10.9%, new breast cancer cases by 15.2% and new colon cancer cases by 15.7% and the overall life expectancy of the population would increase by 0.87 years. Moreover, regular exercise is also effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
More recent research, conducted in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, shows that being sufficiently physically active has significant protective effects against severe impacts from infectious disease also. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of upper respiratory tract infections and results in a 31% decreased risk of community acquired infectious diseases; moreover, there is a 37% decreased risk of infectious disease mortality between active and inactive individuals. Regular physical activity can be shown to increase post-vaccination antibody levels, particularly in older adults, and to reduce markers of inflammation.
Recent advice from HIQA to NPHET, following an examination of 46 cohort studies, advises that interventions focussed on maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, exercising often, being Vitamin D sufficient and moderating alcohol consumption would have beneficial effects on general health and may reduce the risk of adverse effects from Covid-19.
Efforts to support higher population activity levels are ongoing; the NPAP aims to raise the numbers meeting our National Physical Activity Guidelines (NPAG) by 1% per annum, while the NSP has a target of 60% of the population meeting the Guidelines by 2027. The Healthy Ireland Survey, 2019, found that the proportion meeting the NPAG had risen to 46% from 44% in 2015; the Irish Sports Monitor reported that this proportion rose to an all time high of 51% during Q1-2, 2020, during the initial period of Covid-19 restrictions, before falling back slightly again.
In planning to increase physical activity and sport participation levels, it will be necessary to include long-term health condition management and additional supports for people living with disabilities, chronic conditions and/or increasing frailty and disadvantage. In tandem with an increased prevalence of chronic conditions, physical activity levels typically decline with age and those from socio-economically vulnerable communities have lower levels of physical activity and sports participation rates compared to more affluent communities.
The National Physical Activity Plan is currently undergoing a review process; the need for additional supports for people living with disabilities, chronic conditions, frailty and/or disadvantage will be considered in the context of this review and of policy renewal.
In addition to the above response, as the specific query relates to a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
519. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the current waiting times for an appointment for paediatric occupational therapy appointments in counties Roscommon and Galway; the number of children currently awaiting a first appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44464/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
520. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the hospitals that enter into agreements to rent or lease parking space to outside companies; the revenue raised in each location; the duration of the arrangement in each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44467/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
