Thomas Gould
Question:483. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications received for the new scrambler initiative by county, in tabular form. [62568/21]
View answerAntisocial Behaviour
Questions (483)
Written answers
I can confirm to the Deputy that funding of almost €200,000 is being provided to eight community-based projects to work with young people involved in the anti-social use of scramblers and quad bikes and related crime. This is an important issue for the Government and is reflected in the Programme for Government commitment to enhance powers available to An Garda Síochána to limit the use of scramblers and quads by those engaged in anti-social behaviour and enact legislation to add to those powers if needed. The misuse of scramblers, quad-bikes and similar off-road vehicles is a cause of concern in a number of communities across the country, principally in Dublin but also other urban centres. Issues arise for communities where vehicles are used on public, open spaces such as in housing estates, playing pitches or in public parks. I can inform the Deputy that I chair the Anti-Social Behaviour Forum within my Department. One of the tasks of the Forum was to deliver proposals to Government for a community based approach to tackling this problem. While the role of An Garda Síochána is fundamental to addressing the misuse of scramblers and other vehicles, it was also highlighted to the Forum that engagement with communities and raising awareness are just as important. Raising awareness encompasses educating younger people of dangers to themselves and to others in using such vehicles and highlighting the dangers to parents who are considering buying such vehicles for their children. The Forum explored the opportunities of intervention and diversion from this type of activity. Earlier this year, the Department of Justice invited applications for funding from Youth Diversion Projects who would act as the focal point for local consortiums for the development of proposals for community-based interventions to work with young people involved in the anti-social use of these vehicles and related crime and anti-social behaviour. These funding provisions have so far enabled eight Youth Diversion Projects to obtain funding to work with young people involved in the misuse of these vehicles. A total of ten Youth Diversion Projects have submitted applications to the Department, though there have been two joint applications, leaving the total number of projects funded at eight.
Seven of these projects are based in Dublin with one in Limerick.
The projects will be required to consult with other local interests, including An Garda Síochána, and to create a local consortium which will include the local authority.
Based on experience with existing initiatives, it is envisaged that the local authority partner is best placed to assist with the provision of tracks and related facilities. Each proposal submitted via the YDPs is assessed in accordance with the guidelines issued by my Department. The programme will also encourage young people to engage positively to learn motorcycle skills, including maintenance, combined with relevant educational and personal development activities. Separately, the Minister of Transport is examining provisions to strengthen the law in relation to the dangerous and antisocial off-road use of scramblers, quads and other similar vehicles. It is hoped that this combined approach of increased Garda powers to tackle the misuse of scramblers, together with the creation of alternative options for those who wish to use such vehicles safely and legally, will have a significant impact in tackling the problem. The Department of Justice would welcome additional applications from other Youth Diversion Projects to support the development of additional local scrambler initiatives.
Property Management Companies
Questions (484)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:484. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if she will review the legislation in relation to management companies; if she is satisfied that the provisions that enable them to carry out their duties and obligations including the collection of management fees are sufficient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62797/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 (MUD Act) was enacted with the primary purposes of reforming the law relating to the ownership and management of common areas of multi-unit developments and facilitating the fair, efficient and effective management of owners' management companies (OMCs). OMCs are companies registered under the Companies Acts, the members of which are the owners of residential units within the development, which are established for the purposes of ownership and management of such common areas.
The Programme for Government commits the Government to conduct a review of the existing management company legislation and my Department will engage with other relevant Departments in relation to taking the appropriate steps to advance this matter.
As outlined in the Government's Housing for All Plan, my Department is currently in the process of considering the development of regulations under the MUD Act (Section 18 (17) and Section 19 (9)) to ensure that OMCs are financially sustainable and to ensure that OMCs provide for expenditure of a non-recurring nature, for example sinking fund expenditure. My Department will also engage with other relevant Departments in relation to taking the appropriate steps to advance this matter.
Immigration Policy
Questions (485)
Holly Cairns
Question:485. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the steps she is taking to address the unsuitable detention of immigration detainees in prisons and the need for a specifically designed centre for immigration detainees with specific immigration rules in accordance with the Committee’s requirements as outlined in the Council of Europe anti-torture committee’s 7th periodic visit report on Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62820/21]
View answerWritten answers
It is important to state that detention for immigration reasons only arises when all other possible options have been considered.
In the case of persons refused leave to land to enter the State, arrangements are madeby the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to return them to their point of embarkation at the earliest opportunity, which may take a number of days.
Arrangements for the removal of persons refused permission to enter the State are essentially operational matters for GNIB who work closely with civilian immigration officers on these matters. Detention of a person refused entry to the State is only undertaken as a last resort. There is a statutory obligation to return a person refused entry permission as soon as is practicable. Non-custodial measures, such as a requirement to report to a Garda Síochána station or a requirement to reside in a specified place, are widely used as alternatives to detention.
Section 5 of the Immigration Act, 2003 (as amended by the International protection Act, 2015) contains the main provisions dealing with the removal from the State of persons refused permission to enter.
It specifies that a person to whom this section applies may be arrested by an immigration officer or a member of the Garda Síochána and detained in a prescribed place of detention for the purpose of facilitating their removal from the State, which must be as soon as is practicable. It also provides that a person may be detained for a period not exceeding 12 hours at the airport or port from which the person is due to depart.
Work has been completed on a new Block F in Cloverhill remand prison which is intended to be used to accommodate people detained for immigration purposes and ensure they can be housed separately from people on remand. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic required significant measures within the Irish Prison Service (IPS) to manage and control infection risk, and it was necessary to re-purpose Block F as an isolation unit for those prisoners who have, or are suspected of having, the virus. It is intended that when the pandemic is over, Block F will revert to its original intended use, subject to the availability of staff and the impact on resources. While this will address the situation in the immediate term, work is also proceeding on the consideration of a longer-term sustainable and compliant solution.
The former Transaer building at Dublin airport has been refitted and now contains the new Dublin Airport Garda station and additional office facilities occupied by GNIB. GNIB took up residence in the office facility in July 2019 and the local Gardaí moved into the new Garda Station in December 2019. The Garda station contains four single person cells and two additional detention rooms. While the building works have completed, the cells have not been fully commissioned at this time and outstanding matters are being addressed by the authorities.
It is intended that GNIB will detain persons refused leave to land, overnight at the Dublin Airport Garda station when the detention facilities are fully commissioned.
The Justice Plan 2021 contains a commitment to review the policy of holding immigration detainees in prisons. Work is continuing to complete this action.
State Bodies
Questions (486)
Holly Cairns
Question:486. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the number of State boards under the remit of her Department or its agencies, in tabular form; the number of members of each board; the number of persons with a declared disability on each board; and the percentage of each board that is made up of persons with a declared disability. [62530/21]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will appreciate, selection processes for appointments to State boards are now supported by the Public Appointments Service. The Deputy will be aware that the State boards process is designed to enable any person to apply for a position on a State board. My Department regularly advertises positions for appointment to State boards on www.stateboards.ie.
In making appointments to State boards, my Department and the agencies under the remit of my Department ensure compliance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (2016), and pay particular attention to its recent Annex on Gender Balance, Diversity and Inclusion (2020), in addition to the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards (2015).
The information requested by the Deputy in respect of the number of State boards under the remit of my Department or its agencies and the number of members of each board is set out below in tabular format.
|
State Board/Body |
Number of members of the board |
|
Classification of Films Appeal Board |
6 |
|
Censorship of Publications Board |
0 |
|
Courts Service Board |
18 |
|
Garda Síochána Inspectorate |
3 |
|
Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) |
2 Members and new Chair recommended for appointment |
|
International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) |
51 |
|
Judicial Appointments Advisory Board (JAAB) |
9 |
|
Legal Aid Board (LAB) |
13 |
|
Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) |
10 |
|
Mental Health (Criminal Law) Review Board |
4 |
|
Parole Board |
13 |
|
Policing Authority |
9 |
|
Private Security Authority (PSA) |
11 members to be appointed shortly |
|
Private Security Appeal Board (PSAB) |
1 (new members to be appointed in 2022) |
|
Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) |
11 |
|
Property Services Appeal Board (PSAB) |
4 |
It is not possible to provide the Deputy with the number of persons with a declared disability on each board and the percentage of each board that is made up of persons with a declared disability, as this data is not retained. Disability declarations are ultimately voluntary declarations made confidentially.
Departmental Appointments
Questions (487)
Thomas Gould
Question:487. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the status of the appointment of a gambling regulator. [62562/21]
View answerWritten answers
In October, the Government approved the publication of the General Scheme of the Gambling Regulation Bill. The General Scheme sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new independent, statutory body – the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (“the Authority”) – to implement a robust regulatory and licensing regime for the gambling sector.
I have written to the Joint Oireachtas Committee referring the General Scheme for pre-legislative scrutiny. The Authority is being established to focus on public safety and well-being, cover gambling online and in person, and will have the powers to regulate advertising, gambling websites and apps.
My Department has established a Programme Board to ensure that the legislation and the operational preparations are progressed in parallel so that the Authority commences operations as soon as possible after enactment. There is a pathway mapped for this legislation progressing, which will facilitate the Authority being established and operational in 2023.
The Authority, once established, will have a board and appointed CEO management / governance structure. As part of the preparations to establish the Authority, a CEO designate is currently being recruited.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have recently sanctioned the recruitment of the CEO Designate of the Gambling Regulatory Authority, and this process is being managed by the Public Appointments Service. The position will be advertised by way of open public competition, in line with general PAS procedures and public service recruitment principles. All eligible candidates, including those from outside the jurisdiction, are encouraged to apply for the position.
As part of Budget 2022, €500,000 has been allocated to meet the costs of appointing the CEO Designate as well as non-pay related costs in establishing the Authority. This is added to the initial seed funding of €200,000 in Budget 2021. This €700,000 will cover start-up costs including accommodation and professional services.
Data Protection
Questions (488)
Gerald Nash
Question:488. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Justice if she plans to upgrade the functions and structure of the Data Protection Commissioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62576/21]
View answerWritten answers
Under the EU General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018, the Data Protection Commission is independent in the performance of its tasks and the exercise of its powers.
The Programme for Government commits to ‘recognise the domestic and international importance of data protection in Ireland’ and states that the Government ‘will ensure that Ireland delivers on its responsibilities under the General Data Protection Regulation’. The Government is very conscious of the commitment to deliver effective data protection regulation and protection of the data privacy rights of EU citizens, which is critical to the development and growth of our digital economy. In dialogue with the Data Protection Commission, and with other relevant Government Departments, my Department’s role is to ensure that the Commission continues to have the resources required to fulfil its important, statutory obligations.
To this effect, there has been a year-on-year increase in funding for the Commission over the last five budgetary years aligned with staffing numbers increasing from 110 at the end of 2018 to an expected 190 by the end of this year. In Budget 2022, the Data Protection Commission vote has received an increased allocation of €4.1 million which represents a 21% increase on 2021. This brings the total allocation for the Commission to €23 million in 2022 – a six-fold increase compared to 2015.
Recognising the expanding breadth of the Commission’s regulatory role, its mission to safeguard data protection rights, and the increasing demands, this increased allocation to the Commission in 2022 will enable the recruitment of additional specialist and technical staff and address the increasing case load and complexity of cases being faced by the Commission.
Under the Data Protection Act 2018, provision is made that the Government may determine that the Commission could consist of up to three members. I have asked my officials to consider the matter of appointing additional commissioners to the Data Protection Commission. If such a recommendation were to be made, I would intend to bring that recommendation to Government for a decision.
Domestic Violence
Questions (489, 490)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:489. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice the steps that have been taken to avoid the service failure that occurred earlier in 2021 to prevent further domestic violence incident calls from being unanswered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62654/21]
View answerViolet-Anne Wynne
Question:490. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice if the recommendations presented in the recent Policing Authority report will be implemented and changes made accordingly in the systems and training of An Garda Síochána in its response to domestic violence incidents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62675/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 489 and 490 together.
Any inappropriate cancellation of 999 incidents on the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system is a very serious issue which falls significantly below the high standards that the public expect from the Gardaí and the high standards that An Garda Síochána set for themselves. I welcome the apology that has been made in this regard by the Garda Commissioner
It is vital that the best interests of victims and anyone whose incidents were cancelled inappropriately are the priority and focus throughout this process. It is concerning that anyone who summoned the courage to seek assistance may not have received it, so it is important to note that the Gardaí have contacted those affected to apologise and ask if they require help from An Garda Síochána. The Commissioner has assured me that when someone calls 999 now, they can expect and trust that An Garda Síochána will help.
In February, I requested the Policing Authority to oversee the ongoing work by AGS to review how 999 calls are handled. This examination is continuing. As part of this process, the Authority decided to appoint an independent policing expert, Mr Derek Penman, to conduct a preliminary examination of the adequacy of the review being undertaken by An Garda Síochána.
Mr Penman has submitted an interim report which the Authority has discussed with the Commissioner, including at its most recent public meeting. The Commissioner has accepted the interim report's findings, and stated that many are already in the process of being implemented within An Garda Síochána. The work of the Authority in this regard is continuing and I welcome the Commissioner’s continuing engagement with the Authority at both their public and private meetings. I will of course carefully consider any conclusions or recommendations which the Authority arrives at in due course.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of Garda business. As Minister, I have no role in operational matters concerning the training or systems referred to by the Deputy.
Question No. 490 answered with Question No. 489.
Visa Applications
Questions (491)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:491. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Justice the reason a person (details supplied) has been waiting over two years for a decision on an application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62801/21]
View answerWritten answers
The visa application for the person referred to by the Deputy was refused by the Visa Office in Abuja on 18 December 2019. The reasons for this decision were set out in the refusal letter sent to the applicants at that time. An appeal of this decision was made on 8 January 2020.
Appeals for applications of this type are processed in the order in which they are received, to be fair to all applicants. While every effort is made to process these applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume of appeals received, their complexity, the possible need for the visa office to seek further information in relation to certain appeals and the resources available to process them.
All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on the Immigration Service website. When making an appeal, the applicant should take into account the reasons for refusal listed in the refusal letter. The appeal should include any further information or additional documentation they wish to have considered, and should be sent for the attention of the Visa Appeals Officer, in the relevant Visa Office, where the matter will be considered afresh.
Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked on my Department's Irish Immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie by viewing the webpage for the relevant Office.
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 (inisoireachtasmail@justice.ie), 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.
Departmental Data
Questions (492)
Holly Cairns
Question:492. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the number of prosecutions and-or convictions under Part 4 of the Purchase of Sexual Services of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 since the Act was commenced until 1 December 2021, in tabular form; the number of persons prosecuted and-or convicted who identified as sex workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62824/21]
View answerWritten answers
At the outset I would emphasise to the Deputy that prosecutions are a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions who is independent in the performance of her functions.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a search of the PULSE database was conducted on 14 December 2021 for charges and summons associated with Part 4, Purchase of Sexual Services of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017.
The number of Charges/Summons in the period March 2017 to the 1 December 2021 is shown in the table below.
|
Proceeding Type |
Count |
|
Charge |
10 |
|
Summons |
57 |
|
Total |
67 |
Incident data is based upon operational data from the PULSE system as was available at 01:00 on 14 December 2021 and is liable to change.
With regard to the information sought on the number of convictions, I am informed by the Courts Service that this information is not yet maintained in such a way as to provide the response sought by the Deputy. It can only be retrieved by way of a manual examination of each individual court record. As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, this would require the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of staff time and resources and it is therefore not possible to provide the level of detail sought.
Human Trafficking
Questions (493)
Holly Cairns
Question:493. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the number of prosecutions and or convictions under the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 and the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) (Amendment) Act 2013 since the respective commencement of each Act until 1 December 2021; the number of persons prosecuted and-or convicted relating to the categories of trafficked individuals for the purpose of sexual exploitation, or labour exploitation, forced criminality, forced begging and-or the removal of their organs, respectively, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62825/21]
View answerWritten answers
It has not been possible to obtain the information requested by the Deputy in the time permitted. Relevant information has been sought and I will send it to the Deputy directly when it has been compiled.
Child Protection
Questions (494)
Cormac Devlin
Question:494. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Justice if there are plans to introduce age ratings for online and electronic games for those under 18 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62876/21]
View answerWritten answers
The legislation dealing with the sale and/or distribution of physical video games is the Video Recordings Act 1989. Video games are exempted works for classification purposes unless they fall within the terms provided for in section 3(1)(a) or (b), which covers the grounds for the prohibition of works.
Ireland is part of the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system, which is a Europe-wide rating system with regard to video games. The Director of the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) is on the council of PEGI.
PEGI is not incorporated into Irish law. It is a European self-regulation initiative set up in 2003 to rate video games on the basis of age classification. These classifications are then subject to independent verification before a supply licence is issued to the publisher. Video games are classified by age appropriateness at the following age levels: 3+, 7+, 12+, 16+ and 18+.
In order for a publisher to obtain a distribution licence for Ireland, IFCO must view video games which are rated as 18+ to allow the Director of Film Classification to form an opinion as to whether such games fall within the terms provided for in section 3(1)(a) or (b) of the Video Recordings Act 1989.
The classification systems set out above are designed to provide useful information as to the content of the product. In particular, the intention is to assist parents or guardians in making informed choices concerning the games they might buy for their children or which they permit their children to use. In this context, parents are the best placed to ensure the safety of their children.
Covid-19 Tests
Questions (495, 516)
Jackie Cahill
Question:495. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if a person who purchased PCR tests in order to adhere to the relevant travel advice when they purchased their flights is entitled to a refund considering that PCR tests were no longer required to travel on the day they travelled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62578/21]
View answer
Alan Dillon
Question:516. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health if there is a plan in place to reimburse a person who paid for the recommended PCR test prior to travel back to Ireland from the UK (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62496/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 495 and 516 together.
At present, passengers travelling to Ireland require a valid test result (subject to limited exemptions). This requirement has been introduced on a temporary basis as part of our response to emergence of the Omicron variant. Travel requirements are kept under regular review based on the evolving international epidemiological situation and as understanding of the Omicron variant develops. There is no facility in place to pay costs for tests. In making regulations to introduce these testing requirements, regard was given to the need for balance between the importance of the measure to protect public health and ensuring travellers have sufficient notice of a legal requirement and sufficient time to arrange testing before travel.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (496)
Bríd Smith
Question:496. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will issue an order for FFP2-standard face masks to be made available free for all passengers using public transport while Covid-19 infection rates are at high levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62354/21]
View answerWritten answers
At its meeting on 2 December, the NPHET considered the issue of the use of respirator masks by those who are at higher risk from COVID-19.
The NPHET endorsed advice from HIQA that at present the evidence does not support a population-level recommendation for the use of respirator masks (FFP2 or equivalent, or respirator masks with higher filtration efficacy) by those who are classed at higher risk from COVID-19. The NPHET noted that that this does not preclude their use at an individual level.
In its letter, the NPHET reiterated the need for continued clear communications on the appropriate use of face masks. The NPHET’s letter of 2 December is available online: www.assets.gov.ie/206406/230d346f-fd02-49fd-b672-5ec48eb7ec6c.pdf
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (497)
Richard O'Donoghue
Question:497. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if discussions are expected to give clarity to persons who ,due to medical reasons, are unable to have the vaccination and therefore do not have a Covid-19 certificate to gain access to various places; if a negative antigen test will give them right of access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62425/21]
View answerWritten answers
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 protected through vaccination. In addition, the impact of the new Omicron variant is still unknown. Public health advice remains that those who are not fully vaccinated should avoid congregated indoor settings for their own and others safety.
The National Public Health Emergency Team gave some consideration to the issues arising for those people that cannot receive a COVID-19 vaccine for medical reasons as part of its discussions on the 18th October 2021 on the continuing response to COVID-19 and the extension of Covid Pass arrangements. The matter is being given further consideration.
The Deputy 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: www.rcpi-live-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/FAQs-about-COVID19-Vaccines-and-Allergies_12August2021.pdf .
Health Services
Questions (498)
Denis Naughten
Question:498. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 624 of 5 October 2021, if the vacant occupational therapy roles have now been filled; the number of children currently awaiting occupational therapy appointments in counties Roscommon and Galway; the average waiting time for an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62431/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (499)
Michael Ring
Question:499. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the reason more pharmacies are not administering the booster vaccination in view of the excellent work that pharmacists have carried out throughout the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62436/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Nursing Homes
Questions (500)
Paul Murphy
Question:500. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the actions that his Department has taken to ensure clean air in nursing homes, including providing ventilation schemes, CO2 monitors or HEPA filters, to support them in ensuring their residents are exposed to clean air in an effort to keep them safe from Covid-19 infection. [62442/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) of the HSE has developed, published and regularly reviews a comprehensive package of public health and infection prevention and control guidance for long-term residential care facilities. This includes the comprehensive “Public Health & Infection Prevention & Control Guidelines on the Prevention and Management of Cases and Outbreaks of COVID-19, Influenza & other Respiratory Infections in Residential Care Facilities”, most recently updated on 30 November 2021. This guidance also refers to ventilation, providing advice on circumstances where ventilation may be improved. Additionally, there are well established regulations and standards, including HIQA’s National Standards for infection prevention and control (IPC) in community services which provide a comprehensive package of IPC measures.
Regulation 17 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 also requires registered providers to provide premises that conform to specific matters set out in the regulations, which includes “ventilation, heating and lighting suitable for residents in all parts of the designated centre which are used by resident ”. As such, registered providers may make a determination on any appropriate interventions having regard to their individual circumstances.
Health Services
Questions (501)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:501. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the reason the national steering group for the implementation of the Neurorehabilitation Strategy 2019-2021 has met only twice since an implementation framework was published in 2019 and not at all to date in 2021; the investments that will be made to support implementation in 2022 given that only two of the promised network of nine community neurorehabilitation teams have been partly funded to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62444/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (502)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:502. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to provide access to the EU digital Covid certificate for persons under 18 years of age who are resident in Northern Ireland, as is already the case for persons aged 18 years and over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62448/21]
View answerWritten answers
The EU Digital COVID Certificate is a document which is issued to help facilitate the safe and free international movement of people across the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ireland is currently accepting applications for vaccination certificates from Irish citizens vaccination in third countries in line with Article 8 of the EU Regulation. Currently, Irish passport holders, 18 years of age or older, who have reliable proof a vaccination regime completed in Northern Ireland with a vaccine product authorised for use in Ireland, can apply for an EU Digital COVID Certificate online at covidcertificateportal.gov.ie.
On the 28 October 2021 the UK was awarded and equivalence decision meaning that COVID-19 vaccination, test and recovery certificates issued by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in accordance with the system entitled “UK COVID Certificates” shall, for the purpose of facilitating the right of free movement within the Union, be considered as equivalent to those issued in accordance with EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation.
As such, vaccination certificates issued in Northern Ireland, in accordance with the system entitled “UK COVID Certificates”, are now considered as equivalent to EU Digital COVID Certificates without having to apply through the Irish portal.
Health Services Staff
Questions (503, 504)
Bernard Durkan
Question:503. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange for the creation of dedicated teams to deal exclusively with scoliosis procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62457/21]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:504. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number and grade of extra staff required to meet current and future requirements in respect of scoliosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62458/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 503 and 504 together.
I acknowledge that waiting times for many hospital procedures and appointments are unacceptably long. It is of particular regret that children can experience long waiting times for orthopaedic treatment, especially for time sensitive procedures, and I remain acutely aware of the impact that this has on children and their families.
As part of Children’s Health Ireland’s (CHI) paediatric orthopaedic service, most scoliosis cases are treated at Crumlin and Temple Street, with Crumlin providing specialised multi-disciplinary treatment for the most complex patients. The National Orthopaedic Hospital at Cappagh provides additional capacity for the treatment of less complex orthopaedic patients, including routine scoliosis procedures. By using the capacity provided by Cappagh, CHI can free up space in order that complex orthopaedic procedures, including scoliosis spinal fusions, can be carried out centrally at CHI sites.
More specifically, additional theatre capacity at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh commenced on the 26 April 2021 for daycase surgery. CHI has advised the Department of Health that this should result in a positive impact in reducing long waiting times for general orthopaedics, in addition to consequential capacity gains for scoliosis patients. In 2022 CHI is planning to undertake a range of inpatient, daycase and outpatient orthopaedic appointments in Cappagh.
In 2018 Children’s Health Ireland was provided with an additional €9 million in funding to address paediatric orthopaedic waiting lists, including the provision of scoliosis services. This funding is recurring and has been provided in the base HSE allocation each year since 2018. The additional funding supported the recruitment of approximately 60 WTEs in 2018 and 2019 to enable the expansion of paediatric orthopaedic services. Funding proposals submitted to the HSE by Children’s Health Ireland for increased investment in paediatric orthopaedic services in 2022 will be decided as part of the finalisation of the Waiting List Action Plan 2022. In addition the HSE has advised my Department that a proposal to fund an additional theatre at Temple Street is currently progressing through the normal HSE capital approval process. Improving access to scheduled care capacity remains a priority for me and my Department as we work to finalise next years’ Access to Care fund.
Improving waiting times for hospital appointments and procedures remains a commitment of this Government. For 2022 an additional allocation of €250 million, comprised of €200 million to the HSE and €50 million to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has been provided in respect of work to reduce hospital and community waiting lists. The €250 million will be used to fund additional activity in both the public and private sectors. The €50 million additional funding provided to the NTPF brings its total allocation for 2022 to €150 million, and as a consequence there will be a budget of €350 million available to support vital initiatives to improve access to acute hospitals and community health services.
In addition, my Department, the HSE and the NTPF are working on a Multi Annual Waiting List Plan to bring waiting lists in line with Sláintecare targets over the coming years. This process will be overseen by a Ministerial Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and includes representatives from the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund.
In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy regarding the creation of dedicated teams to deal exclusively with scoliosis procedures, and the number and grade of extra staff required to meet current and future requirements in respect of scoliosis, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
Question No. 504 answered with Question No. 503.