Written Answers Nos. 264-284
266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of life-threatening or other serious offences against the person that have been recorded and reported in each of the past three years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9012/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of all crime statistics. The CSO produces these statistics using data recorded on An Garda Síochána’s PULSE system and makes regular releases under reservation in relation to various crime statistics. The CSO also continues to work with An Garda Síochána to address quality issues in the underlying sources used to compile the statistics.
I can inform the Deputy that the official crime statistics from the CSO for the final quarter of 2021 are due to be released next month and I look forward to reviewing these statistics when they are available.
For the Deputy's information, I have attached a spreadsheet with details of the number of crime incidents of the type which the Deputy has requested for each available quarter for the years 2019 to 2021. As already indicated, statistics for quarter 4 of 2021 are due to be published next month.
Furthermore, the latest available crime statistics , Q3 of 2021, as published by the Central Statistics Office on 21 December 2021 are publicly available at the following link:
www.cso.ie/en/csolatestnews/presspages/2021/recordedcrimequarter32021/
267. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the work in progress to disrupt the activities of criminal gangs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9015/22]
View answer268. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the degree to which An Garda Síochána is increasing its pressure on drug gangs with a view to reducing the extent to which such gangs continue their activity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9016/22]
View answer269. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which efforts continue at pace to put drug gangs off the streets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9017/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 267 to 269, inclusive, together.
The continued disruption of the supply of all illicit drugs remains a priority for An Garda Síochána and the other state agencies tasked with responsibilities in this regard. A concerted effort has been made over the past two years to ensure that the detection and prevention of these types of criminal activity have not been adversely affected by the unprecedented demands placed on policing services by the vital enforcement of public health restrictions.
As 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, including Garda operations aimed at preventing and countering criminal activity, and the enforcement of legislation pertaining to illegal drugs. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) is having significant success in disrupting drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs by organised crime groups. The Bureau’s work is supported by Divisional Drugs Units nationwide, and by all Gardaí working in local communities. GNDOCB also works closely and productively with international law enforcement partners. Gardaí continue to work closely with local authorities, the HSE, NGOs, community groups and other state agencies to tackle the problems of drug addiction and abuse.
The Deputy may be aware that the Department of Health leads on Government policy in the area of drugs, and this policy is guided by the national drugs and alcohol strategy "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - a health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025". This strategy represents a whole-of-Government response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland. The implementation of the strategy is led by my colleague, the Minister for Health, however, the strategy includes actions for all stakeholders, including my Department and An Garda Síochána.
The strategy recognises the need for a balanced health-led approach - reducing demand, while also reducing access to illegal drugs, and is aimed at reducing the number of people criminalised for the possession of drugs for personal use. While this strategy supports vulnerable people who use drugs, it is also matched with strengthened enforcement measures across government to tackle the supply of illegal drugs. Sustained action by An Garda Síochána has continued unabated throughout the pandemic, bringing significant convictions and ongoing seizures of drugs, firearms and ammunition.
I can inform the Deputy that on 2 July 2021, An Garda Síochána commenced an enhanced national anti-drugs strategy, Operation Tara, which has a strong focus on tackling street-level dealing throughout rural and urban Ireland. The focus of Operation Tara is to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking networks, at all levels - international, national and local - involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale and supply of controlled drugs.
Recent successes of Operation Tara include:
- Gardaí attached to the Divisional Drugs Unit in Drogheda conducted a search in the Legavoureen area of Drogheda and seized more than €247,000 worth of Diazepam tablets on Wednesday, 24 November 2021;
- From 30th November to 3 December 2021, Gardaí in Wicklow, led by the Wicklow Divisional Drugs Unit, searched 26 locations in the county following an extensive investigation targeting the sale and supply of controlled drugs. 19 persons were charged and 12 youths were referred to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme.
- GNDOCB, assisted by other specialised units, undertook a particular operation designed to address drug-related issues being experienced in West Dublin and wider afield, including drug-related threat-to-life incidents and other forms of intimidation. On Wednesday 19 January 2022, 24 premises were searched, with €700,000 in cash seized alongside 16 high value watches and eight vehicles. Six suspects were arrested in the course of the operation.
- On Saturday 29 January 2022, Gardaí searched three properties in Tallaght, Dublin 24. During the course of the searches four firearms were seized, along with silencers and ammunition. Gardaí also seized approximately €70,000 worth of suspected heroin as well as small quantities of crack cocaine and cannabis. Two men were arrested at the scene.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that in 2021, the GNDOCB seized €63.689m in illicit drugs, and seized cash of €5.6m and £38,751 (UK). In addition, €8.23m, £142,520 (UK) and $23 (US) was forfeited to the State in 2021.
All drugs seized are subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI).
270. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which individuals or gangs involved in the propagation of illegal drugs continue to be pursued vigorously with a view to closing down their operations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9018/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). The Commissioner also determines the deployment of An Garda Síochána throughout the State under Section 33 of the Act. As Minister, I have no role in operational policing matters.
Tackling criminal gang activity is a key priority for the Government and an ongoing priority for An Garda Síochána. The Government has supported An Garda Síochána in addressing the threat from organised crime gangs through the introduction of a range of legislative measures.
This includes the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which was approved for drafting in September 2020 and will provide, among other matters, for an increase in the penalty for conspiracy to murder from 10 years to life imprisonment.
An Garda Síochána continues to develop and implement strategies to dismantle and disrupt criminal networks, utilising advanced analytical and intelligence methods. Gardaí target serious criminals and organised criminal groups through the use of focused intelligence led operations by specialist units and agencies such as the Organised Crime Unit, the Criminal Assets Bureau and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) is having significant success in disrupting the supply of illicit drugs by organised crime groups. Its work is supported by Divisional Drugs Units nationwide and by all Gardaí working in local communities, while working closely with international law enforcement partners. Gardaí continue to work closely with local authorities, the HSE, NGOs, community groups and other state agencies to tackle the problems of drug addiction and abuse.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that in 2021, the GNDOCB seized €63.689m in illicit drugs, and seized cash of €5.6m and £38,751 (UK). In addition, €8.23m, £142,520 (UK) and $23 (US) was forfeited to the State in 2021.
All drugs seized are subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI).
The Budget allocation provided to An Garda Síochána continues to increase, with an unprecedented allocation in excess of €2 billion from Budget 2022. This will allow for the recruitment of up to an additional 800 Garda members and 400 Garda staff. I encourage anyone considering a career in An Garda Síochána to apply to the new Garda recruitment campaign launched by the Commissioner last week, details for which can be found on Publicjobs.ie.
272. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which An Garda Síochána can rely on the availability of the most up-to-date technology to assist them in their pursuit of drug gangs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9020/22]
View answerTackling organised criminal activity is a key priority for the Government and an ongoing priority for An Garda Síochána. The Government has supported An Garda Síochána in addressing the threat from organised crime gangs through the introduction of a range of legislative measures.
This includes the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which is currently being drafted and will provide, among other matters, for an increase in the penalty for conspiracy to murder from 10 years to life imprisonment.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the law for the management of An Garda Síochána, including operational matters and the deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters.
An Garda Síochána continues to develop and implement strategies to dismantle and disrupt criminal networks, utilising advanced analytical and intelligence methods. Gardaí target dangerous criminals and organised criminal groups through the use of focused intelligence led operations by specialist units and agencies such as the Organised Crime Unit, the Criminal Assets Bureau and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) is having significant success in disrupting the supply of illicit drugs by organised crime groups. Its work is supported by Divisional Drugs Units nationwide and by all Gardaí working in local communities, while working closely with international law enforcement partners.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has in place the National Drugs and Alcohol Strategy, "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025". The Strategy recognises the need for a balanced health-led approach - reducing demand, while also reducing access to illegal drugs, and is aimed at reducing the number of people criminalised for the possession of drugs for personal use. While this strategy supports the vulnerable people who use drugs, it is also matched with strengthened enforcement measures across government to tackle the supply of illegal drugs.
273. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of criminal gang members involved in the sale of illegal drugs or encouragement in the use of various illegal drugs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9022/22]
View answerThe continued disruption of the supply of all illicit drugs remains a priority for An Garda Síochána and the other state agencies tasked with responsibilities in this regard. A concerted effort has been made over the past two years to ensure that the detection and prevention of these types of criminal activity have not been adversely affected by the unprecedented demands placed on policing services by the vital enforcement of public health restrictions.
As 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, including Garda operations aimed at preventing and countering criminal activity, and the enforcement of legislation pertaining to illegal drugs. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) is having significant success in disrupting drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs by organised crime groups. The Bureau’s work is supported by Divisional Drugs Units nationwide, and by all Gardaí working in local communities. GNDOCB also works closely and productively with international law enforcement partners. Gardaí continue to work closely with local authorities, the HSE, NGOs, community groups and other state agencies to tackle the problems of drug addiction and abuse.
The Deputy may be aware that the Department of Health leads on Government policy in the area of drugs, and this policy is guided by the national drugs and alcohol strategy "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025". This strategy represents a whole-of-Government response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland. The implementation of the strategy is led by my colleague, the Minister for Health, however the strategy includes actions for all stakeholders, including my Department and An Garda Síochána.
The strategy recognises the need for a balanced health-led approach - reducing demand, while also reducing access to illegal drugs, and is aimed at reducing the number of people criminalised for the possession of drugs for personal use. While this strategy supports the vulnerable people who use drugs, it is also matched with strengthened enforcement measures across government to tackle the supply of illegal drugs. Sustained action by An Garda Síochána has continued unabated throughout the current pandemic, bringing significant convictions and ongoing seizures of drugs, firearms and ammunition.
I can inform the Deputy that on 2 July 2021, An Garda Síochána commenced an enhanced national anti-drugs strategy, Operation Tara, which has a strong focus on tackling street-level dealing throughout rural and urban Ireland. The focus of Operation Tara is to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking networks, at all levels - international, national and local - involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale and supply of controlled drugs. Recent successes of Operation Tara include the seizure of an estimated €125,600 of suspected cannabis in Tipperary on 11 February and the seizure of four firearms, ammunition and an estimated €70,000 of suspected heroin in Dublin on 29 January.
I am informed by the Courts Service that statistics relating to drug convictions, broken down by District and Circuit Court cases, are published each year in the Courts Service’s annual report and can be found on the Courts Service website at www.courts.ie/annual-report.
I am further informed that membership of criminal gangs is not noted by the Courts Service during the course of criminal cases.
274. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons involved in drug trafficking who have been jailed in each of the past three years to date; the number of such persons likely to be released from prison either through early release or having served their sentences in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9023/22]
View answerI have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Irish Prison Service.
The information is currently being collated and verified and I will write to the Deputy once that information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
As you may be aware, An Garda Síochána tackles drug and organised criminal activity through a range of targeted measures designed to disrupt and dismantle the operations of criminal organisations. Specialist units involved in tackling organised crime, including the Armed Support Unit, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Criminal Assets Bureau, have continued and significant success in disrupting drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs by organised crime groups. Gardaí work closely with local authorities, HSE, NGOs, community groups and other state agencies to tackle the problems of drug addiction and abuse.
The work of the GNDOCB is supported by Divisional Drugs Units, which tackle drug-related crime on a local basis throughout the country, in collaboration with other law enforcement partners and all Gardaí working in local communities.
Gardaí also work in close cooperation with other jurisdictions to tackling transnational organised crime, including drug trafficking, and targeting the illicit proceeds generated by drug-related crime. Ongoing liaison between our national police service and other law enforcement agencies, via Europol, has led to a number of successful joint operations in recent years.
In 2022, there were 464 individuals whose most serious offence in the custodial period was listed in Group 10 Controlled Drug Offences. In 2021 this figure was 375 and in 2020 it was 325.
There are currently 33 different drug offences listed under the Controlled Drug Offences Group on the Prisoner Information Management System. Of the 33 offences, 5 contain the wording drug trafficking and there are 3 offences where the word import is used. Having used this offence list, the Irish Prison Service has advised that 1 person received a sentence for drug trafficking as their most serious offence in 2022, 2 people in 2021 and 1 person in 2020. None of whom were released in 2022.
I trust this is of assistance.
275. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when an entry visa for the purpose of taking up employment will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9024/22]
View answerThe visa application for the person referred to by the Deputy was refused by the Visa Office in New Delhi on 25 November 2021. The reasons for this decision were set out in the refusal letter sent to the applicant at that time. An appeal of this decision was subsequently made on 1 February 2022.
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 my Department's website at: www.irishimmigration.ie .
Full consideration will be given to this appeal, with the onus on the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer that a visa should be granted. Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked on the webpage for the relevant Visa 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.
276. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of women who have been promoted within An Garda Síochána in each of the past five years to date; the number of women who have entered the force in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9025/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the recruitment and promotion of Garda members and staff. As Minister, I play no direct role in these independent functions.
The table below, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of women who have attested in the years 2017 up to and including 2021; and the number of women who have been promoted in the same period.
|
Females |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
Total |
|
Attested |
237 |
227 |
164 |
164 |
42 |
40 |
874 |
|
Promoted |
6 |
90 |
83 |
93 |
6 |
1 |
279 |
To be of assistance to the Deputy I have also asked the Garda authorities to provide the total numbers of attestations and promotions during this period, so that the data can be understood comparatively, and I will forward this when it is received.
I can assure the Deputy that a concerted effort is being made to encourage women and minority communities to consider a career in An Garda Síochána so that its membership reflects the community that it serves, in line with the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.
As the Deputy will be aware, a Garda recruitment campaign is currently underway and I would encourage any women with an interest in joining An Garda Síochána to consider applying.
Recent recruitment campaigns have made a significant effort through online videos and other media to attract female candidates as well as candidates from minority communities and diverse social groups.
I am advised by An Garda Síochána that Information Days have been also held in advance of closing dates of internal competitions where women are underrepresented. I understand that having women available to answer questions who are already carrying out the particular role advertised is a key feature of the Information Days.
While the current number of women members in An Garda Síochána, approximately 30%, is broadly in line with the percentage of women in police services across England and Wales, there is clearly scope for further improvement. I expect that the above steps being taken by An Garda Síochána will ensure that the membership of the organisation can evolve to more closely to reflect the society that it serves.
277. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if discussions are expected to take place to extend the €1,000 pandemic payment to section 39 healthcare workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8821/22]
View answerFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021.
Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites.
The Department of Health will also introduce a similar measure for frontline staff in all nursing homes and hospices (whether public, private, voluntary, Section 39 etc.). This measure will address the specific challenges associated with making payment to these organisations including governance and scope.
The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly.
It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.
278. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which serious drug abuse exists, by county and by location; the plans in hand to deal with the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9021/22]
View answerThe National Drug and Alcohol Survey (NDAS) collects information on alcohol and tobacco consumption and drug use among the general population. It also surveys people’s attitudes and perceptions relating to tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use and records the impact of drug use on communities. The 2019–2020 NDAS collected information from 5,762 people aged 15 years and older across Ireland.
The Heath Research Board (HRB) published the 2019-2020 NDAS findings in July 2021. The findings show that, overall, the use of illegal drugs has remained at a similar level to that recorded in the 2014/15 survey, while an increase was seen in the use of cocaine and ecstasy. Cannabis is still the most prevalent illegal drug used in Ireland, but has also shown a decrease from 6.5% to 5.9% when compared to the 2014/15 survey. A significant decrease in the instances of Cannabis Use Disorder has also been recorded.
The HRB is current analysing the survey data by CHO and the results will be published in the coming months.
I recently announced a €2 million community services enhancement fund to enhance community-based drug and alcohol services. The aim of the fund is to enhance access to and delivery of drug and alcohol services in the community, which is a strategic priority for the national drugs strategy 2021-2025.
I have allocated between €200,000 and €240,000 per annum to the nine community healthcare organisations (CHOs). The funding will be allocated on three-year cycle, with ongoing monitoring and evaluation, to ensure that services are effective in addressing the needs of people who use drugs and alcohol. Twenty-five percent of the funding allocations is ring-fenced to increase access to and the provision of drug and alcohol services for women, ethnic minorities and the LGBTI+ community.
Profiling the drug and alcohol needs of the population across the CHO, including data from the NDAS, will enable the development of new services and the measurement of their impact over time. Already, we are seeing new drug & alcohol needs emerge, whether in the night-time economy, among young people, in disadvantaged communities or polydrug use.
I believe that drug and alcohol services should be provided based on population needs, as this is both equitable and evidence-based. I also want services to be delivered in the community so that health care is closer to people’s homes, as set out in the Sláintecare reform programme. By integrating drug and alcohol services as part of community care, the health needs of people who use drugs can be better met and the stigma of drug and alcohol use can be reduced. These are practical steps to strengthen the health-led response to drug and alcohol use.
I am also allocating €850,000 for an initiative to reduce the health-related harms from cocaine and crack cocaine. This initiative will target disadvantaged communities that are worst affected by cocaine and crack cocaine and contribute to a whole of government response to the social determinants and consequences of drug use in these communities.
In June 2021 the Health Research Board (HRB) published the National Drug and Alcohol Survey 2019/20. This survey, which is funded by the Department of Health and managed by the HRB, provides information on alcohol, tobacco, and drug use amongst the general population in Ireland. Results of the survey can be found at the following link: www.drugsandalcohol.ie/34287/
279. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of children on assessment of needs waiting lists by CHO for each quarter since quarter 4 2018, in tabular form; the number of those waiting more than 12, 24 and 52 weeks, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8817/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
280. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if discussions are expected to take place regarding an increase in the staffing levels for paediatric epilepsy services at University Hospital Limerick to ensure children receive continued care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8820/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
281. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if discussions are expected to take place regarding the €5.1 million that was requested for Cappagh Kids National Orthopaedic Hospital to be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8823/22]
View answerThe National Orthopaedic Hospital, Cappagh is Ireland’s major centre for Elective Orthopaedic Surgery. Through the Cappagh Kids initiative, the National Orthopaedic Hospital provides additional capacity for the treatment of more routine paediatric orthopaedic patients, including some routine scoliosis procedures. By using the capacity provided by Cappagh, Children’s Health Ireland can free up space in order that complex orthopaedic procedures, including spinal fusions, can be carried out centrally at CHI sites. Total funding of €1.65 million was provided for this initiative in 2021, and funding for 2022 is encompassed in the waiting list action plan. The National Orthopaedic Hospital estimates it will complete 640 non complex surgeries for CHI in 2022.
Additional theatre capacity at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh commenced on the 26 April 2021 for daycase surgery. CHI has advised my Department that this should result in a positive impact in reducing long waiting times for general paediatric orthopaedics in addition to consequential capacity gains for complex patient needs. In 2022 Children’s Health Ireland is planning to undertake a range of inpatient, daycase and outpatient orthopaedic appointments in Cappagh.
Last week I convened a meeting with the clinical teams from Crumlin, Temple Street, and Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital, along with senior management from these hospitals and the HSE. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the draft paediatric orthopaedic waiting list plan and to ensure that an appropriate plan with ambitious and attainable activity levels was being produced. The plan will be funded in the context of the wider waiting list action plan for 2022 and will include additional activity to reduce the spinal orthopaedic waiting list through the use of theatres at Crumlin, Temple Street, and Cappagh, as well as additional capacity in the private sector.
Last Friday I also went out to visit Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital to witness first hand the great work being done through the 'Cappagh Kids' programme. I met with the CEO and senior clinicians, including Mr Conor Green. Cappagh have ambitious plans to develop the hospital to provide additional capacity for both adults and children. I welcome in particular the current proposal to enhance capacity for Cappagh Kids at the site, but I have asked that they look again at the proposals to ensure that we are sufficiently ambitious whilst remaining realistic around what can be achieved.
282. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8824/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
283. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if an application for a medical card by a person (details supplied) will be progressed as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8825/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
284. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health when the rheumatology clinic at Cork University Hospital will be opened; when the patient triage will be resuming for categorising soon, urgent and routine patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8833/22]
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.
