Written Answers Nos. 315-338
315. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if grant aid will be made available in respect of the retention of a childcare facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27185/22]
View answerDuring 2021, my Department successfully secured €70m in the revised National Development Plan (NDP) allocation. This will enable significant capital investment in early learning and childcare during 2023-2025.
Investment under the NDP will consist of three pillars: Modernisation, New Capacity and First 5 Initiatives. This will enable significant capital investment in early learning and childcare during the lifetime of the NDP as follows:
(1) Modernisation: Much of the existing early learning and childcare infrastructure that was previously delivered by large scale capital programmes is now in need of upgrading and modernisation in order to be fully compliant with new regulations and more recent guidelines, as well as to maximise energy efficiency. This investment will prioritise follow-up funding for buildings that were funded through the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP), with funding also available for previously non-funded infrastructure.
(2) New Capacity: Ireland is approaching the limits of capacity, with shortfalls for early learning and childcare places already evident in some areas and for some cohorts. The rates of participation in early learning and childcare are also lower than European averages. As investment in subsidisation grows in the coming years as committed to in First 5 and the Programme for Government, demand from parents will also increase.
In the coming years, NDP capital funding allocated to early learning and childcare will be used to increase the stock of early learning and childcare infrastructure, in order to address capacity challenges including the undersupply for certain types of provision and in specific areas of the country.
(3) First 5 Initiatives: First 5 (Government Strategy for babies, young children and their families 2019 -2028) was launched in 2018 and was re-committed to in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future. First 5 envisages a range of innovative initiatives for the early learning and childcare sector, including piloting Family and Early Childhood Centres and piloting outdoor early learning and childcare provision, piloting meal provision. Each of these initiatives have capital requirements.
Further information on the Department’s NDP allocation and the application process will
be communicated to the sector in the near future.
Unfortunately at present my Department does not have funding available for the service in question to purchase the property. My Department advises that the service may wish to contact Cavan County Childcare Committee, who will provide information on future capital supports when they become available.
316. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the grant aid that is available at present towards the provision of childcare facilities by community groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27199/22]
View answerDuring 2021, my Department successfully secured €70m in the revised National Development Plan (NDP) allocation. This will enable significant capital investment in early learning and childcare over the period 2023-2025. This will enable significant capital investment in early learning and childcare during the lifetime of the NDP over three pillars as follows:
(1) Modernisation: Much of the existing early learning and childcare infrastructure that was previously delivered by large scale capital programmes is now in need of upgrading and modernisation in order to be fully compliant with new regulations and more recent guidelines, as well as to maximise energy efficiency. This investment will prioritise follow-up funding for buildings that were funded through the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP), with funding also available for previously non-funded infrastructure.
(2) New Capacity: Ireland is approaching the limits of capacity, with shortfalls for early learning and childcare places already evident in some areas and for some cohorts. The rates of participation in early learning and childcare are also lower than European averages. As investment in subsidisation grows in the coming years as committed to in First 5 and the Programme for Government, demand from parents will also increase.
In the coming years, NDP capital funding allocated to early learning and childcare will be used to increase the stock of early learning and childcare infrastructure, in order to address capacity challenges including the undersupply for certain types of provision and in specific areas of the country.
(3) First 5 Initiatives: First 5 (Government Strategy for babies, young children and their families 2019 -2028) was launched in 2018 and was re-committed to in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future. First 5 envisages a range of innovative initiatives for the early learning and childcare sector, including piloting Family and Early Childhood Centres and piloting outdoor early learning and childcare provision, piloting meal provision. Each of these initiatives have capital requirements.
Further information on the Department’s NDP allocation and the application process will be communicated to the sector in the near future.
317. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will further advise on a SUSI-grant matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied). [27043/22]
View answerFurther to previous PQ 23930/22 and in response to issues raised by the applicant my officials have been informed by SUSI that the student in question applied for grant assistance on 28th April 2020 with regard to the 2020/2021 academic year. An award letter was sent on that day 28th April 2020 advising she had been awarded Postgraduate Tuition Fees to a maximum of €6,270 and the special adjacent rate of maintenance grant.
The application was reviewed as part of a Post-Award Review on 15th October 2020 and a further award letter confirming she had been awarded Postgraduate Tuition Fees to a maximum of €6,270 and the special adjacent rate of maintenance grant was sent on 19th October 2020.
An internal review request was received regarding this application on 19th October 2020 regarding the adjacency rate awarded.
The assessment team in SUSI investigated this placement and based on information from the college’s website the placement is for two days a in SUSI week on placement and the rest of the week is on campus. Therefore, as the placement is not for a period of at least one semester off-campus the adjacency rate cannot change as more time is spent on campus than off campus. The applicant was advised of this by telephone on 26 October 2021. The Internal Review Team issued the following determination. “As the placement/course is split throughout the week as stated on the college website, the placement is not full time and therefore will not affect adjacency.” The student further contacted SUSI on 30th August 2021 to query why she had not been awarded the non-adjacent rate of maintenance. Her application was reviewed and a letter to advise her that there had been no change to the original decision to award her the adjacent rate of grant was sent to her on 2nd September 2021. SUSI received a Notice of Appeal regarding adjacency for the 2020/2021 academic year on 17th December 2021 and a letter was sent to the applicant on 22nd December 2021 advising that the appeal could not be accepted as it was received outside the maximum 60-day timeframe.
The applicant contacted the Support Desk in SUSI to enquire when the original decision was made and how the 60 days were calculated. The student was advised date of the decision to award her the adjacent rate of grant was 19 October 2020 and the 60 days started then. This would mean the 60-day window to appeal closed on 18 December 2020. As the appeal was received 12 months after this date it could not be considered by the Appeals Officer. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by an appeals officer in SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe (i.e. not later than 30 days after the notification of the determination of the appeals officer to the applicant). My officials have also been informed that the student in question submitted an appeal to the Student Grant Appeals Board in January 2022 however, this could not be heard as an appeal by the Board as the student never submitted an appeal to the SUSI Appeals Officer as per the process outlined above. I would encourage the Deputy to make contact directly with SUSI if she has any additional questions.
318. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the availability of a motor mechanical apprenticeship for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27151/22]
View answerUnder the Further Education and Training Act (2013), SOLAS has statutory responsibility for planning, funding, and co-ordinating Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland.
To become an apprentice your constituent will need to be hired by a SOLAS approved employer. To assist, your constituent can check out the Apprenticeship Jobs page apprenticeship.ie/career-seekers/jobs to connect with SOLAS-approved employers who are currently seeking to hire apprentices. Click on a job to see details and to apply directly to the employer.
319. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice the status of the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2021; if she intends to re-engage with the representatives of organisations (details supplied) before the legislation is finalised and enacted later in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27014/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to modernising our licensing laws and application processes, and my Justice Plan 2022 commits to publishing and enacting new laws to update and modernise licensing laws.
I am delivering on that commitment by preparing Heads of a General Scheme of a Sale of Alcohol Bill.
The objective of the proposed Bill is to repeal the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2018, the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008, and the Public Dance Hall Act 1935, and to replace them with updated and streamlined provisions more suited to the 21st century.
Codifying alcohol licensing law into a single Act will make it more accessible and user-friendly for the licensed trade, courts, Gardaí and the public.
The development of this Bill will take account of concerns on a wide range of issues, including public health, public order and the interests of consumers, communities and businesses.
As regards consultation with relevant organisations, last November, I launched a wide-ranging consultation to seek the views of the public on the modernisation of Ireland’s licencing laws. The consultation, which ran until 21 January this year, looked at how best to update the existing laws governing the sale and regulation of alcohol in Ireland. Members of the public, academics, sectoral groups, and representative organisations were invited to complete an online survey and/or make a written submission to my Department.
There was a high level of response to the consultation, with in excess of 5,000 responses received. My Department is now reviewing these responses to ensure the reform of the legislation takes account of and is informed by this engagement.
The Deputy may also be aware that, on 10 March, I hosted a consultation webinar and panel discussion event on the reform of the alcohol licensing laws to give an opportunity for further discussion of the issues of concern to stakeholders. Representatives of VFI (Vintners Federation of Ireland) and the LVA (Licensed Vintners Association) took part in a panel discussion at this event.
That webinar can be viewed on my Department’s YouTube channel via the following link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tMtKzd_9jA .
It is intended to progress this legislation in the months ahead. Submissions from stakeholders will of course be carefully considered in the context of publication of the forthcoming Bill. Details of the proposed reform will be included in the General Scheme when published.
320. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1292 of 26 April 2022, if her Department’s review of the new scorecard system for persons who have recently turned 18 years of age has been finalised; when the updated scorecards and guidelines will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27015/22]
View answerI can confirm that the Citizenship Division of my Department intends to issue the updated scorecard on or before 1 July 2022.
Since the introduction of the scorecard there has been a marked increase in new citizenship applications, with more than 5,000 new applications received in the first four months of this year. This equates to an almost 40% increase in new applications year-on-year.
The record number of people applying for citizenship would seem to demonstrate the positive impact of the scorecard. I welcome this development, and the further refinement of the scorecard over the coming weeks will bring added clarity to the process.
321. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the details of the Departmental guidance, information manuals and training for peace commissioners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27016/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, Peace Commissioners are appointed by the Minister for Justice under section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act 1924, for the county in which they reside and adjoining counties. A Peace Commissioner is an honorary appointment and those appointed receive no remuneration or compensation by way of fees or expenses for their services.
Peace Commissioners, upon appointment, are provided with notes on the duties of a Peace Commissioner and Social Media Guidelines. In addition, Peace Commissioners can contact my Department with any queries they may have in relation to their role.
General information in relation to Peace Commissioners, their appointment and duties can be found on my Departments website at www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Peace_Commissioners
322. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the special steps, if any, that need to be taken by Ukrainians who have come here in recent months due to the war there, and whose passports were not stamped by Irish immigration on entering the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27097/22]
View answerThere is a coordinated whole-of-Government response to support people arriving in Ireland who have fled the violence in Ukraine. Government Departments and services are working together to implement Ireland's commitments under the EU Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC), which has been activated for the first time to grant temporary protection to displaced persons from Ukraine.
My Department is primarily responsible for issuing temporary protection documents to those who are eligible. Those granted Temporary Protection have immediate access to the labour market, social welfare, accommodation and other State supports as needed.
As of 25 May 2022, my Department has issued 32,149 temporary protection permission letters.
Any Ukrainian citizen who arrived in Ireland prior to 25 February, when I lifted the visa requirements due to the war, will have required a visa to travel here and the appropriate visa sticker will have been placed in their passport. People who arrived from Ukraine after 25 February, will have been given a 90 day immigration permission, as standard on arrival, by an immigration officer at their airport or port of entry to the State. My Department's Border Management Unit carries out these immigration duties at Dublin Airport and the Garda National Immigration Bureau is responsible for arrangements at all other ports of entry.
If anyone has entered the country without receiving this permission they should make themselves known to their local immigration authorities.
Arrangements for the registration of the permission and the issuance of an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card to those who have arrived from Ukraine will be finalised by my Department as soon as possible. All necessary steps will be taken to ensure that the process is as simple and stress-free as possible. The practical arrangements will be communicated at the appropriate time.
I can assure the Deputy that my Government colleagues and I will continue to work with our EU counterparts on any further EU-wide measures that might be needed to assist those fleeing Ukraine.
323. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Justice if a person (details supplied) will be supported in obtaining their Irish residence permit card renewal given their current circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27174/22]
View answerI can confirm that an application to renew the permission to remain in the State from the person referred to by the Deputy has been approved. They can expect to receive their new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card within the next 10 working days.
Officials working in the Registration Office of my Department have also made direct contact with the person concerned regarding the processing of their re-entry visa.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at 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 Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
324. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if a citizenship application of a person (details supplied) will be expedited due the significant delays in processing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27183/22]
View answerThe application for naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy, continues to be processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, and will be submitted to me for decision in due course.
In accordance with the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, an applicant must have had a period of one year’s continuous reckonable residence in the State immediately before the date of the application.
As the person concerned has already submitted their application, the six weeks absence rule no longer applies. They should, however, contact my Department at: citizenshipinfo@justice.ie, if they intend to remain outside of the State for an extended period of time.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
In addition, the combined impact of the 2019 High Court judgment in the Jones case and the necessary health restrictions arising from the pandemic, has unfortunately resulted in the processing time for standard applications increasing.
However, my Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have also been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eTax clearance, eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times.
In 2021, my Department issued 11,512 citizenship decisions, which is the highest number of decisions made since 2015, and reflects positively the significant changes undertaken to date.
It is open to the applicant to contact the Citizenship Division of my Department at: citizenshipinfo@justice.ie at any time for an update on their application.
325. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if a citizenship application of a person (details supplied) will be expedited due the significant delays in processing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27184/22]
View answerThe application for naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy, continues to be processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, and will be submitted to me for decision in due course.
In accordance with the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, an applicant must have had a period of one year’s continuous reckonable residence in the State immediately before the date of the application.
As the person concerned has already submitted their application, the six weeks absence rule no longer applies. They should, however, contact my Department at: citizenshipinfo@justice.ie, if they intend to remain outside of the State for an extended period of time.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
In addition, the combined impact of the 2019 High Court judgment in the Jones case and the necessary health restrictions arising from the pandemic, has unfortunately resulted in the processing time for standard applications increasing.
However, my Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have also been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eTax clearance, eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times.
In 2021, my Department issued 11,512 citizenship decisions, which is the highest number of decisions made since 2015, and reflects positively the significant changes undertaken to date.
It is open to the applicant to contact the Citizenship Division of my Department at: citizenshipinfo@justice.ie at any time for an update on their application.
326. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the details of the meetings he has held on progressing disability services in the past month; the persons that attended those meetings; and if minutes of the meetings were kept. [27017/22]
View answerI met with a number of Community Healthcare Organisations in the past month, the details of which, are as follows
10th May 2022 – CHO 1
10th May 2022 – CHO 2
10th May 2022 – CHO 3
17th May 2022 – CHO4
19th May 2022 – CHO5
19th May 2022 – CHO6
These meetings were attended by senior officials from the respective CHOs in each case and also the Department of Health. From a Department of Health's perspective, minutes of the meetings were not taken.
327. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health the urgent actions that his Department is taking to address the critical issue of retention of healthcare professionals in Ireland; if his Department is engaging in cross-Departmental discussions in regard to third-level capacity for specialist medical courses and training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26414/22]
View answerHealth and Social Care workforce planning and retention and ensuring an appropriate pipeline of suitably qualified healthcare professionals in Ireland is a top priority for the Government.
Department of Health officials engage on an ongoing basis with colleagues in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that we train enough graduates with the skills necessary to support the delivery of health and social care services and to develop a strategic approach to workforce planning for the health sector.
Ongoing discussions between both Departments are in relation to increasing domestic supply of health and Social Care graduates in the short term, through the immediate provision of additional places, and the longer-term planning being undertaken around future skills needs in context of future demand for health and social care services.
Both Departments have been engaging with the Irish Medical Schools regarding the creation of additional places in medicine for EU students in September 2022 and beyond. Discussions are at an advanced stage, and it is hoped that a significant number of additional places will be created.
Officials from both Departments have engaged with the Higher Education Authority and the Higher Education Sector to identify where additional places can be provided in the higher education system for the next academic year. These additional places will be targeted at areas of acute skills need and will include places in healthcare courses such as nursing and medicine and other health and social care professions. This work is at an advanced stage, and it is hoped that a significant number of additional places will be created on health-related courses in September 2022.
I recognise that in respect of the issue of the retention of healthcare professionals in Ireland, the focus must be on improving the training, working conditions, work life balance and career pathways for staff working in our healthcare system. Accordingly, the number of medical training places has been increased to support further growth and to address challenges in recruitment and retention of doctors.
328. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his Department is seeking to secure direct Exchequer funding for the nurses of an association (details supplied) to support motor neurone disease patients and families throughout Ireland; if he will allow for income for the association of which 86% is donations and fundraising to be available for other vital motor neurone disease services and research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26415/22]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
329. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health the specific action plan that his Department has put in place to address the poor service provision across the child disability network teams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26416/22]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
330. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health when his Department intends to implement real reform to the dental treatment services scheme; when the scheme will be replaced with a fit for purpose scheme that reflects modern dental practices and standards; when he will take steps in relation to the recruitment of public dentists and engage in cross-Departmental actions to increase the number of dental care graduates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26417/22]
View answerThe recent substantial investments in the Dental Treatment Services Scheme, including €10m additional funding from Budget 2022, are designed to secure services for medical card holders ahead of a more substantive reform of dental services to align with the National Oral Health Policy.
Work on this longer-term project has already commenced and it is estimated that it will take 1-2 years to complete. The Policy will also include the development of a dental workforce plan.
My Department is committed to an integrated health and social care workforce planning approach. This will include strong engagement with key stakeholders including the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Higher Education Authority, the HSE, and other government departments to ensure that sufficient workers are being trained in the right disciplines to meet population needs and to agree new ways of training multidisciplinary teams.
Question No. 331 answered with Question No. 89.
332. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he has plans to establish a dedicated clinic for persons with long-Covid on a permanent basis in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25836/22]
View answer346. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps that are being taken to support those suffering from long-Covid symptoms including extreme fatigue, brain-fog, neurological symptoms, severe nerve pain, severe itching, epilepsy and gastric issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26993/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 332 and 346 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly
333. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a progress update on the review into homeless deaths in Dublin (details supplied); the date upon which the review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21989/22]
View answerPeople who are long-term homeless experience a high prevalence of physical disease, mental illness, and substance use. As a result, they are more likely to die prematurely. A study of mortality among people who are homeless in Dublin (Ivers and Barry, 2018), found the median age at death for people who are homeless is young at just 42 years old, while the median age at death for homeless women is even lower at 37 years. The study recommended that a system of recording and reporting pre-mature deaths among people who are homeless should be rolled out nationally so that data relating to all deaths in people known to be homeless in the state are available.
As a social determinant of health, being homeless worsens the physical and mental health of those affected and makes people more vulnerable to problematic drug and alcohol use. Furthermore, homelessness undermines the effectiveness of health care services, as it creates additional barriers for people in accessing treatment in a timely and integrated manner.
The Health Research Board is responsible for managing the National Drug Related Deaths Index (NDRDI), which is a census of drug-related deaths and deaths among drug users and those who are alcohol dependent. The NDRDI was established in 2005 and is jointly funded by the Departments of Health and Justice and Equality.
In 2020, the Department of Health asked the HRB to undertake a one-year feasibility study to collect mortality data among people known to be homeless from closed files in the Coroners Service through the existing NDRDI data collection methodology. The extension of this NDRDI methodology has been used successfully to collect data on other pre-mature deaths, including road accidents and suicide.
The HRB is currently reviewing the data collected for deaths in 2019, including deaths among people who were homeless, in approximately 17,000 files from all Coroner districts. However, due to public health Covid-19 restrictions, data collection has been delayed and is not yet completed. The HRB hopes to have the report finalised by early summer, but this is contingent on continued access to the coroner’s offices.
The purpose of the feasibility study is to strengthen the evidence base for preventing premature death among people who are homeless. The public health response to Covid-19 greatly minimised the risk of illness and death for people who are homeless and improved their access to healthcare services. The ambitious targets in the Housing First Implementation Plan 2022-2026 is a further expression of my determination to break the vicious cycle of homelessness and premature death.
334. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if consideration was given to expanding the pandemic bonus to section 39 workers. [21481/22]
View answerFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.To recognise their unique role during the pandemic, the Government announced a COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers. Eligibility guidelines for this payment, as applies in HSE and Section 38 organisations, were published by the HSE on 19th April and are available at www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html
Separately, the Department of Health shall shortly publish information for those other certain healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. This shall cover eligible staff in:
- Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
- Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
- Agency roles working in the HSE;
- Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
- Redeployed members of Department of Defence to work in the HSE in Covid-19 exposed frontline settings;
- Paramedics employed by the Department of Local Government, Housing and Heritage
Section 39 employees in the particular organisations listed above are eligible for the payment. I am also mindful of other workers who played their own part during this difficult period in sustaining other services. It is tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the risks which the above frontline workers faced.
In recognition of the efforts of all workers, volunteers, and the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government announced a public holiday which took place on 18 March 2022. From February next year there will also be a new permanent public holiday established to mark Imbolc/St Brigid’s Day.
335. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health if he will consider increasing the screening age limit for bowel and breast screening from 69 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24517/22]
View answerI am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
BreastCheck currently invites women aged 50 to 69 for screening. Extending the programme to those up to the age 69 was a Programme for Government commitment which I am pleased to note has been met and is now being implemented. The Programme for Government also commits to extending the age range for BowelScreen, which currently invites people aged 60 to 69, to those aged 55 to 74, and the HSE is planning to begin this expansion.
Decisions about changes to our national screening programmes, such as further widening the age eligibility range, will be made on the advice of our National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.
The NSAC held its first 'Annual Call’ in 2021, which gave the public an opportunity to suggest new screening programmes or changes to existing ones. I am pleased to inform that the Committee have already considered some of the proposals that it received at its meeting in February 2022, including those relating to the existing national cancer screening programmes and made a number of decisions.
Following submissions received from several sources, including from BreastCheck, the Committee has decided to ask HIQA to look at the evidence to further extend the age ranges for breast screening.
The Committee has also decided to ask HIQA to look at further extending the age range for bowel screening, beyond that already committed to.
I look forward to updating you further as the work progresses, while acknowledging that these processes can take time to undertake a thorough evaluation of the evidence and the potential benefits and costs. However, these recent NSAC decisions are an important step in progressing our policy on cancer screening with a view to further improving the outcomes for our population.
It is important to remind that screening is for healthy people without symptoms, and I would advise anyone to take up their invitation for screening when they receive it. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact their GP who will arrange appropriate follow-up care.
336. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health his plans to resolve the nationwide issue medical card holders are facing when trying to obtain a dentist appointment; and if the HSE will reimburse medical card holders on production of dentist receipts. [24933/22]
View answerThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) is the national dental scheme for medical card holders over the age of 16. Services are provided by private dentists who hold a contract with the HSE. Following consultation with the Irish Dental Association, I gave approval on the 13th of April, for the implementation of new measures to provide for both expanded dental health care for medical card holders and increased fees for dental contractors in the hope that more dentists will see more medical card patients.
The changes to the Scheme came into effect from the beginning of May 2022.
These changes to the Scheme are interim measures designed to secure services for medical card holders pending a more substantive reform of dental services to align with the National Oral Health Policy. Work on that longer-term project has already commenced, and it is estimated that it will take 1-2 years to complete.
The HSE will assist anyone who is still experiencing problems accessing a service.
On the question of whether the HSE will reimburse medical card holders on production of receipts I have requested the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy.
337. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which he and his Department remain alert to the evidence of serious drug abuse in towns, villages and cities throughout the country including Dublin; if specific measures are contemplated to encourage moving away from illicit drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26022/22]
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, published by the Health research Board in July 2021, collected information from 5,762 people aged 15 years and older across Ireland and can be found at the following link: www.drugsandalcohol.ie/34287/
The findings of the survey 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.
As part of Budget 2022, I 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 a 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 CHOs, 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 and 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 allocated €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.
Drug use seriously impacts all parts of society, and I am committed to the implementation of the health led approach and to supporting people on their journey to recovery.
338. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which an adequate number of pharmacists remain available to meet requirements; the extent to which provision is being made for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22641/22]
View answerPharmacists wishing to practise in Ireland must be registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), the Pharmacy Regulator.
The number of registered pharmacists on the Register of Pharmacists held and maintained by the PSI has continued to grow. 6848 pharmacists are currently registered with the PSI, with 4400 of these registrants declaring their area of practice as community (see www.thepsi.ie/gns/Registration/public-registers/Statistics.aspx).
The PSI is also the registering authority for pharmacies in Ireland in order that they may open and operate, and the number of Registered Retail Pharmacy Businesses currently stands at 1980. The number of community pharmacies that have entered into a contact with the Health Service Executive to provide services under the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme and the community drug schemes, increased during 2021 and now stands at 1,914.
The PSI’s 2021-2023 Corporate Strategy contains an action for the PSI to ‘Take steps to identify and mitigate risks to the continued availability of the professional pharmacist workforce, particularly within the community pharmacy sector’.
This has materialised as the PSI's ‘Emerging Risks to the Future Pharmacy Workforce’ project, which is a multi-annual project, due to run across 2022-23. In 2022, this project is set to assess emerging risks to the continued availability of a professional pharmacy workforce within community and hospital pharmacy in Ireland.
It will be on the basis of gathering and analysing up-to-date, robust and relevant data, that recommendations can be proposed to address Ireland’s needs for a pharmacist workforce in the future, as Ireland’s healthcare system evolves, and in the context of Sláintecare implementation.
