Written Answers Nos. 301-320
301. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health when the Dental Council will be opening and processing registrations for Ukrainian dentists in Ireland on temporary protection status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35160/22]
View answerThe Dental Council has opened a new registration pathway to process applications from dentists who have been granted refugee protection in Ireland (permanent and temporary). This includes dentists granted temporary protection from the conflict in Ukraine. This pathway was established in accordance with the General Systems provisions of the EU’s Professional Qualifications Directive.
The Dental Council has contacted prospective applicants to advise that the registration pathway is now open.
302. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the details of all allocations over €1million made by his Department to commercial service providers and charities over each of the past three years, broken down by service category and exact allocation figure. [35161/22]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is not immediately available. I will survey the Department and the collated reply will be prepared into a full response to the Deputy as soon as possible.
303. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the details of all allocations over €10 million made by the HSE to commercial service providers and charities over each of the past three years, broken down by service category and exact allocation figure. [35162/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have referred this to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
304. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the details of all workforce planning projects completed in his Department or in the HSE; if these will be published; the details of any such projects currently under way; the timescale for completion of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35163/22]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is not immediately available. I will survey the Department and the collated reply will be prepared into a full response to the Deputy as soon as possible. I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly in relation to the details of all workforce planning projects completed by the HSE within the last five years.
305. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the number of monkeypox cases confirmed in Ireland by month since the start of 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35182/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
306. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if public health authorities sample for the presence of the polio virus in waste water; if so, if the virus has been detected since the start of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35183/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
307. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the steps that are being taken to support persons impacted by mesh implants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35184/22]
View answerI understand that complications from a mesh implant are very distressing and painful for those women involved and since the emergence of this matter, the ongoing priority focus for the Department of Health has been to ensure that all women experiencing mesh related complications receive high quality, multi-disciplinary and patient-centred care. Women’s health remains a key priority for the Government and the Department of Health continue to focus on prioritising the care needs of women affected by mesh related complications.
Uro-Gynaecological (Transvaginal) mesh is used in the surgical treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) and Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) in women and such mesh devices have been widely used for this over the past two decades. However, in late 2017, in line with emerging international evidence, concerns were raised at national level regarding the frequency and severity of complications associated with the use of transvaginal mesh devices. The then Minister for Health requested the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to prepare a report on the clinical and technical issues involved.
In November 2018, the CMO’s Report on The Use of Uro-Gynaecological Mesh in Surgical Procedures was published. The Report contains a number of recommendations regarding the safe and effective provision of mesh procedures in urogynaecology and an appropriate response to women who suffer complications as a result of undergoing such procedures. In July 2018, the CMO had asked the HSE to pause all mesh procedures where clinically safe to do so, pending confirmation of the implementation of specific recommendations in the CMO’s Report. This pause remains in place.
In April 2019 the HSE published a detailed Implementation Plan to progress the recommendations detailed in this report and the National Women and Infants Health Programme continue to lead on this work for the HSE.
In relation to the service provisions and supports in place to support women experiencing mesh related complications, multidisciplinary specialist services for women suffering from mesh complications are available via the HSE National Mesh Complications Service, based at Cork University Hospital (CUMH) and the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) Dublin. This service has been fully operational since 1st September 2021. There are designated HSE contact points and associated care pathways to ensure that service needs can be identified and provided for and all persons affected by mesh are strongly encouraged to access these services via their clinical consultant.
Trans-labial and transvaginal education and training was carried out in November 2021 by a Consultant Uro-Gynaecologist from Croydon University Hospital in the UK, on site in CUMH. The Mesh Complications Service will have a lead Consultant for this service at the two centres (NMH and CUMH) with translabial scanning facilities available at both sites.
The HSE has advised the Department of Health of a Treatment Abroad Scheme protocol for mesh removal, for women with certain defined clinical complexities. This protocol aims to ensure timely access to care under the Treatment Abroad Scheme for this patient group where clinically appropriate.
A key priority is that all women affected by mesh are offered care. Consequently, women affected by mesh have been strongly encouraged to engage with the relevant HSE contact points and the associated care pathways, to ensure that their service needs can be identified and provided for. Information on this, and a list of contact points, are available on the HSE website.
308. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which authentic statistics are available in respect of the termination of pregnancies at all hospitals throughout the country in each of the past six years, including those undertaken outside the State; the extent to which the 2019 legislation is being observed in the spirit of the letter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35228/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have referred this question to our colleagues in the HSE who may be able to assist with this information.
309. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the circumstances in which a person (details supplied) managed to get out of bed and receive further injuries notwithstanding the fact that they are in the high-dependency unit in Tallaght hospital; if adequate provision is being made to ensure non-recurrence of this situation in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35229/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
310. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure reliable statistics and information in respect of termination of pregnancies are readily available and published through Government sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35230/22]
View answerUnder Section 20 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, medical practitioners are required to notify the Minister, with prescribed details of a termination of pregnancy.
Under the Act, I am required, not later than 30 June in each year, to prepare a report on the notifications received by me under section 20 during the immediately preceding year. I am also required, as soon as may be after preparing the report, to cause copies of the report to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas. The 2021 report is currently in preparation in line with the statutory requirements and once prepared, will be laid before the Oireachtas. The Report will then also be published on the Department’s website in the coming weeks. Annual reports for 2019 and 2020 were laid before the Houses and both are available on my Department's website.
311. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the availability of a Covid-19 booster to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35234/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly.As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly.
312. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a required operation will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35236/22]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
313. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a long-term illness payment or equivalent status will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) who suffers from multiple sclerosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35244/22]
View answerThe Long-Term Illness (LTI) scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme. These are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.
Under the LTI scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. All persons 'ordinarily resident’ in the Republic of Ireland who are diagnosed with at least one of the listed illnesses are entitled to apply. There is no means test for the LTI scheme.
Information regarding the LTI scheme, including how to apply, can be found at: www2.hse.ie/services/long-term-illness-scheme/long-term-illness.html.
314. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of healthcare workers in receipt of special leave with pay; the number who have received it for longer than a week or the period of isolation; the number diagnosed with long-Covid, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35255/22]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
315. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any State or semi-State bodies that report to him are currently or have been registered as a charity; the reason for the charity status; the person or body that holds primacy for accountability in those instances, whether the Minister or the Charities Regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35001/22]
View answerOf the 12 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, one is registered as a Charity.
I am advised that Teagasc is registered for charitable status within the meaning of Section 207, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 under Charity Reference Number 2002275. The registration was progressed having regard to the principal functions of Teagasc as outlined in Section 4 of the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988 regarding the provision of educational and training services in agriculture and the dissemination of scientific information to the agricultural industry.
Having charitable status enables Teagasc to avail of certain tax exemptions granted by the Revenue Commissioners to efficiently manage its tax affairs in compliance with tax law and regulations. The registration is a matter for the Charities Regulator, who regulates charitable organisations operating in Ireland, to ensure compliance with the Charities Act and to support best practice in the governance and management of registered charities.
The Board and Director of Teagasc are accountable for its operation, including the day to day operation of its accounts. Teagasc is audited by the C&AG. It receives funding in the form of a grant from my Dept and the Secretary General is the accounting officer for my Dept's vote.
316. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts that are being made to streamline forestry regulations in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35050/22]
View answerProject Woodland was established by Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, over a year ago to improve the forestry licensing system and deal with the backlog, and to drive forward the planting of trees under a shared vision for forestry in Ireland.
As part of the work undertaken, a legal and regulatory review of forestry licensing has been carried out by Philip Lee Consultants and, following extensive stakeholder engagement, their Report was published on 29th June, 2022.
In accordance with the Terms of Reference, they have reviewed and critically analysed the existing EU and domestic legal framework for the licensing of forestry activities, including relevant case law. In addition, the Report focuses on practical and implementable options for streamlining processes and procedures, having regard to arrangements in other European countries, and the constraints imposed under EU law as interpreted by the Courts.
The Department has been tasked by the Project Board of Project Woodland to develop and submit an action plan for the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Report and this work is already underway.
In the meantime, I have substantially increased the resources available to processes forestry licences, and processes are being streamlined. This has resulted in an increase of 56% in the number of licences issued in 2021 compared to the previous year, albeit 2020 was a challenging year for licences.
317. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on Project Woodland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35051/22]
View answerProject Woodland was established as a collaborative mechanism to engage stakeholders in developing a new vision for the forestry sector and improving the licensing system. Significant progress has been made.
All recommendations are actively in progress, with some completed. I will take this opportunity to summarise progress on specific items.
An end-to-end review of the licensing process has been completed and recommendations arising from that review have moved to the implementation stage.
A legal and regulatory review of forestry licensing has been carried out and following extensive stakeholder engagement was published on 29th June, 2022. The Department has been tasked by the Project Board to develop and submit an implementation plan to progress the recommendations in the report and this work has already commenced.
The consultation on the new Forestry Strategy is under way, with a public attitudes survey and a community engagement survey already completed while bilateral engagement with key stakeholders is nearing completion following widespread engagement.
Over 3,000 submissions have been received on an online public consultation on the future of forests in Ireland, which closed for submissions on 27th April. These submissions are being examined in detail and will feed in to the formation of the new Forestry Strategy and Programme which are due for completion by the end of 2022.
A deliberative dialogue on our forests took place on 10th and 14th May, similar in format to the citizens assembly, consisting of 99 citizens representing the general demographic of our population and again, output from this event will feed into the new Strategy and Programme.
Through various initiatives of Project Woodland and increased efficiencies and staffing within my Department, the forestry licensing backlog has been reduced by 50%, from over 6,000 at the start of the Project to approximately 3000 licence applications currently.
Pre-application discussions on afforestation licence applications, to provide advice and guidance to applicants will be rolled out nation-wide, following the completion of a pilot exercise across six regions. Payment of an environmental grant to cover additional costs associated with Appropriate Assessment under the Habitats Directive will commence shortly and will form part of establishment grants paid for afforestation in 2022.
Work has begun on a training needs analysis for forestry licensing and a report is expected in August, 2022. An organisational review of the Department’s Forestry divisions will also be undertaken and is currently out to tender. A communications strategy for forestry will shortly be completed and a Forestry Customer Charter and the question of a review of the role of COFORD will be revisited towards the end of the year.
A great deal has already been achieved under Project Woodland and it is delivering on its remit to improve the licensing system and to develop a new vision for woodland creation in Ireland. Work will continue throughout the year on those elements which remain to be completed and at that stage all elements of the project will transition to an implementation phase.
318. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts that are being made to provide greater clarity to forestry licence applicants with regard to the evaluation and application processes, specifically among small and medium operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35052/22]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine gives detailed guidance on how to apply for licences to plant trees, build road and carry out felling and this guidance is clearly laid out on the forestry page of the Department's website.
In addition forestry related circulars are issued to the forestry sector on a regular basis throughout the year to clarify or amend Department policy, and these are published on the website.
Department staff also provide online and in-person webinars and training courses to registered foresters on an ongoing basis including recent courses in ecology, biodiversity and habitat mapping and Continuous Cover Forestry.
Furthermore, under Project Woodland, an initiative of my colleague Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has responsibility for the sector, there has been a focus on improving the licensing system. A pilot scheme for pre-application discussions on afforestation licence applications has been completed across six regions and it is now planned to roll this out nation-wide.
Work has also commenced on a training needs analysis for forestry licensing and a report is expected in August. This work will consist of a review of the current training being provided, identify any gaps and will make recommendations aimed at improving the quality of licence applications.
We also intend to provide access to forestry licence applicants to the status of their application, within the licensing system. This facility is already available to registered foresters who submit forestry applications on behalf of clients.
319. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if compensation is available to farmers who own turf banks but who do not use same. [35066/22]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has no role in the regulation of use of turf banks.
320. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason such a harsh penalty was applied to persons (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of their circumstances. [35105/22]
View answerThe objective of the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme – Suckler (BEEP - S) is to further increase economic and environmental efficiency in the suckler herd through better quality data on herd performance, supporting decision making on farm and support of best practice in welfare management.
In addition to the mandatory weighing requirement, participants had the choice of a number of additional animal welfare measures. One of these involves the introduction of meal feeding for a period of four weeks pre-weaning and two weeks post-weaning, to reduce the stress on calves at weaning time and record the action. This action when selected must be carried out on all the calves that had their weights submitted under the scheme and is paid at a rate of €30 per calf. For the 2021 scheme, the persons named selected this option.
As part of the scheme’s administrative control checks a number of participants who selected the meal feeding option, including the persons named, were requested to submit meal purchase receipts (or evidence of use of own farm produced cereals) for the number of calves that were weighed as part of the scheme. Records subsequently submitted showed that the required meal feeding had only been carried out on 11 of the 13 calves submitted for payment under the scheme. Two calves had been sold prior to the action being completed.
The scheme Terms and Conditions state:
"Failure to produce or forward the records when requested will be a breach of the programme obligations and will result in no payments for the relevant year and a 50% administrative penalty based on the overall amount which would have been payable in the year for that action will be imposed."
As the required records for the 13 calves put forward for payment were not submitted, the meal feeding option was not eligible for a payment of €390 and an additional penalty of €195 was deducted from payments made under the scheme.
This decision was notified to the persons named by letter on 2nd March 2022. This letter also informed them of their right to have the matter reviewed should the so wish. To-date no such review has been requested.
