Robert Troy
Question:195. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice the number of new marked and unmarked Garda cars allocated to counties Longford and Westmeath in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. [36635/22]
View answerAn Garda Síochána
Questions (195)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am advised, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimum use in light of identified operational needs and emerging crime trends.
The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of new marked and unmarked Garda vehicles allocated to counties Longford and Westmeath in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022.
Vehicles Allocated to Westmeath Division
|
|
Cars |
Cars |
|
|
|
Marked |
Unmarked |
Total |
|
As at 30 June 2022 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|
2021 |
7 |
0 |
7 |
|
2020 |
8 |
4 |
12 |
|
2019 |
0 |
5 |
5 |
Vehicles Allocated to Roscommon/Longford Division
|
|
Cars |
Cars |
|
|
|
Marked |
Unmarked |
Total |
|
As at 30 June 2022 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
2021 |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
2020 |
9 |
4 |
13 |
|
2019 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
An Garda Síochána
Questions (196)
Robert Troy
Question:196. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice the total number of Garda cars currently allocated to Garda services in counties Longford and Westmeath; and the age and mileage of the Garda vehicle fleet in the counties in tabular form. [36636/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am advised, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimum use in light of identified operational needs and emerging crime trends.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the recording of data on Garda systems is per Division rather than county. The below tables outline the total number of Garda cars allocated to Garda services for the Roscommon/ Longford Division and Westmeath Division, and the age and mileage of those vehicles.
Roscommon/Longford Divisional Garda Cars by age and mileage as at 30 June 2022
|
Age Profile |
Roscommon-Longford Division |
|
< 1 year |
1 |
|
1-2 years |
13 |
|
2-4 years |
10 |
|
4-6 years |
7 |
|
6+ years |
11 |
|
Total |
42 |
|
Total mileage |
6,049,576km |
Westmeath Divisional Garda Cars by age and mileage as at 30 June 2022
|
Age Profile |
Westmeath Division |
|
< 1 year |
6 |
|
1-2 years |
9 |
|
2-4 years |
14 |
|
4-6 years |
14 |
|
6+ years |
14 |
|
Total |
57 |
|
Total mileage |
8,215,495km |
An Garda Síochána
Questions (197)
Robert Troy
Question:197. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda stations in counties Longford and Westmeath which are without a full-time Garda presence; and the stations in which this is the case. [36637/22]
View answerWritten answers
I have contacted the Garda authorities for the information requested by the Deputy, however this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once this information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 197 of 6 July 2022 where you sought:
‘The number of Garda stations in counties Longford and Westmeath which are without a full-time Garda presence; and the stations in which this is the case’.
As you will recall, I had sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.
As you will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including operational matters such as the opening and closing hours for each Garda station. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
The attached appendix, provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Garda stations in Longford and Westmeath which open on a full time and part time basis.
Further detailed information in relation to Garda station opening hours can be found on the Garda website.
The information can be found at the following link: Station Directory - Garda
In the interests of transparency, further detailed information in relation to Garda numbers can be found on my Department’s website. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána, and includes the number of Gardaí by station across the whole country.
The information can be found at the following link:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures
Appendix
|
Station |
Station Open Full Time or Part Time |
|
|
WESTMEATH |
ATHLONE |
24 Hour |
|
BALLYMORE |
*Part-Time |
|
|
GLASSON |
*Part-Time |
|
|
KILBEGGAN |
*Part-Time |
|
|
MOATE |
*Part-Time |
|
|
BALLYNACARGY |
*Part-Time |
|
|
CASTLEPOLLARD |
*Part-Time |
|
|
DELVIN |
*Part Time |
|
|
KILLUCAN |
*Part Time |
|
|
KINNEGAD |
*Part-Time |
|
|
MULLINGAR |
24 Hour |
|
|
MULTYFARNHAM |
*Part-Time |
|
|
ROCHFORTBRIDGE |
*Part-Time |
|
|
LONGFORD |
DRUMLISH |
*Part-Time |
|
EDGEWORTHSTOWN |
*Part-Time |
|
|
GRANARD |
24 Hour |
|
|
SMEAR |
*Part-Time |
|
|
BALLYMAHON |
*Operates on alternating hours |
|
|
KENAGH |
Kenagh Garda Station is currently without a full-time Garda presence following the retirement of a Garda member. A replacement member is being stationed to Kenagh effective from 23/07/2022. |
|
|
LANESBORO |
*Operates on alternating hours |
|
|
LONGFORD |
24 Hour |
*Gardaí are available according to Rosters in these stations.
Naturalisation Applications
Questions (198)
Bernard Durkan
Question:198. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice to indicate the eligibility for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) who has made a previous application; the reason that the previous application was not successful and who now appears to have been requested to submit a certificate of neutrality which they do not have; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36679/22]
View answerWritten answers
Officials in the Citizenship Division of my Department wrote to the person referred to by the Deputy on 31 May 2021, requesting documentation in order to progress their application. The documents requested related to the passport of person concerned; a letter of authority regarding the person's solicitor; proof of residency; and a receipt of payments from the Department of Social Protection. There was no request for a certificate of neutrality.
Further reminders issued to the person concerned on 26 January 2022 and 28 February 2022, to which no response was received. The Citizenship Division then deemed the application to be abandoned by the applicant.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, and all applications are processed in line with the eligibility criteria as set out under the Act. Each application is assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act. A determination on whether an applicant satisfies the statutory criteria attendant to naturalisation can only be made after an application is received.
Applicants are required to have five years reckonable residence in the State prior to making an application, except for spouses of Irish nationals where the requirement is three years. In both cases, the final 12 months must be continuous residence in the State with up to six weeks allowed to facilitate foreign travel for business, family or holiday purposes.
When submitting an application the onus is on the applicant to determine if they satisfy all of the eligibility criteria. Detailed information on Irish citizenship and the naturalisation process, along with the relevant application forms and guidance notes, is available on my Department's immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/.
Residency Permits
Questions (199)
Bernard Durkan
Question:199. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when an updated Irish residence permit card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) whose stamp 1 has been extended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36686/22]
View answerWritten answers
The immigration case of the person referred to by the Deputy is impacted by the European Court of Justice judgment in the Chenchooliah case.
My Department issued the person concerned a Stamp 1 permission letter dated 27 May 2022, which allows them to work without the need for an employment permit. Their longer-term position in the State is expected to be decided on within the period of the short-term permission granted. If this is not possible, the permission will be extended for a further period, on similar conditions, subject to compliance with the original conditions of the short-term permission.
People are required under Section 9(2) (a) of the Immigration Act 2004 to register their permission granted with their local immigration office as soon as possible. I understand that, as of 5 July 2022, the person concerned has not yet attempted to register this permission. They should still be able to renew their permission at their local registration office and should seek to do so immediately.
As they are resident in Dublin, they should do so via the online renewal system for my Department's Burgh Quay Registration Office at: inisonline.jahs.ie/.
Any queries in relation to this can be directed to: immigrationsupport@justice.ie.
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.
Legislative Measures
Questions (200)
Catherine Murphy
Question:200. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she consulted the Attorney General in respect of the general scheme of communications (retention of data) (Amendment) Bill 2022; if she engaged any private legal company on same; and if so, if she will provide cost and details of same. [36725/22]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that my Department, in line with normal practice, consulted with the Office of the Attorney General in respect of the General Scheme of the Communications (Retention of Data) Bill 2022. The Department has not engaged any private legal company on same.
Public Sector Staff
Questions (201)
Michael Ring
Question:201. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the number of former county managers and CEOs of local authorities who are currently working within his Department and any agency or body under the remit of his Department, including details for persons employed in any format such as on a contract or advisory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36301/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has no record of any former County managers or Local Authority CEOs currently in its employment. However, having regard to data protection my Department does not routinely maintain a database which records the entire former employment history of its employees.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to their workforce.
Information for other agencies under the aegis of my Department is being sought and will be provided directly to the Deputy once available.
Disability Services
Questions (202)
Catherine Murphy
Question:202. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the date on which he received the Action Plan for the Disability Capacity review; the date on which he will publish the review; and the steps that he is taking in respect of the recommendations contained therein. [36312/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Health published the Disability Capacity Review in July 2021. This report set out the capacity requirements for health-funded disability services for the period up to 2032. In order to drive the process of implementing the recommendations of the Capacity Review, a Working Group was set up to develop an Action Plan for Disability Services for the period 2022-2025. This Group, whose membership consisted of senior officials from the Departments of DCEDIY, Social Protection, Housing, Further and Higher Education, Health, and the Health Service Executive, has now completed its work and the draft Action Plan is currently being finalised.
Departmental Legal Cases
Questions (203)
Mark Ward
Question:203. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the cost to the State in defending court cases brought by parents since 2018 whose children did not receive an assessment of need in a timely manner; the number of cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36320/22]
View answerWritten answers
With regard to legal cases taken in relation to the Disability Act 2005, I can only answer in respect of cases relating to health services and not the State as a whole.
In the context of the Department of Health, the Office of the Disability Appeals Officer has confirmed that the legal costs incurred by from March 2018 to the end of June 2022, the term to date of the current incumbent in the role, totals €53,065.50.
With regard to costs for other cases, this information is held by the Health Service Executive and, as such, I have referred to this PQ to them for direct response to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
Departmental Legal Cases
Questions (204)
Mark Ward
Question:204. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the cost to the State in defending the recent High Court case in which the judge ruled that a preliminary process used by the HSE to assess the needs of children with suspected educational and health problems does not comply with the disability laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36321/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Questions (205)
Seán Sherlock
Question:205. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of a wheelchair for a child (details supplied); and if the matter will be expedited. [36324/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Healthcare Policy
Questions (206)
Paul Murphy
Question:206. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the HSE policy in relation to those with long-Covid giving blood donations; if there is a policy that long-Covid patients should not give blood; if so, if staff at blood donation centres are aware of this; and if measures are in place in relation to those who have undiagnosed long-Covid who have donated blood. [36326/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) are the statutory body with the responsibility for the supply of blood and blood products in Ireland.
The IBTS has advised that it has specific guidelines on the eligibility of donors who have had Covid-19. All donors who have had Covid-19 must be fully recovered for at least one week before they can donate blood. The following is the IBTS definition of full recovery:
Donors can be considered to be fully recovered if they:
- Are well and do not have continuing fatigue which affects activities of daily living.
- Do not have a fever
- Do not have respiratory symptoms such as breathlessness at rest or on exertion or difficulty breathing
- They can be accepted if they have a mild cough.
- Do not have any cardiac symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations
- Do not have ankle oedema
- Do not have thromboembolic disease
- Do not have any other symptoms that were thought to be caused by COVID-19 such as headaches or dizziness or changes in sensation in their arms or legs (i.e. Central or peripheral neurological complications).
- Some donors may have changes to their taste or smell, that continue for weeks after their other symptoms have resolved. These donors can be considered to be recovered for the purposes of donating blood or platelets or other components
If a donor has long-Covid he/she is not eligible to donate. An individual clinical assessment will be made on any donor who has made a full recovery from long-Covid, to determine if the donor is eligible to donate and if so how long he/she will be deferred for post recovery.
To date, Covid-19 has not been shown to have been transmitted by blood transfusion; therefore the guidance on long-Covid relates to donor safety rather than the safety of the donation.
Nursing Homes
Questions (207)
Paul Murphy
Question:207. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if there was a regulatory system in place to check the way in which funds provided to nursing homes through the temporary assistance payment scheme were used for; and the details of same. [36327/22]
View answerWritten answers
The COVID-19 Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme (TAPS) was established in April 2020 in response to a public health emergency to provide support to private and voluntary nursing homes to mitigate and respond to the impacts of COVID-19. The core concept of the scheme when it was established was that the State would provide additional funding to those nursing homes that require it to contribute towards costs associated with COVID-19 preparedness, mitigation and outbreak management. €134.5m was made available in funding for the scheme from April 2020 to June 2021.
The scheme was established on an administrative basis and guidelines were issued by the HSE setting out allowable and non-allowable costs and a robust regime of overall controls.
Scheme payments are based on vouched expenditure, meaning that all claims were for COVID-19 related costs incurred by nursing homes and supported by financial information. Each nursing home’s monthly claim is capped depending on size, up to an overall maximum of €60,000 per month. All claims are reviewed and validated, with avenues for escalation and query where needed.
All applications may be audited for a period of six years, and any unallowable applications paid or claims that cannot be vouched can be clawed back. Under the terms of the Covid-19 Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme for Nursing Homes, each nursing home seeking support under the arrangement agreed that its application would be subject to audit.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Questions (208)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:208. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied) who has been waiting on the provision of a wheelchair from the Southill health centre in Limerick, having been measured for one 12 months ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36337/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
General Practitioner Services
Questions (209)
Richard Bruton
Question:209. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he has received reports of the difficulty of persons in finding a general practitioner to accept them, particularly on the medical card scheme; and if he has discussed with the HSE the possibility of developing a better clearing-house system in order to assist patients in accessing care. [36341/22]
View answerWritten answers
GPs are independent practitioners. Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders.
Where a GMS patient experiences difficulty in finding a GP to accept him/her as a patient, the person concerned having unsuccessfully applied to at least three GPs in the area can apply to the HSE National Medical Card Unit which has the power to assign that person to a GP's GMS patient list.
People who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis in which the Minister has no role and can make enquiries directly to any GP practice they wish to register with. As private contractors, it is a matter for each individual GP to decide whether to accept additional private patients.
The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice, and acknowledge that some patients have difficulty in finding a local GP. We are working to ensure patients across the country continue to have access to GP services and that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future.
The 2019 Agreement on GP contractual reform and service development will see the Government increase annual investment in general practice by approximately 40% (€210 million) between 2019 and 2023. The Agreement provides for increased support for GPs working in rural practices and for those in disadvantaged urban areas, and for improvements to maternity and paternity leave arrangements. In addition, the number of GPs entering training has been increased steadily over the past number of years, rising from 120 in 2009 to 233 in 2021, with an intake of 258 planned for this year.
These measures will see an increase in the number of GPs working in the State, improving access to GP services for patients throughout the country.