Written Answers Nos. 292-306
292. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 320 of 26 May 2022, if her Department’s review of the new scorecard system for persons who have recently turned 18 is finalised; if the updated scorecards and guidelines are now available for applicants to review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36811/22]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that the updated scorecards are expected to issue shortly and will be uploaded to my Department's immigration website (www.irishimmigration.ie).
The scorecard was introduced to help applicants to complete their applications with greater certainty than before. Since the go-live of the scorecards, my officials inform me that there has not been any reduction in the number of applications being received when compared to previous years. However, a preliminary review of applications received in recent weeks indicates that the quality of the applications has markedly improved.
This is a welcome development and builds on other innovative measures recently introduced in the citizenship application process, including the deployment of “Tara” the e-chat bot, e-payments, e-tax clearance, Garda e-vetting, and the removal of the requirement to provide the original passport when making an application. All of these measures have positively enhanced the applicant's experience.
Notwithstanding this, I am aware that for some applicants the scorecard may not have adequately addressed their individual circumstances. In such cases, the Citizenship Division of my Department may accept a sworn affidavit, which could make up the deficit in points to enable the applicant to meet the necessary threshold. The affidavit will not be accepted in lieu of all appropriate proofs, only to make up the shortfall to enable the score of 150 points to be reached.
A previous examination by my Department of the citizenship application process indicated that incorrectly submitted applications were diverting considerable resources from general processing, resulting in the slowing down of all applications and adversely impacting on customer service.
Considerable effort has therefore gone into clarifying the application guidelines published on my Department's immigration website (www.irishimmigration.ie) and on making the application process itself more customer friendly, including the introduction of the new scorecard structure for proof of identity and residence.
293. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she agrees that there is a need for comprehensive hate crime legislation in Ireland to help tackle the harassment and attacks committed against the LGBT+ community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36837/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, Ireland has become a more diverse and welcoming country in recent decades.
I strongly condemn the actions of the small minority of people who subject others to abuse or attack resulting from their own prejudice. These types of attacks cannot, and will not, be tolerated.
On 16 April 2021, I published the General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Hatred and Hate Crime) Bill 2021 following an extensive public consultation. The General Scheme was then referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice for pre-legislative scrutiny. This took place in November 2021 and the report was published in April 2022.
I am committed to advancing work on the Bill this year.
This Bill will create new, aggravated forms of certain existing criminal offences, where those offences are motivated by prejudice against a protected characteristic. The aggravated offences will generally carry an enhanced penalty, compared to the ordinary offence, and the record of any conviction for such an offence would clearly state that the offence was a hate crime.
Following receipt of the Justice Committee’s report in April, my officials have been examining the recommendations made. Some of these recommendations have required further legal advice, and consultation with key stakeholders.
I was very glad to meet recently during Pride week with representatives of the LGBTI+ non-governmental organisations to discuss a range of concerns including their wish to see this Bill enacted as soon as possible.
Drafting of the Bill is underway with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel, and I expect that the Bill will be published in the coming period.
294. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the action that the Garda authorities are taking to tackle the ongoing issue of stolen dogs; if there has been any changes made to legislation in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36842/22]
View answerPet theft is an incredibly cruel crime which causes huge trauma for pet owners all over the country. I fully appreciate the strong emotional attachment we all have to our pets and that theft not only leads to their loss in our lives, but also a high level of concern for their welfare. It is also a crime which often affects, and is indeed often targeted against, older and particularly vulnerable people, for whom their pet is of huge emotional importance.
It is important to emphasise that theft offences already apply to this crime, and can carry very heavy penalties. The Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment in the case of offences of theft and handling of stolen property; while a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment is provided for the offence of possession of stolen property.
When imposing sentence, judges are not limited to considering the monetary value of a pet – the emotional distress to the victim caused by the offence is absolutely relevant and can be, and is, taken into account where appropriate. However, I acknowledge that the existing offence considers the offence as being one against property rather than a person or an animal and I am committed to examining the options to address the issue, including, if necessary, making legislative changes.
From an enforcement perspective, An Garda Síochána takes this issue very seriously and has conducted several important actions against those responsible. Gardaí have also disseminated information through the national Crime Prevention Officer Network regarding keeping animals secure and preventing these forms of theft. The Garda National Crime Prevention Unit's advice on pet safety, which is in line with the advice from animal welfare groups and animal insurance companies about keeping animals safe, can be viewed on the Garda website.
I would like to emphasise the importance of microchipping. Every dog must be microchipped by the time it reaches 12 weeks of age, or earlier if it is sold or moved from its place of birth (Microchipping of Dogs Regulation 2015), and the microchip must be registered with an authorised database. Microchipping of all dogs protects the animals’ welfare, and assists with speedy identification of lost or stolen dogs and their owners. It is an offence to keep a dog over 12 weeks that has not been chipped and it is an offence to sell such a dog. Microchips can be easily checked at vets and by Gardaí. They are by far and away the most effective means of tracking and identifying dogs.
The Department of Agriculture have also made regulations covering the advertising for sale of animals under the Animal Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pets Regulations) 2019.
The Deputy will note from the figures from PULSE in the table below that the number of dog thefts to date in 2022 is considerably lower than in the preceding years, particularly 2020 and 2021 during the Covid pandemic.
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022* |
|
|
Dog Theft Incidents |
60 |
70 |
121 |
116 |
25 |
|
Stolen Dogs |
145 |
204 |
228 |
280 |
41 |
*2022 information is up to and inclusive of 05 July 2022 Figures are operational and subject to change.
295. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to an urgent request for the publication of the Action Plan for the Disability Capacity Review coming from organisations that support persons with intellectual disabilities and their families; if he will listen to these requests and publish the Action Plan as soon as possible; if he will ensure that the needs set out in the Action Plan are included in the budgetary plan for 2023; and if he will ensure that there is an accessible budgetary announcement for disability in order that those with disabilities and their supporters are aware of the supports that will be provided for in Budget 2023.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36774/22]
View answerThe 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.
The arrangements for announcements and communications pertaining to Budget 2023 are the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Finance. It is of course hugely important to ensure that Government communications are made as accessible as possible for people with disabilities. I can confirm the Disability Action Plan 2022-2025 when published, will be available in a range of accessible formats, in the same way as the Disability Capacity Review to 2032.
296. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will establish an occupational injury scheme for healthcare workers with long-Covid; if he his attention has been drawn to the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2021-2027 which recognises the importance of recognising Covid-19 as an occupational disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36945/22]
View answer328. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he intends to update the HSE terms and conditions of employment to include Covid-19 as an occupational disease or injury; if his attention has been drawn to the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2021-2027 which recognises the importance of recognising Covid-19 as an occupational disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36944/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 328 together.
I note the recent EU Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work (ACSH) agreement in respect of COVID-19 in health and social care, and both the Government and I recognise the commitment shown by our public healthcare workers throughout the pandemic. They have gone beyond the call of duty, working in front-line COVID-19 clinically exposed environments, treating COVID-19 positive patients. Many of those front-line public health sector workers contracted COVID-19 and still remain suffering from long-COVID.
On that basis, it is my view that a special "Scheme of Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees with Long COVID" is merited for the public health sector, and this has been prepared and provided to the staff representative bodies.
Engagement commenced on Tuesday 5th July between officials from the Department of Health, the HSE and the health sector representative bodies regarding the special paid leave Scheme, and are ongoing.
297. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the status of a matter (details supplied); if this matter can be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36782/22]
View answerFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
On January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, on 19th April the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs, as apply to the HSE and Section 38 agencies, which are available on its website: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html.
Eligible employees must have been employed between 1st of March 2020 and 30th of June 2021 and have been identified as working in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments. Employees who worked less than 4 weeks in the specified period are not in scope.
Please be assured that the Government is very mindful of others who played their important part during this difficult period. It was tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the risks which workers faced during this critical time period. 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.
298. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health when he will publish the action plan for the Disability Capacity Review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36785/22]
View answerThe 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.
299. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will take steps as a matter of urgency to ensure that a patient (details supplied) is approved for treatment under the treatment abroad scheme. [36786/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
300. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the Action Plan for Disability Capacity Review (details supplied) will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36800/22]
View answerThe 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.
301. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and when the person concerned can expect an appointment in the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin. [36801/22]
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.
302. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if he will give an update on the provision of affordable cariban medication for women suffering from hyperemesis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36802/22]
View answer311. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the reason that the commonly used medication for hyperemesis, cariban, is not covered under the drug payment scheme; if there is a plan and schedule to include this drug in the drug payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36841/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 302 and 311 together.
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
303. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); the steps that he is taking to improve the National Ambulance Service recruitment service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36808/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
304. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he intends to provide funding in Budget 2023 for the provision of the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system to persons with diabetes aged over 21 years, based on clinical need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36809/22]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
305. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if the implementation plan for the disability capacity planning to 2032 has been completed; if it will be published; and if pre-planning for the forthcoming budget has incorporated the outcome of this work. [36819/22]
View answerThe 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.
306. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if there are enough general practitioners to service the Palmerstown Dublin 20 area, given that residents have reported that they have had to resolve to going to emergency departments as they cannot get an appointment; and the way the number of general practitioners in this area can be increased. [36826/22]
View answerGPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community.
Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Where a vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes actively involved in the recruitment process to find a replacement GP. As of the 1st of May 2022, there are no GMS GP vacancies in Palmerstown.
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 (or fewer if there are fewer GPs in the area) can apply to the HSE National Medical Card Unit which has the power to assign a GMS patient 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 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 is 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.
