Written Answers Nos. 520-543
520. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice if he will reconsider a visa appeal application in the name of a person (details supplied) in light of the individual circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11235/23]
View answerThe visa application referred to by the Deputy was refused by the Visa Office in Abu Dhabi on 22 November 2022. The reasons for this decision were set out in the refusal letter sent to the applicant at that time. An appeal of this decision was received on 18 January 2023.
All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on our website. Applicants that meticulously follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision at first instance.
It should be noted that visa appeals are dealt with in strict chronological order. Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-offices/
Processing times can change during the year, for example before holiday periods or for study applications prior to a new college year.
A decision will be issued to the applicant as soon as full consideration has been given by a Visa Appeals Officer.
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.
521. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if his Department supports the use of gender-neutral pronouns in the drafting of legislation or policies initiated by or originating in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11275/23]
View answerAs I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, the final text of any legislation as enacted is ultimately a matter for the Oireachtas, with the provisions of each Bill required to complete a number of stages involving debate and consideration of proposed amendments.
Gender-neutral writing is about inclusion and equality, which my Department is fully committed to embedding in its culture and values.
Central to its mission of working for a safe, fair and inclusive Ireland, my Department launched its first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy in March 2022. The Strategy aims to strengthen the Department’s capabilities to promote equality, embrace diversity and foster inclusion, not only in daily interactions and activities as colleagues, but also in the design and delivery of the services that the Department provides to the public.
To this end, the EDI Strategy prioritises three areas of focus for strategic impact:
- achieve better policy outcomes and improve the accessibility and quality of our services
- support the development of a skilled and diverse workforce which is reflective of the diversity within our population / country;
- build and embed a workplace culture which facilitates, supports and encourages contributions from all.
The implementation of the EDI Strategy is monitored by my Department's EDI and Public Sector Duty Committee, which is chaired at Assistant Secretary level.
522. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice the steps the Courts Service intends to take to reduce the delays in the Probate Office and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11435/23]
View answerAs the deputy is aware as Minister for Justice, I have no role in the exercise of Probate functions.
The Probate Office is an office of the High Court, and management of the courts is the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. Probate functions are also carried out by County Registrars at District Probate Registries in 14 provincial court offices. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas at: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie
However, I would like to draw the Deputy’s attention to the fact that the Courts Service have embarked on a 10-year programme of modernisation of the Courts system. A proposal to roll out an eProbate project has been identified as part of the civil law modernisation workstream.
I have secured an additional funding allocation for the Courts Service to facilitate the commencement of an eProbate project this year. The introduction of this improved system should lead to a faster and more efficient process.
523. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice the reasons behind the delays in INIS; the steps he intends to take in order to reduce the delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11436/23]
View answerI understand the Deputy's question relates to the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation.
The median processing time for applications now currently stands at 19 months. I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
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.
My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process.
In 2022 there were 13,613 Certificates of Naturalisation issued, including 1,719 in respect of minor applicants. This represents a 39% increase on the number of certificates issued for 2021 (9,780) and demonstrates my Department's commitment to processing applications in a timely manner.
There are ongoing developments and improvements being made to the citizenship application process. Significant reforms have been introduced for customers to streamline the number of proofs required to establish their identity and residency as part of the application process. A new scorecard was introduced to help applicants to complete their applications. Since this initiative went live, a preliminary review of applications received indicates that the quality of the applications has markedly improved.
I welcome this development which builds on other innovative measures introduced in the application process, including the deployment of “Tara” the e-chat bot, as well as e-payments, e-tax clearance and Gardaí e-vetting, and the removal of the requirement to provide the original passport when making an application, all of which have positively enhanced the applicant's experience.
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.
524. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice if he has received representations from an organisation (details supplied) regarding the pensions for members of An Garda Síochána, and in particular, regarding the implications which revised pension arrangements post-2013 are having on recruitment and retention on the force. [11484/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, public sector pensions, including Garda pensions, are a matter of Government policy overseen by the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform, who have a Pensions Policy Unit for this purpose. I understand, people who joined the public service post January 2013 are all members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, which provides for pension benefits based on career average earnings, including basic pay and pensionable allowances.
I wish to confirm I met with representatives of the Garda Representative Association last week and we discussed a wide range of issues, including the issue of pensions. At that meeting, I committed to raising with my Cabinet colleagues, Ministers Donohoe and Humphreys, on the matters discussed.
The Government remains committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, which is reflected in an allocation of over €2 billion under Budget 2023. This funding allocation will support the recruitment of up to 1,000 Gardaí and 400 additional Garda staff this year.
I can assure the Deputy, both myself and the Commissioner recognise that policing is difficult and challenging but very fulfilling work. A number of programmes have been introduced to support members and it is hoped that these can continue to be expanded.
It is clear from the response to last year's competition that, despite intense competition in the employment market, a career in An Garda Síochána is attractive to a large number of people and it is equally clear from the 2022 Garda Culture Audit that Gardaí have high levels of job satisfaction, notwithstanding the risks and challenges associated with their role.
525. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide the draft heads of the Bill to establish an agency with responsibility for domestic sexual and gender-based violence. [11488/23]
View answerLast week, I secured Government approval for the drafting of legislation to create a statutory agency dedicated to tackling and reducing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
It follows the Government’s decision last June that an agency should be established under the remit of the Department of Justice to deliver on commitments under Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence.
One of its key responsibilities will be overseeing and supporting the provision of refuge accommodation for victims to help deliver on the Government’s commitment to double the number of refuge places and increase the number of safe homes and other accommodation over the duration of the Zero Tolerance plan.
However, the establishment of the agency will also ensure that there is permanent structure to help deliver further refuge accommodation over the long term.
To assist with this, the new agency will prepare and publish standards for service provision and governance in respect of the DSGBV services and accommodation, and monitor adherence to those standards.
The core functions of the agency as set out in the newly-published General Scheme include:
- planning, commissioning and funding DSGBV services;
- overseeing and supporting the provision of refuge accommodation for victims;
- setting standards for services and refuges, and monitoring adherence;
- disseminating information on DSGBV, and leading and supporting awareness-raising campaigns;
- conducting, commissioning and supporting research;
- supporting, co-ordinating and reporting on the implementation of the Strategy; and
- assisting the Minister in developing future DSGBV strategies.
The General Scheme of the Bill will now be referred to the Justice Committee for pre-legislative scrutiny and once their report is received, work on finalising the Bill will be prioritised so that it can be published and begin its progression through the Houses with a view to enactment before the end of the year.
The General Scheme can be read in full here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/245e7-draft-general-scheme-of-a-dsgbv-agency-bill
526. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 520 of 14 February 2023, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to have this question answered. [11582/23]
View answerI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, and will contact him again when this is to hand.
527. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if a Stamp 4 will be granted as a prelude to making an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11624/23]
View answerThe person referred to by the Deputy has no valid immigration permission to remain in the State, as their previous immigration permission expired over 6 years ago.
It is important that persons keep their immigration permission up to date if they wish to continue to reside in the State. Where a person remains resident in the State without an immigration permission, I encourage them to contact the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) or their local immigration office and to take all the appropriate steps to regularise their status.
Any application submitted should explain their current circumstances and future intentions in the State and provide any documentation they feel will support their application.
In all cases, people must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally.
The Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) examines each application to remain in the State on a case-by-case basis and has consistently urged anyone in this position to come forward if they wish to apply to regularise their immigration position in the State.
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.
528. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of an application for a visa in the case of a person (details supplied); when a decision is likely to be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11625/23]
View answerThe visa application referred to was created on the 31 August 2022. The application was received in the Dublin Visa Office on the 26 September 2022 where it awaits examination and processing.
Long Stay Join Family visa applications are processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. This policy document may be accessed at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
This Policy Document contains a stated business target that visa applications for family reunification for immediate family members of Irish citizens and Category A sponsors, such as Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders, should be dealt with within 6 months of application.
However, it must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) function of the Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
The applicant will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/
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.
529. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health if he will expand on the work to set up a cross-departmental unit to examine access to therapies, as outlined in the Taoiseach’s speech to the Houses of the Oireachtas on 17 December 2022. [10725/23]
View answerThe new Child Poverty & Wellbeing Unit, which will take a whole of government approach to improving child poverty, will be established in the first quarter of 2023 in Department of the Taoiseach. The aim is to build on what has already been achieved and provide greater focus to improving the lives and wellbeing of all children in Ireland.
I have been informed by the Department of the Taoiseach that work is ongoing to scope out the purpose and functions of the Unit to ensure that it brings added value as well as strategic leadership and enhanced accountability to this issue. It is not intended that the Unit would supplant the work that is underway across many Departments, including my Department, but would rather bring an urgent focus to the areas that could have the greatest impact on children’s lives.
With regard to access to therapy services, my Department continues to focus on ensuring timely access to therapy services for children and to reducing waiting times for all. In Budget 2023, the Department secured substantial annual investment of €195m to enable the continued delivery of the Enhanced Community Care (ECC) Programme. The ECC programme will see approximately 3,500 additional staff recruited within the primary and community care sector. To date, almost 2,500 staff have been recruited or are at an advanced stage of recruitment with the remainder targeted to be recruited throughout 2023. This investment is supporting a programmatic and integrated approach to the development of the primary care that, among other initiatives, includes the development of 96 new Community Healthcare Networks (CHNs). These networks, of which 94 are already established, are central to the development of improved primary care services, with each network serving a local population of around 50,000. Furthermore, children and young people will continue to be supported in primary care through specific investments, including, for example, the Primary Care Psychology Waiting List Initiative.
530. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the number of people who were granted a primary medical certificate in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form; the total number of people to currently hold a primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11184/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
531. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the measures that will be implemented to address the shortage in GPs throughout the country particularly in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10806/23]
View answer532. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the measures taken to improve the recruitment and retention of GPs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10807/23]
View answer600. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health his plans to support general practitioners to take up positions in rural general practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11130/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 531, 532 and 600 together.
GPs 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. Currently there are 2,532 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme.
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.
Under the 2019 GP Agreement additional annual expenditure provided for general practice has been increased now by €211.6m. This provides for significant increases in capitation fees for participating GMS GPs, and new fees and subsidies for additional services. Improvements to GP’s maternity and paternity leave arrangements and a support for GPs in disadvantaged urban areas, have also been provided for.
An enhanced supports package for rural GP practices was introduced previously to support rural GPs, these supports have been increased by 10% under the 2019 GP Agreement. In addition, practices in receipt of rural practice supports attract the maximum allowable rates for practice staff support subsidies and locum contributions for leave taking. Specific fees are also in place for dispensing doctors (who operate in rural areas), these have been increased by 28% under the Agreement.
The number of doctors entering GP training has increased approximately ten percent year on year from 2019, rising from 193 in 2019 to 258 in 2022, and a further large increase is planned for this year. Following the transfer of responsibility for GP training from the HSE to the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), it is aimed to have 350 training places available for new entrants per year by 2026.
These measures will make general practice in Ireland a more attractive career choice and will see an increase in the number of GPs working in the State, improving access to GP services for patients throughout the country.
Furthermore, a strategic review of GP services is to commence shortly and will be completed this year. The review, with input from key stakeholders, will examine the broad range of issues affecting general practice in general and in rural areas specifically, and will set out the measures necessary to deliver a better general practice.
533. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the number of patients currently waiting for fistula surgery in UHG; the current wait time; the steps that are being taken to reduce this waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10817/23]
View answerIt is recognised that waiting times for many scheduled appointments and procedures were too long before and have been made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic. While significant work continues to positively impact on waiting times and improve pathways to elective care, acute hospitals are still impacted by operational challenges arising from the pandemic and the current pressures on Emergency Departments.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed to the Department that patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
The Department of Health continues to work with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to identify ways to improve access to care, including through increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services, providing virtual clinics, and increasing capacity in the public hospital system.
The 2022 Waiting List Action Plan set targets to reduce both the number of people waiting for care and the length of time they are waiting. Positive progress was made in 2022 in relation to both targets, despite negative impacts throughout the year on scheduled care from continued COVID-19 surges, emergency department pressures and other operational factors, including staff hiring. In 2022, there were c.1.56m patients removed from the Waiting list and c.1.53m patients added to the waiting list – a net reduction of c.30k (4%). Long waiters were significantly reduced in 2022: the number of patients exceeding the 18-month maximum wait time target for new outpatient (OPD) appointments target decreased by c.59.0k (38.5%) and the number of patients exceeding the 12-month maximum wait time target for in-patient day case (IPDC) procedures and GI Scopes has decreased by c3.8k (22.6%) and c.3.5k (86.5%) respectively.
Through the 2022 Plan, €350m funding was allocated to the HSE and the NTPF to provide additional public and private activity to reduce the waiting list backlogs that were exacerbated during the Pandemic, but also as the first stage of an ambitious multi annual approach, to lay the foundations for important reforms that will deliver sustained reductions in waiting lists.
For 2023, funding of €443 million is being allocated to tackle Waiting Lists, some €360m of which is targeted at acute hospital waiting lists. The plan to utilise this part of the funding is being developed by the Department of Health in conjunction with the HSE and NTPF. This will include details of new capacity planned for 2023 as well as important reforms that will improve capacity in the public hospital system.
The information requested by the Deputy regarding the number of patients currently waiting for fistula surgery in UHG, is outlined at the following link.
534. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied) who following a home visit 18 months ago is waiting on an occupational therapist report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10829/23]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
535. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 412 of 16 February 2023, when the blood results of the microarray test conducted in April 2022 at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe, County Galway on a child (details supplied) will be made available to the family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10830/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
536. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason a medical card has not been approved for a person (details supplied); and if his case will be reviewed urgently with a view to granting a medical card as soon as possible. [10853/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
537. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if he will detail the health threats posed to users by lead water pipes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10860/23]
View answerThe World Health Organization (WHO) now considers that no level of lead in drinking water is completely safe. The WHO advise that the ultimate goal should be the removal of all lead piping likely to supply water for drinking.
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is responsible for policy and legislation in relation to drinking water quality. Since 1 January 2014 Uisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for the provision of public water services. It should be noted that the Government has developed a National Strategy to Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water and Uisce Éireann has developed a Lead in Drinking Water Mitigation Plan.
One of the main health risks associated with lead in water is that it can affect the development of a child’s brain leading to problems with learning, behaviour and attention, with the risk being greatest for young children, infants and babies in the womb. Furthermore, lead may harm the kidneys and may contribute to high blood pressure. Lead has also been linked to cancer.
Further information can be obtained on the following websites:
HSE Consumer Advice:
www.hse.ie/eng/health/hl/water/drinkingwater/lead/
EPA and HSE Joint Position Paper:
www.hse.ie/eng/health/hl/water/drinkingwater/lead/hse-epa-jointpositionpaperleadindrinkingwater.pdf
538. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has calculated the additional cost burden on the healthcare system due to an increase in hyperemesis gravidarum patients presenting at emergency services to get an initial cariban prescription from an obstetrician consultant instead of their GP, so that they can claim back the cost of cariban under the new reimbursement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10867/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
539. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if his Department will engage directly with an organisation (details supplied), the Irish College of General Practitioners, and other expert bodies on how best to implement the cariban reimbursement scheme in a manner which prioritises and maximises hyperemesis gravidarum patient care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10868/23]
View answerDedicated funding of €1.3m was provided in Budget 2023 to provide reimbursement support for Cariban to women suffering hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of nausea during pregnancy.
Cariban has been available since the beginning of the year. As of 28 February 2023, 581 women have been approved for the product.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for medicine reimbursement decisions under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
Because Cariban is an unlicensed product, and cannot be added to the reimbursement list, the HSE put in place an exceptional arrangement which requires that the initial prescriber of Cariban must be a consultant. Of course, the HSE will thereafter accept GP prescriptions for approved patients.
However, as I recognise that women suffering hyperemesis gravidarum may need access to Cariban before their first consultation with their specialist/obstetrician, and in light of the fact that GPs already prescribe it without an initial prescription from a specialist, I have asked that the HSE review the current arrangement and to report back to me.
I will consider the Deputy's request when the results of that review are available.
540. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if he will outline what the review of the HSE policy on provision of cariban will entail; when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10869/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
541. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the action that is being taken to progress a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10903/23]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
542. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied) who has been waiting on an appointment with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) at University Hospital Limerick for two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10914/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
543. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim will receive an appointment in Beaumont Hospital. [10924/23]
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.
