Written Answers Nos. 392-410
392. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will establish a national referral pathway for children with scoliosis; if he will issue information to GPs outlining the service options for children with scoliosis, such as one (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30480/23]
View answerChildren's Health Ireland (CHI) has advised that a national referral mechanism exists between GPs and CHI. GPs can refer patients to specific named surgeons or into a general pool of surgeons either electronically or by a paper based system via health link. The appropriate triage of the referral is carried out by an Orthopaedic Consultant and a triage category assigned based on information provided and a review of x-rays/ imaging performed to date.
CHI is committed to improving communication with both GPs and patients' families with regard to the acknowledgment of receipt of their referral, a designated named Consultant that has triaged the letter, the triage category provided and an estimation of time to be reviewed.
With the transition to one orthopaedic team in a single site and a concentration of spine surgery service being provided there for children, this will effectively be a centralised referral pathway. Appropriate triage and communication is of vital importance and it is in these areas that CHI aims to concentrate its efforts presently.
393. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health his response to the recently implemented programme to improve the offering and safety for those who required a texture modified meal in a hospital (details supplied); if he is examining the potential for this programme to be rolled out to other hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30483/23]
View answerI am not familiar with the specific programme referred to by the Deputy, but I understand it relates to a private healthcare facility.
Usually, texture modified meals are for those with swallowing difficulties, for example, older people, post-stroke care, or those who have neurological difficulties. However, there are rare occasions where texture modified meals might relate to eating disorders such as where there is fear of choking. I have therefore referred this question to the HSE, for direct reply to the Deputy, insofar as this type of programme relates to current or potential HSE provision under its Mental Health or other care services.
394. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health his views on maternity hospitals permitting visits by siblings to see newborn children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30484/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
395. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30485/23]
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.
397. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total spend on consulting services and on business-as-usual outsourcing, as differentiated under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016, for each commercial public body under the aegis of his Department for 2022. [30260/23]
View answerThe bodies under the aegis of my Department are non commercial and do not fall under the scope of the Deputy’s query.
398. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will introduce a ministerial Order that will recognise the new generation apprenticeships that are, and will, progress from the construction skills certification scheme model to the more advanced apprenticeship model, in light of the possible solution identified in the answer provided to Parliamentary Question No. 296 of 25 May 2023 now not being viable (details supplied). [30412/23]
View answerFurther to my original response on the 25th May, I would like to assure the Deputy that work is on-going with partners who are seeking to arrive at a solution. The matter is being prioritised for resolution.
399. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding the departmental review of PHDs; if he will provide a timeline for its publication; if his attention has been drawn to recent concerns raised by an organisation (details supplied) regarding the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30413/23]
View answerIn November 2022, I appointed Dr Andrea Johnson and Mr David Cagney to undertake an independent National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers. This reflects the objective, under the dedicated Talent Pillar of Impact 2030, Ireland’s national research and innovation strategy, for a consistent research student experience across funders, institutions and research disciplines.
The Review Terms of Reference comprise examination of:
• Current financial supports for PhD researchers,
• The adequacy, consistency and equity of current arrangements,
• The status of PhD researchers (employee/ student) including a review of international comparators,
• Impact on the funding of research programmes of any adjustments to current supports,
• Graduate outcomes, including return on investment,
• Visa requirements and duration for non-EU students.
The Co-Chairs recently submitted their first report to me and I brought it to Cabinet for information on 20 June. It will shortly be published on my Department’s website.
In this first report, based on extensive consultation and analysis, the Co-Chairs provide recommendations on the following:
• Financial supports for PhD researchers, with particular regard to stipend levels;
• Issues encountered by PhD researchers coming to Ireland from outside the European Union/ European Economic Area;
• Improving PhD graduate outcomes.
Within this, they recommend an increased stipend level, with an optimum target of €25,000. They acknowledge the potential ramifications of any such change on public finances and recognise that significant additional work will be needed in order give effect to such a recommendation.
Because of their particular complexity, the following elements of the terms of reference will require deeper analysis prior to final recommendations being made:
• Consistency and equity of approaches in how PhD researchers are supported, for example, those coming from underrepresented groups;
• The status of a PhD researcher, i.e. classification as either a student or an employee.
The Co-Chairs will prepare a final review report to consider these outstanding issues. The status issue in particular will require significant stakeholder engagement and alignment – especially in terms of any consequences for the Employment Control Framework. I expect the final report later this year.
This first report provides a rich picture, at a point in time, of a range of important issues that now need to be considered by all stakeholders. All review recommendations will inform the development of a longer-term (12-18 months) work programme by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Any budgetary implications of recommendations will be dealt with through the normal budgetary processes.
400. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to provide PhDs classified as non-EU with updated residency visas with a four-year duration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30473/23]
View answer401. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to ensure that PhD researchers have access to PRSI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30474/23]
View answer402. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to ensure that PhD researchers have access to sick leave and/or parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30475/23]
View answer403. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to ensure that PhD researchers have access to the Workplace Relations Commission in order to resolve disputes with their university; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30476/23]
View answer404. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to establish minimum standards for the provision of funding for PhD researchers in Ireland, including minimum standards of pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30477/23]
View answer405. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the consideration he has given to resolve the matter of employee status for PhD researchers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30478/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 400 to 405, inclusive, together.
In November 2022, I appointed Dr Andrea Johnson and Mr David Cagney to undertake an independent National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers. This reflects the objective, under the dedicated Talent Pillar of Impact 2030, Ireland’s national research and innovation strategy, for a consistent research student experience across funders, institutions and research disciplines.
The Review Terms of Reference comprise examination of:
• Current financial supports for PhD researchers,
• The adequacy, consistency and equity of current arrangements,
• The status of PhD researchers (employee/ student) including a review of international comparators,
• Impact on the funding of research programmes of any adjustments to current supports,
• Graduate outcomes, including return on investment,
• Visa requirements and duration for non-EU students.
The Co-Chairs recently submitted their first report to me and I brought it to Cabinet for information on 20 June. It will be published shortly on my Department’s website.
In this first report, based on extensive consultation and analysis, the Co-Chairs provide recommendations on the following:
• Financial supports for PhD researchers, with particular regard to stipend levels;
• Issues encountered by PhD researchers coming to Ireland from outside the European Union/ European Economic Area;
• Improving PhD graduate outcomes.
Within this, they recommend an increased stipend level, with an optimum target of €25,000. They acknowledge the potential ramifications of any such change on public finances and recognise that significant additional work will be needed in order give effect to such a recommendation.
Because of their particular complexity, the following elements of the terms of reference will require deeper analysis prior to final recommendations being made:
• Consistency and equity of approaches in how PhD researchers are supported, for example, those coming from underrepresented groups;
• The status of a PhD researcher, i.e. classification as either a student or an employee.
The Co-Chairs will prepare a final review report to consider these outstanding issues. The status issue in particular will require significant stakeholder engagement and alignment – especially in terms of any consequences for the Employment Control Framework. I expect the final report later this year.
This first report provides a rich picture, at a point in time, of a range of important issues that now need to be considered by all stakeholders. All review recommendations will inform the development of a longer-term (12-18 months) work programme by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Any budgetary implications of recommendations will be dealt with through the normal budgetary processes.
406. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if those PhDs classified as non-EU will be provided with updated residency visas with a four-year duration, similar to the hosting agreement scheme used for attracting non-EU research talent; if PhD researchers will be given access to the PRSI system; if he will mandate that PhD researchers have access to sick leave and/or parental leave; if PhD researchers will to have access to the Workplace Relations Commission in order to resolve disputes with their university; his plans on establishing minimum standards for the provision of funding for PhD researchers in Ireland, including minimum standards of pay (such as the national minimum wage) and the employee status for PhDs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30481/23]
View answerIn November 2022, I appointed Dr Andrea Johnson and Mr David Cagney to undertake an independent National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers. This reflects the objective, under the dedicated Talent Pillar of Impact 2030, Ireland’s national research and innovation strategy, for a consistent research student experience across funders, institutions and research disciplines.
The Review Terms of Reference comprise examination of:
• Current financial supports for PhD researchers,
• The adequacy, consistency and equity of current arrangements,
• The status of PhD researchers (employee/ student) including a review of international comparators,
• Impact on the funding of research programmes of any adjustments to current supports,
• Graduate outcomes, including return on investment,
• Visa requirements and duration for non-EU students.
The Co-Chairs recently submitted their first report to me and I brought it to Cabinet for information on 20 June. It will be published shortly on my Department’s website.
In this first report, based on extensive consultation and analysis, the Co-Chairs provide recommendations on the following:
• Financial supports for PhD researchers, with particular regard to stipend levels;
• Issues encountered by PhD researchers coming to Ireland from outside the European Union/ European Economic Area;
• Improving PhD graduate outcomes.
Within this, they recommend an increased stipend level, with an optimum target of €25,000. They acknowledge the potential ramifications of any such change on public finances and recognise that significant additional work will be needed in order give effect to such a recommendation.
Because of their particular complexity, the following elements of the terms of reference will require deeper analysis prior to final recommendations being made:
• Consistency and equity of approaches in how PhD researchers are supported, for example, those coming from underrepresented groups;
• The status of a PhD researcher, i.e. classification as either a student or an employee.
The Co-Chairs will prepare a final review report to consider these outstanding issues. The status issue in particular will require significant stakeholder engagement and alignment – especially in terms of any consequences for the Employment Control Framework. I expect the final report later this year.
This first report provides a rich picture, at a point in time, of a range of important issues that now need to be considered by all stakeholders. All review recommendations will inform the development of a longer-term (12-18 months) work programme by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Any budgetary implications of recommendations will be dealt with through the normal budgetary processes.
407. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the funding options available to Irish students pursuing degree programmes in other jurisdictions when there is no comparable course available in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30482/23]
View answerUnder the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to eligible students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
In relation to support available for students studying abroad, the Student Grant Scheme provides maintenance grants to eligible undergraduate students pursuing approved courses in other EU Member States. In general, an approved undergraduate course in this context is defined as a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years duration pursued in a university or third level institution, which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds in another EU Member State or the UK.
The student grant scheme does not and never has extended to the payment of tuition fees to institutions outside the State, other than for exceptional provision in respect of postgraduate courses in Northern Ireland. This provision is consistent with the principles of the Good Friday agreement and is intended to promote greater tolerance and understanding between both jurisdictions. The Scheme also does not extend to PLC courses pursued outside of the State or postgraduate study pursued outside of Ireland.
Funding under the Free Fees Initiative is only available in respect of approved courses within the State.
Tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax office or from the Revenue Commissioners website www.revenue.ie
408. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total spend on consulting services and on business-as-usual outsourcing, as differentiated under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016, for each commercial public body under the aegis of her Department for 2022. [30265/23]
View answerThe State Bodies under the remit of my Department are independent corporate entities with responsibility for their own governance and compliance matters, and in this case outsourcing arrangements.
These bodies may be contacted directly by e-mail, by members of the Oireachtas, at the contact details as set out in the table below.
|
State Bodies |
Contact details |
|
Pobal |
oireachtasqueries@pobal.ie |
|
Charities Regulator |
oireachtas@charitiesregulator.ie |
|
Water Safety Ireland |
oireachtas@wsi.ie |
|
Western Development Commission |
oireachtas@wdc.ie |
409. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will list the dates of meetings of the reconstituted mobile phone and broadband task force; the progress to date in overcoming barriers to the deployment of 100% population 5G coverage by 2030; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30303/23]
View answerThe Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce was re-established in December 2021 with an inaugural meeting co-chaired by myself and Minister of State Ossian Smyth TD, involving participation from all key State stakeholders. In April 2022 we held a full meeting of the Taskforce with both State and Industry representatives. After this meeting the Terms of Reference and Work Programme for 2022-2023 were agreed and published on www.gov.ie.
A further meeting of the Taskforce took place on November 16th 2022. The purpose of the meeting was for action holders to provide a progress update on the status of each of their actions.
On February 15th 2023 the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce Annual Stakeholder Forum was held with a focus on the human impact of improved connectivity. The forum presented an opportunity for state and industry to come together and take part in panel discussions, presentations and to meet in a less formal setting than the biannual Taskforce meetings.
The most recent meeting of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce took place in Athlone on 28th April 2023. At this meeting updates were presented on the status of each action, including those which have been completed and can be removed from the Work Programme. An updated Work Programme and an Annual Report of the Taskforce for the period April 2022 to April 2023 will be published in the coming weeks.
The matter of 5G coverage falls under the remit of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. The Digital Connectivity Strategy, aligned with EU Digital Decade targets, aims for all populated areas to be covered by 5G no later than 2030. Irish telecoms operators provide services in a fully liberalised market independently regulated by ComReg, who stipulates coverage obligations in licences granted to operators. Operators advise that they are all exceeding current minimum coverage obligations.
ComReg completed a Multi-Band Spectrum Award in January 2023, assigning rights of use in four spectrum bands, enabling the market to meet increasing consumer demand for mobile data and new services. This award represents a 46% increase in the harmonised spectrum assigned for wireless broadband services in Ireland.
Awarded licences' details are on comreg.ie, and include obligations to provide outdoor mobile services of:
• 3Mbit/s to 99% of the population within 3 years and 92% of the geographic area of Ireland within 7 years;
• 30Mbit/s to 95% of the population, 90% of motorways, and 80% of primary roads within 7 years; and
• 30Mbit/s service to 345 specific locations within 7 years.
ComReg continually updates its online map providing information on operators' coverage, including 5G, at coveragemap.comreg.ie/map.
The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce is a driving force for improving access to telecommunications services nationwide to alleviate connectivity barriers. Its work programme focuses on Planning and Licensing, Improving Information and Access to Assets and Infrastructure, and Improving Consumer Information, Advice and Experience.
I look forward to continuing to work with the key stakeholders on the Taskforce over the coming period.
410. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when a decision will be made on an application by a group (details supplied) to participate in the community services programme; the reason for the delay with the decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30319/23]
View answerMy department's Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports over 420 community-based organisations, to provide local services through a social enterprise model. CSP provides an annual co-funding contribution towards each full-time equivalent (FTE) position being supported, and, where warranted, towards the cost of employing a manager.
Qualifying organisations must be social enterprises capable of generating income from their activities in order to meet the full salary costs of the supported posts, for example, from income received from the public use of facilities and services.
A new call for applications under the CSP was launched on 6th March last. Two pre-application support workshops were provided to potential applicants to ensure organisations were fully equipped with the information that they needed to apply for this funding.
Following the pre-application support workshops, organisations were invited to submit a short concept note to Pobal outlining their proposal for assessment against the objectives of the call.
All of the concept notes received have been reviewed by Pobal, who manage and administer the programme on behalf of the Department, and are currently under review with the department. Pobal have confirmed that they received a concept note from the organisation in question.
Following the review process, successful organisations will be invited to participate in the formal application process. It is expected that organisations will receive notification of the outcome in July.
