Written Answers Nos. 774-793
774. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 664 of 16 June 2023, to provide an update on plans to expand free GP care to all children aged six and seven years; the status of discussions with an organisation (details supplied); the timeline he is working towards in honouring this Budget 2023 commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31357/23]
View answerThe expansion of GP care without charges to all children aged 6 and 7, whereby all children aged 6 and 7 will be entitled to a GP visit card based on their age, is intended to commence as early as possible. At present all children under 6 years of age are entitled to a GP visit card. Preparations have been made ahead of the expansion, and engagement between my Department and the HSE with the IMO, representing GPs, is ongoing in relation to the necessary fee structures for this service.
775. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health what supports are in place regarding housing and aftercare for a person who has been admitted involuntarily into care under the Mental Health Act 2001 and who can no longer return to the family home upon their discharge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31376/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
776. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health what Government or HSE supports are available for families who have a family member with mental health difficulties such as schizophrenia, and who are struggling to care for that person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31377/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
777. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the projected total cost of the completion of the new National Children's Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30826/23]
View answerThe New Children’s Hospital (NCH) project comprises the main hospital on a shared campus at St James’s, and two Outpatient and Urgent Care Centres at Connolly and Tallaght hospitals. Both satellite centres are now open and successfully delivering a new model of ambulatory and urgent care for children and adolescents in the Greater Dublin Area.
Works are progressing well on the main site, with the construction and equipping phase now approximately 85% complete against contract value. The large glass biome, that envelopes the panoramic lifts providing intuitive access to all areas of the building, is complete, as well as the rooflights and ward end glazing to the Level 4 Rainbow Garden. Landscaping and tree planting is underway in the outdoor areas. The elevated helipad space is progressing into the final stages of assembly, with helipad structure completed. The major focus in 2023 continues to be the internal fit-out and commissioning of mechanical and electrical services.
Government has been previously advised that the project and programme will take longer and therefore cost more.
In 2018, the previous Government approved a capital budget of €1.433bn for the NCH project. This included the capital costs for the main hospital at St. James’s Hospital campus, the two satellite centres, equipment for the three sites, and the construction of the carpark and retail spaces. €1.3bn has been drawn down to date against this budget.
A number of items were not included in this investment figure, as there was no price certainty for them and nor can there be, for some, for the duration of the project. These include construction inflation, the impact of unforeseen events (e.g. Covid-19), statutory changes, the contractor’s right to claim for additional true costs in line with public works contract provisions, and implementation of the 2019 PwC report recommendations.
Additional costs in relation to the integration and transfer of services of the three hospitals to the new sites brings the total programme cost to €1.73bn. This includes investment in ICT, a new Electronic Health Record system, and the Children's Hospital Integration Programme, (the merging of three paediatric hospitals), including commissioning. Detailed planning around the commissioning, staff training and transfer of services to the new hospital is well advanced.
Definitive updates or outturn forecasts of costs cannot be provided, as there is a live, commercially sensitive contract in place. Discussion of any costs outside of the approved budget, hypothetical or otherwise, could adversely affect the NPHDB’s commercial engagements, contractual relationships and consequently the project itself.
Whilst there is a focus on the capital project and its delivery, we must not lose sight of the fact that the NCH project will deliver world class facilities that will improve and prioritise medical outcomes for the nation’s sickest children, while bringing about transformational change to the delivery of healthcare for the children of Ireland for generations to come.
778. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will report on a series of key aspects related to the ongoing review and the upcoming Research and Innovation Bill, 2023 and the ongoing review of PhDs in Ireland, with particular attention given towards the status of PhDs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30512/23]
View answerFirstly, with respect to the General Scheme of the Research and Innovation Bill 2023, this forms a key part of Impact 2030, Ireland's research and innovation strategy. Its main purpose is to provide for the formation of a new competitive research and funding agency through the amalgamation of the functions and activities of Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council.
We have reached significant milestones on the road to establishing the new agency in recent times, including the approval by Government of the General Scheme of the Bill and the appointment of Professor Nolan as CEO Designate of the agency. Professor Nolan's appointment will allow for the operational and transitional work required to set up the agency to proceed at pace, alongside the legislative process.
I also expect to shortly receive a report on the pre-legislative scrutiny process from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. I am confident that we will continue to serve the entire research community well through the establishment of the new agency and I am committed to continuing to listen to views and incorporating stakeholder feedback as we move through this exciting transitional period.
Secondly, regarding the reviewing of PhD supports, the Deputy will recall that I appointed Dr Andrea Johnson and Mr David Cagney in November 2022 to undertake an independent National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers. This reflects the objective, under the dedicated Talent Pillar, of Impact 2030 for a consistent research student experience across research funders, higher education 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 have recently submitted their first report me which I brought to Cabinet on Tuesday 20 June for information in advance of its publication on my Department’s web site.
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 examination – especially in terms of any consequences for the Employment Control Framework.
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.
779. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether PhD researchers 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. [30522/23]
View answer780. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a recommendation will be made that PhD researchers have access to PRSI. [30523/23]
View answer781. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a recommendation will be made on mandating that PhD researchers have access to sick leave and/or parental leave. [30524/23]
View answer782. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a recommendation will be made for PhD researchers to have access to the Workplace Relations Commission in order to resolve disputes with their university. [30525/23]
View answer783. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a recommendation will be made 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. [30526/23]
View answer784. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether a recommendation will be made on the matter of employee status for PhD researchers. [30527/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 779 to 784, 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 research funders, higher education 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 have recently submitted their first report me which I brought to Cabinet on Tuesday 20 June for information in advance of its publication on my Department’s web site.
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 examination – especially in terms of any consequences for the Employment Control Framework.
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.
785. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to clarify if he has engaged with the universities with a view to increasing the number of Irish students who can access dentistry courses in view of the fact that there is a substantial increase in the population and also taking into account the number of dentists who will be retiring over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30601/23]
View answerThe matter of health workforce planning and ensuring an appropriate pipeline of qualified healthcare workers within Ireland, including all suitably qualified dental professionals, is a major priority for my Department.
In March I received recommendations from the HEA in respect of the Expressions of Interest process in which were sought submissions regarding possible expansion of places in five disciplines – Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, and Veterinary.
Last week I announced, along with the Minister for Health and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the findings of this report which has found, with investment, an additional 63 dentists, 208 doctors, 692 nurses, 196 pharmacists, and 230 vets could potentially be trained annually.
These options could result in an increase of up to 5,000 in total third-level enrolments in these disciplines, with 315 of these potential total enrolments identified in dentistry. This increase is subject to a forthcoming process which will now begin to cross-reference available options with the ongoing demand in the health care and veterinary areas and to agree costs and funding.
I will continue to engage closely on this matter with Government colleagues to advance the process with investment to be considered in the context of Budgetary processes and the National Development Plan review.
786. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will immediately publish the review on PHD status. [30614/23]
View answer787. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if 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. [30615/23]
View answer788. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a recommendation will be made that PhD researchers have access to PRSI. [30616/23]
View answer789. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a recommendation will be made on mandating that PhD researchers have access to sick leave and/or parental leave. [30617/23]
View answer790. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a recommendation will be made for PhDs to have access to the Workplace Relations Commission in order to resolve disputes with their university. [30618/23]
View answer791. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a recommendation will be made 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. [30619/23]
View answer792. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a recommendation will be made on the matter of employee status for PhDs. [30620/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 786 to 792, 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 research funders, higher education 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 have recently submitted their first report to me which I brought to Cabinet on Tuesday 20 June for information in advance of its publication on my Department’s web site.
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 examination – especially in terms of any consequences for the Employment Control Framework.
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. Any budgetary implications of recommendations will be dealt with through the normal budgetary processes.
793. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if 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; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30646/23]
View answer794. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a recommendation will be made that PhD researchers have access to PRSI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30647/23]
View answer795. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a recommendation will be made on mandating that PhD researchers have access to sick leave and/or parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30648/23]
View answer796. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a recommendation will be made for PhDs to 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. [30649/23]
View answer797. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a recommendation will be made 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 if he will make a statement on the matter. [30650/23]
View answer798. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a recommendation will be made on the matter of employee status for PhDs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30651/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 793 to 798, 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 research funders, higher education 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 have recently submitted their first report to me which I brought to Cabinet on Tuesday 20 June for information in advance of its publication on my Department’s web site.
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 examination – especially in terms of any consequences for the Employment Control Framework.
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. Any budgetary implications of recommendations will be dealt with through the normal budgetary processes.
