Written Answers Nos. 108-127
108. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice to outline, in tabular form, what options are available to a person (details supplied) seeking to join family living in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41727/23]
View answerImmigration permission to join a family member (who is an Irish National or non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss citizen) as an elderly, dependent relative is covered by the conditions of immigration stamp 0. An applicant can apply for permission to reside under Stamp 0 conditions.
A Stamp 0 may only be granted if the applicant can prove that their relative can support them financially and otherwise. The financial requirements to allow a person to sponsor an elderly dependent relative are set out in Chapter 18 of the Family Reunification Policy Document.
The Sponsor relative must hold an appropriate permission (or retain evidence of citizenship if an Irish National) to sponsor an application and must also be registered with immigration. Stamp 0 is subject to several conditions and limitations. For example, it does not allow the applicant to access any public services, such as health services or public hospitals.
Stamp 0 applications will not be accepted if made from within the State.
Both visa required and non-visa required nationals must apply for permission by completing the application form (TPER (Stamp 0) – Application Form) and sending the required documentation to:
Stamp 0 – Dependent Elderly Section
Unit C – Domestic Residence and Permissions Division
Immigration Service Delivery
Department of Justice
13-14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2
DO2 XK70
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.
109. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if all information requested was received on time in the case of a person (details supplied) in respect of their pending application for residency status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41699/23]
View answerFurther documentation has been received from the person referred to by the Deputy and the naturalisation application continues to be processed by my Department.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
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, including eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be the freeing up of more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, improving service to our customers and reduction of waiting times.
Finally, I can advise the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department intends to regularly communicate with all applicants on a quarterly basis into the future, to keep them updated on the status of their application.
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.
110. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice if she has considered introducing a registration of wills; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41722/23]
View answerFor the Deputy's information, the establishment of a register of wills has been suggested on a number of previous occasions, including in a number of Private Members Bills. It is a matter that has previously been considered, including by my colleague the Minister for Social Protection, in the context of her responsibility for the General Register Office.
I understand that consultations with a number of stakeholders, including the Law Society, have identified important practical and legal obstacles to establishing such a mechanism. As a consequence establishment of a register is not currently under consideration.
111. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41726/23]
View answerThe person referred to by the Deputy was issued a letter refusing permission to remain in the state on 2 August 2022. In response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), written representations have been submitted on behalf of the persons concerned.
These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation, in advance of a final decision being made. These cases are amongst many to be considered at present and, as such, it is not possible to provide a specific indication as to when the cases will be finalised. 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.
112. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a list of the populations of each division in the Garda Dublin metropolitan region as of the 2022 census; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41739/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that An Garda Síochána does not hold the information as requested.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of population statistics. As the Deputy may also be aware the Census of Population 2022 provides a breakdown of the population by Electoral Division, County and City.
Further information can be found at the following link: www.cso.ie/en/statistics/population/censusofpopulation2022/
113. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice if she has confidence in the Garda Commissioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41867/23]
View answerI have full confidence in the Garda Commissioner, as does the entire Government.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including rostering arrangements. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Government wishes to see a solution to this issue in order to support the health and well-being of all Gardaí and to ensure whatever roster is in place serves the public, especially the most vulnerable in society, and provides the high visibility policing we all want to see.
I want to again reiterate that a resolution to this issue can only be achieved through negotiation, and I urge the associations to work with the Commissioner to find a solution.
114. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) did not qualify for compensation for cattle they sent to the factory that were discovered to have lesions, the same as he would have received compensation if the cattle were found to have lesions on the farm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41689/23]
View answerThe On Farm Market Valuation Scheme is the principal compensation measure available to Herdowners whose herds are affected by disease under the TB Eradication Scheme.
Only reactor animals who have been disclosed as part of a full or partial herd test using either skin test (SICCT) of gamma interferon (GIF) tests, may qualify for compensation under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme, subject to terms and conditions.
As the animal in question was sent to slaughter in the normal manner, (i.e not part of the bovine TB eradication programme) it cannot be considered for compensation under the scheme. As part of my Departments robust disease surveillance protocols such herds will be restricted pending completion of a herd test, to ensure that there is no residual disease in the herd. If any animals in the herd are identified as a reactor for bovine TB as a result of this testing, they will be eligible for payment under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme, subject to normal eligibility criteria.
115. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has considered the introduction of a support scheme for fishers operating small boats who are struggling due to increased fuel prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41794/23]
View answerThe small-scale fleet is an integral part of the overall Irish fishing fleet representing the majority of registered vessels and over half of all employment in the sector. The fleet is distributed all around the island with vessels registered in over 400 towns and villages, with over 300 small-scale fishing vessels registered in each of the counties Donegal, Cork and Galway, over 200 each in Kerry and Mayo with significant numbers in Wexford, Waterford, Dublin and Louth.
I am cognisant of the need for ongoing support and development of the inshore sector.
Under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund, the Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Scheme 2022 operated over January to March and was availed of by 771 inshore fishing vessel owners at a cost of €2.5 million. The Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Scheme 2023 provides €3.5 million in direct supports to Inshore fishers. Payments under the scheme, which range from €2,700 to €4,000 per eligible fisher, are accompanied by training modules which will help fishers to adapt their operations to reduce costs, improve product quality and reach new customers.
That scheme is part of a wider package of supports and development strategies which includes investments in marketing and promotion of inshore stocks, development of marine infrastructure and investing in all elements of the seafood supply chain, providing new and growing avenues for inshore catch.
Beyond this, my Department’s European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Seafood Development Programme is commencing its implementation. The €258 million programme will provide a wide range of supports for fishers and the wider development of the seafood sector. Inshore representatives form part of the monitoring committee for this programme and will have opportunity to input into the development of schemes to support the sector. This programme will also provide for ongoing support of the Producer Organisations which will help the Inshore sector to develop further.
116. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he can detail any work ongoing in his Department in relation to transitioning fishers from fossil fuels towards electric engines. [41796/23]
View answerThe energy transition of the Irish fishing fleet is important in terms of responding to climate change, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and facilitating the fleet in becoming more sustainable in both environmental and economic terms.
The development of electric or renewable propulsion for fishing vessels is in its infancy and faces significant barriers to development. While longer term possibilities of substitution of fossil fuels are being explored, I am taking immediate action through supporting the improvement of energy efficiency for the Irish fleet. Under my Department’s EMFAF Seafood Development Programme 2021-2027, actions have been included to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the Irish Fleet. This will be supported through making funding available for the replacement or modernisation of vessel engines and supporting the adoption of more fuel-efficient fishing gears on board fishing vessels. Outside of direct supports, funding is also made available for research in the area of reducing carbon emissions.
Beyond fleet development, the Climate Action Plan 2023 contains two specific actions on this issue for my Department to develop a roadmap for the efficient upgrading of existing infrastructure within the Fishery Harbour Centres and to reduce fossil fuel dependency/consumption across Fishery Harbour Centre infrastructure.
The Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme for 2023 includes projects to upgrade existing lighting and heating systems in Fishery Harbour Centres. This includes €450,000 for Energy Saving Measures in Killybegs and €100,000 for similar works in Castletownbere. The provision of improved electrical shore power is expected to further reduce the consumption of fossil fuels by fishing vessels within the Fishery Harbour Centres. A key investment already in situ is the ‘Cold Ironing’ project at Killybegs which was part funded by the Irish Government and EMFF Seafood Development Programme at a cost of €1.7 million. That project is expected to save up to 2,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year and puts Killybegs at the forefront of having such technology.
117. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department would consider the introduction of a young fishers scheme, similar to the young farmers scheme; to detail what financial supports are available for new entrants to the fishing sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41797/23]
View answerThe Seafood Development Programme implemented by my Department and funded under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) provided significant funding toward the sustainable development of fisheries. Among the schemes developed under the EMFF programme was the New Fishermen Scheme, which was implemented by an Bord Iascaigh Mhara.
Open to young fishers (under 40 years of age) to establish themselves in the fishing industry by aiding the acquisition cost of their first fishing vessel, the scheme provided grant funding for the purchase of their first vessel, covering up to 25% of the cost of a vessel to a maximum of €75,000.
Approximately €1.15 million was provided in grant funding under this scheme to support 24 new fishers.
While the EMFF programme is in the process of closing, in December 2022 I announced the adoption of a new Seafood Development Programme under the European, Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
The EMFAF Operational Programme makes provision for the development of a similar scheme, with a similar allocation in funding, and work has begun on the development of implementation plans under this Programme.
118. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will work to provide access to fishing quotas to small boat and new entrant fishers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41798/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in Ireland, fishing quota is a public resource and is managed to provide for proper management and conservation and rational exploitation of the State’s fishing quotas. It is managed as a public good that ensures that property rights are not granted to individual operators. The result of this long-standing policy is that the Irish fishing fleet involves a balanced spread of sizes and types of fishing vessels who have retained a strong economic link with our coastal communities and have delivered economic activity including vital employment in these communities, where there are very limited alternative economic activities.
Our fish quota management system is designed to ensure the best possible spread both between fishing vessel operators and in terms of take up of quota throughout the year having regard to fishing patterns and market conditions. Many of the key inshore stocks on which the smaller fishing vessels rely are not limited by quota arrangements, for instance lobster and crab. Crab is subject to fishing effort limits (days at sea) set at EU level.
Whitefish quotas are generally managed on a monthly basis and are not based on catch record. The Minister sets down catch limits for each quota stock following monthly consultation with the Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC) involving fishing industry representatives, including several inshore representatives. The monthly catch limits applicable to whitefish stocks are dependent on the overall length of the vessel (the catch limit of a vessel which is over 55 feet (16.764m) in length overall, is usually double that of a vessel which is under 55 feet (16.764m) overall). For the month of September, all vessels, regardless of size, have access to a catch limit of 15 tonnes of Pollack in Area 7 and 30 tonnes of Spurdog (Spurdog is a new fishery for 2023).
There are a number of pelagic stocks which are managed on the basis of the Minister’s policy for each stock. The policy for each stock was developed based on divergent criteria taking account of specific circumstances. There are a number of opportunities for vessels to target pelagic stocks which are open only to smaller fishing vessels and not based on catch record. For example, a boat of less than 18m overall length without a mackerel authorisation may avail of the catch limits for mackerel set down in the monthly Fisheries Management Notice for mackerel. The monthly catch limit is recommended by the Quota Management Advisory Committee and is usually set at 5 tonnes. A boat of less than 15m overall length fishing for mackerel by means of hooks and lines may avail of a monthly catch limit set down in a monthly Fisheries Management Notice for mackerel. The catch limit for September is 10 tonnes.
I also recently approved a modification, for 2023 and future years, to existing herring policy where Ireland’s North-West Herring quota (in Area 6a South & 7bc) in the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and Quota Regulation is less than 7,000 tonnes. In this scenario, the 2012 Herring Policy will be modified, and a set quantity of herring will be made available for vessels less than 20 metres in length overall, without track record, at a level of 350 tonnes; of which, 95% will be allocated to vessels less than 15 metres in length overall.
The Irish Sea Herring fishery has also recently opened for vessels of overall length less than 27.43m/90ft. Nine vessels were selected to participate, four of which are less than 40.
For Herring in the Celtic Sea, a scientific quota for data collection of 750t has been set for 2023. 25% of this quota is set aside for an open fishery which is open to boats <17m in length overall, with fishing confined to the "Dunmore Box" in the south east. This fishery usually operates from November to the end of the year. Interested vessels are required to book in to the fishery in order to receive and authorisation and catch limit.
Under the Seafood Development Programme, my Department with the support of Bord Iascaigh Mhara, provided a wide range of funding, training and advisory services aimed at educating small vessel owners and young fishers. Several schemes were implemented, which included, Seafood Training, Young Fishermen and Sustainable Fisheries.
The New Fishermen Scheme, which was implemented by BIM, provided grant funding for those fishers who were purchasing their first vessel, covering up to 25% of the cost of a vessel up to a maximum of €75,000. Under the EMFF programme, approximately €1.15 million in funding was provided to assist young 24 young fishers with acquisition of their first vessel.
While the EMFF programme is in the process of closing in December 2023, in December 2022, I announced the adoption of a new Seafood Development Programme under the European, Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). The EMFAF Operational Programme makes provision for the development of a similar schemes, with similar allocations in funding, and work has begun on the development of implementation plans under this Programme.
119. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to difficulties experienced by new producer organisations (details supplied) under the current financing arrangements; whether he would consider the introduction of partial upfront funding, such as is in operation in Denmark; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41799/23]
View answerI have been made aware of difficulties experienced by this Producer Organisation and have received correspondence in relation to it.
All Producer Organisations (POs) are funded under a scheme as part of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Programme 2014-2020. Part A of the scheme provides supports of up to €55,000 to groups of fisheries or aquaculture producers working to achieve recognition as a PO. Part B of the scheme supports POs that have been recognised by this Department, up to a maximum of almost €100,000, for eligible expenditures specified in the scheme.
Part B of the scheme provides funding for eligible expenditures retrospectively and on submission and approval of a POs Production and Marketing Plan (PMP) and Annual Report. These payments are based on Simplified Cost Options, which are essentially fixed grants based on the past grant history of the beneficiary, or where a PO has no track record, actual expenditure in the previous year. There is no provision in the scheme to make advance payments. The current scheme as it stands will be closed in 2023.
Article 66 of the EMFF Regulation (508/2014) allows the Managing Authority for the EMFF Programme in any EU member state, to avail of a partial derogation, in that a 50% advance may be paid after approval of the Producer Organisations PMP. However, this derogation was not included in the terms of the Producer Organisation scheme, adopted at the outset of the Programme by the EMFF Monitoring Committee, of which the POs are members.
The Article 66 derogation was not availed of as advance payments require the sanction of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, and in the absence of official data in the form of grant history, the derogation was not considered to be workable in practice as there is no data on which to base a 50% advance.
I cannot comment on how other EU member states implement the Article 66 derogation as it currently stands, as it is a decision for their EMFF Managing Authorities to consider.
There are seven Producer Organisations which have been or are currently eligible to apply for support under the scheme. None of these have been refused support for eligible expenditures which fall within the parameters of approved scheme.
Representations have been made by this Producer Organisation in particular to make advance payments, which cannot be accommodated under the current scheme as outlined above.
It will be a matter for discussion between my Department and DPENDR if consideration is to be given to allow advance payments under a potential new scheme under the new EMFAF programme 2021-2027.
120. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an ACRES payment will issue to a person in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41841/23]
View answerThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is my Department’s flagship agri-environment scheme under the new CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027. It consists of two streams - ACRES General and ACRES Cooperation Project (CP).
A maximum payment of €10,500 annually is available to ACRES CP participants (€7,311 for those in the General approach). Seven thousand euro is ring-fenced for results-based payments, with the additional €3,500 set aside for Non-Productive Investments and/or Landscape Actions. Therefore, a total of €52,500 is potentially payable to a participant in an ACRES Co-operation Project over the five years of the Scheme.
All participants in the Scheme undergo a suite of checks and validations, to ensure their continued eligibility for the Scheme and to receive payment. I intend to commence payments to participants who have passed these validations later this year, on a date that I will announce closer to the time.
121. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what measures his Department has in place to protect people from the bark beetle (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41864/23]
View answerI am well aware that Ireland and the rest of the EU is under ever increasing threat from invasive pests and disease. The threat of introduction of harmful organisms (including bark beetles) is significantly increased due to a combination of intensive globalisation of trade in plants and the increasing impact of climate change.
In November 2019, my Department launched a major plant health initiative in its ‘Plant Health and Biosecurity Strategy 2020-2025’ which outlines the importance of plant health biosecurity for Ireland and helps ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the risks to plant health in Ireland, and their role and responsibilities to reduce those risks.
My Department has invested heavily in EU ‘Border Control Posts’ facilities in recent years to allow import control inspections of plants and plant products from non-EU countries.
My Department has substantially increased staff resources in plant health and has established a dedicated Pest Risk Analysis Unit.
Ireland both imports and exports coniferous roundwood. Ireland does not import roundwood from areas known to be affected by bark beetles. The only area that Ireland imports coniferous roundwood from is a Pest Free Area in the West of Scotland.
Imports of roundwood logs from the Pest Free area (PFA) are subject to an inspection regime. All imports from the PFA must be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate.
All forest sector stakeholders have a responsibility for forest health and should ensure they engage in best practice to help prevent the introduction of pests and diseases on plants and plant products.
122. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if, following on from his statement in the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children on 20 September 2023, relating to his current lack of confidence in the child safeguarding measures of an organisation (details supplied), and subsequent media coverage of same, he will detail his role and remit, and that of agencies under his Department, in respect of ensuring that children are currently safeguarded when engaged by the staff of the organisation; to detail his role and remit in ensuring that the organisation is adhering to the State's child safeguarding and reporting requirements; to detail his powers where he does not have confidence in such an organisation for these reasons; and what role the State can play to ensure that current children are not at risk where such an organisation is not fulfilling its function to the confidence of the Minister. [41696/23]
View answerThe Department's officials continue to liaise with St John's Ambulance ireland (SJAI) with regard to the publication of the Independent review report by Dr. Shannon which SJAI commissioned.
The Department's officials have been informed by Tusla Children's Regulations Service, Child Safe Guarding Statement Compliance Unit (CSSCU), that the organisation Safeguarding statement has been audited for compliance and has been approved as such. The Department's officials have been advised that all of the organisation's employees are Children First training compliant and all staff are Garda vetted in line with the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Person's) Act 2012. A new internal vetting tracking system to track Garda vetting status of staff and also staff training compliance has been introduced by SJAI to ensure all adult members are fully compliant with same.
SJAI has published last March, along with the publication of the Independent review report by Dr. Shannon, a ' response document' in relation to implementing all of the recommendations contained in Dr. Shannon's report. A quarterly update to the progress of the implementation of the recommendations contained in the SJAI response document was provided to the Department in July 2023. As I mentioned in the contribution to the Joint Oireachtas Committee to which the Deputy refers, and as outlined above, there has been clear progress within SJAI in implementing those recommendations, however I also noted the critical importance of the recommendation that a national safeguarding lead be recruited, a process which I am informed is underway. As I stated at the committee meeting, once that process is complete and the national safeguarding lead is in place, I will be satisfied as to the capacity of SJAI to absolutely ensure the safety of every child within the organisation.
Officials will continue to liaise with SJAI to ensure continued progress on the implementation of Dr. Shannon's Independent review report recommendations. SJAI have informed the Department that they will continued to provide quarterly updates to their response document on the implementation of the review report's recommendations.
123. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will ensure that a child (details supplied) will have their speech and language/OT and psychology assessment carried out without delay. [41781/23]
View answerAs this refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
124. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to ensure in the context of budget 2024 that all 121 FRCs are brought up to the optimum level of €220,000 funding per annum, in recognition of their increased service provision and in acknowledgement of a raise in costs. [41816/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Child and Family Agency, Tusla administers the Family Resource Centre programme, funding 121 Family Resource Centres (FRCs). Where possible I make it a point to engage with Family Resource Centres, they play a pivotal role for so many communities across the country providing a comprehensive range of services tailored to individual community needs. Their commitment to the people who use their services is exemplary and they also support those newly arrived to the country.
My Department allocates core funding for the FRC Programme through Tusla, which amounts to some €18m. Tusla has advised my Department that the current level of funding is to sustain existing services operating in the FRC Programme.
I should inform the Deputy that the funding from my Department represents only a portion of the total funding available to Family Resource Centres nationally. Family Resource Centres draw on various sources of funding provided by other Government Departments and agencies.
Any potential changes in funding are considered as part of the annual Budgetary process. As this process is ongoing, I cannot comment on the funding for FRCs under Budget 2024 at this time.
125. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he can confirm whether the six planned regional assessment teams were fully established and operational by 1 August 2023 to address the significant waiting lists for assessments of needs; if, in the event that the teams were not fully operational by this date, he has considered allowing for the full reimbursement of private treatment expenses for children with disabilities and special education needs assessment from the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41878/23]
View answerThe Department recognises the financial challenges for many families in the context of the delays in accessing assessments and therapies for their children.
It is for this reason that the HSE has been allocated over €11.5m in funding in Budget 2023 for the outsourcing of assessments. The ability of the HSE to outsource assessments can greatly assist the enhancement of Children’s Development Network Teams (CDNTs) by way of ensuring they have time and capacity to conduct therapy interventions rather than solely concentrating on assessments.
While the Hubs have been established in each CHO, Minister Rabbitte awaits details on effectiveness of the Hubs from the HSE. The Hubs are designed to provide a dedicated assessment function and seek to preserve the CDNT so that each team can continue to deliver therapy services.
The Minister is keen to establish the effectiveness of the newly established Regional Hubs and and is continuously engaged with senior leadership in the HSE on these and other issues.
The Minister is keeping an open mind on any option that may assist in benefitting families of children with complex needs and is actively working on measures to reduce waiting lists, ensuring that children and families are at the forefront of consideration of the HSE.
126. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he would consider reviewing the medical card guidelines for individuals with spinal injuries; if he will contemplate the automatic provision of medical cards to individuals with a spinal cord injury based on certified medical needs, rather than financial means; if he will explore the possibility of extending the review cycle for medical card holders with a spinal cord injury to ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41666/23]
View answerMedical Card provision is primarily based on financial assessment. In accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, which assesses each application on a qualifying financial threshold.
The issue of granting medical or GP visit cards based on having a particular disease or illness was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
The HSE is also required to undertake periodic reviews of eligibility in order to ensure that a person continues to meet the qualifying criteria required to continue holding eligibility. Where any medical or GP visit card holder has a review process initiated, it should be noted that he/she will continue to retain their eligibility for the duration of the review process.
However, every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income threshold where they face difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness. Social and medical issues are also considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services.
The HSE also has a compassionate system in place for the efficient provision of medical cards in response to emergency situations i.e., where persons are in need of urgent ongoing medical care or when a patient is receiving end of life treatment. In these cases, a medical card is issued within 24 hours of receipt of the required patient details and completed medical report by a healthcare professional.
In addition, since March 2021, persons who have been certified by their treating Consultant as having a prognosis of 24 months or less are now also awarded a medical card on an administrative basis. Medical cards awarded on end of life grounds are never re-assessed by the HSE thereby providing reassurance and comfort to patients and their families.
I can assure the Deputy that, to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues under review and any changes are considered in the context of Government policy and other issues which may be relevant.
127. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if he has any plans to assist those suffering from a medical condition (details supplied); if he will consider providing assistance with the insulation of their houses, given the need for heat as part of their treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41675/23]
View answerIn terms of medical expenses, this Government has put a significant focus on improving access to and the affordability of healthcare services, advancing substantial policy, legislation and investment to deliver expanded eligibility.
In 2022, a range of measures were delivered including the abolition of public inpatient charges for children, reductions in the Drug Payment Scheme threshold to €80 per month, and the introduction of free contraception for women aged 17-25.
The significant investment in Budget 2023 also facilitated better access to affordable, high-quality healthcare, including an expansion of GP care without charges to children aged under 8 and to people earning no more than the median household income, the abolition of all public in-patient hospital charges for adults, and the extension of the free contraception scheme to include women aged 26-30. These measures continue to create a health and social care service that offers affordable access to quality healthcare.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. Medical card eligibility is primarily based on an assessment of means and is not granted on the basis of any particular condition.
In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS), no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
