Written Answers Nos. 180-184
180. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will work with the relevant educational and professional bodies to advance a specific rural curriculum and pathway within undergraduate medical education and GP training (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8197/24]
View answer181. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will work with the relevant educational and professional bodies to increase the exposure time spent by medical students in general practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8198/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.
As the Deputy is aware the delivery of medical programmes is complex. The course content of medical programmes and curriculum followed is a matter for the individual medical schools and the regulator, the Medical Council. The Medical Council sets and monitors standards for undergraduate, and postgraduate medical programmes and the bodies that deliver them to ensure that curricula are in line with Medical Council rules, criteria, standards and guidelines.
It is understood that medical schools provide a range of clinical placements, including in general practice and primary care. The HSE intern year, post graduation, also includes General Practice experience, further details are available from the HSE website. It is important to note that General Practitioner is a specialty of medical training post graduation from medical school. In Ireland this is provided by the Irish College of General Practitioners (IGCP).
The Higher Education Authority recently conducted an Expressions of Interest process to identify opportunities in the higher education system to build capacity in Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, and Veterinary. A report on this exercise went to Government in June 2023. The report set out a number of options for developing substantial capacity in medicine provision and included a proposal for a “Rural and Remote” medical programme in University of Galway with prolonged immersion in rural and remote general practice and placements in integrated care hubs.?
At this point, the Government is considering how investment could be advanced in the context of the ongoing National Development Plan review.
I will continue to work with my colleague the Minister for Health to ensure an appropriate pipeline of suitably qualified graduates in these key skill areas
182. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will review correspondence (detail supplied) and advise a student regarding her rental property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8295/24]
View answerMinister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien and I have asked our officials to engage on the decision of private student accommodation providers to move to 51-week leases. We recognise that while there may be a market for 51 week leases among some members of the student population, it is not desirable for the vast majority of third level students. We are working to establish the circumstances and consider what action are available to ensure accommodation availability for students.
Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions of their lease agreements before entering into same. I would encourage students to contact their provider directly to ascertain the availability of academic year availability.
Student specific accommodation is within the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). The RTB provides a confidential dispute resolution service. This service offers a choice of resolution types to parties – Telephone Mediation or Adjudication – and the option to appeal through a tenancy tribunal. Investigations can commence based on information received from a member of the public. It is open to a student to make contact with the RTB with any complaints or disputes regarding their accommodation.
183. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide an update on her Department’s efforts to conduct a review of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010, as detailed in the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8213/24]
View answerMy Department has policy responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 and the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014. My officials are reviewing the existing legislative provisions under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 and the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014, taking account of recommendations from, inter alia, the Report of the Working Group on Control of Dogs, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Food, Agriculture and the Marine, consultation with stakeholders and experts in the field, and the outcomes of the public consultation undertaken by my Department in 2019. In November I announced the establishment of a Stakeholder Group that will inform decisions regarding any potential legislative change. The first meeting of this group will take place shortly. Updates to the existing legislation are required and it is proposed that amendments will be made through a Control of Dogs and Dog Breeding Establishment Miscellaneous Bill.
Items under consideration include the possibility for dog control notices, the inclusion of additional breeds in the restricted dogs list and updates to definitions contained in the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. However, the issues raised are wide ranging and complex and require in depth analysis and consultation to ensure amendments are not just robust, fit for purpose and implementable but that they also deliver the best outcomes for communities and for dogs themselves. This work will progress throughout 2024.
184. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline any plans to develop a successor strategy for the community and voluntary sector, given the expiration of the sustainable, inclusive and empowered communities strategy this year; if she will outline plans in respect of consultation with the sector in the development of the next iteration of this strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8391/24]
View answerIn August 2019, the Department of Rural and Community Development launched Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities: a five-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland. The Strategy set a general direction of travel for government policy in relation to the community development, local development and the community and voluntary sectors for the coming decade. The high-level objectives and actions support consultation, inclusion and participation of communities, particularly disadvantaged communities, in public policy and decision-making at all levels.
The strategy was co-produced by Government and representatives from the community development, local development and community and voluntary sectors. This was facilitated through a cross sectoral group (CSG) that oversaw the strategy design process and continues to oversee and monitor its implementation. The CSG also sets priorities in agreeing the annual work plan under the Strategy.
A workshop was held with the CSG in September 2023 to review the implementation of the strategy to date and to identify any emerging needs and priorities for the next year. Whilst COVID-19 and the response to the Ukraine crisis had an impact on the implementation of Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities and some actions have not progressed as significantly as was originally envisaged, my Department is committed to the full implementation of the strategy, working alongside all of our stakeholders.
A further workshop with the Cross Sectoral Group has been scheduled for mid-2024 to discuss the possible next steps, post 2024. My Department will examine all possibilities, jointly with our partners in the Community & Voluntary sector, through the CSG.
