Written Answers Nos. 1664-1683
1664. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health how many people have left each emergency department in Ireland in each of the past 12 months, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15498/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1665. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health relating to former directors of the National Ambulance Service, the length of time each director served and the grounds on which their term ceased (that is, whether they retired early, reached the end of their contract, or were otherwise requested to leave); if they received a severance or redundancy payment or similar exit payment on leaving the NAS; if so, the value and terms of the payment; if they received a lump sum payment, if so, the value of the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15505/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1666. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if there are any rules governing the period from which an official at a high level leaves the National Ambulance Service before they can take up employment at a private ambulance operator; and if this would be in contravention of HSE and public service policy on taking up employment with companies affiliated with the HSE or National Ambulance Service. [15506/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1667. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the reason, following reports (details supplied), there are two control centres still operating in the Dublin area, despite one report finding that “We should be clear that the current arrangements in Dublin are sub-optimal and potentially place patients at risk; this has now been recognised repeatedly over many years. The control arrangements in particular cannot be allowed continue in their present configuration”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15507/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1668. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the governance arrangements in place within the HSE to ensure that the monies given to Dublin City Council for the provision of emergency ambulance services are fully accountable and transparent on an annual basis; if he is satisfied with this approach. [15508/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1669. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the level of monies outstanding or owed to Dublin City Council for the provision of emergency ambulance services. [15509/24]
View answerDublin Fire Brigade (DFB) provides emergency ambulance services in Dublin city and county by arrangement between Dublin City Council (DCC) and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The National Ambulance Service (NAS) also provides some emergency capacity within the greater Dublin area.
In relation to funding for DFB ambulance services, the HSE makes an annual financial contribution towards the operation of emergency ambulances in Dublin. The basis for this arrangement is rooted in the recommendations of the 1993 Review of Ambulance Services in Ireland.
In the interests of interoperability and procurement economies of scale, the HSE has in recent years also directly provided for the capital replacement of DFB emergency ambulances.
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy with any further pertinent information it may have concerning the Deputy's specific query, as soon as possible.
1670. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of staff at the National Ambulance Service who have received premia payments who did not meet eligibility criteria further to a Labour Court Determination (details supplied) in each of the years 2019-2024, by payment type, by staff grade, in tabular form; the total value of overpayments; the highest value overpaid to any one individual; the number of staff in receipt of overpayments in bands of €1,000; the number of ineligible staff in receipt of such payments for three or more years and five or more years; and the value of overpayments over the past 15 years. [15510/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1671. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of National Ambulance Service staff who were absent due to long-term sick leave or suspension during the period 2019-2024 who were still in receipt of payment as per their roster; the number of staff in receipt of such payments for three or more years and five or more years; and the value of overpayments over the past 15 years. [15511/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1672. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of times shift allowance was authorised for staff in the National Ambulance Service who were redeployed during the pandemic; and if these payments were sanctioned by national financial regulations or other senior officials in the HSE. [15512/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1673. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if, in relation to a Labour Court determination (details supplied), all National Ambulance Service staff who received payments for which they were inevitable have been informed of these overpayments; if the NAS has begun the process of recuperating overpayments or otherwise addressing incorrect payments; if the payment of such premia payments to ineligible staff has ceased; if so, the date on which it ceased; if not, if a date has been set for the cessation of such payments; the accountable officer for this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15513/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1674. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he plans to align the number of days per year in Youthreach with second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13621/24]
View answer1680. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what actions he intends to take to address the massive imbalance in days of attendance (208) for Youthreach students in comparison to student attendance (166) in upper secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13627/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1674 and 1680 together.
The Youthreach programme is a national programme of full-time education and training for early school leavers. The programme provides integrated education, training, and work experience for unemployed early school leavers who are between 15 and 20 years of age.
As per the Youthreach Programme Operating Guidelines, learners must attend the programme 208 days per academic year. Youthreach Centres are granted flexibility in relation as to how they manage these 208 days.
In general, the Youthreach calendar for learners is similar to the secondary school calendar, except for the summer programme. Youthreach Centres close for public holidays, take breaks over the Easter and Christmas periods and most centres take mid-terms.
The main reason for the difference between the secondary school and Youthreach calendars is the social and development aspects of the Youthreach programme. The extra days attendance are designed to provide learners with a continuity of supports. Youthreach participants have access to several supports such as a training allowances, work experience, career guidance, and personal counselling along with informal support from staff and local networks. This range of extra-curricular activities allows learners to focus on social, personal and emotional skills development.
In addition, the aim of the Youthreach summer programme is to further develop the personal, academic, vocational, basic, and transversal skills of learners. This is achieved though a combination of methods such as educational workshops, educational trips, skills workshops, community projects, therapeutic workshops, team building days and the work experience programme. The summer programme also offers extracurricular trips for the enjoyment and engagement of learners.
1675. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the ratio of pro rata teachers and resource persons for each of the 16 ETBs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13622/24]
View answerMy officials are engaging with the 16 ETBs in relation to the information sought and I will respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1676. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if Garda vetting is required for Youthreach students undertaking work placements/experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13623/24]
View answerAll Youthreach Centres undertake a risk assessment before a learner attends work experience. In this risk assessment potential challenges are identified, and appropriate actions are clarified and taken.
Garda Vetting for Youthreach Learners is only required when the criteria of the The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 are met. This is usually the case when a learner is undertaking work experience in an area that deals with children and young people such as creches etc.
1677. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to implement and direct Youthreach centres to deliver QQI modules that are work experience focused and guidelines on work placement for students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13624/24]
View answerWork experience is a central part of the Youthreach programme. A Work Experience programme is in place in each centre which enables learners to explore possible career paths through preparing and planning for, participating in and then evaluating a specific work placement.
There are two QQI modules at Level 3 (Career Preparation) and Level 4 (Career Planning) that learners complete, this is followed up with work experience throughout the year. Each Youthreach Centre manages the work experience programme and ensures adequate time throughout the year is given to each module.
In the career planning modules learners decide on a chosen career path and an appropriate work experience location is selected based upon this career path. Each Centre has clear established procedures for learners before they go out on work experience, links are made with the employer, a risk assessment is carried out and clear learner guidelines are in place for when the learner is on work experience. Adequate supervision is provided, and the learner is continually supported while on placement. As part of the Work Experience programme Learners, Employers and Staff must evaluate the work experience placement.
1678. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will acknowledge that in Youthreach Centres students are allowed "movement breaks" as advocated by the National Council for Special Education NCSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13625/24]
View answerIn October 2020, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) issued a resource for Post Primary Schools on Movement breaks in the classroom.
Youthreach allows appropriate time and support to all learners during classroom activities to ensure adequate movement is facilitated. Movement after a period of seated learning is encouraged to improve concentration in all classroom settings and Youthreach co-ordinators support this practice.
Learners, as part of the Youthreach programme develop an individual action plan. This plan is reviewed regularly during their individual mentoring sessions, a learner can add or remove any requests to assist their learning during their time at Youthreach. If an extra movement break is required, this could be identified in their plan and facilitated during the programme day.
1679. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he accepts that students in Youthreach require midterm pedagogical breaks at least every six to seven weeks, as is the case in second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13626/24]
View answerThe design of the Youthreach calendar for learners does provide for mid-term pedagogical breaks for learners.
As per the Youthreach Programme Operating Guidelines, learners must attend the programme 208 days per academic year. Youthreach Centres are granted flexibility in relation as to how they manage these 208 days.
In general, the Youthreach calendar for learners is similar to the post-primary school calendar, except for the summer programme. Youthreach centres take mid-term breaks like schools and breaks over Christmas and Easter. These length of these breaks may vary in each Youthreach centre, depending on local arrangements.
The main reason for the difference between post-primary schools and Youthreach calendars is the social aspect of the Youthreach programme. The Youthreach calendar is longer to provide learners with a continuity of supports. Learners in the Youthreach programme have access to several supports such as a training allowances, work experience, career guidance, and personal counselling along with informal support from staff and local networks. In addition, while schools are closed more trips and extra-curricular activities are provided for the enjoyment and engagement of learners.
1681. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware of the findings of the Youthreach Wellbeing Report 2022; the steps he will take to address the staff retention issues identified in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13628/24]
View answer1688. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his reaction to the Youthreach Employee Well-being Report 2022, an independent report from academics in Maynooth University, which found significant challenges facing Youthreach staff; what action is being taken on foot of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13843/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1681 and 1688 together.
The Youthreach Employee Well-being Report 2022: A review of employees experience of working in the Youthreach Sector was published by Maynooth University in January 2023. Based on a survey of 325 staff, or some 33% of the sector, it found significant challenges facing front-line Youthreach sector staff and workplace stress but nonetheless found higher levels of well-being by comparison to teaching staff at other levels of education. The report highlighted the dedication and commitment of Youthreach staff to their student cohort.
The key role of relationships with staff in re-engaging young people with learning was also highlighted in the ESRI’s Evaluation of the Youthreach Programme which also noted how coping with the needs of young people, especially in terms of psychological and mental health, is seen to require CPD and additional supports for staff.
The Youthreach programme is staffed by Co-ordinators, Resource Persons and teachers with nationally agreed terms and conditions of employment. They have specific, clearly defined job descriptions. which were designed very much with the programmes structure in mind. Template contracts of employment for Youthreach were negotiated and agreed by all stakeholders.
I understand that Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) issued a follow-up sectoral response survey last month to the 16 ETBs. ETBI will consider the individual ETB responses and prepare a report for SOLAS and my Department on the issues raised and measures taken in relation to issues raised.
1682. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount of money being invested each year by his Department or agencies funded by his Department into cancer research; the amount of this directed towards research into brain tumours and brain cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13662/24]
View answerScience Foundation Ireland (SFI) annually supports significant research in the broad research priority areas of Health and Well Being (connected health, medical devices, diagnostics, therapeutics) and basic Biomedical Sciences, all of which can underpin cancer research. Providing an accurate figure for an amount that is specifically focussed on brain tumours and brain cancers is difficult as research under any of the above categories could be impacting in this field. SFI typically spends ~20% of its annual budget on the Health and Well-being, and Basic Biomedical areas (c.f. Annual Report 2022 www.sfi.ie/Annual-Report-2022/SFI_AnnualReport_2022_Website.pdf).
Some examples of SFI grants which are specific to brain cancer research are provided below: from SFI’s Annual reports in 2020 (www.sfi.ie/research-news/publications/annual-reports/SFI-Annual-Report-2020-English.pdf), 2021 (www.sfi.ie/research-news/publications/annual-reports/SFI-Annual-Report-2021-FINAL-w-alt-text.pdf) and 2022 (www.sfi.ie/Annual-Report-2022/SFI_AnnualReport_2022_Website.pdf), and SFI-IRC Pathway 2022 list of awardees (www.sfi.ie/research-news/news/rising-research-leaders/List-of-funded-projects-SFI-IRC-Pathway-Programme-3.11.23.pdf) – 2023 data is being validated and is due for publication in June 2024:
|
SFI Awardee |
Programme |
Project Title |
Research Body |
Total Value of Award inc. Overheads: |
|
Brona Murphy |
Frontiers for the Future |
GLIOTREAT-Novel treatments for Glioblastoma Patients |
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Science |
€556,161 |
|
James Curtin |
Frontiers for the Future |
Plasma PLUS: Discovery of plasma assisted therapies for cancer |
Technological University Dublin |
€1,272,129 |
|
Mark Cunningham |
Frontiers for the Future |
Gene therapy approaches for brain tumour related epilepsy |
Trinity College Dublin |
€556,218 |
|
Nanasaheb Thorat |
SFI-IRC Pathway Programme |
Plasmonic Nanomedicine Coupled Biomolecular Fingerprinting of Brain Cancer |
University of Limerick |
€551,901 |
|
Leonie Young |
Frontiers for the Future |
Epi-Genomic and Epi-Transcriptomic Aberrations in Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis |
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Science |
€1,166,431 |
|
Damir Vareslija |
Frontiers for the Future |
Epigenetic and microenvironmental regulation of brain metastases |
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Science |
€487,500 |
|
Daniela Ottaviani |
SFI-IRC Pathway Programme |
CDK12/MED1/ER, a functional transcriptional complex and actionable vulnerability in breast cancer brain metastasis. |
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Science |
€547,977 |
Additionally, SFI-funded Prof. Walter Kolch, Director of Systems Biology Ireland and Professor in University College Dublin, leads a €11.9 million research collaboration in the field of precision oncology.
Precision Oncology Ireland is a consortium of five Irish universities, six Irish cancer research charities, and ten companies aiming to develop new diagnostics and therapeutics for the personalised treatment of cancer.
It is supported by a €5 million Government investment through the SFI Strategic Partnership Programme, matched by a €6.9 million investment from the charity and industry partners making up the Precision Oncology Ireland Consortium - the first time that researchers, charities and industry have combined forces in this way.
Precision (or ‘personalised’) medicine uses data about a person’s genes (genomics), along with additional information on their cancer, to understand the unique pathways of a disease or treatment response in that person. With this new science, doctors can prescribe the right treatment in a timely fashion, saving the wasted resources and time our current ‘trial and error’ method incurs, while greatly improving response rates.
The Irish Research Council (IRC) is currently supporting or has previously supported a number of projects relating to cancer research, including those targeted specifically at brain tumours and brain cancer. The total investment in these projects for the period 2019 to 2023 is €15,537,642.00
The investment in projects targeted at brain tumours and brain cancer was €650,369.00 The investment in projects targeted at all other types of cancer was €14,887,273.00
The projects were funded under a number of programmes listed below:
- Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarships
- Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Enterprise Programmes
- Laureate Programme
- COALESCE Programme
- New Foundations Programme
1683. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will recognise a course (details supplied) as a Level 9 course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13684/24]
View answerThe Medical Council is the regulator of the medical profession in Ireland. 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.
There are no proposals to upgrade the Graduate Entry Medicine Programme to a level 9 qualification. Graduate Entry medicine programmes offer a pathway to students who already have a primary degree or postgraduate qualification to study medicine over an accelerated timeframe. Students graduating from these programmes graduate with the same award as those who have studied on the direct entry undergraduate programmes. Both programmes are placed on the National Framework of Qualifications at level 8, an honours degree.
There are supports in place for students undertaking Graduate Entry Medicine Programmes. While the Free Fees Initiative does not meet fees in respect of students who are completing a second undergraduate degree, which includes Graduate Entry Medicine, unlike for other second undergraduate degree programmes, the State does provide a subsidy to institutions towards the cost of provision for EU graduate entry medicine student places. The tuition fees payable by the student are determined by the institution themselves taking the availability of this subsidy into account.
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science provides bursaries to students who have been identified by their higher education institution as being the most socio-economically disadvantaged students under the National Access Plan.
Students who avail of certain bursaries will now be allowed to retain them, if they choose to enter GEM programmes. This is a welcome development and will also help diversify the profession.
Students on GEM programmes may be eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for financial support. This Fund provides financial support to full and part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college and can provide assistance towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. Applications can be made to this Fund through the Access Office in a student’s higher education institution.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may also be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education.
