Written Answers Nos. 257-276
257. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he will indicate the growth in the acute hospital budget in each year since 2000; and the growth in the budgets for primary care and for community care services over the same period. [15933/24]
View answerGiven the volume of records to be accessed, along with a number of the years requested pre-dating the existence of the HSE, a response will require time to collate. My officials will revert to the Deputy in due course.
258. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health what the lessons have been for public health policy of managing a pandemic in nursing home settings; and whether new protocols are being put in place to embed these lessons. [15934/24]
View answerVarious examinations and reports with a focus on COVID-19, its impact on nursing homes and the pandemic learnings that can inform future policy, regulation, and the model of care for older persons have been undertaken.
In particular, the independent COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel was established in May 2020 to examine the complex issues surrounding the management of COVID-19 among this particularly vulnerable cohort in nursing homes. The panel identified learnings and recommendations to inform the approach to the management and mitigation of risk to older persons resident in nursing homes as the pandemic evolved.
The Expert Panel recommendations have provided a guiding framework not only for the pandemic response in nursing homes but also more broadly for a wide-ranging programme of improvement and reform for older persons’ care, in residential care settings. Four Nursing Homes Expert Panel Implementation Progress Reports have been published since the COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel published its report in August 2020. In addition, an implementation progress update was published in October 2023, which highlighted the important progress that had already taken place and that 54 of the 86 recommendations have already been implemented and mainstreamed into normal operations. All reports can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/c7f5b-covid-19-nursing-homes-expert-panel-report-implementation-oversight-team/#progress-reports
The Government is committed to the implementation of the Expert Panel recommendations, and a number of supports which were provided to nursing homes during the pandemic remain in place such as:
• Community Response Teams.
• The provision of free PPE and oxygen to private nursing homes continues.
• The establishment of a €10m Nursing Home Resident Safety Improvement Scheme in January 2024 to assist private and voluntary nursing homes attend to capital issues relating to IPC.
• Additional Community Infection and Prevention Control resources for nursing homes.
• Substantial support and advice through the Departments of Public Health and Outbreak Control Teams.
• HSE training and development resources through HSELanD to private and voluntary providers.
• A substantial suite of publicly available guidance on HPSC and HIQA websites.
In addition, a Public Health Reform Expert Advisory Group, established in January 2022, was tasked with identifying key learnings from the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic with a view towards strengthening health protection generally and future pandemic preparedness specifically. The final report indicated that the early and rapid review and implementation of the Nursing Homes Expert Panel recommendations will have a lasting public policy impact for older people.
It has also been confirmed that a comprehensive evaluation of how the country managed COVID-19 will be undertaken which will provide an opportunity to learn lessons from our experiences in dealing with the pandemic. It will include a review of the whole-of-Government response to the pandemic and how we might do better and be in a stronger position if another pandemic or other similar event were to occur. This will include a consideration of the health service response, covering hospitals, the community and nursing homes, along with the wider economic and social response. It is intended to have a public element to hear the lived experiences of all society. The review should be undertaken by those independent of the national response and with relevant expertise. A consultation with opposition parties and stakeholders has taken place on draft terms of reference. It is intended to bring the terms of reference to Government shortly.
259. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health whether he has plans to implement safeguarding legislation of the sort advocated by the Law Reform Commission and others seeking reform in the area. [15935/24]
View answerSafeguarding at-risk adults against abuse is of paramount importance and is taken very seriously by the Government.
My Department and other Government Departments and agencies have adult safeguarding roles or responsibilities appropriate to their functions. The independent Law Reform Commission has been undertaking a review and preparing draft legislation on A Regulatory Framework for Adult Safeguarding across all sectors. Upon completion, my Department will consider any recommendations the Commission may make where relevant to the Department's functions and I anticipate that other Departments will do the same.
Separately, my Department, in liaison with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, is at a very advanced stage of developing a national policy on adult safeguarding in the health and care sector, in order to further strengthen existing protections. A public consultation closed on 2 April and the consultation report will now be prepared by the Institute of Public Health. It is expected that costed policy proposals will be brought before Government around the end of this year, which will be informed by the consultation process and also the Law Reform Commission’s report. Subject to Government approval, such legislation as may be required to underpin the sectoral policy will then be prepared.
260. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to allowing amputees without a medical card apply for the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15940/24]
View answerThe Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 conditions covered by the Scheme. These are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.
While there are currently no plans to extend the list of conditions, it is important to remember that the LTI Scheme exists within a wider eligibility framework. 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 in-patient 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.
In 2023, further measures have facilitated better access to affordable, high-quality healthcare, including an expansion of GP care without charges to children aged 6 and 7, 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%.
261. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the progress of the review of the two proposed national procedures for allowances towards post-mastectomy products (prostheses and specialist bras), along with hair loss products initially published in February; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15941/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
262. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will permit technological universities the same borrowing privileges as National University of Ireland constituent colleges, in particular to access lower-cost funding for the construction of student accommodation, rather than being reliant on private development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15796/24]
View answerIn November 2022, funding was approved to assist the Technological Universities (TUs) in developing a student accommodation programme based on a regional needs and feasibility assessment. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) appointed consultants to oversee and assess the levels of supply and demand for student accommodation across our public higher education institutions (HEIs).
The objective of the feasibility study is to establish an accurate “as is” account of available student accommodation supply; project future supply and demand for accommodation; and to ascertain what opportunities are available to meet the future demand for student accommodation.
Phase one of this study, a supply and demand analysis, has involved extensive data-gathering across all TUs, Universities and Colleges, comprising of a data collection framework, one-to-one meetings with HEI representatives, and a centralised student survey on student accommodation.
In parallel with the data collection, the HEA is overseeing the development of a standardised Preliminary Business Case (PBC) process and templates. The intention of this work is to develop a programmatic approach to facilitate future TU student accommodation proposals. It is proposed that this will be achieved by using the demand analysis from the data collection process to inform a framework of delivery models and funding options as part of the second phase of the study.
Phase two of this study, to design and assess a framework for student accommodation for the TU sector has commenced. Following an extensive workshop with the HEA, the HEIs had until the 27th of March to make an initial submission under the TU study. The HEA is currently evaluating these proposals and will provide an output report in April.
The next stage of the process will see a detailed development of the initial HEI submissions with a deadline of mid-August. On receipt of the final submission, the HEA will conclude their process and submit a final report to the Department by the end of September. Timelines are contingent on all parties involved being in a position to resource and deliver work packages in an efficient and expedient manner.
The TU Feasibility Study will be progressed in tandem with the Standardised Design Study for student accommodation to ensure a value for money response. The outcomes of these studies will provide a framework of delivery models and funding options, which will require approval by Government.
My Department will continue to work within the parameters of the public spending code to deliver on state supported student accommodation provision.
263. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the new engineering building for the South East Technological University; the reasons for the fifteen-year delay in the delivery of this project; the nature of complications which have been mentioned in relation to this project; when it is anticipated that this development will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15797/24]
View answerThe original third level PPP programme, announced in 2008, included three projects at the South East Technological University (SETU) campus at Waterford: the Engineering and Science building, the Architecture building and the Business and Enterprise building.
The current Higher Education PPP Programme, which was originally announced as part of the Building on Recovery Capital Plan 2016-2021, includes eleven projects. This commitment to the PPP programme has been carried through into the current National Development Plan 2018-2027. Bundle 1, consisting of six projects is currently under construction with separate completion dates expected between Q4 2024 to Q2 2025.
There are five projects in Bundle 2, two of which are for SETU – one at the Waterford campus and one at the Carlow campus. The project in Waterford is the largest in the Higher Education PPP Programme and will be transformative for SETU with the new building catering for c. 3,443 students.
The final tender for Bundle 2 was received in March and is currently being evaluated.
264. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 179 of 21 February 2024, if he will ensure that the university accepts that the person should be on the Irish/EU rate since they first applied for IPO, and that the university accepts the €6,750 he paid as payment for his first and second year of the degree; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15803/24]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own day-to-day management and operational affairs. This includes setting the criteria a person must meet to be regarded as an EU or a Non-EU tuition fee student, the assessment or subsequent reassessment of student applications.
In considering the position, I can advise that the tuition fee payable by a student can vary depending on a variety of factors including the type of course and the fee rates of a particular institution. A HEI’s criteria typically includes specified nationality and/or residency requirements that students would be expected to meet to qualify for the EU rate of fee.
As noted above, the tuition fees payable by an individual student is a matter for the relevant institution to determine in line with its own criteria. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible for my Department to intervene in the fee policy of an autonomous institution.
I would encourage HEIs to have a responsive approach to student needs wherever possible. Non-EU students seeking a new fee assessment following a change in their visa or residency status, should contact the Student Services & Support team in the institution attended for assistance and advice in relation to the institution’s policies.
265. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when it is intended to pay all employees in higher education institutions the recently agreed pay increase of 2.25% backdated to 1 January 2024; if he will ensure that sufficient funding is provided to HEIs to meet the increased pay costs; and if he will confirm that there will be no delay in paying the increased rate of pay at University College Cork and at TU Dublin despite the current financial difficulties being faced in these HEIs. [15881/24]
View answerMy officials issued notification to all of the Higher Education Institutions on April 4th 2024 to apply the revised rates of salary and allowances in accordance with the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026.
Higher Education Institutions in Ireland are autonomous and responsible for applying the terms of pay agreements as directed by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and this includes University College Cork and TU Dublin. The existence of a projected financial year deficit, in any institution, will not impact the timing of payment.
The new pay agreement was approved by Government on 13th February 2024 and ratified by the Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on 25th March. The provision of Higher Education funding on an annual basis is part of overall expenditure management and budgetary policy for Government. An initial provision for pay was allocated to this Department as part of the Revised Estimates 2024 process, while any additional funding required to address the pay increases will be sought as part of the annual Estimates process later this year.
266. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if all capital projects at University College Cork are currently subject to review by the HEA; and what start and completion dates are anticipated for the new Cork University Business School Building and the new Cork Dental School Building. [15882/24]
View answerAll capital projects at University College Cork are currently subject to review by the HEA. Projects that are deemed necessary and essential which the HEA have approved shall proceed, with all other capital projects being subject to the pause.
Cork University Business School (CUBS) was approved in principal for €25 million under the Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund (HESIF 1) in 2019 to co-fund a custom-built Business School. UCC had programmed to request Higher Education Authority (HEA) approval to proceed to tender for the main works contract in Q1 2024.
However, following the UCC notification of an €11.2m deficit, the HEA requested that UCC pause the capital programme (including the CUBS project), pending the completion of a review and submission of a capital report, which the HEA received on 20 March 2024.
Following receipt of this initial report and a follow up meeting between the HEA and UCC, which took place on 28 March 2024, the HEA requested further information from UCC on their capital programme, this additional information is still outstanding and the pause remains in place.
With regard to the Cork Dental School Building, this Department works collaboratively with all higher education institutions on the development of capital projects in line with their established master plans. As an autonomous body, it is a matter for UCC to prioritise its capital projects accordingly. There have been two rounds of capital funding made available to Higher Level Institutions under the HESIF. Each institute was permitted to submit one project per funding round and Cork Dental School would have been eligible for funding under HESIF. UCC has chosen not to submit the Dental School for consideration.
The HEA recently undertook an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process to identify options for developing substantial medium-term additional capacity in a range of priority healthcare disciplines including dentistry. University College Cork proposed an expansion of its existing dentistry programme. In June 2023 the Minister for Health and the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science announced details of the potential options identified under this process. My Department will continue to engage closely on this matter with Government colleagues to advance the process, with investment to be considered?in the context of the ongoing review of Departmental National Development Plan allocations.
267. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if University College Cork has submitted its 2022/2023 annual accounts to the Higher Education Authority; and when it is anticipated that the Annual Accounts will be published. [15883/24]
View answer268. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount of money paid by University College Cork to the UCC Academy in the financial year 2022/2023 for services provided. [15884/24]
View answer269. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total amount of money paid by University College Cork to off campus restaurants for hospitality for the financial year 2022/2023. [15885/24]
View answer270. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total amount of money paid by University College Cork for travel accommodation and subsistence for employees for the financial year 2022/2023. [15886/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 267 to 270, inclusive, together.
The audit of University College Cork’s 2022/2023 Financial Statements has not concluded and so their Final Financial Statements have not yet been submitted to the Higher Education Authority. Once the audit is concluded by the Comptroller & Auditor General the accounts will be submitted within one month to the Department, after which they will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas within two months of the Department receiving them.
The specific payment information requested from the UCC Financial Statements will not be available until the audit is complete. 267.
271. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made on works at the Cappahoosh Trail near Doie Iorrais Bridge funded by her Department, which was to include the upgrade of a mountain bike trail and the replacement of two bridges and which she turned the sod on 30 July 2021; the amount of money allocated to this project and the funding expended on it to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15872/24]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) is funded by my Department under Our Rural Future. The scheme provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways and blue ways throughout rural Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme in 2016, funding of over €113 million has supported more than 1,700 projects across the country.
Under Measure 3 of the 2020 scheme, funding of €500,000 was approved for the Connemara Trails & Eurovelo Route project. The proposed works included the upgrading of an existing 10km walking trail at Cappahoosh through Coillte lands, replacement of two bridges along the route of the Western Way walking trail, upgrade of an existing mountain bike trail at Derroura Oughterard, and signage on the Eurovelo cycling route from the Mayo border at Leenane to the Clare border at Kinvara. To date, funding of €314,347.21 has been drawn down on the project.
Last July, it was brought to the attention of my Department that the National Parks and Wildlife Service had concerns regarding the works carried out within the Connemara Bogs Complex Special Area of Conservation in Booheeshal in Connemara, Co Galway. Based on the circumstances outlined and in accordance with the funding agreement, the applicant was ordered to cease works on site and the funding offer has been withdrawn until investigation of the matter has been concluded and the issues resolved. There are also additional concerns in respect of a forestry road at Cappaghoosh/Boheeshal, Recess, Co. Galway constructed as part of the project which are also under investigation at this time.
My Department is in ongoing consultation with the local authority in respect of these matters.
272. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline each individual project awarded funding in County Leitrim since January 2020 under funds and schemes (details supplied); the amount of funding allocated to each project and the purpose of the grant, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15944/24]
View answer273. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline each individual project awarded funding in County Donegal since January 2020 under funds and schemes (details supplied); the amount of funding allocated to each project and the purpose of the grant, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15945/24]
View answer274. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline each individual project awarded funding in County Sligo since January 2020 under funds and schemes (details supplied); the amount of funding allocated to each project and the purpose of the grant, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15946/24]
View answer275. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline each individual project awarded funding in County Monaghan since January 2020 under funds and schemes (details supplied); the amount of funding allocated to each project and the purpose of the grant, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15947/24]
View answer276. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline each individual project awarded funding in County Cavan since January 2020 under funds and schemes (details supplied); the amount of funding allocated to each project and the purpose of the grant, in tabular form;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15948/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 272 to 276, inclusive, together.
Our Rural Future, Ireland's Rural Development Policy 2021 – 2025 represents the Irish Government’s blueprint for the development of rural Ireland. It sets out a range of actions for delivery across Government, and sets the strategic framework for the delivery of capital investment under my Department's Rural Development Investment Programme.
In total, from 2020 to date, my Department has allocated funding of €143 million under the funds and schemes to projects in the counties referenced by the Deputy. I have outlined the totals per county below, with further details about projects supported in the tables attached.
|
Cavan |
€27,734,936 |
|
Donegal |
€40,638,254 |
|
Leitrim |
€28,031,088 |
|
Monaghan |
€31,513,851 |
|
Sligo |
€14,931,956 |
|
|
€142,850,085 |
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a key capital investment scheme which directly supports the objectives of Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy. The RRDF provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns, villages and rural areas across Ireland. To date, 215 projects have been approved for RRDF funding of €415 million for projects costing €572 million. The total funding allocated to projects in Counties Leitrim, Donegal, Sligo, Monaghan and Cavan combined since January 2020 is €73 million.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €156 million has been allocated to more than 1,700 projects across Ireland. I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects under the 2023 scheme shortly.
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways and blue ways throughout rural Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme in 2016, funding of almost €109 million has supported over 1,550 projects across the country
The CLÁR Programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation over a defined period. Since the CLÁR programme was reintroduced in 2016, funding of over €70 million has been approved for almost 2,400 projects. This includes supports for a vast array of projects that will benefit people of all ages and abilities such as playgrounds, sensory gardens, outdoor cinemas, walking tracks, and community gyms. I expect to launch the 2024 CLÁR programme in the coming weeks.
Under the 2022 Community Centre Investment Fund, over €45.8 million was committed for improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres across Ireland. There was a huge uptake of this funding and over 860 different projects are seeing improvements to the fabric of their community centres as a result of this Government initiative. In 2023, the focus of the Community Centres Investment Fund moved to new builds. The assessment of these applications is almost complete and an announcement is expected shortly.
The LEADER programme is based on a community-led approach to rural development and plays an important role in supporting communities and enterprises in progressing job creation, social inclusion and environmental projects at local level. LEADER funding is provided to the Local Action Group (LAG) in the sub-regional area it represents and each LAG is responsible for selecting and awarding LEADER funding to projects within their geographical area.
Finally, Our Rural Future also recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that remote working presents and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated national network of 400 remote working hubs by 2025. €14 million has been invested in almost 200 projects via the Connected Hubs fund between 2021 and 2022, enabling successful applicants to add additional capacity to existing remote working infrastructure in digital hubs and Broadband Connection Points throughout the country.
More details about the funding provided to the relevant counties under all of these schemes is contained in the appended tables.
