Seán Ryan
Ceist:10 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the latest position regarding her consideration of the report of the pharmacy review group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4229/05]
Written Answers
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies received from the Departments (unrevised).
Questions Nos. 1 to 9, inclusive, answered orally.
Pharmacy Regulations.
The pharmacy review group submitted its report to the previous Minister for Health and Children on 31 January 2003 and it was published in February 2004. The Deputy will appreciate the complex issues which the review group's report raised and the need for careful and considered deliberations on its recommendations. I intend to bring proposals to Government on the development of a modern framework for pharmacy in the near future.
General Medical Services Scheme.
John Deasy
Ceist:11 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to encourage more general practitioners to work in certain areas of Dublin in which the ratio of patients to general practitioners exceeds 3,000 patients to one doctor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4265/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of general practitioners to provide for the appropriate delivery of the needs of medical card holders within their area.
The procedure which governs the filling of vacancies which may arise due to the death, resignation or retirement of an existing general medical services contract holding general practitioner forms part of the contract which was agreed in industrial relations negotiations between the Department of Health and Children and the Irish Medical Organisation. Advertisements are placed in the national and medical press when a vacancy occurs and applications are invited from interested suitably qualified general practitioners. Interviews are held and the post is offered to the successful candidate.
The most recent published information on the distribution of GPs and their panel size was contained in the 2003 annual report for the GMS payments board. This indicates the following panel composition for the 595 general practitioners who held GMS contracts for a full year with the area boards of the former Eastern Regional Authority to provide services for medical card patients.
|
No. of Doctors |
Patient Panel size |
|
163 |
up to 250 |
|
133 |
251 to 500 |
|
207 |
501 to 1000 |
|
74 |
1001 to 1500 |
|
17 |
1501 to 2000 |
|
1 |
2001 to 2500 |
The capitation rates paid to general practitioners under the general medical services scheme are based on the age, gender and location profiles of their patient panels. They also reflect the agreed outcome of industrial relations negotiations on the subject with their representative organisation, the Irish Medical Organisation. A GMS GP may also hold other contracts with the local Health Service Executive to provide services under the Health Amendment Act, such as the high tech medicines, methadone treatment, primary childhood immunisation, EU regulation and other immunisations for certain GMS eligible persons schemes. They also may qualify for allowances towards the employment of practice support staff such as practice nurses, secretaries and managers.
My Department has held discussions with the Irish College of General Practitioners on the subject of future general practice manpower needs. It was agreed to increase the number of training places which will lead to an increase of 22 in the intake of students for each of the next three years. Funding has been provided in the Health Service Executive's allocation for 2005 for the commencement of this process.
Health Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:12 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for the delivery of services in primary care, medical and surgical facilities, special hospital needs and community services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4226/05]
With effect from 1 January 2005, under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive has responsibility for the delivery of health services. Under section 31(1) of the Act, the executive is obliged to prepare, adopt and then submit to me for approval a service plan for the financial year or other period as may be determined by me. Subsection (8) provides that not later than 21 days after receiving the service plan, I shall either approve it or issue a direction under subsection (9) that it be amended. If I approve it, under subsection (13) I am obliged to ensure that a copy of the approved plan is laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas within 21 days after it has been approved by me.
The national service plan will be informed by the guiding principles underpinning the health strategy, namely, equity, people centredness, quality and accountability. The plan will cover all the major programmes of care.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:13 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the action she proposes to take on foot of the Health Research Board findings of wide variations in the use of electroconvulsive therapy between the health board areas; if she has satisfied herself that adequate procedures for its use are in place; if she will undertake a thorough review of the use of this highly controversial treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4157/05]
The decision to prescribe ECT is a clinical one. I am informed that ECT is administered in accordance within the guidelines on protocol for the administration of ECT as set out by the Irish College of Psychiatrists, formerly Royal College of Psychiatrists of Ireland. The protocol is comprehensive and provides guidance on the prescription of ECT by the consultant psychiatrist, administration of anaesthetic, preparation of the patient, patient's consent, the administration of ECT and pre- and post-ECT nursing care plan.
The report of the Health Research Board, Activities of Irish Psychiatric Services 2003, states that the use of electroconvulsive therapy, ECT, has been declining in recent years due to the availability of other treatments for mental illness, particularly depression. However, the rate of reduction has varied between former health board areas and between services in each area. This fact has been noted by the former inspector of mental hospitals in his report for the year ending December 2003. The inspector also indicated that he had monitored the use of this treatment and of the facilities for its provision during his inspector of mental health facilities. Any deficiencies noted by the inspector in facilities or practice had been highlighted in individual reports.
The Mental Health Act 2001 contains provisions relating to the administration of electroconvulsive therapy which, when fully implemented, will provide further safeguards to involuntary patients being administered this treatment. The Act provides that the Mental Health Commission will make rules providing for the use of such treatment and ECT will only be applied in accordance with these rules. In advance of these rules being provided, Dr. John Owens, chairperson of the Mental Health Commission, recently expressed his concern at the disparity in the use of ECT and has indicated that this matter will be investigated by the commission.
Health Service Staff.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:14 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress made with regard to the recruitment of a chief executive for the Health Service Executive; when it is expected that an appointment will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4245/05]
I have discussed the progress made to date regarding the recruitment of a chief executive officer of the Health Service Executive with the chairman of the Health Service Executive. The chairman, who also chairs the recruitment committee, has informed me that the recruitment process started again in December. The position was advertised in the national media during December.
An extensive search campaign has also been undertaken by the recruitment agency, both nationally and internationally. The recruitment campaign has been underway for two months and the chairman expects that it will be a number of weeks before a short list of suitably qualified candidates is compiled.
Hospital Staff.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:15 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the application of the European working time directive to non-consultant hospital doctors; if the directive is being implemented in all hospitals; if she will report on the impact on staffing rosters in hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4208/05]
The provisions of the European working time directive as it relates to the working hours of doctors in training came into force on 1 August 2004. The relevant provisions were transposed into Irish law by way of the European Communities (Organisation of Working Time) (Activities of Doctors in Training) Regulations 2004.
Employers and the Irish Medical Organisation have been engaged in discussions for some time under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission, LRC, to advance proposals to effect a reduction in the working hours of non-consultant hospital doctors to conform with the provisions of the European working time directive, EWTD. While some progress has been made, much remains to be resolved. The LRC has requested that both parties refrain from engaging in any form of unilateral action for the duration of the negotiation process.
As a result, as of 1 August 2004, health employers have not acted unilaterally to achieve full compliance with the EWTD. In many sites around the country, the introduction of new rosters would facilitate significant progress towards EWTD compliance while maintaining safe patient care and existing levels of service provision. However, health employers, in response to the request of the LRC, are at present awaiting agreement between management and the IMO at national level before proceeding.
The ability of the Health Service Executive to effectively implement the European working time directive for the benefit of all NCHDs is dependent on the full co-operation of the Irish Medical Organisation at both national and local level. This process was delayed for some time in the absence of agreement by the IMO to the establishment of local implementation groups in each hospital and a national implementation group to co-ordinate and direct the work of the local groups. However, agreement was finally reached with the IMO in late 2004 to the establishment of nine pilot sites. The work by the local groups at these sites is progressing with a view to developing plans for the full implementation of the directive.
Local implementation groups at nine pilot sites are examining local implementation issues and developing plans for the full implementation of the directive. Included in these pilot local implementation groups are representatives of consultants, local representatives of training bodies, NCHDs, nurses, management and other grades. The work of the groups is well underway and it is intended that they will document how measures to reduce or reorganise NCHD hours can best be implemented. Action can then be taken on foot of this information when the industrial relations issues have been resolved.
The next stage in their work will be a comprehensive analysis of hospital activity. The data gathered from this exercise will provide information to assist the local groups in examining the activity levels of NCHDs and determining how best to match resources against activity levels in the context of EWTD requirements. Further negotiations on issues relating to industrial relations matters will take place under the auspices of the LRC, aided and informed by the information compiled by these pilot local hospital groups.
In addition, both sides have accepted a proposal made by the LRC on 7 February 2005 for the establishment of a national implementation group, which will have membership from the Department of Health and Children, the Health Service Executive, the Irish Medical Organisation, the Irish Hospital Consultants Association, the Postgraduate Medical and Dental Board, the Medical Council, the postgraduate medical training colleges and representatives of nurses and other health care professions. This group will co-ordinate the work of the existing nine pilot hospital local implementation groups, issue agreed guidance on issues related to the implementation of the EWTD and assist in the development of local implementation plans.
Finally, management and the IMO have also agreed to recommence substantive negotiations on the NCHD contract. The next meeting in this regard has been arranged by the LRC for 16 March 2005. In this context, I am hopeful that early progress can be made in resolving outstanding issues so full implementation of the directive's requirements can proceed without further delay.
Influenza Pandemic.
Joan Burton
Ceist:16 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to recent concerns expressed that this country may not be adequately prepared to deal with any flu pandemic; the procedures which are in place to deal with such a situation; the reserves of vaccine held to deal with such a situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4204/05]
Ciarán Cuffe
Ceist:46 Mr. Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if consultants have not been co-operating with the committee set up to deal with the possible flu pandemic; the action she intends to take in regard to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4167/05]
John Gormley
Ceist:62 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the Government’s preparations for a possible flu pandemic, her views on whether there are not sufficient supplies of effective anti-viral drugs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4165/05]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 16, 46 and 62 together.
Ireland's first influenza pandemic preparedness plan was finalised in 2002. "A Model Plan for Influenza Pandemic Preparedness" was prepared by a committee under the chairmanship of Professor William Hall, director of the national virus reference laboratory, NVRL, and was presented to the Department of Health and Children in September 2002.
An expert group was established by my predecessor in late 2003 to update the 2002 plan in light of experience with SARS. It is chaired by Professor Hall. The outline plan sets out various recommendations and options. Following detailed consideration of these options, the expert group will make specific recommendations about the implementation of the various aspects of the plan.
The expert group met in November 2003 and January 2004; a meeting scheduled for March 2004 was cancelled because of the non-participation of consultants in departmental committee meetings. No further meetings were possible in 2004. I now understand that an exception is being made in the case of the influenza pandemic expert group. Arrangements are being made for an early meeting. There have been preliminary meetings within the last two weeks between the chairman and officials of my Department to prepare for this meeting.
This 2002 WHO plan is being updated to incorporate new scientific data and experience obtained during recent outbreaks. A WHO consultation meeting held in December 2004 recommended several revisions to the WHO preparedness plan. The updating of our pandemic plan will take account of these recommendations once agreed and published by the World Health Organisation.
In addition to the expert committee work, a contingency planning steering group was established by my Department in January 2004 to oversee the development of a generic public health contingency plan for the health system which would be activated in the event of a large scale emergency resulting from an infectious diseases outbreak or incident, such as SARS, influenza pandemic and so forth, to mitigate the impact of such an emergency. The implementation process is now under the direction of the Health Service Executive.
Vaccination is the principal measure for preventing influenza and reducing the impact of epidemics. It will be the primary public health intervention in the event of an influenza pandemic. However, the production of a vaccine tailored to a pandemic influenza strain could take six to nine months. Developments are underway at international level seeking to expedite this process. At European level, EU member states and the European Commission agreed in 2004 to engage with the pharmaceutical industry regarding vaccines and antivirals. A report on this issue is scheduled for consideration by the health security committee next week.
Pending the availability of virus specific vaccines, antiviral drugs will be the only influenza specific medical intervention available for use in a pandemic. It will be necessary to use antivirals to treat individuals who are ill, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to the virus, and to protect essential workers and vulnerable groups.
Priorities for treatment and prophylaxis, prevention, are discussed in the 2002 influenza pandemic plan. The influenza pandemic expert group established in 2003 is reviewing this plan, including the recommendations for use of antivirals. As already stated, the work of the expert group was delayed through 2004 by the non-participation of consultants in departmental committee meetings. However, my Department has continued work on refining the estimated requirements for antivirals. It is intended to reconvene the expert group in the near future to review these estimates and complete its important work.
Alcohol Abuse.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:17 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress made to date with regard to implementation of the recent report of the strategic task force on alcohol; if it is intended to implement the recommendations of the report; if she has brought proposals to Government on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4209/05]
The strategic task force on alcohol was established in January 2002. Its remit is to provide specific evidence based measures to Government to prevent and reduce alcohol related harm. The task force published an interim report in May 2002 and has recently published its second report. Together, the two reports provide approximately 100 evidenced based recommendations which aim to tackle alcohol related harm in this country and are framed on the ten strategy areas for alcohol action outlined in the World Health Organisation European charter on alcohol. I welcome the publication of this report and I intend to bring it to Government shortly.
Health Service Staff.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:18 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the recent warning from the IMO and the IHCA of the possibility of industrial action unless her Department adopts a more conciliatory approach to a number of industrial relations problems, including the unilateral introduction of the clinical indemnity scheme; the action she intends to take to ensure that these issues are resolved and industrial action averted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4237/05]
It is regrettable that the Irish Hospital Consultants Association and the Irish Medical Organisation should have decided to take industrial action in pursuit of a resolution of the dispute surrounding medical indemnity cover for consultants. The only people who suffer as a consequence of this, or any, industrial action in the health service are patients. It is particularly unfortunate that consultants should choose to embark on this course of action when, in fact, they and the Government should be uniting to pursue the common goal of ensuring that the Medical Defence Union, MDU, lives up to its obligations to its Irish members.
Irish hospital consultants paid significant amounts in subscriptions over the years to the MDU. Between 80% and 90% of these costs were ultimately borne by the Irish taxpayer. Taxpayers and consultants have a common interest in ensuring that the MDU does not escape from its responsibility for meeting the cost of claims from these years. I therefore appeal once again to both organisations to withdraw these threats and to work with the Government in pursuit of our joint interest.
If some form of industrial action does take place, I will ask the IHCA and IMO to ensure that the impact on patient care is kept to the absolute minimum. I will also request the Health Service Executive to put in place contingency measures to ensure that disruption to patients is kept to a minimum. It is clear, however, that even if kept to a minimum, the effect of this action on patients would be to cause delays in their treatment and to prolong their suffering.
I am still engaged in intensive efforts to avoid this eventuality through discussions with the IHCA and IMO. These include discussions on assistance to consultants who may be left without indemnity cover by the MDU. I am also exploring whatever avenues may be open to the State in its own right, or in association with the consultants affected by a withdrawal of cover by the MDU, to pursue the MDU by legal means. Arrangements are being put in place for representatives of the Chief State Solicitor's office and the Office of the Attorney General to meet with legal representatives of the IHCA and IMO to discuss these issues. It would not be appropriate for me to make any comment on these discussions at this stage.
Hospital Accommodation.
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:19 Mr. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the CAPITA report has been fully implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4275/05]
A joint steering committee involving representatives of health service management and representatives of the nursing unions is at present working towards the implementation of the recommendations of the CAPITA report on the bed management function. The joint steering committee is requesting the chief officers in each Health Service Executive area to examine the recommendations of the CAPITA report as they relate to the hospitals in their respective areas and to set out the measures required for implementation taking into account existing bed management structures.
Question No. 20 answered with QuestionNo. 6.
Health Strategy.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:21 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there will be no large scale investment in primary care in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4280/05]
Tom Hayes
Ceist:44 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the primary care strategy will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4264/05]
Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:106 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the fact that by the end of 2005, €12 million out of a projected €1 billion will have been spent on the primary care strategy, half way through the proposed lifespan of this strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4281/05]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 21, 44 and 106 together.
The primary health care strategy, "Primary Care: A New Direction", which was published in 2001, sets out the Government's broad vision for the development of multidisciplinary team based primary health care. The principal objective of the strategy is to strengthen primary care so it can play a more central role as the first and ongoing point of contact for people with the health care system.
In 2005, an additional €5 million in revenue funding has been provided to support the implementation of the strategy, bringing total ongoing additional revenue funding to €12 million per annum. This funding is being provided through a range of initiatives, including an initial ten primary care teams, to progress the implementation of the strategy. To date, capital funding of €2.725 million and a further €1.8 million in respect of information and communications technology supports have also been provided. This funding is, of course, in addition to the substantial funding already in the system for the delivery of a wide range of primary and community care services.
Since 2002, ten multidisciplinary primary care teams have been developed and are delivering an enhanced and expanded range of primary care services to their target populations. The experience of developing these initial teams is already providing valuable learning which will help to inform the wider implementation of the strategy. A significant component of the development of further primary care teams must involve the reorganisation of the staff and resources already within the system. During 2004 detailed work was undertaken by the health boards to map the numbers and locations of future primary care teams and networks.
Since the primary care strategy was published, the Government has also provided significant further support for the development of GP co-ops to provide the benefits of reliable out of hours services to the public and to relieve pressure on hospital accident and emergency departments. Between 2000 and 2005, approximately €105 million has been provided to the statutory agencies for the development of out of hours GP services.
In 2005, an additional €60 million has been provided to improve access to primary care by providing for some 30,000 additional persons to become eligible for a medical card and free access to GP visits for those on low income who do not qualify for a medical card at present. The medical card income guidelines have been increased with effect from 1 January 2005 by approximately 7.5% generally and, in specific regard to children, the income allowance for each of the first two children has been increased by approximately 20% and for the third and subsequent children by approximately 30%.
Free access to general practitioner visits will be provided to individuals and families based on income guidelines 25% over the new medical card income guidelines. It is estimated that approximately 200,000 persons will become eligible for free GP services with the "doctor visit" card. My Department is at present considering the nature of the legislative changes required to enable effect to be given to the decision to introduce these medical cards. Legislation in this regard will be introduced as soon as possible.
These two initiatives will assist in overcoming barriers to accessing GP services in the case of those on low incomes and in the region of 230,000 additional people, including children, will be able to access their general practitioner free of charge.
Children in Care.
Trevor Sargent
Ceist:22 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied); if she will review the procedures to prevent this traumatic situation being repeated in other circumstances; and if she will investigate whether action needs to be taken against those responsible for denying this person access to their child when the infant was alive. [4159/05]
I understand that the particular question raised by the Deputy relates to the placement of the child in care under the Child Care Act 1991. While I do not propose to comment on the specific circumstances of the case, I wish to convey my deepest sympathy to the family of the child concerned.
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for children taken into care. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the Health Service Executive, eastern regional area, to make arrangements to meet with the family as soon as possible to discuss their concerns.
Irish Blood Transfusion Service.
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:23 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the internal audit carried out by the IBTS which found that blood products had been sold to commercial interests without the knowledge or consent of the donors concerned; if she has satisfied herself that appropriate procedures are in place to ensure that such abuses do not happen in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4233/05]
On 3 December last, I received a copy of an internal audit report of the Irish Blood Transfusion Services Board, IBTS, on discard blood products. The audit involved a search of available records to determine if blood or blood products were issued or sold to commercial companies and what volumes were involved from the 1980s to date. This audit was carried out at the request of the chief executive in November on the records of the Dublin and Cork blood centres.
The report noted that in March 1997, the national medical director of the IBTS issued a memo outlining procedures for the issue of products for research purposes to academic and health care institutions. From that date, the practice of providing product to commercial companies was discontinued at Pelican House in Dublin. At the Munster regional transfusion centre, MRTC,the definition of health care institutions was taken to include a number of commercial ventures.
The national medical director issued a subsequent memo in March 2002 to the MRTC clarifying the policy on the issue of products to commercial companies, stating that "provision of materials to these commercial companies should be suspended with immediate effect". There was no further issue of products to commercial companies after that date.
I have been assured by the IBTS that this practice has been discontinued and that no products have been issued or sold to commercial companies since 2002.
Control of Infectious Diseases.
Ciarán Cuffe
Ceist:24 Mr. Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the most recent steps she has taken to deal with the MRSA problem in hospitals; if there is evidence that this new strategy is working; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4168/05]
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:28 Ms Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps being taken to control the spread of the MRSA in our hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4249/05]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 24 and 28 together.
The strategy for the control of antimicrobial resistance, SARI, was launched in June 2001. Since then, approximately €20.5 million in funding has been made available by my Department for this purpose. Of this, approximately €4.5 million has been made available in the current year. This SARI funding is in addition to normal hospital funding arrangements for to infection control.
The strategy for the control of antimicrobial resistance in Ireland recommended that a national SARI committee be established to develop guidelines, protocols and strategies to deal with antimicrobial resistance. This committee was established in late 2002 and as part of its remit provides advice to the regional SARI committees which were established as a result of the strategy's recommendations.
Effective infection control measures, including environmental cleaning and hand hygiene, are central to the control of health care associated infections, including drug resistant organisms such as MRSA. The infection control subcommittee of SARI recently prepared draft guidelines for the control of MRSA in Irish hospitals and community health care settings. The key recommendations cover such areas as environmental cleanliness, bed occupancy levels, isolation facilities, hand hygiene, appropriate antibiotic use and protocols for the screening and detection of MRSA. These draft guidelines, based on the best evidence available internationally, are a key component in the response to MRSA in Ireland. When finalised, these recommendations will replace guidelines issued by my Department in 1995 on MRSA.
The HSE has identified hospital infection control as a priority area and is currently in discussion with SARI representatives to develop a common approach to this area. A number of initiatives are being considered, for example, development of national standards for infection control infrastructure in hospital building programmes.
Ambulance Service.
Paudge Connolly
Ceist:25 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals for the building of a new ambulance base in Monaghan town; if she will report on its stage of development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33561/04]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, HSE, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the development of a new ambulance station in Monaghan. A design team is currently working on this project and it is expected that it will shortly forward a submission on the next phase of the development to the Health Service Executive.
Health Service Executive.
Liam Twomey
Ceist:26 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount spent by the HSE on developing its logo; and the cost incurred by all areas under the control of the HSE for stationery and other changes demanded to implement its new logo policy. [4283/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services.
The Health Service Executive has informed me that the initial cost of developing the HSE logo was €3,146.00, including VAT. Subsequent costs were incurred and include the redesign of the general medical card, which cost €1,511.97. As the corporate identity is being rolled out nationally, a corporate identity manual and CD-Rom was developed with guidelines for use of the logo to assist area managers in directing printers and designers at a cost of €12,410.01. This included production of 1,500 CD-Roms and manuals.
A number of additional costs, such as those for Irish translation and further work with printers, have been incurred but final figures are not yet available. Since the establishment of the Health Service Executive in January 2005, former health boards areas have been required to begin to roll out the new HSE corporate identity. Stocks of stationery in the former ERHA and health board areas were allowed to run down last year, so the cost involved with new stationery is comparable to the regular replacement cost of old stock.
There will be a marginal increase in cost for the new logo over logos used in the former health board and health authority areas. These costs relate to the colour scheme. Apart from stationery and some other important signage, the corporate identity is only being changed where replacement is required. The total costs for implementing the new logo are, therefore, not currently available.
Health Strategy.
Pat Breen
Ceist:27 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the construction of health centres with general practitioners and pharmacies on site but financed by private developers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4270/05]
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:41 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for private investment in the primary health sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4219/05]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 27 and 41 together.
The strategy "Primary Care: A New Direction" recognises that the provision of modern, well equipped, accessible premises will be central to the effective functioning of primary care teams and networks. Therefore, one of the key objectives is to facilitate and encourage the development, where appropriate, of modern, well equipped, user friendly buildings in which the broad range of primary care services, including general practice, can be delivered.
The concept of delivering all services from a single location is considered appropriate for many settings, especially in urban areas. It is also recognised that, where populations are widely dispersed, it may be preferable to have the team deliver services from more than one location, so that primary care services are easily accessible to those who use them.
It is clear that the existing network of community health centres and general practice premises is not adequate to meet the needs of primary care teams. To ensure that appropriate facilities are developed on the required scale, resources other than those of the Exchequer will be required and, indeed, this is line with the historic practice whereby there has been a mix of public and private facilities provision, with, for example, general practitioners in many cases funding their own practice premises.
In this regard, the strategy emphasises the need to gain full benefit from existing buildings and to fully explore opportunities for private investment and public private partnerships in implementing the development programme. The Government is committed to developing policy in such a way as to encourage innovative approaches to the provision of facilities and services to support the development and operation of primary care teams and networks in accordance with the objectives of the primary care strategy.
With regard to the development of health facilities which include a pharmacy, it is important to note that the primary care strategy places the community pharmacist in the primary care network, on the basis that the pharmacist will serve the needs of clients of more than one primary care team. The strategy does not specify where any of the primary care network members should be located relative to the members of the primary care team.
The report of the pharmacy review group includes a number of recommendations aimed at ensuring a separation between prescribing and dispensing and this includes recommending that there be a requirement for discrete premises, with separate entrances, for general practitioners and pharmacists. The Government has yet to consider this report and it would not be appropriate for me to pre-empt any decisions on its recommendations at this stage.
Question No. 28 answered with QuestionNo. 24.
Patient Statistics.
Gay Mitchell
Ceist:29 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of high dependency patients under the care of the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4279/05]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for high dependency patients. Accordingly, my Department has requested the national director of primary, community and continuing care of the Health Service Executive to investigate the matter raised and to reply direct to the Deputy.
Ministerial Meetings.
Martin Ferris
Ceist:30 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on her meeting with the Cancer Care Alliance on 31 January 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4196/05]
I met with a delegation from the Cancer Care Alliance last week which included representatives from the western, north-western and south-eastern areas. I listened carefully to the delegates' views concerning the development and improvement of oncology services at regional level and, in particular, radiation oncology services, breast cancer screening and capital funding for oncology facilities. I expressed my view on the importance of developing regional services consistent with best patient outcomes in line with international standards and agreed to revert to them at a later stage.
Accident and Emergency Services.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:31 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in regard to the package of measures announced by her Department in the Estimates to improve accident and emergency services, she will list those measures implemented to date; the timetable for the implementation of each other planned measure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4246/05]
Seán Crowe
Ceist:42 Mr. Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on progress since 1 January 2005 in her efforts to address the crisis in hospital accident and emergency units, in particular the unit at Tallaght Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4199/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:50 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the proposed introduction of three acute medical units in Dublin hospitals has now been agreed with the hospital consultants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4248/05]
John Perry
Ceist:76 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the out of hours services she intends funding under her ten point plan for accident and emergency crises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4263/05]
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:88 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the situation in accident and emergency units in view of the decision of the Health and Safety Authority to order a safety inspection of all such units; the steps being taken to ensure that all such units comply with all relevant safety requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4247/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:135 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent to which accident and emergency facilities are properly equipped to deal with requirements such as emergencies; if sufficient staff and space is available in such instances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4423/05]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 31, 42, 50, 76, 88 and 135 together.
The areas referred to by the Deputies are part of a ten point action plan on accident and emergency services, which I announced on the publication of the Estimates for 2005. A sum of €70 million is available to the Health Service Executive this year for these initiatives. I have met with senior management of the HSE and my Department is working closely with the HSE to ensure the early implementation of these measures.
The Government's programme for capital investment in hospital infrastructure is continuing and is resulting in new and improved accident and emergency departments being provided around the country. New accident and emergency departments have been provided at Cork University Hospital, James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Naas General Hospital, South Tipperary General Hospital in Clonmel and Roscommon General Hospital.
I welcome the recent intervention of the Health and Safety Authority. The HSA has a clear statutory role in health and safety in the workplace. The HSA has investigated specific incidences in hospitals in the past and has worked with the hospital authorities to ensure that satisfactory mechanisms have been put in place to safeguard health and safety. The HSA has asked hospitals to carry out a comprehensive risk assessment of their accident and emergency departments. This will be done with the co-operation of management and staff in each hospital.
Health Services.
Joan Burton
Ceist:32 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the need for a statutory appeals system to be set up for all health and community services. [4225/05]
A statutory complaints framework is provided for under the provisions of Part 9 of the Health Act 2004, which was enacted in December 2004. This provides for the establishment of a statutory complaints framework to apply to complaints about the actions of the Health Service Executive or a service provider. The establishment of such a framework follows on the commitment in the health strategy to provide for such a statutory framework to provide for greater clarity and uniformity of approach in dealing with complaints and to provide for structured local resolution processes with access to independent review.
Under the statutory framework provided for in the 2004 Act, an action is defined as "anything done or omitted to be done" by the executive or by a service provider with whom it has an agreement for the provision of services or with a service provider to whom it provides assistance for the provision of services.
This framework initially seeks to resolve the complaint at local level but provides for access to independent review if the complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome of the complaint. It also provides for access to the Office of the Ombudsman, or the Office of the Ombudsman for Children, if the complainant is still dissatisfied following the outcome of the review.
The provisions of the statutory framework will apply to all service providers providing services on behalf of the executive. They can either avail of the executive's complaints system or establish their own if the executive is satisfied that its standards are comparable to that of the executive. There is also provision that where a person is unable to make a complaint because of illness or age or disability, a complaint may be made on his or her behalf by certain specified persons.
Complaints must be made within 12 months of the actions giving rise to the complaint. The framework provides that complaints cannot be made about certain issues which include matters which are or have been the subject of legal proceedings, matters relating to clinical judgment and matters relating to the recruitment and appointment of employees. The provisions of the statutory framework provide that the operational detail will be set out by way of regulations to be made by the Minister.
The Deputy will also be aware that Part 2 of the Disability Bill 2004, which deals with assessment of need and access to health and education services contains redress mechanisms consisting of complaints, appeals and enforcement procedures so as to provide individual means of redress under the provisions of this part. In addition, the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 contains an appeals mechanism which covers the assessment of need for a child with special educational needs and the delivery of the supports by the education and health services necessary to enable the child to participate in and benefit from education.
Mental Health Services.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:33 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to recent figures from the Health Research Board showing that there were 66 children admitted to adult psychiatric units in 2003; her views on whether these are appropriate locations for the treatment of children; the steps she intends to take to ensure appropriate locations for the treatment of such children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4206/05]
According to the Health Research Board's publication, "Activities of Irish Psychiatric Services 2003", 66 children were admitted to children's centres and 24 under 16 year olds were admitted to adult psychiatric units in 2003. I am aware of concerns expressed regarding the practice of admitting children to adult psychiatric units. I accept that the placement of children with mental health problems in adult facilities is inappropriate.
The first report of the working group on child and adolescent psychiatry recommended that a total of seven child and adolescent in-patient psychiatric units, for children ranging from six to 16 years, should be developed throughout the country. Project teams have been established to develop child and adolescent in-patient psychiatric units in Cork, Limerick, Galway and one in the former Eastern Regional Health Authority area at St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview. Approval to tender for design teams for the units in Cork, Limerick and Galway was given by my Department recently. At present, in-patient services for children and adolescents are provided at Warrenstown House, Dublin, and at St. Anne's in Galway.
The working group on child and adolescent psychiatry also recommended the enhancement and expansion of the overall child and adolescent psychiatric services as the most effective means of providing the required service for children with mental illness. This has been a priority for my Department in recent years. Since 1997, additional funding of almost €19 million has been provided to allow for the appointment of additional consultants in child and adolescent psychiatry, for the enhancement of existing consultant led multidisciplinary teams and towards the establishment of further teams. This has resulted in the funding of a further 19 child and adolescent consultant psychiatrists. Nationally, there are now 52 such psychiatrists employed.
The future direction and delivery of all aspects of our mental health services, including child and adolescent psychiatry, will be considered in the context of the work of the expert group on mental health policy which is due to report in 2005.
Health Services.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:34 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of CAT scanners in operation in the health service; the locations of same; their hours of operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4273/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of CAT scanning services in hospitals. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Health Services Executive's national hospitals' office to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:35 Ms Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has had discussions with potential providers of a private radiotherapy service for the patients of the south east; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4221/05]
I had a meeting earlier today with representatives of the University of Pittsburgh's cancer institute and EuroCare International at which they outlined their plans to provide acute hospital services, including radiotherapy, in Waterford, for patients in the south-eastern area. I am in the process of developing an overall policy framework which will identify the policy issues which need to be addressed and the key criteria to be applied in developing private facilities on public hospital sites. I hope to complete this work in a matter of weeks.
Hospital Services.
Dan Neville
Ceist:36 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in presenting the report on the death of a person (details supplied) at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4164/05]
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:37 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she expects to receive the report of the independent review into the circumstances of the death of a person (details supplied); the reasons for the long delay in finalising this report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4228/05]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 36 and 37 together.
The report of the panel reviewing the events surrounding the death of Róisín Ruddle was published on my Department's website earlier today.
First, I wish to express my sympathy to Róisín's parents and to her extended family. They have been through extremely difficult times in the past and the publication of the report of the panel reviewing the events surrounding Róisín's death will no doubt recall for them all the trauma of those times.
The review panel's report found that if Róisín's operation had gone ahead as planned on 30 June 2003, the likelihood of her survival would have been greater, and that the fundamental reason behind the deferral of Róisín's surgery was the inability of Our Lady's Hospital to recruit-retain sufficient experienced nursing staff to support the available ICU beds.
I recently met with the hospital's chief executive and director of nursing. They assured me that key recommendations in the report have already been acted upon, including the appointment of a full-time nurse manager to manage nursing recruitment and retention; the appointment of a clinical bed manager; and the establishment of links with similar institutions outside the country to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experience. They also assured me that the remaining recommendations will receive the hospital's urgent attention.
I have full confidence in the ability of the hospital management and its clinicians to address the issues raised in the report and to work to deliver on the recommendations applicable to the hospital's internal organisation.
One of the report's recommendations is that the overall training period required to become a fully qualified children's ICU nurse be re-examined. Every avenue to make children's nursing an attractive option must be explored. I recently received the report of the expert group on midwifery and children's nursing education. One of its recommendations, the introduction of a direct entry undergraduate programme for combined children's-general nursing lasting four and a half years, must be implemented. We also need to reduce the length of the existing post-registration programme for qualification as a children's nurse. These measures will reduce the time taken to qualify as a children's nurse and should increase the numbers coming through the system.
I will shortly be announcing how the report of the expert group on midwifery and children's nursing education can best be implemented. I welcome the fact that the hospital has already established links with similar institutions outside the country and I encourage it to explore this option for courses in specialist and expert practice.
Health Reports.
Mary Upton
Ceist:38 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the findings of the Pollock report on the high incidence of cystic fibrosis here and the low level of services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4242/05]
I welcome the recent Pollock report commissioned by the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland on the treatment of cystic fibrosis in Ireland.
The Health Service Executive, which has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services, recently met with the association and has agreed to its request to establish a working group to consider the recommendations in the report.
The report provides an assessment of need for current and future cystic fibrosis patients and makes a number of recommendations with regard to numbers and types of staff appropriate for a modern, multidisciplinary cystic fibrosis service. The report concludes that in the future it will be essential to base cystic fibrosis care in fewer units of a more significant size in order to sustain viable staffing levels and to ensure that staff have a sufficient workload to enable them to maintain their skills level.
I understand that the Health Service Executive is pursuing with St. Vincent's Hospital, which is designated as the national adult cystic fibrosis centre, proposals for improvement to the physical infrastructure to support the highly professional treatment and care services provided there at present.
Health Services.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:39 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will conduct a cost benefit analysis of the widespread use of the RAST blood test compared with the skin prick test; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4172/05]
Protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of clinical conditions are matters for the attending doctor and his-her patients. The use of any particular diagnostic test such as the RAST test, either in its own right or as an alternative to another test, would be a decision that a doctor and a patient would make given the nature of the condition involved and, in particular, any specific features which would characterise the individual patient's clinical presentation. The RAST test is an allergen specific IgE antibody test which can be used when there are signs or symptoms suggestive of an allergy to one or more substances or foods.
The use of particular diagnostic tests should be based on the best available evidence on such properties as their sensitivity, specificity, effectiveness and cost effectiveness. This evidence is described in the international medical literature, any recommendations emanating from standards or training bodies or expert scientific groups and, of course, the doctor's own experience, skills and knowledge of the patient.
Cancer Screening Programme.
Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:40 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the cooperation which is taking place to advance cross-Border services in the north west region, particularly in the progression of early detection of male and female cancers, and also other initiatives which are of potential mutual benefit to the people of the region. [4156/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the issues raised by the Deputy. Accordingly, my Department has requested the executive to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 41 answered with QuestionNo. 27.
Question No. 42 answered with QuestionNo. 31.
Medical Cards.
Arthur Morgan
Ceist:43 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the timetable for the introduction of the general practitioner only medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4193/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:52 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the details of the roll out of the doctor only medical cards; when the necessary legislation will be brought before Dáil Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4217/05]
Gay Mitchell
Ceist:68 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she intends putting legislation for the doctor only medical cards through Dáil Éireann as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4218/05]
Joe Costello
Ceist:73 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in introducing legislation to provide for the issuing of the promised 200,000 doctor visit cards; if all arrangements for the introduction of the cards have been agreed with the doctors’ representative organisations; the steps taken to deal with the situation in those parts of the country; when she expects the legislation to be published; when she expects the first cards to be issued and all 200,000 cards to be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4253/05]
Liz McManus
Ceist:78 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical cards issued as of 30 September 2004; the latest date for which figures are available; the reason the number of medical card holders continues to decline having regard to the pledge in An Agreed Programme for Government to extend eligibility to bring in another 200,000 people and commitment given on the publication of the Estimates for 2005 that 30,000 additional medical cards would be issued from 1 January 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4252/05]
Seán Crowe
Ceist:87 Mr. Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with general practitioner representatives about the introduction of the general practitioner only medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4200/05]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 43, 52, 68, 73, 78 and 87 together.
My Department is at present considering the nature of the legislative changes required to enable effect to be given to the decision to introduce doctor visit cards. I have received legal advice that an amendment to the Health Act 1970 is required in order to enable effect to be given to this decision.
My Department is working with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel with a view to legislation in this regard being introduced in the Oireachtas as soon as possible. Work is also progressing, at the level of the Health Service Executive, on the necessary administrative arrangements to ensure that as soon as the necessary legislative provisions are enacted, doctor only medical cards can be issued.
The Health Service Executive will be contacting general practitioners who hold contracts under the general medical services scheme to advise them of the necessary administrative details regarding the new cards. There is no requirement for a process of industrial relations negotiations with doctors' representative organisations in this regard. However, I look forward to constructive discussion with the Irish Medical Organisation in order to ensure the smooth introduction of the doctor only cards. The Health Service Executive will facilitate this.
In September 2004, the number of current medical cards in circulation was 768,895 providing services for 1,151,106 persons, or 29.39% of the population of 3,917,203, according to the 2002 census. In January 2005, there were 767,558 current cards providing services for 1,145,083 persons, or 28.32% of the population of 4,043,800, which is the official estimate of population as at September 2004.
The decline in medical card coverage can be attributed to the continued economic success of the country and also to results of the cleansing of medical card databases during 2003 and 2004, in which approximately 104,000 medical card records were removed. Many of the deletions from the database would have been due to normal reviews but a number would have been duplicate or expired records. Regular periodic reviews of eligibility are undertaken by the Health Service Executive to ensure that their medical card databases are accurate.
The implications of my decision to extend medical card coverage, as announced in November, will become apparent as the year progresses. New income guidelines, as agreed by the chief executive officers of the former health boards, are being used by the local area offices for the determination of eligibility to an additional 30,000 full eligibility medical cards since January 2005. The additional 200,000 doctor visit cards will be introduced progressively from April 2005, once the legal and administrative arrangements are in place.
Question No. 44 answered with QuestionNo. 21.
Environmental Pollution.
Trevor Sargent
Ceist:45 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will launch a public information campaign on the issue of the indoor environment and indoor pollution and the need to keep houses well ventilated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4175/05]
Ventilation standards in houses are a matter for my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government who has general responsibility for the construction industry.
I have no plans at present to launch an information campaign on the lines suggested by the Deputy.
Question No. 46 answered with QuestionNo. 16.
Health Reports.
Michael Noonan
Ceist:47 Mr. Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the recommendations of the radiation oncology report are still part of Government policy; if they have been modified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4222/05]
The Government's policy on radiation oncology is based on the report entitled "The Development of Radiation Oncology Services in Ireland". The report was prepared by a multidisciplinary group of experts in radiation oncology, medical oncology, public health and palliative care, including representatives of bodies such as the Irish College of General Practitioners, the Irish Cancer Society and Aid Cancer Treatment. The report has had significant international endorsement from such bodies as the US National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.
The Government is determined to ensure access by cancer patients throughout the country to high quality radiation oncology in line with best international standard. Significant progress is being made in implementing the report's recommendations. Two additional linear accelerators are being provided at the supra-regional centre at Cork University Hospital at a capital cost of over €4 million. The first of these linear accelerators has been installed and the second is expected to be commissioned by the autumn. Last year, approval issued for the appointment of 29 staff for this unit and additional ongoing revenue funding of €3 million to cater for this expansion. Two additional consultant radiation oncologists will be appointed at Cork University Hospital with sessional commitments to the south-eastern and the mid-western areas. Cork University Hospital is also in the process of recruiting other key posts required for the commissioning of the new linear accelerators.
The supra-regional centre at University College Hospital, Galway, is constructed and the equipment is currently being commissioned. Last year, approval issued for the appointment of 102 staff for this unit, together with ongoing revenue funding of €12 million to cater for this expansion. Approval issued for the appointment of an additional consultant medical oncologist and three consultant radiation oncologists, two of whom have significant sessional commitments to the north-western and the mid-western areas. Key staffing is in place, with two consultant radiation oncologists taking up post in March. The western area is confident of meeting its target date for commencement of patient treatments in March 2005.
The report recommends that there should be two radiotherapy treatment centres located in the eastern region, one serving the southern part of the region and adjacent catchment areas and one serving the northern part of the region and adjacent catchment areas. The international panel established to advise on the optimum locations for radiation oncology services in the eastern region submitted its advice to me on 28 January last. I intend to reach an early decision on this matter.
While the immediate priority is to provide significantly enhanced services in the major population centres of Dublin, Cork and Galway, I will keep the question of networked satellite locations under active review.
As recommended in the report, the national radiation oncology co-ordinating group was established last year. The group comprises clinical, technical, managerial, academic and nursing expertise from different geographic regions. The group's remit encompasses recommending measures to facilitate improved access to existing and planned services, including transport and accommodation. The group will also advise on quality assurance protocols and guidelines for the referral of public patients to private facilities.
Cancer Screening Programme.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:48 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the recent report produced by the Health Board Executive on behalf of the chief executive officers of health boards recommending the introduction of a national cervical screening programme; if it is intended to provide such a programme; the proposed timeframe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4232/05]
The Health Board Executive commissioned an international expert in cervical screening to examine the feasibility and implications of a national roll out of a cervical screening programme. The examination included an evaluation of the pilot programme, quality assurance, laboratory capacity and organisation and the establishment of national governance arrangements. The expert's report was published by the executive on 14 December 2004.
My Department is now consulting with relevant professional representative and advocacy groups on the report as an essential input into its preparation of a detailed response to the recommendations. These groups are: the Irish College of General Practitioners, An Bord Altranais, the Academy of Medical Laboratory Science, the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of the RCPI, the Faculty of Pathology of the RCPI, the Women's Health Council and the Irish Cancer Society.
Following the consultation process, my Department will examine options for a national cervical screening programme.
Care of the Elderly.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:49 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of reported cases of abuse of older persons in their homes or in long stay residential care since 1 January 2000; and if she has satisfied herself that there are sufficient trained personnel available with the relevant knowledge to identify the different types of abuse and, therefore, protect highly vulnerable older persons. [4223/05]
As the Deputy may be aware, the report of the working group on elder abuse, Protecting Our Future, was launched on 11 November 2002.
This report, in starting with a definition of elder abuse and recommending the putting in place of structures to deal with suspected cases, will hopefully give older people who feel they are the subject of abuse in any shape or form, the confidence to report their anxieties, as appropriate, to a social worker, a public health nurse, a member of the Garda Síochána or indeed any professional or care worker.
One of the recommendations in the elder abuse report is the establishment of a national implementation group and this group was established in December 2003 and has commenced its work.
In addition, funding of €800,000 was provided in 2003 to commence implementation of the elder abuse programme. In 2004, an additional €75,000 was allocated to each health board for its continued implementation, including the appointment of case workers, and this year an additional €900,000 has been allocated for the elder abuse programme.
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the implementation of the elder abuse programme. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officers of the executive's areas to reply directly to the Deputy about the specific matters raised.
Question No. 50 answered with QuestionNo. 31.
Mental Health Services.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:51 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the further measures she proposes in order to provide support for persons with mental illnesses who are discharged from psychiatric institutions and hospitals, especially in view of the high level of homelessness among persons with mental health problems. [4198/05]
The former inspector of mental hospitals has expressed concern in a number of his reports that homelessness continues to be a problem for many mentally ill persons, leading to neglect, premature mortality, delayed or absent treatment and unnecessary prolonged in-patient stays.
Additional funding of €30.2 million has been provided by my Department since 2000 to deal with the issue of homelessness. The main difficulty with regard to adult homelessness has been in the Dublin area and in order to address this the former Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA, appointed a director of homelessness who is working to implement the provisions of "Homelessness — An Integrated Strategy", May 2000.
To address the mental health needs of homeless people in the Dublin area, the three former area health boards were commissioned by the ERHA to provide multidisciplinary mental health teams. Multidisciplinary teams will play a key role in developing services that are responsive, targeted and effective and include the following key elements: the provision of screening, assessment and treatment to homeless people with mental health problems; targeting those homeless people sleeping rough with mental health problems; bringing the mental health services to hostels, day centres and other settings where homeless people present; and providing support and consultancy to homeless services and their staff on mental health issues and concerns.
Guidelines on good practice and quality assurance in mental health services were issued by my Department in 1998. The guidelines state that well planned discharge policies and procedures should be in place and should include documentation and a pre-discharge checklist to ensure that all appropriate information is given and appropriate services arranged prior to a patient's actual discharge. A post-discharge care plan should be prepared and discussed with the patient and arrangements must be made for the first review of the patient post-discharge.
The homeless preventative strategy was published in 2003. The strategy is designed to prevent homelessness among those leaving institutional care and provides guidance to service providers to ensure procedures and policies are in place to further reduce the risk of people leaving institutional care becoming homeless.
An expert group on mental health policy was established in August 2003 to prepare a new national policy framework for the mental health services, updating the 1984 policy document "Planning for the Future". The issue of homeless mentally ill persons will be considered by the group. The group has now completed an extensive public consultation process on the mental health services and the findings of this process were published just before Christmas. The expert group is expected to complete its work later this year.
Question No. 52 answered with QuestionNo. 43.
Health Services.
Dan Boyle
Ceist:53 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason there is no dedicated provision for the identification and treatment of allergies in the public health system here in view of the increase in the incidence of allergies. [4170/05]
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:99 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason there are no consultant allergists in teaching hospitals here; if she intends to review this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4173/05]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 53 and 99 together.
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Responsibility for the issues raised by the Deputies rests with the national hospitals office of the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the director of the national hospitals office to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputies.
Health Service Staff.
Jack Wall
Ceist:54 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of administrative posts created in preparation for and in the implementation of the establishment of the HSE; the number of front line therapy and allied medical vacancies currently in the health service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4244/05]
My Department approved a total of nine top level management posts, comprising a chief executive officer and eight national director posts, in the Health Service Executive, HSE. The national director posts have, subsequently, been filled either on a substantive or acting basis. An interim chief executive officer of the executive has also been appointed. My Department is currently considering proposals from the HSE for the creation of four further senior positions at the HSE corporate level. No further administrative posts have been created, to date, in preparation for and in the implementation of the establishment of the HSE.
My Department does not maintain records on vacancy levels in the health service. Responsibility for human resource planning, recruitment and the monitoring and filling of vacancies rests with the Health Service Executive, HSE, which was established on 1 January 2005 under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the interim chief executive officer of the HSE to investigate the matter raised regarding front line vacancies and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Joe Sherlock
Ceist:55 Mr. Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress which has been made in the provision of a CT scanner for a hospital (details supplied) in County Cork. [4160/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of services at Mallow General Hospital. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's southern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Care of the Elderly.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:56 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the details of an announcement she made in a recent interview in which she stated that she intends giving €200 per week to elderly patients to assist them in going home after an episode of admission in hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4212/05]
Bernard Allen
Ceist:70 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to expand on initiatives such as Slán Abhaile or Home First to assist elderly patients at home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4213/05]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 56 and 70 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, home care grant schemes have been piloted by the Health Services Executive in a number of areas. These schemes have been targeted at supporting older people at home in the community as an alternative to long-term residential care. Older people who are being discharged from the acute hospital system and those living in the community have been targeted under these schemes. In the HSE eastern region area, people have been discharged from acute hospitals under the Slán Abhaile and Home First pilot projects. These projects have recently been evaluated by Trinity College Dublin and the report of these evaluations has been presented to the HSE eastern regional area.
The Department has been working with the HSE to develop a national home care grant scheme. A draft of the scheme is currently being finalised by the HSE. Funding of €2 million has been allocated to the HSE in 2005 to introduce the scheme. In addition, funding of €113.75 million was allocated in 2004 to the home help service to support older people living in the community, with this funding being increased to €118.75 million in 2005 for this service.
Hospital Services.
Damien English
Ceist:57 Mr. English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the plans she wishes to consider or undertake to further centralise cancer treatment services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4262/05]
Phil Hogan
Ceist:86 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to guarantee the important role of small hospitals in respect of cancer treatment arising from recent reports; when sanction will be given to a dedicated oncology unit at Waterford Regional Hospital. [4162/05]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 57 and 86 together.
The Government is committed to making the full range of cancer services available and accessible to cancer patients throughout Ireland. To this end, we will provide considerable investment in cancer services in the coming years.
I recognise the importance of further developing regional oncology services consistent with best patient outcomes in line with international standards. Oncology services in all regions have experienced significant development and expansion in recent years. Since 1997, there has been a cumulative investment of over €720 million in the development of appropriate treatment and care services for people with cancer. This includes the sum of €23.5 million, including €11.5 million for radiation oncology services, which will be provided this year to ensure that we continue to address increasing demands for cancer services throughout the country.
The provision of cancer services at Waterford Regional Hospital is now a matter for the Health Services Executive. I understand that a draft planning brief for further developments at Waterford Regional Hospital is being considered in the context of the capital investment framework 2005 to 2009. Cumulative funding of approximately €55 million has been allocated since 1997 in the development of cancer services in the south eastern area. This funding has enabled the appointment of an additional ten consultant posts in key areas of cancer care, including three consultant medical oncologists, and has resulted in significant benefits for cancer patients in the region.
The national cancer forum is currently finalising a new national cancer strategy which is expected to be completed in the spring. The forum has concluded that the current fragmented arrangements for the delivery of cancer services cannot be recommended to deliver best quality cancer care. The new strategy will have regard to the multi-faceted aspects of cancer control. The key priority in the development of improved cancer care is that cancer patients will have access to multidisciplinary care to ensure optimum treatment and best outcomes. The strategy will set out the key priorities for the development of cancer services over the coming years and will make recommendations on health promotion, screening and early detection, cancer treatment services, genetics, supportive care, research and survivorship.
Nursing Home Accommodation.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:58 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she made any departmental investigations to ascertain whether there is capacity in the private nursing home sector to look after high dependency patients; the number of such places; the locations of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4278/05]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the procurement of beds in the private nursing home sector for high dependency patients, where appropriate.
The executive has recently advertised seeking tenders from the private nursing home sector for the care of high dependency patients. The question of capacity of the private nursing home sector to provide care for high dependency patients as well as the number of beds and the location of any such beds will be addressed as part of this process.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Arthur Morgan
Ceist:59 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department is monitoring compliance with her directive to health boards of December 2004 that charges do not apply to qualifying elderly persons in residential care; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that charges continue to be imposed; if her directive applies until such time as the Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of the Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2004; her contingency if the Bill is struck down; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4192/05]
The position is that, following legal advice from the Attorney General on the matter, my Department instructed health boards on 9 December 2004 to cease imposing any financial charges from that date on fully eligible people in receipt of public long stay inpatient services. With effect from 1 January 2005, under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive has responsibility for the delivery of health services. My Department is in contact with the executive about monitoring the implementation of this instruction to cease to impose charges to qualifying elderly patients. The executive has this week advised that it is not aware of any instances where charges continue to be imposed on qualifying elderly persons.
The Deputy will appreciate that the Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2004, which was passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas on 17 December 2004, provides, among other things, for a statutory framework for the imposition of charges on all persons to whom long stay in-patient services are provided, irrespective of their eligibility status. The President referred the Bill to the Supreme Court for a decision on its constitutionality. The position with regard to charges for long stay care will become clearer once the Supreme Court's decision, which is due shortly, on the constitutionality of the Bill becomes available.
Private Health Care.
Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:60 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for private investment in the hospital sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4220/05]
I believe the private sector has a significant part to play in contributing to the provision of additional capacity in the acute hospitals system.
My Department is in the process of developing an overall policy framework on the provision of private facilities on public hospital sites. This will identify the policy issues which need to be addressed and the key criteria to be applied in assessing proposals for such facilities. I expect this to be completed in a matter of weeks.
Medicinal Products.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:61 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that an arthritis treatment (details supplied) has been withdrawn in the United States; if she will order an immediate review of its use in this State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4158/05]
The Irish Medicines Board is the competent authority for the regulation of medicinal products in Ireland. The IMB assesses, on an ongoing basis, the quality, safety and efficacy of medicinal products.
I am advised by the board that this product has not been withdrawn in the United States but is undergoing review there. A similar review was undertaken by the European Medicines Agency which issued its findings on this matter in December 2004.
This review took into account new safety information on cardiovascular and serious skin adverse events in the use of this product. This information was communicated to health care professionals by the manufacturer concerned and via press statements which are available from the websites of the European Medicines Agency and the Irish Medicines Board.
The Irish Medicines Board will continue to monitor the safety, quality and efficacy of this product.
Question No. 62 answered with QuestionNo. 16.
Mental Health Services.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:63 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the role her Department played in informing the decision to relocate the Central Mental Hospital to a green field site with the proposed new prison on the Dublin-Meath border; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4197/05]
Liz McManus
Ceist:71 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the serious concern expressed by those organisations dealing with persons with a mental illness about the decision to relocate the Central Mental Hospital to the same campus as the proposed new prison in Thorntown, County Dublin; if, in view of the belief expressed that such a move would be hugely stigmatising of those with mental illness, she will reconsider this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4205/05]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 63 and 71 together.
In 2003, the Minister for Health and Children established a project team, chaired by the East Coast Area Health Board, to progress the redevelopment of the Central Mental Hospital. This team included representatives from the Department of Health and Children, the Eastern Regional Health Authority, the East Coast Area Health Board, the clinical director, the director of nursing and the hospital manager of the Central Mental Hospital, the Irish Prison Service and a representative of the CEOs of the other health boards. The project team's remit was to critically examine all options for the redevelopment of the hospital, to put together a design brief for the redevelopment and to examine various financing options for the project.
There were six options considered by the group as follows: to develop a new facility on a green field site in the greater Dublin area; to develop a new facility on a green field site outside the greater Dublin area; to refurbish-upgrade the existing facility to accommodate the service; partial new build of the hospital with retention and refurbishment of some of the existing building; to transfer the service to another existing facility; or "do nothing". Several options, including the option of remaining in Dundrum, were examined under the various criteria, including clinical quality-strategic fit, cost, capital and revenue, timescale, future demands, integrated services, accessibility and safety and security.
The team reported to the Department of Health and Children via the Eastern Regional Health Authority in May 2004 and recommended that the Central Mental Hospital be relocated to a new purpose built facility in the greater Dublin area, as this was judged to be the most appropriate option for delivery of patient care. The project team made no specific recommendation on locating the Central Mental Hospital adjacent to a prison. However, 97% of admissions to the hospital come from within the prison service.
The new Central Mental Hospital will be a health facility, providing a therapeutic forensic psychiatric service to the highest international standards in a state of the art building. The hospital will remain under the aegis of the Department of Health and Children and will be owned and managed by the Health Service Executive.
Pilot Programmes.
Simon Coveney
Ceist:64 Mr. Coveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of pilot programmes which are ongoing in the health services; if she will identify these programmes; the length of time they have been in operation; the number of patients or regions covered by the pilot programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4276/05]
It has not been possible to provide the details required by the Deputy within the time available. The information is currently being collated in respect of the ongoing pilot programmes with which my Department has a direct involvement. As the question covers ongoing pilot programmes across the health services it has also been referred to the Health Service Executive, HSE. The HSE will respond directly to the Deputy on all other pilot programmes ongoing throughout its area of responsibility.
Health Services.
David Stanton
Ceist:65 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons awaiting orthodontic treatment in the various Health Service Executive areas at the latest date for which figures are available; the number awaiting assessment for such treatment; if she will report on the trends in the past five years and on the waiting times for assessment and treatment in the respective Health Service Executive areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4153/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, HSE, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for orthodontic services.
The chief officers of the HSE areas have informed my Department of the following information on their orthodontic assessment and treatment waiting lists, as shown in the table, as at the end of December 2004.
|
Assessment Waiting List |
Treatment Waiting List |
|||||
|
Health Service Executive |
Numbers awaiting assessment |
Average waiting time (months) |
Category A |
Average waiting time (months) |
Category B |
Average waiting time (months) |
|
South Western Area |
403 |
3- 6 |
619 |
12 |
254 |
24 |
|
East Coast Area |
121 |
< 3 |
33 |
< 6 |
167 |
< 18 |
|
Northern Area |
135 |
3- 6 |
97 |
< 18 |
2466 |
< 36 |
|
Midland Area |
173 |
4 |
Nil |
No Waiting Time |
312 |
12 |
|
Mid Western Area |
2,896 |
24- 36 |
Nil |
No Waiting Time |
730 |
24- 36 |
|
North Eastern Area |
Nil |
No waiting time |
8 |
1.5- 2 |
276 |
18 |
|
North Western Area |
2,557 |
10.5 |
179 |
8 |
1,191 |
24.5 |
|
South Eastern Area |
236 |
2- 2.5 |
Nil |
No Waiting Time |
675 |
18 |
|
Southern Area |
2,853 |
According to Date of Birth. Currently 1990 |
Nil |
No Waiting Time |
3,362 |
42- 48 |
|
Western Area |
580 |
12 |
Nil |
No Waiting Time |
584 |
30 |
|
Total |
9,954 |
936 |
10,017 |
Patients in category A require immediate treatment and include those with congenital abnormalities of the jaws such as cleft lip and palate and patients with major skeletal discrepancies between the sizes of the jaws. Patients in category B have less severe problems than category A patients.
The number of cases treated is dependent on the level of resources available, in terms of qualified staff, in the area and this is reflected in the treatment waiting list. In fact, the provision of orthodontic services is currently restricted due to the limited availability of trained specialist clinical staff to assess and treat patients and, accordingly, HSE areas do not normally maintain category C waiting lists.
My Department has taken steps to address the shortage of trained staff and improve orthodontic services through the grade of specialist in orthodontics. Six dentists successfully completed their three year specialist in orthodontics training and commenced work in the HSE in October 2004 and a further 13 are currently in training.
Although the Deputy has requested information on waiting list trends over the last five years, complete records at a national level are only available from September 2000. The above table shows that at the end of the December 2004 quarter, there were 9,954 patients awaiting orthodontic assessment and 10,953 patients awaiting orthodontic treatment. This compares favourably with 18,793 patients awaiting orthodontic assessment and 12,593 patients awaiting orthodontic treatment at the end of the September 2000 quarter and represents a reduction of 47% and 13% approximately, respectively, in the period to December 2004.
Finally, at the end of the December 2004 quarter, there were 23,572 patients receiving orthodontic treatment in the public orthodontic service. This means that there are over twice as many patients getting orthodontic treatment as there are waiting to be treated and more than 8,500 extra patients are getting treatment from the Health Service Executive since the end of the September 2000 quarter.
Martin Ferris
Ceist:66 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the cancer strategy will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4195/05]
The national cancer forum is currently finalising a new national cancer strategy which is expected to be completed in the spring. The national cancer forum, a multidisciplinary group of experts in cancer care, has conducted an extensive consultation process with professional bodies, voluntary organisations and the general public. In developing an organisational model for the delivery of cancer treatment services, the forum's considerations have been informed by the broad strategic context in which the cancer strategy exists, a review of the current status of cancer care, a review of the literature evidence concerning key aspects of the organisation of cancer services and a review of international models of care.
The forum has concluded that the current fragmented arrangements for the delivery of cancer services cannot be recommended to deliver best quality cancer care. Cancer care is a dynamic process involving the interaction of many different elements of the health system. Although they are often considered separately, the overall quality and performance of services as delivered to patients is dependent in a very significant way on how well each of these elements integrate and co-ordinate with each other. They must be planned and organised in a manner which facilitates integration so that, from the perspective of the user, the whole system operates in a complimentary and efficient manner.
The new strategy will have regard to the multi-faceted aspects of cancer control. The key priority in the development of improved cancer care is that cancer patients will have access to multidisciplinary care to ensure optimum treatment and best outcomes in line with international best practice. The strategy will set out the key priorities for the development of cancer services over the coming years and will make recommendations on health promotion, screening and early detection, cancer treatment services, genetics, supportive care, research and survivorship. This is especially important as more people are living longer with cancer than in previous years.
Oncology services nationally have experienced significant development and expansion in recent years. The key goal of the national cancer strategy 1996 was to achieve a 15% decrease in mortality from cancer in the under 65 year age group in the ten year period from 1994. An external evaluation of the extent to which the objectives of the national cancer strategy 1996 have been met demonstrated that this figure was achieved in 2001, which was three years ahead of target. The Government is committed to making the full range of cancer services available and accessible to cancer patients nationally.
Mental Health Services.
Dan Neville
Ceist:67 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the plans she has to publish the review of the care and treatment of a person (details supplied) in the course of their admission to the acute psychiatric in-patient unit at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in September 2002. [4163/05]
My Department has sought legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General on publishing the report referred to by the Deputy. Pending further consideration of the matter by the Office of the Attorney General, the Department has been advised against publication of the report either in full or in an edited format.
Question No. 68 answered with QuestionNo. 43.
Children in Care.
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:69 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps being taken to establish the location of up to 250 foreign children who have disappeared from the care of the health board authorities since 2001; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4234/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for unaccompanied minors seeking asylum. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Health Service Executive's national director of primary community and continuing care to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 70 answered with QuestionNo. 56.
Question No. 71 answered with QuestionNo. 63.
Health Reform Programme.
Liam Twomey
Ceist:72 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of the Hanly report on medical reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4271/05]
I regard the report of the national task force on medical staffing as a significant contribution to the development of acute hospitals services and to the organisation of medical staffing. The report makes important proposals for reducing the working hours of non-consultant hospital doctors, NCHDs, in line with the European working time directive. It highlights the need to implement changes in medical staffing to ensure safety and quality of patient care and to reduce significantly the unacceptably long working hours of NCHDs.
The Hanly report recommends a significant increase in the total number of consultants, working in a consultant provided, team based system, so that patients can receive faster access to senior clinical decision making. The Hanly report also deals with medical education and training, with particular reference to the changes that will be needed in the context of a 48 hour working week for NCHDs.
Regarding the organisation of hospital services, the report proposes an appropriate way forward in terms of regional self sufficiency, investment in hospital services and the organisation of those services around hospital networks. In line with these recommendations, I will continue the Government's planned investment in new hospital facilities and additional consultant posts. I believe that this approach will be to the benefit of all patients.
The national hospitals office is best placed to further the recommendations of the Hanly report regarding hospital services. Mr. David Hanly, who chaired the national task force on medical staffing, will continue to be available for advice on the reform process.
Question No. 73 answered with QuestionNo. 43.
Hospital Staff.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:74 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when funding for two neurology consultants and their support teams will be issued to Waterford Regional Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4260/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of services at Waterford Regional Hospital. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's south eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
National Health Strategy.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Ceist:75 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children to comment on the commitment given in the national health strategy to provide an additional 3,000 hospital beds; the number provided to date; the list of hospitals in each case; the projected number that will be provided before the end of 2005; the number of beds lost since 1997 in each such hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4251/05]
The health strategy contains a commitment that over ten years a total of 3,000 acute beds will be added to the system. In this context, funding has already been provided for an additional 900 beds in acute hospitals throughout the country, 700 of which were in place at the end of January 2005. It is envisaged that the remaining 200 beds will open before the end of 2005.
There has been no overall diminution in the number of beds since 1997 in the hospitals mentioned with the exception of orthopaedic beds having been transferred from Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, and from Kilcreene Orthopaedic Hospital to Waterford Regional Hospital. It is important to note that the numbers of beds available in any hospital may fluctuate over time depending on service demands and other factors such as seasonal closures and refurbishment. I am providing details separately to the Deputy. In addition, extra beds will be provided in the new acute medical units which I announced as part of the accident and emergency services package on the publication of the Estimates for 2005.
Question No. 76 answered with QuestionNo. 31.
Organ Retention.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:77 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress made to date by the Dunne inquiry into the retention of organs of deceased children; the date on which the report will be published; the steps being taken to address the concerns of the families affected; if it is intended to introduce legislation to regulate organ retention and transplants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4231/05]
Enda Kenny
Ceist:124 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the Dunne inquiry report on paediatric hospitals will be published; the reason for the delay in the publication of this report; the communications she has had with the Parents for Justice group; when she plans to meet with the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4363/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 124 together.
On 1 September 2004, the Government decided that the post mortem inquiry should furnish its final report not later than 31 March 2005 and that the inquiry would then cease to exist. The chairman of the inquiry has been so advised and I expect her final report on or before that date. The chairman had indicated to me that she would provide her report on paediatric hospitals in December 2004 but this did not happen. I am in communication with Parents for Justice and will arrange to meet them in the near future.
The European Commission is currently considering the question of a directive in respect of organ transplantation, including the issue of consent, and proposes to conduct a thorough scientific evaluation of the situation. It will present a report on its analysis to the Council of the European Union as soon as possible. It is hoped that this will provide the framework for the development of legislation in this area.
In the meantime, it is intended to review organ donation, procurement and utilisation policy in Ireland. This work will inform Ireland's contribution to the discussions about the proposed directive on organs.
Question No. 78 answered with QuestionNo. 43.
Medicinal Products.
Dan Boyle
Ceist:79 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount which is spent on antihistamines; her views on whether there is an over reliance on antihistamines for allergic reactions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4169/05]
The most recent figures available show that in 2003, the total cost of antihistamines prescribed under the general medical services, drug payment scheme and long-term illness scheme was €2,338,784. Figures are not available for the sale of non-prescription, "over the counter" antihistamines.
Antihistamines are a well recognised, safe and effective treatment for a wide variety of allergic reactions. The indications for prescribing these products, together with any possible side effects and potential interactions with other medicinal products that patients may be taking, are widely referenced in medical literature. This information would also be contained in the prescribing material which accompanies the product and is, therefore, well known to doctors treating patients with these conditions.
I am not aware of any information to suggest that there is an excessive reliance on antihistamines for the treatment of allergic conditions. Prescriptions for antihistamines, as with any medicinal product, are issued by doctors based on the symptoms of the presenting patient at the time of consultation. The type and level of medication prescribed is, therefore, a matter of clinical decision for the particular doctor involved.
Hospital Services.
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:80 Ms Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the estimated number of hospital bed days lost during 2004 as a result of the winter vomiting bug; the steps being taken to control the spread of this infection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4250/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for infection control measures in hospitals. Accordingly, my Department has requested the interim chief executive officer of the Health Service Executive to reply directly to the Deputy on the number of bed days lost in 2004 as a result of outbreaks of norovirus, more commonly referred to as the "winter vomiting bug".
Norovirus is very resilient and is highly infectious and can remain infectious for long periods. As it is a community infection, outbreaks in hospitals are simply a gauge or reflection of what is happening in the community. While outbreaks cannot be eradicated, they can be controlled. The HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre, formerly the National Disease Surveillance Centre, has published guidelines on the management of outbreaks of gastroenteritis. These guidelines provide a framework to address the challenge of outbreaks of gastroenteritis in hospitals and other settings caused by norovirus.
John Gormley
Ceist:81 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will set up a redress board for the victims of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4166/05]
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:91 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the expected completion date of the inquiry, to be chaired by Judge Maureen Harding-Clarke, into the activities of a person (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to the call made by a number of victims for the establishment of a redress board; if she intends to act on this suggestion; the reason she has failed to respond to a request for a meeting on this matter from Patient Focus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4207/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 91 together.
The inquiry referred to by the Deputies is ongoing and, subject to legal advice, it is my intention to publish the report of the inquiry when it comes to hand. I have received proposals from Patient Focus, the group that represents former patients of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, requesting the establishment of a redress board. I intend to meet with the group shortly to discuss its request. Following that meeting, I will consider the matter in consultation with Government colleagues.
Hospital Staff.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:82 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has plans to meet the IHCA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4267/05]
I am keeping in close contact with the IHCA and the IMO regarding recent developments. I am available to meet them as and when required.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:83 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has plans to support a hospital consultant to sue the Medical Defence Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4266/05]
The question of who is responsible for settling claims against consultants arising from events, which occurred prior to the establishment of the clinical indemnity scheme, is, in the first instance, one for consultants and their defence bodies. Consultants paid substantial subscriptions to the Medical Defence Union, MDU, over many years. The primary purpose of joining the MDU was to secure professional indemnity cover without which a doctor could not practice. Doctors would have had a reasonable expectation that claims against them would be met despite the fact the MDU did not consider itself to be carrying on an insurance business. The failure of the MDU to meet the reasonable expectations of its Irish members is regrettable.
As the State reimbursed up to 90% of the cost of indemnity cover purchased by consultants employed in the public service it has a legitimate interest in ensuring that Irish consultants are treated in a fair and equitable fashion by the MDU. Giving tangible expression to this interest may result in the State giving assistance to consultants, or joining with consultants, in taking legal action against the MDU.
Care of the Elderly.
Seán Ryan
Ceist:84 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she expects the social service inspectorate to be established on a statutory basis; if she intends to include the inspection of public nursing homes in its remit as well as the full range of health and safety issues relative to older persons in all nursing homes throughout the country. [4224/05]
As the Deputy may be aware, there are commitments in Sustaining Progress, An Agreed Programme for Government and the health strategy, "Quality and Fairness", on the establishment of the social services inspectorate on a statutory basis and the extension of its remit to other social services, including residential services for older people. I intend to include the necessary legislative provisions in the health information and quality authority Bill due to be published later this year.
Medicinal Products.
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:85 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether we need regulation of complementary and alternative medicines to deal with those persons who refer to themselves as allergists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4174/05]
A national working group was established in May 2003 to advise on future measures for strengthening the regulatory environment for complementary therapists and is expected to report in 2005. I will review the position in the light of the recommendations of this report. In the meantime it is, of course, the personal responsibility of every individual practitioner providing health care services to the public to ensure that they are trained and qualified to the level required to work safely within their area of competence.
Question No. 86 answered with QuestionNo. 57.
Question No. 87 answered with QuestionNo. 43.
Question No. 88 answered with QuestionNo. 31.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
David Stanton
Ceist:89 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will provide the most recent figures on sexually transmitted infections; her views on whether further and urgent action is needed to prevent further increases; her plans for any such action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4154/05]
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre recently published sexually transmitted infections, STIs, figures for quarter one of 2003. Some 2,664 cases of STIs were notified in Ireland during quarter one of 2003, compared with 2,541 notifications during quarter one of 2002, representing a 4.8% increase in STI notifications.
The three most commonly notified STIs in quarter one of 2003 were: ano-genital warts, 929 cases; non-specific urethritis, 560 cases; and chlamydia trachomatis, 525 cases. The highest increase reported in quarter one of 2003, compared with quarter one of 2002, was for infectious hepatitis B, up by 230%. The most significant decreases reported during quarter one of 2003, compared with quarter one of 2002, were for gonorrhoea, down by 16.67%, and syphilis, down by 8.2%. Table 1 gives details of all notified STIs for quarter one of 2003 and quarter one of 2002.
|
Sexually Transmitted Infection |
Q1 2003 |
Q1 2002 |
Increase/ Decrease |
% Increase |
|
Ano-Genital Warts |
929 |
1017 |
-88 |
-8.65 |
|
Candidiasis |
321 |
324 |
-3 |
-0.93 |
|
Chancroid |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Chlamydia Trachomatis |
525 |
433 |
92 |
21.25 |
|
Genital Herpes Simplex |
97 |
84 |
13 |
15.48 |
|
Gonorrhoea |
40 |
48 |
-8 |
-16.67 |
|
Granuloma Inguinale |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Infectious Hepatitis B |
33 |
10 |
23 |
230.00 |
|
Lymphogranuloma Venereum |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Molluscum Contagiosum |
42 |
34 |
8 |
23.53 |
|
Non-Specific Urethritis |
560 |
470 |
90 |
19.15 |
|
Pediculosis Pubis |
22 |
23 |
-1 |
-4.35 |
|
Syphilis |
78 |
85 |
-7 |
-8.24 |
|
Trichomoniasis |
17 |
13 |
4 |
30.77 |
|
Total |
2,664 |
2,541 |
123 |
4.84 |
In terms of full year figures, the latest annual figures available from the HPSC show that 10,471 STIs were notified in 2002 compared with 9,703 in 2001, a 7.9% increase. Table 2 below gives details of all notified STIs for 2002 and 2001.
|
Sexually Transmitted Infection |
2002 |
2001 |
Increase/ Decrease |
% Increase |
|
Ano-Genital Warts |
3932 |
3993 |
-61 |
-1.53 |
|
Candidiasis |
1351 |
1150 |
201 |
17.48 |
|
Chancroid |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Chlamydia Trachomatis |
1922 |
1649 |
273 |
16.56 |
|
Genital Herpes Simplex |
358 |
331 |
27 |
8.16 |
|
Gonorrhoea |
214 |
349 |
-135 |
-38.68 |
|
Granuloma Inguinale |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Infectious Hepatitis B |
57 |
39 |
18 |
46.15 |
|
Lymphogranuloma Venereum |
1 |
0 |
1 |
— |
|
Molluscum Contagiosum |
150 |
111 |
39 |
35.14 |
|
Non-Specific Urethritis |
2025 |
1634 |
391 |
23.93 |
|
Pediculosis Pubis |
84 |
103 |
-19 |
-18.45 |
|
Syphilis |
303 |
279 |
24 |
8.60 |
|
Trichomoniasis |
73 |
64 |
9 |
14.06 |
|
Total |
10471 |
9703 |
768 |
7.92 |
The report of the national AIDS strategy committee, NASC, which was published in 2000, makes a range of recommendations for dealing with STIs and HIV-AIDS. My Department, through the national AIDS strategy committee and its sub-committees on education and prevention, surveillance and care and management, is working to implement these recommendations. Specifically with regard to prevention, the health promotion unit of my Department is overseeing a wide range of activity at the research, strategy and programme level.
My Department is working with the Crisis Pregnancy Agency to undertake the first ever survey of sexual knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. The aim of this research is to gather reliable nationally representative baseline information that will build a representative national picture of sex and sexual behaviour in Ireland to inform the development of treatment and prevention services. The health promotion unit has also supported the development of a sexual health strategy within the north-west and southern areas of the Health Service Executive with a view to developing a national framework for sexual health promotion.
My Department is working with a wide range of partners to implement a comprehensive range of prevention programmes as recommended in the National Health Promotion Strategy 2000-2005 and the report of the national Aids strategy committee 2000. The following are some of the current priorities. In the school setting my Department is working in partnership with the Department of Education and Science and the Health Service Executive to support schools in the introduction and delivery of social, personal and health education at both primary and post-primary level. Relationships and sexuality education is an integral part of this curriculum and remains a key priority for this work with schools.
In the out of school setting the health promotion unit of my Department works in partnership with the youth affairs section of the Department of Education and Science and the National Youth Council of Ireland to implement the national youth health programme. The aim of the programme is to provide a broad based, flexible health promotion, education support and training service to youth organisations and to all those working with young people in the non-formal education sector. Within the context of this programme a new initiative, entitled "Sense and Sexuality", has been launched to support youth workers, addressing the issues of relationships, sexuality and sexual health with young people.
A national public awareness advertising campaign aimed at men and women in the 18 to 35 year age group has been developed to increase awareness about safe sex and sexually transmitted infections. The overall goal is to increase safe sex practices, reducing the incidence of STI transmission and unwanted pregnancies among young people in Ireland. The campaign runs in third level colleges, places of entertainment — pubs, clubs, discos and so forth — youth venues and some health centres. This national programme has been running for several years and a new and revised campaign is being implemented by the health promotion unit, which has greatly increased the number of venues targeted.
The health promotion unit also produces a range of awareness raising leaflets on STIs and safe sex practices.
Question No. 90 answered with QuestionNo. 6.
Question No. 91 answered with QuestionNo. 81.
Hospitals Building Programme.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:92 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has plans to build a new community hospital in Dingle; if her attention has been drawn to the generous gift being made to the State in regard to the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4268/05]
The Health Service Executive was established under the Health Act 2004 on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. As part of its responsibility to prepare and submit an annual service plan for my approval, the executive is obliged under section 31 of the Act to indicate any capital plans its proposes. It can be expected during the process to have regard to the full range of potential capital developments, its criteria in determining priorities, available resources and any other relevant factors.
The Department has not yet received the executive's 2005 service plan. In the interim, the Department has asked the chief executive of the executive's southern area to investigate the position in respect of the project and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Health Insurance.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Ceist:93 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the total percentage increase in VHI premiums since 1997; if her attention has been drawn to statements made by VHI representatives that the increase in the cost of private beds in public hospitals is likely to lead to a further increase of approximately 5%; if her attention has been further drawn to the severe difficulties now faced by families in meeting VHI bills; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4210/05]
It is estimated that the total percentage increase in VHI premiums for its core products since 1997 is 96%. Officials in the Department of Health and Children have estimated that the recently announced increase in the cost of private beds in public hospitals will result in an increase in health insurance premiums of approximately 5%.
In the interests of equity, the Government has a policy of gradually eliminating the effective subsidy for private stays in public hospital beds, thereby relieving the taxpayer of the burden of carrying the costs. Even taking the increase into consideration, the cost of providing services to private patients in the major hospitals will continue to exceed the income arising from the charges.
Notwithstanding the increase and the phased implementation of the move towards economic pricing of public pay beds, the cost of community rated private health insurance remains low by international standards and continues to benefit from tax relief at the standard rate. The regulatory framework provides that premiums for children under the age of 18 years will be waived or will not exceed 50% of the adult rate, while premiums for students in full-time education up to the age of 23 years may not exceed 50% of the adult rate.
Medical Cards.
Joe Costello
Ceist:94 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason she has not published the report commissioned from Deloitte and Touche on the GMS, in view of the fact that it is now two years since a draft was submitted to her; if the report has yet been brought to Government; if it is intended to implement the recommendations of the report; the findings of the report in regard to the issuing of medical cards to people over 70 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4254/05]
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:100 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department intends to publish a report on the GMS services; if so, when it will become available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4257/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 100 together.
The Deloitte and Touche report has been updated and is being considered by the Department of Health and Children. I expect to publish it in the near future.
Health Service Staff.
Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:95 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the way in which the goals of having more professionals trained and thus available for the regions in areas such as orthodontics, physiotherapy, radiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy can be achieved (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the difficulties being experienced in some regions in filling professional health vacancies. [4155/05]
Significant progress has been made in increasing the number of training places in a wide range of health and social care professional courses in recent years. Following the implementation of the recommendations of the Bacon report, approximately 152 undergraduate places are available to students who want to study physiotherapy in Ireland. The number of occupational therapy training places has more than tripled to 110 since 2000. The number of speech and language therapy training places has more than quadrupled to 105 in the same period.
The report on the development of radiation oncology services in Ireland identified the need to increase significantly the number of radiation therapists to meet human resource needs under the proposed expansion of radiotherapy services. In advance of the implementation of the report's recommendations, the annual intake into Trinity College's school of radiation therapy increased from ten in 2000 to 25 in 2002. The Department of Health and Children has also taken steps to address the shortage of trained staff in orthodontics and to improve orthodontic services through the grade of specialist in orthodontics. Six dentists successfully completed the three year specialist in orthodontics training and commenced work in the Health Service Executive in October 2004. A further 13 dentists are in training.
The increased intake of students into the professions I have mentioned will help to address the health service's human resource requirements and to provide the personnel required for future health care demands, thereby assisting the delivery of the goals in the Disability Bill. In this context, the Deputy may wish to note that an additional €70 million in revenue funding has been provided for services to support people with disabilities in 2005. This will enable people with disabilities to receive new services from more than 1,000 front line staff, including therapy professionals.
Responsibility for human resource planning, recruitment and monitoring and filling vacancies in the health service rests with the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005 under the Health Act 2004. The Department of Health and Children has asked the interim chief executive officer of the executive to investigate the filling of professional health vacancies and to respond directly to the Deputy.
Community Care.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:96 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if it is still intended to provide the 850 community nursing units promised by her predecessor in July 2002; when they are likely to be available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4230/05]
The provision of step down services for people ready to be discharged from hospital is a key element in ensuring that health services are matched to patient needs. When I published the health Estimates for 2005, I announced that patients awaiting discharge from acute hospitals would be accommodated in private nursing home beds for up to six weeks. When a patient is discharged from a private nursing home, he or she will go to a nursing home of his or her choice or to his or her home with the support of a home care package.
It has been estimated that approximately 500 people could be accommodated in such beds over a 12-month period under the initiative. The home care packages will be extended to support 500 additional older people at home. Some 100 high dependency patients will transfer to suitable private nursing home care. The scope for using greater numbers of private nursing home beds to alleviate pressure on acute hospitals will be actively pursued.
Work is under way in the Department of Health and Children on a proposal for a public private partnership investment scheme for 850 community nursing units. There have been discussions between the Department and the Department of Finance on the development of the scheme. As the contracting structure of such schemes is complex, it is important to have a clear view of the benefits that will accrue from them. The work that has been done so far has helped to clarify a number of issues. I am aware that additional long stay bed capacity is required to relieve pressure on the acute hospital and community care programme. I will pursue the need to deliver such capacity with the Minister for Finance as a matter of high priority.
Hospital Charges.
Mary Upton
Ceist:97 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that St. Columcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown, County Dublin, has been penalised €1 million of its 2005 budget; her views on the fact that a hospital that provides for a large number of elderly patients is losing out; if she will review the casemix system to ensure fairness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4241/05]
Casemix is an internationally accepted management system for the monitoring and evaluation of health services. It allows for the collection, categorisation and interpretation of hospital patient data about the types of cases treated. It assists hospitals in defining their products, measuring their productivity and assessing quality. It is used as part of the budgetary process to base funding on measured costs and activity, rather than on less objective systems of resource allocation, and to fund hospitals based on their mix of cases. It is used in a broad way when considering investment options with the acute hospital sector, bed capacity and the national treatment purchase fund.
The programme operates in 37 hospitals in Ireland. It involves over €3 billion of expenditure and 1.6 million patient encounters each year. Ireland operates a budget neutral policy, which rewards efficiency by retargeting funds from less efficient hospitals to those which have demonstrated that additional funding will result in real benefits. The negative adjustment of €1,055,679 in the case in question was a reflection of the hospital's performance vis-à-vis its peers, following full compensation for its unique local circumstances and mix of cases.
The casemix system allows hospitals to take full account of their unique patients and unique issues, including elderly or other patients with a long length of stay. Hospitals are not penalised for excessive length of stay. Credit is given for all long stay patients, regardless of reason. Hospitals are not given a profile of patients whom they must treat. They are judged on their efficiency in treating cases, relative to their peers. The entire process takes place in consultation with each hospital. Patient centred information is at the centre of the process. The Department reviews performance across the public hospitals. It discusses the results with hospital management to encourage performance and value for money improvements.
The national programme will be significantly enhanced and expanded on foot of a recent review of the casemix system. That will allow it to be applied to all acute hospital encounters and all acute and sub-acute hospitals by the end of the decade. At least 50% of acute hospital funding will be based on peer group related casemix performance for the 2008 financial allocations.
This development in the system will greatly enhance resource allocation, evaluation of investment and value for money aspects in the health sector. I am committed to performance related targets. Casemix is the most internationally accepted performance related acute hospital activity programme. It will be used as a central pillar in all acute hospital funding policy.
Hospital Accommodation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:98 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied herself that sufficient beds are being provided to meet demographic requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4227/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:141 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent to which efforts have been made to prevent the occupancy of hospital trolleys and the use of facilities other than standard beds in a hospital ward to cater for patients; the reason it has not been possible to provide the necessary beds and wards in line with requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4429/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:142 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical and surgical beds available throughout the country on any given day; the extent to which this is adequate to meet requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4430/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98, 141 and 142 together.
The average number of acute hospital beds available in November 2004, the latest date for which complete figures are available, was approximately 13,400. A comprehensive review of acute hospital bed capacity needs, Acute Hospitals Bed Capacity — A National Review, was published by the Department in January 2002. The review helped to inform the Government's commitment to provide an additional 3,000 beds in acute hospitals by 2011 in the context of the health strategy. The review took account of projected demographic changes.
Since the publication of the bed capacity review, funding has been provided for an additional 900 beds in acute hospitals, 700 of which were in place at the end of January 2005. It is envisaged that the remaining 200 will open before the end of the year. This provision, along with actions being taken in respect of accident and emergency services, should have a significant impact on available bed capacity.
Question No. 99 answered with QuestionNo. 53.
Question No. 100 answered with QuestionNo. 94.
Medical Cards.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:101 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if all social welfare recipients whose sole income is social welfare are in receipt of a medical card; her views on whether recent social welfare increases may disqualify certain recipients from a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33455/04]
Entitlement to health services is primarily based on residency and means. The determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Other than for persons aged 70 years and over who are automatically entitled to a medical card, medical cards are issued to persons who, in the opinion of the executive, are unable to provide general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants without undue hardship.
It was the practice for former CEOs of health boards to draw up income guidelines each year to assist in the determination of a person's eligibility for a medical card. This function now rests with the executive. New income guidelines were agreed with effect from 1 January 2005, taking on board the announcement in the 2005 health Estimate to extend medical card coverage to up to 30,000 extra individuals. The new income guidelines represent an increase of approximately 7.5% over the 2004 guidelines and, with a view to assisting families on low income with children, the income allowance for each of the first two children was increased by approximately 20% and for the third and subsequent children by approximately 30%.
The executive has advised that a social welfare recipient whose sole income is a social welfare payment will be within the income threshold for receiving a medical card. Increases in social welfare rates in recent years have meant that such rates may exceed the income guidelines for a medical card. On foot of this, the Department of Health and Children wrote to the chairman of the group of former health board chief executive officers on a number of occasions asking him to advise the CEOs of concerns that medical card holders should not be disadvantaged by virtue of increases in social welfare payments announced in the budget. They were asked to ensure that increases in social welfare payments do not lead to medical card holders losing their medical cards by reference to the income guidelines and to make every effort to ensure that medical card holders and applicants are made aware that increases in social welfare payments will not disadvantage them when applying to hold or retain a medical card.
In the context of the announcements in the 2005 health Estimates on the extension of medical card coverage, it was further clarified that the instruction about medical card holders not being disadvantaged by virtue of increases in social welfare payments would continue to apply. It should be noted that the income guidelines are not statutorily binding. A medical card may still be awarded even though a person's income exceeds the guidelines if the executive considers that his or her medical needs or other circumstances justify it. It is open to all persons to apply to the executive for health services if they are unable to provide the services for themselves or their dependants without hardship.
Medicinal Products.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:102 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she intends to draw up new guidelines for the use of adrenaline pens to provide new training and retraining for the treatment of allergies for general practitioners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4171/05]
The common list of reimbursable medicines for the general medical services and drug payment schemes ensures equity between the schemes in respect of the range of medicines paid for by the State. The list is reviewed and amended each month, as new products become available and deletions are notified. An item must comply with a published list of criteria if it is to be included on the common list. The criteria include authorisation status where appropriate, price and in certain cases the intended use of the product. The product should ordinarily be supplied to the public by medical prescription only. It should not be advertised or promoted to the public.
The Deputy will be pleased to know that drugs for the treatment of allergic emergencies are included in the common list. Reimbursable adrenaline pens are approved for use by patients in the community outside clinical supervision. I do not plan to draw up new guidelines for the use of adrenaline pens to provide new training and retraining for the treatment of allergies for general practitioners. If the Deputy is aware of a particular problem with the use of adrenaline pens, he should contact the Health Service Executive immediately.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Jack Wall
Ceist:103 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the need to ensure that elderly patients in private nursing homes are not left without any money of their own in cases in which their entire pension has to be used to pay for their nursing home costs, due to inadequate subventions; if she has proposals to ensure that they can retain a portion of their pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4243/05]
As the Deputy will be aware, the placing of a person in a private nursing home is a matter between the person or his or her representatives and the nursing home proprietor. Article 8.2 of the Nursing Homes (Subvention) Regulations 1993 provides that an amount equivalent to one fifth of the non-contributory old age pension is disregarded by the Health Service Executive when assessing the means of a person in respect of whom a subvention is being sought. This provision ensures that a person can retain a proportion of his or her income for personal use.
Primary Care Strategy.
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:104 Mr. McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to publish a progress report on the primary care strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4277/05]
The national primary care steering group published a progress report in July 2004 which provides a detailed overview of progress in the implementation of the primary care strategy, Primary Care: A New Direction. I have no plans at present to publish a separate progress report on the implementation of the strategy.
The national primary care steering group has a remit to oversee the implementation of the strategy and includes a broad representation from the medical, nursing, health and social care professions, community and voluntary pillar, service users, service providers and the statutory agencies. The steering group provides national leadership and guidance on primary care policy and has produced a range of useful contributions to the process of implementation.
Question No. 105 answered with QuestionNo. 7.
Question No. 106 answered with QuestionNo. 21.
Proposed Legislation.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:107 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she intends publishing regulations regarding the proposed parliamentary questions unit within the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4274/05]
The provisions of section 79 of the Health Act 2004 provide for the making by the Minister for Health and Children of regulations regarding the dealings between the Health Service Executive and Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas. It provides that these regulations will relate to the supply by the executive of specified documents or specified information to Members of either House of the Oireachtas; correspondence by the executive with those Members and such other matters considered appropriate by the Minister. I intend to bring forward the necessary regulations to bring section 79 into operation later this year.
The executive is already engaged in making arrangements to establish an administrative division with responsibility for parliamentary affairs. I understand that current preparations aim to have this division initially operational before the beginning of the next Oireachtas session, with further development taking place during the year.
Joe Sherlock
Ceist:108 Mr. Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the recent call made by a person (details supplied) that nurses who speak out in defence of vulnerable patients should be able to do so with legislative protection; if she intends to introduce any such legislative protection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4235/05]
Regulation of the nursing and midwifery professions is the statutory responsibility of An Bord Altranais. The code of professional conduct for each nurse and midwife provides a framework to assist nurses to make professional decisions, to carry out their responsibilities and to promote high standards of professional conduct. Under the code, "any circumstance which could place patients/clients in jeopardy or which militate against safe standards of practice should be made known to appropriate persons or authorities". I have no specific plans at this stage to introduce legislation, as referred to by the Deputy, but I will keep this matter under review.
Hospital Services.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:109 Ms Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on a departmental statement that work to identify the primary care development requirements required to support the reconfiguration of the hospital services in the Hanly pilot regions will be carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4282/05]
The task force on medical staffing recognised the important contribution that primary care can make to the provision of quality patient care and to reducing inappropriate demand on the hospital sector. At the Department's request, the East Coast Area Health Board, which is now the HSE east coast area, and the Mid-Western Health Board, now the HSE mid-western area, comprising the two phase 1 implementation regions, each engaged in a detailed exercise to identify the primary care developments required to support the reconfiguration of the hospital services in their areas. The need for consultation with the relevant stakeholders who will work in the primary care teams and with the communities to be served by the teams and networks was emphasised.
The HSE mid-western area has developed a draft plan of potential locations for future primary care teams and primary care networks under its jurisdiction in accordance with the service model described in the primary care strategy. The exercise involved a structured examination of a broad range of data including, demographic information, disease patterns, locations of existing public health services, general practice populations, deprivation and mental health indicators and transport links. A database of information was assembled and a geographical information system, GIS, was used to examine the data. The HSE mid-western area intends to use the draft plan as the basis for consultation with primary care providers and service users to progress the roll out of primary care teams and primary care networks.
The HSE east coast area exercise involved a detailed examination of existing primary care services and the preparation of a prioritised action plan for the development of primary care to support the co-ordinated implementation of the primary care strategy and the recommendations of the report of the national task force on medical staffing. The approach taken by the HSE east coast area addressed service requirements including integrated care; information and communications technology needs within primary care and linkages between general practice and hospital services; staffing; premises; equipment; communication and access arrangements and developments between general practice and acute hospital services.
An allocation of €1.5 million has been made in 2005 to enable work to begin on the appropriate development of primary care services in line with the plans prepared. The Department will work closely with the executive to agree specific priorities in each area in the context of this development funding.
Hospital Staff.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:110 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of nursing posts unfilled at the latest date for which figures are available; the number of qualified nurses who were offered permanent posts in the acute hospital service during 2004; if her attention has been drawn to the warnings from the INO that the number of vacancies would rise to 2,000 over the next 18 months; the number of vacancies for ICU nurses and the hospitals in which they exist; the number of nursing vacancies in accident and emergency departments and the hospitals in which they exist; the steps being taken to deal with the shortage of nurses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4211/05]
According to the most recent Health Service Employers Agency survey of nursing resources, recruitment remains well ahead of resignations and retirements. Employers reported that 794 vacancies existed at 30 September 2004. The vacancy rate now stands at 2.34%. This could be considered to be a normal frictional rate, given that there will always be some level of movement due to resignations, retirements and nurses availing of opportunities to change employment and locations.
The survey does not collect data on vacancies in individual hospital departments such as accident and emergency or intensive care departments. Data on the number of nurses offered permanent contracts in acute hospitals are not available. However, the survey found that in the year ending on 30 September 2004, a total of 3,749 staff nurses were recruited by health boards, voluntary hospitals and intellectual disability agencies. During the same year, 3,188 staff nurses resigned, retired or moved to another employer. An extra 561 nurses were employed in the health service in the year ending on 30 September 2004.
The recruitment and retention of adequate numbers of nursing staff have been a concern of the Government for some time. A number of substantial measures have been introduced in recent years. The number of nursing training places has been increased by 70% since 1998, to 1,640 from 2002 onwards. In excess of €90 million in revenue funding is being provided in 2005 for undergraduate nurse training. Nursing continues to be regarded as an attractive career. There were 8,300 CAO applications for 1,640 places in the autumn 2004 intake.
A comprehensive range of financial supports has been introduced to support nurses in pursuing part-time degrees and specialist courses, including "back to practice" courses. The cost of these supports will be €10 million in 2005.
The Department introduced a scheme of flexible working arrangements for nurses and midwives in February 2001. Under the scheme, individual nurses and midwives may apply to work between eight and 39 hours per week on a permanent, part-time basis. Almost a quarter of nurses now work job sharing hours or part-time hours.
Since 1998, nurses have been paid for overtime. Previously they had been given time off in lieu, and the introduction of payment represents a further significant financial incentive for nurses.
The promotional structure within nursing, including the introduction of a clinical career pathway, has been substantially improved on foot of the recommendations of the commission on nursing and the 1999 nurses' pay settlement. The National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery has been especially active in this area and, to date, over 1,600 clinical nurse specialist and advanced nurse practitioner posts have been created.
Ensuring that there are sufficient nursing resources in 2005-06 is a priority for the HSE. This will be the transition year between the diploma and degree programmes. The final group of diploma students recently graduated and the first group of degree students will graduate in 2006. A steering group inclusive of nurse managers and HR specialists is being established by the HSE to manage recruitment in this period. This group will oversee the work of a project office tasked with running local and overseas recruitment campaigns. Additional funding has been provided to the HSE for nursing recruitment in 2005.
I am confident that the extensive range of measures I have outlined, including the substantial increase in training places, the recruitment of overseas nurses, the more effective utilisation of the professional skills of nurses and midwives, in addition to close monitoring and assessment of staffing on an ongoing basis, will continue to prove effective in addressing the nursing workforce needs of the health service.
Care of the Elderly.
Jerry Cowley
Ceist:111 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of social workers for older persons available (details supplied); her views on whether there is a need for more social workers to work with persons in this age group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4161/05]
As the Deputy may be aware, the policy of the Department on the care of older people is set out in the report entitled "The Years Ahead", published in 1988, which recommended that older people should be maintained in dignity and independence at home in accordance with their wishes; restored to independence at home if they become ill or dependent; encouraged and supported in their community by family, neighbours and voluntary bodies in every way possible; and provided with hospital and residential care of a high quality when they can no longer be maintained in dignity and independence at home.
Since 1997, additional revenue funding of over €287 million has been allocated to services for older people and a further €17.228 million has been allocated in the 2005 Estimates.
The primary care strategy, Primary Care: A New Direction, proposes the delivery of a broad range of generalist services in the community by interdisciplinary primary care teams and primary care networks with a whole population approach. Patients will have direct access to general practitioners, nursing, health care assistants, home helps, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and social workers, who will work together as a team to provide a patient centred service in the local community to the community as a whole, including older people.
There is evidence that health care professionals working together as a team within the primary care setting represent the most appropriate, effective and user friendly approach to the organisation of health services. The introduction of a multidisciplinary primary care team within a community can enable people to be maintained at home in times of crisis, reduce emergency admissions and shorten lengths of hospital stay. Primary care teams will establish appropriate linkages and relationships with existing specialist community teams, which will enable the team to act as a single and ongoing point of contact in accessing required specialist services.
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the employment of social workers who work with older people. Accordingly, the Department has requested the chief officers of the executive's areas to investigate the matter raised and to reply direct to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:112 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who are considered to be frontline staff in the delivery of health care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4256/05]
I take it the Deputy is referring to the public health care sector, for which employment information is collected by the Department on the basis of the grade of staff and the employing agency, rather than on the basis of the classification of duties requested by the Deputy.
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, HSE, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the allocation of staffing resources between frontline and other duties. Accordingly, the Department has requested the interim chief executive officer of the HSE to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
The Deputy may wish to note that the report of the commission on financial management and control systems in the health service, chaired by Professor Niamh Brennan, concluded that there was no evidence to support the perception that non-frontline staff, rather than those providing a direct patient service, have absorbed resources allocated to the health service disproportionately.
Health Services.
Enda Kenny
Ceist:113 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason an initiative for the joint primary care-hospital care of diabetic patients in Dublin has not been continued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4259/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for diabetic services. Accordingly, the Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy.
Drug Treatment Programme.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:114 Mr. Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of pharmacists regarding a number of issues including the fact that a growing number of unstable methadone patients are presenting in community pharmacy for treatment when only stable patients are deemed appropriate for the community pharmacy setting. [4269/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, HSE, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the delivery of drug treatment services.
Under the methadone scheme, there is a system in place where clients are assessed by a GP co-ordinator and liaison pharmacist to ensure that clients referred to a community setting are appropriate to such a setting. In addition, where a pharmacist experiences difficulties with a particular client, a guarantee is in place that the client will be reassigned if the pharmacist so wishes.
Last year the Irish Pharmaceutical Union, IPU, raised with the Department of Health and Children some concerns about the suitability of patients being placed in community settings. Arising from discussions between officials from the Department and representatives of the IPU, a notification system is being developed to monitor any difficulties experienced by pharmacists within the methadone scheme and to ensure that appropriate systems are in place to respond to any such difficulties.
Health Reports.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:115 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has received the fourth periodic report of the National Economic and Social Forum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34083/04]
I am aware of the report to which the Deputy refers. Section six of the report comments on the implementation of the National Economic and Social Forum report on equity of access to hospital care. The National Economic and Social Forum fourth periodic report raises several issues, mainly about equity of access to hospital care, in particular the "public private mix" in hospital care.
The report acknowledges and welcomes the many positive initiatives implemented in the Irish health service in recent years, for example, the increases in funding; the establishment and work of the national treatment purchase fund — particularly its fixing of a three month deadline for hospital treatment and its data gathering on hospital beds which has been commissioned; the Department's commitment to a partnership approach; and progress on institutional and structural reform.
The National Economic and Social Forum report contains some wide ranging comments on the issue of equity of access to hospital care. The National Economic and Social Forum recognises the Government's health service reform programme as providing a unique opportunity to achieve greater equity for the most vulnerable groups in our society. The Government intends to provide a policy and legal framework which ensures equity for public patients and enables patients and clients to access the services they need. Specifically, the national treatment purchase fund was set up to deal with waiting lists and particularly to ensure that those waiting longest receive treatment. Issues regarding the interaction between the public and private sectors and provision of hospital services is under active review and will be addressed, for example, in the context of negotiations on the consultant contract and the contribution which the private sector can make.
The report of the national task force on medical staffing sets out the changes needed in non-consultant hospital doctors' work patterns; a series of reforms in medical education and training; the number of additional consultants needed and how they should work under a significantly revised contract. The report emphasised that change could not be achieved without reform of acute hospital services.
Taking this into account, the Government is committed to developing acute hospital services in a way that will command the confidence of people throughout the country. Consultant contract negotiations are paused pending resolution of issues related to medical indemnity arrangements. However, significant preparatory work has been undertaken on a draft consultant contract and management position paper.
At my request, the national treatment purchase fund is giving consideration to the question of how improvement in waiting times for out-patient appointments might be progressed.
The National Economic and Social Forum report comments on the ratio of acute hospital beds per head of population in Ireland compared to other OECD countries. At the outset it should be pointed out that the OECD advises caution in the interpretation of cross-country data on health. Health care systems differ significantly across the range of OECD countries. It should also be noted that the Irish data on the number of acute beds do not include the acute beds located in private hospitals in Ireland while some OECD countries include acute beds in private hospitals.
A comprehensive review of acute hospital bed capacity needs, Acute Hospitals Bed Capacity — a National Review, was conducted by my Department and published in January 2002. This review helped to inform the Government's commitment to provide an additional 3,000 beds in acute hospitals by 2011 in the context of the health strategy. Since the publication of the bed capacity review funding has been provided for an additional 900 beds in acute hospitals throughout the country, 700 which were in place up to the end of January 2005. The remaining 200 are due to open by the end of 2005.
The report of the task force on medical staffing also recognised the important contribution that primary care can make to the provision of quality patient care and to reducing inappropriate demand on the hospital sector. The east coast area and the mid-western area, as the two phase one implementation regions, have prepared detailed plans for the development of primary care in order to support the reconfiguration of the hospital services in these regions and additional funding has been provided in 2005 to enable appropriate developments to commence.
The primary care strategy, Primary Care: A New Direction, sets out the direction for the development of primary care as the central focus for the delivery of health and personal social care services. This will enable patients to have direct access to a broad range of services provided by an integrated multidisciplinary primary care team in their local community.
The strategy also envisages the development of extended hours and out of hours cover for defined primary care services. Primary care planned and organised on this basis can lessen the current reliance on specialist services and the hospital system, particularly accident and emergency and out-patient services.
I have considered the concerns raised in the National Economic and Social Forum report about the increase in the drug payment scheme threshold. However, given the need to prioritise health spending in order to maximise the benefit over a wide range of pressing health expenditure options, together with the advantages of the scheme over the schemes it replaced, an increase of €7 per calendar month in the threshold is not considered to be excessive.
The drug cost subsidisation scheme and drug refund scheme were merged into the drug payment scheme in July 1999. To qualify under the old drug cost subsidisation scheme, patients had to be certified by their doctor as suffering from a condition requiring ongoing expenditure on medicines of £32, €40.63, per month. Under the drug refund scheme, families and individuals paid the full cost of their prescription medicines and claimed reimbursement from their health board of expenditure over £90, €114.28, in each quarter. Many families and individuals had very heavy expenditure on drugs and medicines and had to wait a further six weeks from the end of that quarter before they received a refund. This caused considerable cash flow problems for a significant number of families and individuals.
This does not happen under the drugs payment scheme. The primary aim of the scheme was to merge the best elements of the old schemes and improve the cash flow situation for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines. Since the introduction of the scheme, no individual or family has had to pay more than the monthly threshold, €85, for approved prescribed medicines. It means that families and individuals are able to budget for the cost of medicines. Regardless of the amount of their drugs bill no individual or family has to spend more than €85 per calendar month.
The scheme is for everyone. There are no qualifying criteria. Where expenditure by a family or an individual exceeds €85 per month on approved prescribed medicines, the balance is met by the State. The total reimbursement to patients under the previous schemes in 1998 was £75 million. This cost has increased to €204 million in 2003, the latest figure available, for the drug payment scheme.
The National Economic and Social Forum report also comments on the decline in numbers eligible for a medical card. At the beginning of January 2005 there were 1,145,083 people covered by medical cards, which is 28.32% of the current population. In 1998, there were 1,183,554 persons covered by medical cards, which was 31.95% of the population at that time.
The decline in numbers can largely be explained by a number of factors, including the changed economic circumstances of the population. These changed circumstances have meant that many people are no longer eligible for a medical card on means grounds. In addition to the above, the ongoing management and review of the medical card databases is a factor in the reduced numbers who held medical cards.
The cleansing exercise by health boards during 2003 and 2004 resulted in the removal of approximately 104,000 cards from the medical card register. Most of these cards would have been considered as normal deletions due to death, change in eligibility status or persons moving from one board area to another. A certain proportion were removed due to being duplicates or expired records for people over 70 years of age. A total of €60 million was provided in the 2005 Estimates to improve access to primary care by providing for up to 30,000 additional persons to become eligible for a medical card and free access to GP visits for up to 200,000 additional persons on low income.
Responsibility for the determination of eligibility of applications for medical cards rests by legislation with the chief officer of the relevant area of the Health Service Executive. Decisions are taken based on the income and individual needs of the applicant. This ensures that medical cards are granted to persons for whom the provision of medical services for themselves and their families would prove an undue financial hardship. The executive's area chief officers have the discretion to grant a card on an individual basis, in cases where the income ceiling may be exceeded but where the circumstances of the case warrant such a decision.
One of the objectives of the health strategy is to prepare legislation to update and codify the legal framework for eligibility and entitlements in regard to health services. The Department is reviewing the existing legislation on eligibility and entitlement to services with a view to introducing legislation clarifying the position on those issues.
I welcome informed comment on health policy and the performance of the health system and the views put forward by the National Economic and Social Forum will be taken into account in the ongoing task of policy evaluation and future planning.
Cancer Strategy.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:116 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the cancer strategy will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4437/05]
The national cancer forum is finalising a new national cancer strategy which is expected to be completed in the spring. The forum, a multidisciplinary group of experts in cancer care, has conducted an extensive consultation process with professional bodies, voluntary organisations and the general public. In developing an organisational model for the delivery of cancer treatment services, the forum's considerations have been informed by the broad strategic context in which the cancer strategy exists, a review of the current status of cancer care, a review of the literature evidence concerning key aspects of the organisation of cancer services and a review of international models of care.
The forum concluded that the fragmented arrangements for the delivery of cancer services cannot be recommended to deliver best quality cancer care. Cancer care is a dynamic process involving the interaction of many different elements of the health system. Although they are often considered separately, the overall quality and performance of services as delivered to patients depends in a significant way on how well each of these elements integrate and co-ordinate with each other. They must be planned and organised in a manner which facilitates integration so that, from the perspective of the user, the system operates in a complementary and efficient manner.
The new strategy will have regard to the multifaceted aspects of cancer control. The key priority in the development of improved cancer care is that cancer patients will have access to multidisciplinary care to ensure optimum treatment and best outcomes in line with international best practice. The strategy will set out the key priorities for the development of cancer services over the coming years and will make recommendations on health promotion, screening and early detection, cancer treatment services, genetics, supportive care, research and survivorship. This is especially important as more people are living longer with cancer than in previous years.
Oncology services nationally have developed and expanded significantly in recent years. The key goal of the national cancer strategy 1996 was to achieve a 15% decrease in mortality from cancer in the under 65 year age group in the ten year period from 1994. An external evaluation of the extent to which the objectives of the national cancer strategy 1996 have been met demonstrated that this figure was achieved in 2001, which was three years ahead of target. The Government is committed to making the full range of cancer services available and accessible to cancer patients nationally.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:117 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway is not entitled to a higher payment of a nursing home subvention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4333/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage, deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of nursing home subventions in County Galway. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply direct to the Deputy.
Rights of the Child.
Liz McManus
Ceist:118 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the call made by the Ombudsman for Children for a constitutional amendment to protect the rights of children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4236/05]
The Ombudsman for Children has made a submission to the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution and recommended an amendment to the Constitution to grant express rights to children. The Ombudsman for Children is completely independent and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on her submission.
Presumably when the final report of the all-party committee has been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas there will be discussion on its recommendations and any matters raised can be considered.
Ambulance Service.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:119 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the different system in place between the Dublin fire brigade service and the other non-Dublin fire services in relation to the ambulance service and the contract with the Eastern Health Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4344/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of ambulance services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy.
Mental Health Services.
Dan Neville
Ceist:120 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the percentage allocation to the mental health services of the total budget for the health services for 2005. [4345/05]
It is estimated that mental health expenditure as a percentage of overall health spending will be approximately 6.9% in 2005. Expenditure on mental health services will be in the region of €725 million in 2005.
Health Services.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:121 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding the provision of a new health care centre at Glanmire, County Cork; and when funds will be made available for the construction of the centre. [4360/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of health centres. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's southern area to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:122 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the long delay in sanctioning approval for a day care centre (details supplied) in County Cork; the situation regarding same; and when she will sanction the commencement of the project. [4361/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services.
As part of the executive's responsibility to prepare and submit an annual service plan for my approval, it is obliged under section 31 of the Act to indicate any capital plans proposed by the executive. In this process the executive can be expected to have regard to the full range of potential capital developments, its own criteria in determining priorities, available resources and any other relevant factors.
My Department has not yet received the 2005 service plan from the Heath Service Executive. In the interim, the Department has asked the chief executive of the southern area to investigate the position on this project and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:123 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 was refused a medical card; and if they will be given the maximum support and advice. [4362/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the assessment of applications for medical cards. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's northern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 124 answered with QuestionNo. 77.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Pat Breen
Ceist:125 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a nursing home subvention will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4396/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage, deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of nursing home subvention in County Clare. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's mid-western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Pat Breen
Ceist:126 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a nursing home subvention will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4397/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage, deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of nursing home subvention in County Clare. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's mid-western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Charges.
Pat Breen
Ceist:127 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare received an invoice from a hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4398/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility in relation to hospital charges.
My Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's mid-western area to investigate immediately as to why charges were raised in this case and to report back as a matter of urgency. On receipt of his report I will have a reply sent to the Deputy on the result of the chief officer's investigation.
Health Service Staff.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:128 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to put in place a recruitment mechanism whereby area medical officer posts which are vacant due to former area medical officers having transferred to another post within the Health Services Executive can be urgently filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4399/05]
The public health doctors agreement 2003, signed up to by both management and the Irish Medical Organisation, provides that no future area medical officer vacancies which arise would be filled. The agreement did, however, provide for a substantial increase in the number of directors, specialists and senior medical officers in the public health and community health areas, as well as the introduction of ten new principal medical officer posts.
Vaccination Programme.
Liz McManus
Ceist:129 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of cases of mumps in the first month of 2005; the way in which this compares with the same period in 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4409/05]
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella and, in accordance with the recommendations of the immunisation advisory committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, can be administered to children between 12 and 15 months of age. A vaccine uptake rate of 95% is required to protect children from the diseases concerned and to stop the spread of the diseases in the community.
Mumps data provided by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre of the Health Service Executive, formerly the National Disease Surveillance Centre, indicate that 68 mumps cases were reported for the first four weeks of 2005, that is, up until 29 January 2005. Two cases were reported for the same period in 2004. There has been increased mumps activity throughout the country since October 2004.
A number of educational institutions in the country have reported mumps outbreaks/mumps cases among students and some staff. Public health staff are working closely with college health services to provide information and advice on how to prevent mumps and, in some colleges, have administered vaccine to those most at risk of infection. Students in colleges where outbreaks are occurring are being recommended MMR vaccine if they have not already received at least two doses of MMR vaccine. In other colleges, where sporadic cases have occurred, MMR vaccine has been offered to contacts of the cases.
I take this opportunity to again urge all parents to have their children immunised against the diseases covered by the childhood immunisation programme to ensure that both their children and the population generally have maximum protection against the diseases concerned.
Health Services.
Liam Twomey
Ceist:130 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the health board has withdrawn a significant amount of home help that had been supplied to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and the further help which may be given to this person. [4416/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for home help services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's south eastern area to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy.
Liam Twomey
Ceist:131 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the State supports which are available in the case of a person (details supplied). [4417/05]
Liam Twomey
Ceist:133 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the help which is available in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Wexford. [4419/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 133 together.
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage, deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of health services in County Wexford. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's south eastern area to investigate the matter raised and to reply direct to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Liam Twomey
Ceist:132 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the recent changes by An Bord Altranais (details supplied) in regard to the necessary qualifications required for entry into education for public health nurses; and the reason they were considered necessary. [4418/05]
Regulation of the nursing and midwifery professions, including the setting of requirements and standards in the education programmes for registration, is the statutory responsibility of An Bord Altranais. The board is a broadly representative body. The 29 members include 17 elected by nurses who are representative of all the divisions of the register.
In November 2004, the board approved a number of changes to the nurses rules, including the following amended rule relating to admission requirements for nurses wishing to train in public health nursing:
Before admission to the programme for education and training leading to registration in the Public Health Nurses Division of the Register, the name of the candidate for the registration must already be entered in the Register of Nurses and the candidate must have two years clinical experience in nursing. Unless the candidate's name is entered in the Midwives Division of the Register, the candidate must complete an An Bord Altranais approved module or unit of study on Maternal and Child Health as part of the programme.
I understand that in framing this rule change the board was mindful of recommendation 8.30 of the report of the commission on nursing which recommended dropping the mandatory requirement for a midwifery qualification for those wishing to train as public health nurses. My approval is required under section 26 of the Nurses Act 1985 and these rules were formally approved by me in December 2004 as soon as they were submitted by the board.
Question No. 133 answered with QuestionNo. 131.
National Treatment Purchase Fund.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:134 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of patients sent outside the jurisdiction for treatment in the past five years; the reason such treatment was not acceptable here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4422/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes services for certain patients who are, by arrangement, sent outside the jurisdiction for treatment. Accordingly, my Department has requested the interim chief executive officer of the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested.
The national treatment purchase fund arranges treatment for patients who have been waiting longest for admission to hospital. Where it is not possible to treat patients within a reasonable period in Ireland arrangements have been made to refer certain patients for treatment abroad, having regard to quality, availability and cost. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the NTPF to reply to the Deputy directly on the number of patients who have had their treatment arranged outside the State under the auspices of the fund.
Question No. 135 answered with QuestionNo. 31.
Health Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:136 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of children that have been treated through the orthodontic services in the past seven years; if they were of category 1, 2 or 3; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4424/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for orthodontic services.
The chief officers of the HSE areas have provided the following information for category A and category B orthodontic patients:
|
Date |
Numbers in Treatment |
|
31/12/04 |
23,572 |
|
31/12/03 |
21,083 |
|
31/12/02 |
20,151 |
|
31/12/01 |
17,295 |
|
30/09/00 |
15,039 |
|
31/05/99* |
14,209 |
*Although the Deputy has requested figures on orthodontic services in the past seven years, national figures are only available from May 1999 and complete records are only available from September 2000.
Patients in category A require immediate treatment and include those with congenital abnormalities of the jaws such as cleft lip and palate and patients with major skeletal discrepancies between the sizes of the jaws. Patients in category B have less severe problems than category A patients.
The number of cases treated is dependent on the level of resources available, in terms of qualified staff, in the area and this is reflected in the treatment waiting list. In fact, the provision of orthodontic services is currently restricted due to the limited availability of trained specialist clinical staff to assess and treat patients and, accordingly, HSE areas do not normally maintain category C waiting lists.
My Department has taken steps to address the shortage of trained staff and improve orthodontic services through the grade of specialist in orthodontics. Six dentists successfully completed their three year specialist in orthodontics training and commenced work in the HSE in October 2004 and a further 13 are currently in training.
Patients in treatment in the health board orthodontic service receive between 18 and 24 appointments over the course of their treatment period of approximately two years. The table above shows that at the end of the December 2004 quarter 23,572 patients were undergoing orthodontic treatment in the public orthodontic service. This represents a 66% increase on the numbers in treatment in May 1999 and means that currently there are more than twice as many patients undergoing orthodontic treatment as there are patients awaiting treatment.
Health Reports.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:137 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of reports in respect of the health services which were undertaken in the past seven years; the cost of such reports; the action or actions accruing therefrom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4425/05]
It has not been possible to provide a response to the question within the time allowed. The information requested is currently being assembled on reports undertaken by my Department and agencies outside the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. The Deputy's question has also been referred to the HSE which will be in contact directly to provide information regarding reports undertaken within its area of responsibility.
Health Service Staff.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:138 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the degree to which the number of general practitioners, hospital doctors, consultant physicians and consultant surgeons is adequate to meet requirements or is in line with European norms in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4426/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:144 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent to which nursing, medical and surgical staff complements here compare with the norms throughout Europe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4432/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 144 together.
The responsibility for the management of the workforce in a given Health Service Executive, HSE, area lies exclusively with the chief officer of that area. However, in order to improve recruitment and retention prospects, my Department has put in place a number of important initiatives to meet the human resource needs of the health services.
Specific human resources initiatives in key areas such as pay rates, improvements in career structure and enhanced opportunities for professional and career development have and will play a part in increasing staffing levels. Overseas recruitment by health agencies has, over recent years, also contributed significantly to meeting the workforce needs of the health services, particularly in the medical, surgical and nursing professions.
There is a wide variation in the numbers of nurses employed in the health services of developed countries. Figures on a consistent basis are not readily available for cross country comparisons. Research by the OECD, OECD Health Data 2004, 1st Edition, in which the most recent comprehensive comparison between European countries was 2002, suggests that Ireland has one of the higher ratios, although countries profile their data in different ways.
The Irish health care system has traditionally been based on a large number of nurses. Other European countries tend to have systems where there is greater skill mix and grade mix involved in the delivery of health care services; therefore the ratio of nurses to patients is lower. The Irish health service is also moving in this direction and in coming years there will be a higher proportion of support workers, including health care assistants, involved in the delivery of care, freeing up nurses and midwives to concentrate more of their time on higher level duties and expanding the scope of their practice.
Nurse recruitment is a priority for the Government. The HSE reported that in the year ending 30 September 2004 an additional 561 nurses were employed in the health service and since 1997 over 6,300 additional nurses have been recruited.
The Department of Health and Children has made substantial investment in consultant numbers in recent years. The current number of permanent consultant posts stands at 1,947. The OECD does not collate statistics specifically relating to consultants but does, however, provide statistics under the heading of physicians which encompasses any doctor who is fully registered with the Irish Medical Council. In 2002, Ireland had 2.4 physicians per 1,000 population — OECD Health Data 2004, 1st Edition. Government policy is to substantially increase the number of consultants throughout the next decade. There are currently 4,034 non-consultant hospital doctors training posts in Ireland, the occupants of which are given the opportunity of proper skills development on the basis that many in this category will become the consultants of tomorrow.
According to the Irish College of General Practitioners there are approximately 2,600 GPs working in Ireland. According to the GMS payments board annual report of 2003, 2,181 of these hold a GMS or other public contract. My Department has been in consultation with the Irish College of General Practitioners and the HSE on the subject of addressing future manpower needs in general practice. In this regard, it was agreed that the number of trainees should increase by a total of 66 in order to conform with the recommendations of the Irish College of General Practitioners. This will be achieved on a phased basis over a three year period.
Given the large numbers of staff employed and the unique nature of the services being delivered, a coherent, strategic approach to workforce and human resource planning needs to be developed further. This should be aligned closely with strategic objectives and the service planning process. Planning for the development of new and existing services in the future must be soundly based on a robust and realistic assessment of the skill and human resource needs to deliver these services.
Enhanced skills mix by matching skills to service needs benefits patients and empowers health personnel to reach their full potential. This optimises their contribution to quality care. The continued implementation of the "Action Plan for People Management" has a crucial role to play in improving retention and reducing the turnover of skilled staff. The Health Service Executive will be centrally involved in the development of an integrated workforce planning strategy for the health sector.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:139 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the precise shortfall in terms of nursing staff at present; the plans she has to bring numbers up to the required levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4427/05]
In the most recent Health Service Employers Agency survey on nursing resources, employers reported that 794 vacancies existed at 30 September 2004. The vacancy rate now stands at 2.34%. This could be considered to be a normal frictional rate, given that there will always be some level of movement due to resignations, retirements and nurses availing of opportunities to change employment and locations. There were 33,739 whole time equivalent nurses employed in the public health service at the end of September 2004. This is an increase of almost 6,400 or 23% on the 1997 figure of 27,347 nurses, wte.
The recruitment and retention of adequate numbers of nursing staff has been a concern of this Government for some time. A number of substantial measures have been introduced in recent years. The number of nursing training places has been increased by 70% since 1998 to 1,640 from 2002 onwards. In excess of €90 million revenue funding is being provided in 2005 for undergraduate nurse training. Nursing continues to be regarded as an attractive career. There were 8,300 CAO applications for 1,640 places in the autumn 2004 intake.
A comprehensive range of financial supports has been introduced to support nurses in pursuing part-time degrees and specialist courses, including "back to practice" courses. Since 1998, nurses have been paid for overtime. Previously they had been given time off in lieu and the introduction of payment represents a further significant financial incentive for nurses. My Department introduced a scheme of flexible working arrangements for nurses and midwives in February 2001. Under the scheme, individual nurses and midwives may apply to work between eight and 39 hours per week on a permanent, part-time basis.
The promotional structure within nursing, including the introduction of a clinical career pathway, has been substantially improved on foot of the recommendations of the commission on nursing and the 1999 nurses' pay settlement. The National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery has been especially active in this area and, to date, over 1,600 clinical nurse specialist and advanced nurse practitioner posts have been created.
I am confident that the extensive range of measures I have outlined, including the substantial increase in training places, the recruitment of overseas nurses, the more effective utilisation of the professional skills of nurses and midwives, in addition to close monitoring and assessment of the situation on an ongoing basis, will continue to prove effective in addressing the nursing workforce needs of the health services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:140 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the total number of nurses available in the various hospitals throughout the country in both the public and the private sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4428/05]
There were 33,765 whole-time equivalent nurses employed in the public health service at the end of 2003. Of these, 23,794 were employed in 140 hospitals in the acute, district, psychiatric and geriatric services. I will forward the Deputy a breakdown of the number of nurses by hospital. While my Department does not collect data on employment in private hospitals, it has been estimated by the FÁS skills and labour market research unit that there are approximately 8,500 nurses employed across the private health care sector.
Questions Nos. 141 and 142 answered with Question No. 98.
Clinical Indemnity Scheme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:143 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent to which she has endeavoured to resolve the matter of insurance cover for consultants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4431/05]
Since taking up my appointment as Minister for Health and Children, I have devoted a considerable amount of time and effort to attempting to resolve this complex and difficult issue. I have had several meetings with the organisations representing consultants. I have also held meetings with the Medical Defence Union and the Medical Protection Society.
The MDU has been involved in protracted discussions with representatives of my Department and their legal and insurance advisers on a possible agreement on the financing of claims which precede the establishment of the clinical indemnity scheme. These have been in progress for almost twelve months. Some progress had been made in recent weeks on key elements of the agreement, including the conduct of a due diligence examination of the MDU's financial position. However, the MDU abruptly terminated this entire process at the end of last week.
I believe that the MDU has treated its Irish members very badly in leaving them without indemnity cover. I am not aware that it is taking similar action with any of its UK members, whether GPs or consultants. I will ask my Department and the State's legal advisers to explore what options are open to individual consultants and the State to seek redress through the courts.
Question No. 144 answered with QuestionNo. 138.
Hospital Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:145 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent to which the Maynooth Community Hospital is fully commissioned and occupied; if she has further action planned to meet the requirements in the catchment area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4433/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage, deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of health services in the Maynooth Community Hospital, County Kildare. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply direct to the Deputy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:146 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 84 of 3 February 2005, if a copy of the working group’s report has been presented to her for her information or comments. [4434/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services.
Services at Peamount Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the executive. However, my Department is advised by the executive's eastern regional area that the report of the working group referred to by the Deputy is due to be finalised shortly.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:147 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if and when a refund in respect of a pension awarded to St. Mary’s Hospital, Phoenix Park, is refundable to the family of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4435/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage, deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of health services in County Dublin. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply direct to the Deputy.
Departmental Expenditure.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:148 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to the reply of 27 January 2005 in respect of the use of credit cards in her Department, the total expenditure involved and the various transactions covered by credit card payment during the period in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4436/05]
The total expenditure on credit cards between June 2002 to January 2005 is €49,521.06. Cards are issued to me as Tánaiste and to eight nominated officers. Expenditure details are set out in the following table.
|
Credit Card |
Total |
Purchases include |
|
€ |
||
|
Tánaiste |
0.00 |
|
|
Minister Martin |
1,110.11 |
Official entertainment, stamp duty and card fees. Card cancelled |
|
Department-Finance Unit |
15,671.90 |
Official entertainment, accommodation, flights, rail tickets, seminar and conference fees, publications, software and computer supplies |
|
Secretary General |
6,884.55 |
Official entertainment, accommodation |
|
Registrar Adoption Board |
2,785.21 |
Official entertainment, room hire |
|
National Children’s Office |
7,164.78 |
Books, publications, official entertainment, software, accommodation. |
|
Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction |
3,252.06 |
Publications, official entertainment, rail tickets, accommodation. |
|
Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction |
8,524.62 |
Publications, books, official entertainment, accommodation. |
|
Chairman Post Mortem Inquiry |
3,622.83 |
Courier services, publications, official entertainment. |
|
Ombudsman for Children |
505.00 |
electronic data. |
|
Total |
49,521.06 |
Cards are used mainly for the purchase of low value items, Internet purchases or the purchase of urgent items, and include items such as official entertainment, accommodation, subscriptions, books and periodicals, conference and seminar fees, annual membership of professional bodies, flights and rail tickets.
Hospital Services.
Michael Ring
Ceist:149 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo had surgery cancelled in Galway Regional Hospital, in view of the urgency of the situation; when they will be called for the urgent surgery; and if she will investigate this serious situation. [4438/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of services at University College Hospital Galway. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Michael Ring
Ceist:150 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason all elective surgery in the new orthopaedic unit in Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar, County Mayo was cancelled; and when elective surgery will recommence. [4439/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Charges.
John Perry
Ceist:151 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the eligibility criteria with regard to the refund of €2,000 for hospital charges for the elderly; the avenues which are open for families of next of kin to seek payment in respect of persons who are deceased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4479/05]
The category of person who will receive refunds under the ex gratia scheme in respect of payments deducted from them for publicly funded long stay care in facilities run by former health boards or private nursing homes, solely by virtue of a contractual arrangement with a former health board, comprises fully eligible persons, including those who had their medical card withdrawn on admission to the institution, who were alive on 9 December 2004. Those qualifying under the scheme will be paid up to €2,000 if they have already paid up to that amount by way of charges. Where persons have been charged anything less than €2000, they will be refunded the amount they have paid.
The scheme does not apply in the case of persons who were in long stay care in the institutions in question but who died before 9 December 2004. If, however, individuals concerned died on or after this date, payments will be made to the executor or person who has taken out the grant of administration in respect of the individual who has died.
Insurance Industry.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:152 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the requirements on life companies to contact the policyholders in respect of single premium investment bonds which have a distant maturity date; if his attention has been drawn to complaints that the standard format of communication encourages many persons to encash their policies; and if he will make a statement on the appropriateness of the procedures coming into operation ahead of the maturity date of the policy. [4341/05]
The requirements regarding information that must be provided by insurance undertakings to holders of life assurance policies are laid down in Part IIIA of the Insurance Act 1989 and in the Life Assurance (Provision of Information) Regulations 2001 made under that Part of the Act by the then Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The requirements in part reflect obligations laid down in EU Directive 92/96/EEC. The purpose of the requirements is to provide policyholders with relevant information about their policies.
I am informed by the financial regulator that it is unaware of complaints being made about the manner in which the regulatory requirements are being implemented by insurance companies and has not been requested to make any changes to these requirements. However, the regulator will shortly commence a public consultation process on a unified and harmonised code of conduct for all financial service providers and the issue of communication with investment policyholders on an annual basis will be addressed in this document.
Should it appear to the regulator that changes are necessary in order to better protect consumers, the regulator has power under the Act to make additional regulations. This follows from amendments made to the Act by the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Act 2003, which transferred responsibility for insurance issues from the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to the regulator.
Dormant Accounts Fund.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:153 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the way in which the value of a policy is calculated by the NTMA in the event that the proceeds have been wrongly transferred to the NTMA and the beneficiary comes to claim their policy. [4342/05]
The NTMA has no role in calculating the value of the unclaimed policy, the proceeds of which are transferred to the dormant accounts fund.
Under the Unclaimed Life Assurance Policies Act 2003, where a claim is made in respect of such a policy the insurance undertaking concerned establishes the identity of the policyholder, gives a written notice to the NTMA of the net encashment value of the unclaimed policy and sends a copy of this notice to the policyholder. On receipt of the notified amount from the NTMA, the insurance undertaking settles with the policyholder.
For the purposes of the claim procedure the policyholder includes all persons with a legitimate claim on the policy and the net encashment value is the amount payable to the policyholder by the insurance undertaking, including interest, under the terms of the policy at the time when the policy holder makes a claim.
Under the Act, the policy is treated as unclaimed if, in the case of a fixed term policy, the specified term has expired, if an amount would be payable if the policyholder were to make a claim and if the insurance undertaking has received no communication from the policyholder for a period of at least five years. In the case of a policy which does not have a specified term, these conditions are met only when a period of 15 years has elapsed without any communication from the policyholder. The Act also sets out procedures for notification of the holders of dormant policies before the transfer is to be made. The amount to be transferred to the fund is the net encashment value of the unclaimed policies at the time of transfer as established by the insurance undertaking.
Tax Code.
Trevor Sargent
Ceist:154 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance his plans to provide tax relief to parents on payment of crèche fees in cases in which one child alone can cost €953.33 per month for crèche fees and parents are being forced out of the workforce as a result, particularly if they have a second child. [4366/05]
Richard Bruton
Ceist:156 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has assessed the cost of introducing tax relief at the standard rate for child care expenses; the cost if the relief were capped at €6,000 per child; the number of persons likely to qualify; the likely offset due to child care activities moving into the formal taxable economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4421/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 156 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, over the past number of years the Government has considered carefully the whole area of child care. It has been decided as a matter of policy that child benefit will be the main instrument through which support will be provided to parents with children. One of the main benefits from this approach is that, whereas tax relief would be of little or no benefit to those with low incomes, the provision of support for parents through the child benefit route means equality of treatment for all recipients.
In line with this policy approach, the Government has substantially increased child benefit since coming into office in 1997. Overall expenditure on child benefit has increased by 279%, from €506 million in 1997 to an estimated €1,916 million in 2005.
To address the availability of services, the supply of formal child care places is being stimulated through a programme of investment under the national development plan equal opportunities child care programme, EOCP. The EOCP funds capital development to increase places, support staffing costs for facilities targeting disadvantage and improve child care quality. Over the next five years, 2005-09, the capital envelope for the planned programme of continued investment in child care facilities will be €313 million, which is expected to create about 17,000 places — some 3,400 per annum for each of the next five years. The 2005 allocation for the EOCP provides €83.4 million, of which €43.8 million is current and €39.6 million is capital funding.
The Government has also undertaken measures to favour the supply of child care by tax incentives to set up facilities and relief from benefit-in-kind taxation for free or subsidised child care where this is provided by employers. Taken together, these represent substantial measures to assist with the cost of child care and I have no plans to introduce additional measures at this time.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that figures are not available to estimate with any accuracy the cost of introducing tax relief at the standard rate of tax for child care expenses. However, it is tentatively estimated that if a tax credit of €1,200 per child, that is, the equivalent of an allowance of €6,000 at the standard rate of tax, was introduced for all children under six years of age, the cost to the Exchequer would be in the region of €223 million in a full year. If the tax credit was confined to children where both parents are working and to children of single and widowed parents who are working, the cost would be in the region of €161 million in a full year.
The numbers of taxpayers likely to benefit from such measures are estimated at 140,890 and 102,145, respectively. It is not possible to estimate the likely offset due to child care activities moving into the formal taxable economy.
Anti-Social Behaviour.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:155 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the funds and grants which are available from his Department or agencies responsible thereto to support initiatives to combat anti-social behaviour; the details of such funding, including the amounts expended in 2004 and the amount available in 2005. [4374/05]
The Deputy will appreciate that given my Department's functions, its Vote does not include provision for funds or grants for the type of initiative he mentions, either directly or through the bodies funded from it.
Question No. 156 answered with QuestionNo. 154.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:157 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the funds and grants which are available from his Department or agencies responsible thereto to support initiatives to combat anti-social behaviour; the details of such funding, including the amounts expended in 2004 and the amount available in 2005. [4375/05]
Neither my Department nor the agencies under the Department's aegis make funds or grants available to support the specific initiatives referred to by the Deputy.
Proposed Legislation.
Martin Ferris
Ceist:158 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the status of legislation to establish the Foyle and Carlingford Irish Lights Commission. [4400/05]
The British-Irish Agreement Act 1999 extended responsibility for the management and development of inland fisheries in the Carlingford area to the Loughs Agency of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission. It also conferred on the agency responsibility for, inter alia, the development and licensing of aquaculture in the Foyle and Carlingford areas and provided that legislation would be brought forward for this purpose.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that over the last number of months officials from this Department have been engaged in an intensive series of meetings with Northern colleagues, the Loughs Agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and that substantial progress has been made in advancing the Bill.
At the outset of these discussions, a wide range of issues requiring resolution was identified. Substantial progress has been made in reaching agreement on most of the points and I am pleased to say that only a few issues remain outstanding.
While I appreciate that previous indications were that I expected to publish the Bill before now, I am sure the Deputy will nevertheless agree that, given the complexity of the task assigned to them, it is important that the officials be allowed the necessary time to deliver a draft which fully and comprehensively addresses all the issues. I have asked this Department to continue to work very closely with all parties concerned and to ensure, however, that there is no undue delay in the process.
Natural Gas Grid.
Michael Ring
Ceist:159 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the safety standards which are in place for the residents of Ballinboy, County Mayo, in regard to the gas processing plant that is to be built there by Enterprise Energy Ireland. [4401/05]
My Department has given consent to construct the pipeline. This is essentially permission in principle to proceed with the design process for the pipeline, including the onshore 9 km section. This, in turn, is followed at the installation stage by the issue by my Department of "consents to install" for the various phases of pipelaying. This stage addresses all technical issues including methodology, design, trench depth and so forth. Consent to install was given in 2002 for the landfall section of the pipeline and some site preparation work for the onshore section.
The design of the onshore pipeline is in accordance with international design codes. To this end, my Department commissioned an independent expert to evaluate the onshore pipeline design code. The study addressed design methodology, operating conditions, pipeline corrosion, public safety, welding and testing, pipeline material quality and protection from interference. The recommendations of this evaluation indicated that the design code has been selected in accordance with best public safety considerations and is appropriate for the pipeline operating conditions. Subject to the developers undertaking to comply with a numbers of conditions laid down in the then Minister's approval and consents, the design is generally in accordance with best national and international industry practice and the pipeline is considered to meet public safety requirements.
The pipeline proposals were for a capacity of 375 bar. The maximum capacity which will be used is 150 bar at initial production, reducing substantially over the life of the field. The capacity of 375 bar was allowed for the purpose of providing the best emergency responses in the unlikely event of emergencies arising with the transportation of the gas from the field to the terminal.
In addition, a quantified risk assessment has been undertaken for the onshore section of the pipeline which included a detailed analysis of the risk of damage to the pipeline and consequences of any such damage. This showed that even in the worst case of the pipeline being ruptured and the gas being ignited, the occupants of a building 70 metres away would be safe. The design of the pipeline means that the risk of such an event or any other type of gas escape is infinitesimally small.
Salmon Fishing Licences.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:160 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the date by which it is intended that drift net salmon licences for 2005 will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4402/05]
Under the Fisheries Acts, the regional fisheries boards are responsible for the issuing of commercial salmon fishing licences. As the Deputy will be aware, drift net salmon fishing around the coast is now confined to a two month period in June and July each year on a four day week basis.
I am advised by the regional fisheries boards that it is normal practice to issue drift net licences, upon payment of the appropriate licence fee by the successful applicants, a couple of weeks before the start of each season. I am assured by the boards that the drift net licences for 2005 will be issued, as in previous years, in good time before the start of the season which is due to commence on 1 June this year.
Coastal Erosion.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:161 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the funding he proposes to make available to Waterford County Council to combat coastal erosion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4403/05]
Responsibility for coast protection rests with the property owner whether it be a local authority or a private individual. In July 2002 the Department requested all coastal local authorities to submit proposals, in order of priority, for consideration in the context of the 2003 to 2006 national coast protection programmes. Waterford County Council submitted proposals in respect of ten locations in the county at an estimated cost of €5.14 million. In addition, Dungarvan Town Council submitted one proposal with an estimated cost of €210,000. In 2004, the Department provided funding of €70,902.76 to Waterford County Council towards emergency works and a diving survey at Helvick.
The Exchequer funding available to the Department in 2005 for coast protection works is €2.8 million for the entire country and the allocation of this funding is under consideration at present.
Aquaculture Development.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:162 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects the examination of aquaculture operations in Ardgroom Harbour at Beara in County Cork to be completed in order that new applications may be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4412/05]
A review of aquaculture operations in Ardgroom Harbour is being undertaken with a view to ensuring that longlines deployed for the cultivation of mussels are compliant with licence requirements and configured so as to optimise navigational safety and minimise visual impacts.
The Department, in conjunction with Bord Iascaigh Mhara, is examining various proposals and the aim is that, in the coming months, agreement will be reached on the optimum arrangements for the future disposition of longlines in the harbour. Discussions towards this end have taken place within the coordinated local aquaculture management system, CLAMS, plan for the harbour and it is understood that detailed proposals will be circulated shortly.
While the Department does not have any new applications for licences in Ardgroom on hand, any such application would be considered on its merits. In assessing the scope for additional activity within the harbour, account would be taken of a number of factors including carrying capacity, navigational safety and visual impacts.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Charlie O'Connor
Ceist:163 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his participation in the recent discussions at 10 Downing Street, confirming decisions made to progress the peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3800/05]
On 1 February, I travelled to London and, together with the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, met with Prime Minister Blair and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Paul Murphy. The Garda Commissioner, Noel Conroy, and the Chief Constable of the PSNI, Hugh Orde, also participated in part of the discussions and provided the Governments with a security briefing on recent events.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to consider possible options for political progress and, in this context, we discussed various proposals received from the political parties. Both Governments are in agreement that any political way forward must be consistent with the fundamental principles of the Good Friday Agreement and capable of attracting broad cross-community support. Following the meeting, the Taoiseach highlighted the key concern of the two Governments, when he said, "the reality of the situation is that until we get an end to criminality, and an end to decommissioning, then we cannot win the trust and confidence of the parties to be able to move forward". Progress in the near term is not possible without absolute clarity and certainty on these issues, which are at the heart of the present impasse.
After the meeting, the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Blair restated their firm commitment to advancing the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, as endorsed by the people of this island. Both Governments are determined that current difficulties should not be allowed to jeopardise the significant progress made in recent years, particularly in the vital areas of policing and North/South co-operation. The Secretary of State and I will co-chair a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Dublin in the coming weeks with a view to giving renewed momentum to the process of implementation.
Diplomatic Representation.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:164 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when Ireland will open embassies in Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Bulgaria and Romania. [4346/05]
The Government decided in December 2004 that embassies will be opened in Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Romania and Malta during 2005. On the assumption that all logistical issues can be resolved for the locations, it is expected that these new missions will be opened in the second half of this year.
Consular Assistance.
Gay Mitchell
Ceist:165 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding a person (details supplied); the assistance which is provided by the staff of his Department to this person and to their family living here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4371/05]
The person to whom the Deputy refers is currently in detention in Madrid pending a court hearing to determine if he should be extradited to Algeria. He is charged in that country with belonging to and assisting a terrorist group. It is expected that this court hearing will take place within weeks. Both the public prosecutor and the person concerned will have the opportunity to appeal the decision of the court if they so wish.
My Department, through the consular section in Dublin and the embassy in Madrid, has been providing consular assistance to the person and his family in Ireland since his arrest. A consular officer from the embassy has visited the person in prison on three occasions. The embassy has discussed his case with the person's lawyer and with the Spanish Foreign Ministry.
The Department will continue to monitor this case closely and to provide all possible consular assistance to the person in question and to his family in Ireland.
Anti-Social Behaviour.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:166 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the funds and grants which are available from his Department or agencies responsible thereto to support initiatives to combat anti-social behaviour; the details of such funding, including the amounts expended in 2004 and the amount available in 2005. [4376/05]
As no initiatives for dealing with anti-social behaviour fall within the remit of the Department of Foreign Affairs, no funds or grants are available for this purpose from the Department.
Deportation Orders.
Joe Higgins
Ceist:167 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Israeli State is threatening to deport a person (details supplied); and if he will request that no such deportation take place before this person’s appeal is heard. [4465/05]
The person to whom the Deputy refers was arrested on 24 January 2005 in the West Bank and was served with a deportation notice. The embassy in Tel Aviv provided consular assistance to him following his arrest and also discussed his case with his lawyer and contacted the Israeli authorities. It now appears that the person has decided to withdraw the appeal against the deportation order and has voluntarily agreed to leave the country.
Anti-Social Behaviour.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:168 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the funds and grants which are available from his Department or agencies responsible thereto to support initiatives to combat anti-social behaviour; the details of such funding, including the amounts expended in 2004 and the amount available in 2005. [4377/05]
It is widely agreed that sport can make an important contribution to reducing anti-social behaviour. A number of initiatives and programmes are funded out of the annual provision for sport in the Estimates for my Department which in 2005 amount to €131 million.
The sports capital programme, administered by my Department, provides funding towards the development of sports facilities with a particular emphasis on projects aimed at increasing participation in sport in disadvantaged areas. The local authority swimming pool programme which is also administered by my Department provides grants towards the refurbishment of existing or development of new public pools.
One of the strategic objectives of the Irish Sports Council, which is funded by my Department as the statutory agency for sport in Ireland, is to increase sporting opportunities for all and particularly for school aged children and disadvantaged groups. Many of its programmes, such as the youth field sports programme operated in conjunction with the GAA, the IRFU and the FAI and Buntús initiatives operated through the primary schools, are aimed directly at encouraging young people to engage in sport. The budget of the Irish Sports Council for 2005 is €34 million.
Work Permits.
Michael Ring
Ceist:169 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason a person (details supplied) was refused a work permit for a premises in County Mayo; and if an appeal will be opened on this matter. [4368/05]
The work permit section of my Department took a decision to refuse this application on the basis that it is not a highly paid or highly skilled job. Since the accession of the ten new member states, employers should look to the wider EU to source their future labour needs. The employer has been informed of this in writing and also notified of his right to appeal. To date no such appeal has been received.
Anti-Social Behaviour.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:170 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funds and grants which are available from his Department or agencies responsible thereto to support initiatives to combat anti-social behaviour; the details of such funding, including the amounts expended in 2004 and the amount available in 2005. [4378/05]
My Department has no specific funding available for this purpose. Funding is, however, provided to industrial development agencies and FÁS with a view to fostering employment and opportunities which contribute to social inclusion.
Funding is provided to FÁS, which operates a range of training and employment programmes with a view to fostering employment and thereby contribute to social inclusion. FÁS also works with the probation and welfare service and the prison authorities in helping their clients enter the labour market.
Work Permits.
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:171 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of a work permit application for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [4404/05]
The work permit section of my Department recently wrote to the above named employer seeking additional information in order that these permits can be processed. To date this information has not been received.
Company Law.
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:172 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the findings of the investigation of the company law review group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4405/05]
The company law review group is a standing advisory group of experts whose task is to develop proposals for the review and reform of company law. These experts are drawn from all stakeholders in the area. The first report of the review group in 2002 mapped out a strategy for the simplification, restructuring, modernisation and consolidation of company law in Ireland. In July 2002, the Government approved the recommendations in that report and drafting of the general scheme of a Bill to give effect to the recommendations of the review group has been in train since.
A further report of the review group, expanding on some of its earlier recommendations and considering in detail a number of specific areas of company law such as liquidations, followed in 2004. These recommendations will also be incorporated in the general scheme currently being drafted. The expectation is that the general scheme should come to Government for approval later this year. Drafting of the heads of the general scheme has been an inclusive project throughout, with the expertise of the review group assisting the Department in that task on an ongoing basis. The review group will be assigned a new two yearly programme of issues for consideration in January 2006.
Work Permits.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:173 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the numbers of work permits granted in each of the years 2002, 2003 and 2004; the nationalities which feature most frequently; the nature of the work in respect of which a permit can be granted or renewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4449/05]
The information the Deputy requires is contained in Table 1 and Table 2. In the aftermath of EU enlargement, it is Government policy that employers should be able to source nearly all of their workforce needs from within the EU. Accordingly, only in cases where exceptional levels of skill and qualifications are needed for the job, and the employer has made meaningful attempts to find EEA nationals first, will my Department now consider work permit applications. Subject to an employer applying to renew a work permit, applications will be granted on the basis that the conditions set out in the original permit application are adhered to.
|
Year |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
Total No. of Permits issued |
40,321 |
47,551 |
34,067 |
|
Year |
Country |
Permits issued |
Country |
Permits issued |
Country |
Permits issued |
|
2002 |
*Latvia |
3,958 |
*Lithuania |
3,816 |
Philippines |
3,255 |
|
2003 |
*Poland |
4,808 |
*Lithuania |
4,551 |
*Latvia |
4,160 |
|
2004 |
Philippines |
4,301 |
Ukraine |
2,137 |
Romania |
2,113 |
*These countries are now members of the EU.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:174 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has reviewed or will review the approach by which work permits are granted to the employer as opposed to the employee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4450/05]
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:175 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether the recently highlighted cases of non-nationals being mistreated by their employers are largely due to the fact that the permit is issued to the employer rather than the employee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4451/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 175 together.
A work permit is granted to an employer in respect of a specified employee and job vacancy, where the employer can demonstrate that the vacancy cannot be filled from within the wider European Economic Area, EEA. The EEA comprises the 25 member states of the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.
Apart from the renewal of existing permits, which now constitute the bulk of applications, new permits are confined to highly skilled and highly paid positions. Present policy is informed by the imperative to address the identified labour and skill needs in the economy. In order to best achieve these ends, the work permit is granted to the employer. This ensures greater traceability, the more effective enforcement of the employees' rights and enhanced administrative efficiency.
The labour inspectorate of my Department is responsible for monitoring certain employment conditions for all categories of workers in Ireland, including migrant workers. Inspectors pursue allegations of worker mistreatment and when evidence of non-compliance with the relevant employment rights legislation is found, the inspectorate seeks redress for the individual/s concerned and, if appropriate, a prosecution is initiated.
An application for a work permit requires a statement, counter signed by the would-be employer and employee, of the main functions of the job, salary-wages, deductions — other than statutory, other benefits and hours to be worked per week. Work permits are not granted unless there is compliance with minimum wage legislation. Applications for renewals require documentary proof that the stated wages have been paid.
Persons employed in Ireland under the work permit scheme in recent years have been readily facilitated in changing jobs. In such circumstances a new work permit is issued to the person's new employer. This allows an employee to move to a new employer where there are genuine reasons for the employee wishing to leave his/her existing employment.
A new employment permits Bill, currently at the final stages of preparation, will include provision for additional protections for migrant workers. It is intended that employers will be prohibited from deducting from the remuneration of migrant workers any costs associated with their recruitment and the retention by employers of personal documents belonging to migrant workers.
If the Deputy has evidence that particular employers are exploiting their workforce this should be brought to the attention of the labour inspectorate for investigation.
Industrial Development.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:176 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which incentives are available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4464/05]
The 35 city and county enterprise boards, which were established nationally in 1993, provide a source of support for small businesses with ten employees or fewer. The function of the boards is to develop indigenous enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity at local level. The boards provide a single point of contact at local level for new and established small businesses. Subject to certain eligibility criteria, enterprises may qualify for support from the CEBs in the form of feasibility, employment and capital grants. In addition, the CEBs deliver a comprehensive range of development and support programmes designed to help, new and existing enterprises to operate effectively and efficiently so as to last and grow.
I suggest that the person concerned should, in the first instance, make direct contact with Kildare County Enterprise Board, the Woods, Clane, County Kildare, Tel. No. 045-861707, Fax No. 045-861712, and explore what level of assistance may be available to them.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:177 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the arrears of deserted wife’s benefit of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 will be reviewed. [4322/05]
An earnings "ceiling" was introduced for deserted wife's benefit as and from 31 August 1992. The ceiling, which applied only to new claims after that date, is currently €12,697.38 a year gross earnings. Where earnings are in excess of this amount, there may be entitlement to a continued payment at a reduced rate up to maximum earnings of €17,776.33 a year gross.
The person concerned was awarded deserted wife's benefit from 1 April 1993. She subsequently took up employment under her name prior to marriage and using a different personal public service number but failed to notify my Department of her earnings. This only came to light in March 2003, following inspection of her employer carried out by an officer of my Department.
On foot of this information, the person concerned was written to and afforded 21 days to respond. Having failed to receive a reply, a formal decision issued to her on 10 February 2004 informing her of the termination of her claim and a resulting overpayment of €18,747.94. She was given 21 days to appeal the decision, which she failed to do.
The person concerned subsequently contacted my Department by phone querying the stopping of her payment. It transpired that she had not received any of the aforementioned correspondence as she had changed address and had not notified my Department of this event. Copies of the original correspondence and decision letter were re-issued to her at her new address and she was again afforded the opportunity to appeal the decision but no appeal was lodged by her.
In all cases, there is an onus on people to notify my Department of the fact that their earnings have increased or where there is a change of address. Claimants are advised of this when the payment is initially awarded. Notice of this is also included on the payable order book, the payment method chosen by the person concerned in this instance.
My Department recently issued a reminder to the person concerned with regard to her obligation to put arrangements in place to repay the overpayment which is still outstanding as a debt due to be repaid to the State.
Under social welfare legislation decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:178 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which earnings from work as a home help are treated in the means test for social welfare entitlements; and if changes have been made in the concessions relating to home help earnings in recent years. [4334/05]
As the Deputy will be aware, the home help service is administered by the Health Service Executive which comes under the aegis of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children.
In the social welfare system, home help earnings are generally disregarded or treated more favourably than earnings from other insurable employment. No substantial changes have been made in these arrangements in recent years.
From January 2000, home helps were successful in securing equivalent status to non-nursing employees in the health service and are broadly in line with rates for equivalent health service staff. It is understood that these new pay rates also apply to the various agencies contracted by the HSE to provide home help services.
Home helps employed directly by the HSE now have full employee status, with all the rights of other health service employees, including annual leave, premia payments and mileage allowances.
The treatment of earnings from employment as home help vis-à-vis earnings from other insurable employment for social welfare purposes is under review within my Department.
Question No. 179 withdrawn.
Michael Ring
Ceist:180 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has had unemployment assistance discontinued; and if he will give a complete and detailed breakdown of the situation over the past number of months. [4440/05]
The person concerned was employed in the construction industry from 22 November 2004 until 10 December 2004, when he left this employment.
He applied for unemployment assistance on 14 January 2005. Based on the information supplied in his application regarding his job seeking efforts, a deciding officer disallowed his claim on the grounds that he is not available for or genuinely seeking work. It is open to the person concerned to appeal this decision to the social welfare appeals office and a form for this purpose was issued to him on 7 February 2005.
Under social welfare legislation, decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:181 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare qualifies for rent support or the back to education allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4441/05]
With the exception of those participating in my Department's back to education allowance scheme, people in full-time education are excluded in legislation from receipt of rent supplement which is provided for under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
The back to education allowance is a second chance educational opportunities scheme designed to encourage and facilitate certain groups — particularly people who have been unemployed for a substantial period of time and are having difficulty getting a job — to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of gaining employment. To qualify for participation in the back to education scheme, an applicant must be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for a period of at least 12 months immediately prior to commencing an approved course of study.
The person concerned does not satisfy the eligibility criteria for participation in the back to education allowance scheme. Consequently, as a full-time student she has no entitlement to rent supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:182 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason rent support has been refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4442/05]
With effect from 27 May 2003 rent supplement is no longer payable in respect of a person who is awaiting the outcome of his or her claim for asylum. The accommodation needs of people in these circumstances are provided for through the system of direct provision operated by the Reception and Integration Agency of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
The Dublin and mid-Leinster region of the Health Service Executive has advised that the application for rent supplement was refused on the grounds that the family in respect of whom the application was made includes a person seeking asylum who arrived in the State after 27 May 2003. The family was unsuccessful in appealing against this decision. The executive has further advised that it informed the family that their accommodation needs fall to be catered for through the direct provision service operated by the Reception and Integration Agency.
I understand that the family has applied recently to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for permission to remain in the State on the basis of having an Irish born child. The question of their entitlement to rent supplement can be reviewed if necessary depending on the outcome of this application.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:183 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the basis on which he has concluded that recovery of overpayment of dietary allowance by instalments of €10 per week is unlikely to cause hardship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; the conditions under which the dietary allowance was awarded to this person in the first instance; the extent to which the qualifying rules were explained to this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4444/05]
At the time of application for a diet supplement the person concerned declared his sole source of income as being invalidity pension. The application form which he completed concludes with a declaration that the information given is complete and accurate and that the applicant undertakes to advise of any changes in circumstances, including income levels.
As the Deputy is aware from my previous replies regarding this case, the overpayment of diet supplement occurred owing to the failure of the person concerned to notify the community welfare officer that he had commenced employment. The Health Service Executive is obliged to seek to recover any overpayment of supplementary welfare allowances, which scheme it administers through the community welfare service on my behalf. Arrangements for recoupment of the diet supplement overpayment in question is a matter for resolution between the executive and the person concerned and I have no function in this regard.
In the opinion of the officers dealing with this case, recoupment of the overpayment by instalments of €10 per week is reasonable and will not cause hardship to the person concerned in view of his financial situation. His income comprises full rate invalidity pension and his earnings from part-time employment.
The person concerned has been assisted previously in respect of outstanding funeral expenses by way of a supplementary welfare exceptional needs payment.
Michael Ring
Ceist:184 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the increases which have been made to the electricity allowance in the household benefits package over the past four years; and the amount his Department pays to the ESB per unit. [4471/05]
The cost of the electricity allowance to my Department over the last four years has been as follows: 2001 —€51.3 million; 2002 —€62.6 million; 2003 —€75.4 million; 2004 —€88 million. It is estimated that the allowance will cost the Department €102.26 million in 2005.
The allowance covers the normal standing charges, urban or rural domestic, the public service obligation levy and 300 units of electricity per two monthly bill. The related VAT at 13.5% is also covered. Customers can carry a maximum of 900 unused units forward on their bill.
My Department has made a number of changes to the electricity allowance over the past four years. In 2002, the number of free units was increased to 1800 units per annum from 1500 and this applied from February of that year. From April 2004 the number of units applying to each of the six two monthly bills was set at 300 per bill. Until then 250 units applied to the three summer bills and 350 applied to the three winter bills. At the same time, the number of unused units which could be carried forward increased from 600 to 900.
To date, the Department has met all ESB increases in full, including the two most recent in October and January last which amounted to a total increase of 12.6%. From January 2005 the cost of a domestic unit of electricity is 12.20 cent and the Department pays this in respect of the 1,800 free units per annum.
State Airports.
Pat Breen
Ceist:185 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport the detailed breakdown of Shannon Airport’s financial performance for each year from 1990 to 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4326/05]
Pat Breen
Ceist:186 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the Shannon Airport business plan; if it has been received by his Department; when discussions will start between his Department and the trade unions; when these discussions will be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4327/05]
I propose to answer Question Nos. 185 and 186 together.
The published annual reports and accounts of Aer Rianta, now Dublin Airport Authority, for the years 1990 to 2003 are available in the Oireachtas Library. Throughout that period, Shannon Airport was a business unit within the group and there was no requirement to publish separate financial accounts for the airport. I am not, therefore, in a position to give the detailed breakdown requested by the Deputy.
With regard to the business planning process for Shannon Airport, I refer the Deputy to my reply of last week to his Question No. 132 on 3 February 2005.
The new Shannon Airport Authority was incorporated in September 2004 and, in line with the framework provided by the State Airports Act 2004, it is envisaged that the new authority would, in due course, own and operate Shannon Airport. In accordance with the 2004 Act, each of the new airport authorities, including the Shannon Airport Authority, is required to prepare a comprehensive business plan for their airport and this work is currently ongoing. The formulation of these business plans will be a key aspect of achieving operational and financial readiness on which both I and the Minister for Finance must be satisfied before the assets of Shannon and Cork airports are vested in the new airport authorities.
Among the measures required for the future development of Shannon Airport on a successful and sustainable basis in an increasingly competitive environment are traffic growth and the need to address the airport's cost base. It has been recognised for some time that costs in Shannon are high relative to comparable airports. Under the overall stewardship of the Dublin Airport Authority the Shannon Airport Authority is seeking to address this issue in consultation with union representatives.
I am confident that the new boards of the three airport authorities will successfully meet the challenges ahead.
Anti-Social Behaviour.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:187 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the funds and grants which are available to support anti-social behaviour initiatives by his Department or agencies responsible thereto; the details of such funding, including the amounts expended in 2004 and the amount available in 2005. [4380/05]
Generally, expenditure on addressing anti-social issues, such as graffiti removal, fencing to combat trespass and so forth is considered part of the general maintenance budget of the agencies under the aegis of my Department and is not the subject of specific funding. Bus Átha Cliath received an Exchequer capital grant of €743,000 in 2004 for the purchase of on-bus closed circuit cameras, CCTV. A major objective of installing the CCTV was to reduce anti-social activity on the company's buses.
The National Roads Authority has provided funds to some local authorities for specific additional safety measures on sections of the national roads network, for example, on the M50, where stone throwing incidents have occurred from the over bridges.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:188 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funds and grants which are available to support anti-social behaviour initiatives by his Department or agencies responsible thereto; the details of such funding, including the amounts expended in 2004 and the amount available in 2005. [4381/05]
My Department operates a range of programmes designed to support individuals and communities to address problems associated with disadvantage. While such programmes can have a bearing on the issue, none can be said to be specifically designed to address anti-social behaviour of itself.
Information on these programmes is available on my Department's website.
Limistéirí Gaeltachta.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:189 D’fhiafraigh Mr. O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil aon tairiscint ghearrthéarmach aige aon chuid den Ghaeltacht a thógaint amach as an Ghaeltacht agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith. [4387/05]
Mar is eol don Teachta, tá conradh do staidéar teangeolaíoch ar úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht bronnta ar Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, i gcomhar leis an Institiúid Náisiúnta um Anailís Réigiúnach agus Spásúil, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Má Nuad.
Beidh an staidéar dírithe ar úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht mar bhunús chun: forbairt theangeolaíoch na Gaeltachta mar cheantar labhartha Gaeilge a threisiú; agus athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar na limistéir oifigiúla Gaeltachta. Beidh na roghanna éagsúla tíreolaíochta agus déimeagrafaíocha, a mheastar a bheith oiriúnach mar bhunús chun na limistéir oifigiúla Ghaeltachta a shainiú, á scrúdú mar chuid den staidéar. Meastar go dtógfaidh an staidéar — a thosaigh i mí Aibreáin 2004 — dhá bhliain go leith le cur i gcrích. Tá súil agam, mar sin, go mbeidh torthaí críochnúla ar fáil thart ar Mheán Fómhair 2006. Ní ghlacfar le aon chinneadh maidir le hathruithe ar na limistéir Ghaeltachta go dtí go mbeidh an staidéar críochnaithe agus deis a bheith ag mo Roinn torthaí an staidéir a scrúdú go cúramach. Bheadh aon mholtaí i ndáil le hathrú ar na limistéir Ghaeltachta le cur faoi bhráid an Rialtais in am tráth.
Community Development.
Dan Neville
Ceist:190 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will reconsider withdrawal of funding from community workers co-operatives. [4388/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 226 and 227 of 1 February 2005.
Afforestation Programme.
Pat Breen
Ceist:191 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will give consideration to an application for forestry development by a person (details supplied) in County Clare. [4325/05]
An application for grant aid on behalf of the person in question is currently being processed by the forest service of my Department. As the site in question is in an environmentally sensitive area, a public consultation process will need to be undertaken before any decision can be taken in the matter.
Grant Payments.
Pat Breen
Ceist:192 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare did not receive slaughter premium; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4364/05]
The person named had seven animals deemed eligible under the 2004 EU slaughter premium scheme. In respect of four animals slaughtered in November 2004, the 60% advance payment, in the amount of €192.00, issued on 21 December 2004. In respect of three animals slaughtered in December 2004, the 60% advance payment in the amount of €144.00 was processed for issuing on 1 February 2005. However, these moneys were offset against an overpayment that occurred on the area based compensatory allowance scheme.
The EU slaughter premium scheme ceased on 31 December 2004 with the introduction of the new single payment scheme on 1 January 2005. Therefore, slaughter premium will not be payable to the person named in respect of four cows slaughtered in January 2005.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:193 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not been notified of their entitlements under the single payments scheme. [4365/05]
A certificate of provisional entitlements under the single payment scheme issued to the person named on 30 September 2004. The statement included a detailed breakdown of how the provisional entitlements were calculated.
Farmers who are not satisfied with their provisional entitlement statement may seek a review on a form which is available from all local offices of my Department and from my Department's website. To date a review form has not been received from the person named. If it is that the person named did not receive the statement which issued on 30 September 2004, a copy can be provided. Officials of my Department will contact the person named in this regard.
Anti-Social Behaviour.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:194 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the funds and grants which are available to support anti-social behaviour initiatives by her Department or agencies responsible thereto; the details of such funding, including the amounts expended in 2004 and the amount available in 2005. [4382/05]
My Department is not directly involved in initiatives specifically relating to anti-social behaviour. There is, however, one area for which the Department is responsible which does impinge on addressing one particular type of anti-social behaviour. This is the provision by my Department of grant assistance to local authorities towards the cost of implementing the provisions of the Control of Horses Act 1996. This legislation was enacted to deal with the problem of wandering horses, particularly in urban areas. In the context of implementing the Act, a number of local authorities have supported horse projects designed to equip young people with horse management skills in particular and to support the development of life skills in general.
My Department has to date provided financial support towards such projects to a total to date of €4.178 million. The amount involved in 2004 was €50,000. The provision in the Vote for the Department of Agriculture and Food 2005 for expenditure on implementation of the Act is €1.7 million, which would encompass any expenditure on projects of the kind described.
EU Directives.
Dan Neville
Ceist:195 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on her analysis of the effect of the proposed nitrates directive and proposals to overcome the difficulties presented for the poultry industry. [4394/05]
Implementation of the nitrates directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Ireland submitted an action programme for the further implementation of the directive to the European Commission on 22 October 2004.
The likely impacts of the nitrates directive on the various sectors in agriculture were considered at length when the action programme was being devised. The process included two periods of public consultation during which various interested parties made valuable input. An independent adviser, Mr. Denis Brosnan, was appointed by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to review the written comments and to report to the Minister with his recommendations. Mr. Brosnan's recommendations were reflected in the action programme.
I am aware that some of the requirements of the action programme submitted to the European Commission, such as those relating to the storage and management of organic manures, have given rise to concern among some farmers and, in particular, among intensive producers such as those in the poultry sector. My Department has already made a number of improvements to its schemes in order to assist farmers in meeting their obligations under the nitrates directive. Mr. Brosnan's report recommended some additional changes to schemes, including the possibility of increased funding for the farm waste management scheme, together with its extension to other sectors such as the poultry sector. No decisions have been taken on these points.
In parallel with the action programme, Ireland also submitted a derogation proposal to the European Commission setting out a scientific justification for operating levels of up to 250 kg organic nitrogen per hectare, based on the specific characteristics of Irish agriculture. The derogation proposals are also designed, inter alia, to ensure that outlets remain for the utilisation of organic manure produced by intensive farm enterprises. The final details of any such derogation provision will be the subject of negotiations with the Commission, which has indicated that it will consider the matter only when an acceptable action programme is agreed and in place.
My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government over the coming months to reach agreement with the European Commission on the implementation of the nitrates directive in a manner that will minimise the burden of compliance on farmers generally and ensure that the future of Ireland's commercial agriculture sector is safeguarded.
Single Payment Scheme.
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:196 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of applications under the force majeure scheme for single farm payment which have been received to date from persons in County Cork; the number which have been successful, refused, appealed successfully or otherwise, respectively; the number still awaiting a decision; and the number of cases that have been decided under different subject areas. [4395/05]
The following is the up to date position regarding the processing of force majeure applications received from herdowners in County Cork under the single payment scheme during the initial application period in 2004: number of cases received — 1662; number of successful applicants — 313; number of unsuccessful applicants — 1338; number awaiting decision — 11, of whom eight have already received insufficient documentation letters; number of applicants who submitted an appeal to the independent single payment appeals committee — 412; number of successful appeals — 27; number of unsuccessful appeals — 261; number of applicants awaiting a decision — 124.
The breakdown of applications received under the different subject areas is as follows: force majeure applications by category — death of applicant, 145; incapacity, 474; disaster, 17; destruction, 18; disease in herd, 349; other exceptional circumstance, 870. Some farmers, in their applications, requested consideration under more than one category.
My Department has also received in excess of 325force majeure applications under the second tranche of this measure. Processing of these applications has recently commenced.
Freedom of Information.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:197 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason the Irish Horse Board is not covered by the Freedom of Information Act 1997; the plans she has to review this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4472/05]
The Irish Horse Board Co-operative Society Limited, IHB, is a private body registered with the Registrar of Friendly Societies with a membership in excess of 12,500 people, who are mainly breeders of sport horses. While it is not a State body, and it has not heretofore been considered to be within the ambit of the Freedom of Information Acts, it does receive a significant proportion of its income from my Department. I have, therefore, asked my Department to consider whether at this juncture the IHB might be brought within the remit of the Freedom of Information Acts.
Irish Horseracing Authority.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:198 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans the Irish Horse Board has to provide written evidence of its reason for failing to certify a stallion for use within the sport horse industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4473/05]
The procedures employed by the Irish Horse Board Co-operative Society Limited, IHB, are solely a matter for the IHB and its members. It would not be appropriate for me to become involved in the day to day operations or decisions of that organisation.
My sole role in the activities undertaken by the IHB is, in my capacity as the competent authority, to grant approval to the IHB to maintain the Irish Sport Horse Stud-book in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Equine Stud-Book and Competition) Regulations 2004, S.I. No. 399 of 2004, a function that is common across all the approved stud-books.
Single Payment Scheme.
Dan Neville
Ceist:199 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the single payment entitlements for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [4480/05]
A statement of provisional entitlements has not yet issued to the person named. However, it would appear that the circumstances of this case are relevant to the inheritance measure of the single payment scheme. My Department has been in contact with the person named and has explained the requirements for completion and submission of the relevant application form. On receipt of the completed application form and supporting documentation the matter will receive immediate attention.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Enda Kenny
Ceist:200 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding publication of the report by the commission on the disappeared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4328/05]
I have recently received a report from the commission for the location of victims' remains. The report is being examined in my Department at present and I will be consulting the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, to whom the report is also addressed, about its publication.
Citizenship Applications.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:201 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take steps to have an application by persons (details supplied) for citizenship immediately adjudicated upon; if he has received correspondence from these persons of 24 January 2005; if this matter will be processed without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4323/05]
Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to by the Deputy were received in the citizenship section of my Department on 7 July 2004. The average processing time for such applications is currently 24 months. As outlined in the previous parliamentary question relating to this matter, which was answered on 2 November, cases are normally dealt with in chronological order and this practice would not be deviated from except in exceptional circumstances.
I have been informed by my officials that there is no record of receipt of the correspondence detailed by the Deputy. When correspondence is received it will be dealt with at the earliest opportunity.
Drugs in Prisons.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:202 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 317 of 2 February 2005, the reason no statistical information was available to him about persons apprehended passing drugs to other persons in prison. [4324/05]
As indicated in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 317 of 2 February 2005, to attempt to compile this material would entail examination of a large number of records in each institution going back over the last three years. This research would be a very staff intensive exercise and, in the current climate, I am not in a position to recommend that governors divert staff from other duties or to incur additional costs through overtime in order to compile these data.
As the Deputy is aware, I am determined to restructure prison costs and working arrangements to ensure that more resources — staff and finance — are available in the interest of greater efficiency. Negotiations are underway with the Prison Officers' Association on proposals aimed at achieving this objective. In the interim, as the Deputy may be aware, the Irish Prison Service has succeeded in achieving major cuts in expenditure in the last year. However, these cuts cannot be achieved without some effect on services, including compilation of statistics.
I have asked the director general of the Irish Prison Service to ensure that, when the prison costs issue has been resolved, a standard approach be adopted throughout the prisons to statistical reporting of contraband, including seizure of drugs.
Crime Levels.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:203 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, following the recent increase in crime at a location (details supplied), he has plans to increase the number of gardaí in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4343/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of Ferns Garda station as at 9 February 2005 was one garda. Ferns Garda station is in the Enniscorthy administrative area of the Enniscorthy rural policing initiative and is open Monday to Saturday inclusive from 10 a.m to 11a.m. Local Garda management is satisfied that existing available resources at Ferns are adequate to deal with the present policing needs of the area.
Children Act 2001.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:204 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of parental orders which have been made by the courts to date under section 111 of the Children Act 2001. [4347/05]
I can advise the Deputy that, to date, no parental supervision orders have been made by the courts as section 111 of the Children Act 2001 has not been commenced.
Garda Stations.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:205 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation regarding the operational hours of Glanmire Garda station, County Cork; and if he has plans to extend the operational times of the station in view of the rapidly increasing population in the area. [4348/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of Glanmire Garda station, all ranks, as at 9 February 2005 was 18. The personnel strength of Glanmire Garda station, all ranks, as at 1 January 1998 was 14. This represents an increase of four, 28.5%, in the number of personnel allocated to Glanmire Garda station.
Glanmire Garda station is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday. It is also open from 12 noon to 1p.m. on Sunday. The operational hours of Glanmire Garda station are from 8 a.m. to 6 a.m. — 22 hour service. Calls between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. are answered by the district patrol car attached to Cobh Garda station. I am further informed that the extension of the opening hours at Glanmire would only serve to confine additional personnel to indoor duties, who, in the view of the Garda authorities, would be deployed more usefully on the beat.
In relation to Garda resources generally, I am, of course, very pleased that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.
The commissioner will now draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of the Glanmire Garda station will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country. Clearly, of course, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies in particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to very significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. One thing I have already promised is that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into front line, operational, high visibility policing. They will have a real impact.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:206 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation regarding the provision of a new Garda station at Glanmire, County Cork. [4349/05]
It is proposed to build a new Garda station in Glanmire. However, as with any new station, construction depends on a number of factors, including the availability of financial and other resources and priorities within the Garda building programme. Accordingly, it is not possible, at this point, to say when the new station will be provided.
I can assure the Deputy, however, that the accommodation requirements of the gardaí at Glanmire have been noted and there will be no avoidable delay in addressing the matter.
Citizenship Applications.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:207 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the entitlement of a non-EU spouse recently married to an Irish cirtizen to live here, work here without a work permit and to travel freely into and out of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the considerable number of persons who now find themselves in that category and have to wait for three years after marriage before applying for post-nuptial citizenship. [4350/05]
Marriage of a non-EEA national to an Irish national does not grant any entitlement to residency in the State solely on that basis, nor does it grant an automatic right to work without requiring a work permit. A non-EEA spouse of an Irish national who is a citizen of a visa required country must be in possession of a valid visa each time they wish to enter or re-enter the State. The coming into force of the Immigration and Citizenship Act 2001, details of which are available on the Department's web site www.justice.ie, abolished the previous system of post-nuptial citizenship.
A non-EEA spouse of an Irish national who is in the State may make an application to the immigration division of my Department for permission to remain in the State on that basis. In order to prevent abuses of the system, in so far as is possible and without unduly interfering with the Irish citizen's private circumstances, the immigration division will seek to establish various matters. These include the context in which the marriage took place, the validity of the marriage and whether the couple are residing in a family unit. This may involve requesting supporting documentation as evidence of the relationship or an interview by the immigration authorities of either or both parties. If permission to reside is granted to a non-EU national on the basis of marriage to an Irish national then the non-national concerned will be able to reside in the State and work without the requirement of a work permit.
The immigration division of my Department has growing experience of marriages being entered into for the sole purpose of enabling the non-national in question gain entry to the State. Frequently in these circumstances the Irish national may be totally unaware that this is the intention of the non-national and will feel aggrieved by the perception that the immigration authorities are interfering with their private life in refusing to allow their spouse to enter or remain in the State. On occasion the Irish national may be a willing party for their own personal benefit. "Convenience" marriages for the purpose of circumventing normal immigration controls are experienced by immigration jurisdictions worldwide and, in this regard, holiday and Internet romances would feature frequently.
Crime Prevention.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:208 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funds and grants which are available from his Department or agencies responsible thereto to support initiatives to combat anti-social behaviour; the details of such funding, including the amounts expended in 2004 and the amount available in 2005. [4383/05]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tabular statement:
|
Initiative |
Funding Provided in 2004 |
Allocation for 2005 |
|
64 Garda Youth Diversion Projects and 7 mainstreamed Local Drugs taskforce Projects which are a crime prevention initiative designed to engage with young people who have been identified as being at risk of involvement in criminal or anti-social behaviour. |
€5.381m |
€5.471m |
|
Leanbh which aims to address the child protection issues of children begging on the streets of Dublin. |
€50,000.00 |
€50,000.00 |
|
“Copping On” Programme which involves the training of youth workers who engage with groups of “at risk” juveniles with the aim of getting them to confront their offending behaviour. |
€40,000.00 |
€40,000.00 |
|
15 programmes for perpetrators of Domestic Violence |
€270,000 |
€450,000 |
|
Pilot Domestic Violence Intervention Project |
€160,000 |
€182,000 |
|
Community based CCTV Schemes as an aid to local policing |
Nil |
€1.0m (70% of the capital cost of the scheme subject to a max. of €100,000) |
Deportation Orders.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:209 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons deported from the State in each of the years 2002, 2003 and 2004; their respective destinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4445/05]
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:213 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons awaiting deportation from the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4452/05]
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:214 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons granted leave to remain on humanitarian grounds in each of the years 2002, 2003 and 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4453/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 209, 213 and 214 together.
The number of persons deported from the State in each of the three years, 2002, 2003 and 2004 is provided in the following table:
|
Year |
Number |
|
2002 |
521 |
|
2003 |
590 |
|
2004 |
599 |
The number of persons deported from the State by nationality in each of the three years 2002, 2003 and 2004, is provided in the tables.
|
Nationalities |
Number |
|
Albania |
9 |
|
Algeria |
7 |
|
Belarus |
6 |
|
Brazil |
4 |
|
Bulgaria |
17 |
|
Cameroon |
1 |
|
China |
19 |
|
Congo |
1 |
|
Croatia |
10 |
|
Czech Republic |
66 |
|
Dr Congo |
1 |
|
Estonia |
5 |
|
Ghana |
1 |
|
Hungary |
1 |
|
Iran |
2 |
|
Kazakhstan |
6 |
|
Kosovo |
19 |
|
Latvia |
15 |
|
Lithuania |
13 |
|
Macedonia |
11 |
|
Malaysia |
5 |
|
Moldova |
24 |
|
Nepal |
1 |
|
Nigeria |
46 |
|
Pakistan |
3 |
|
Poland |
63 |
|
Romania |
128 |
|
Russia |
10 |
|
Serbia |
1 |
|
Somalia |
2 |
|
South Africa |
8 |
|
Spain |
1 |
|
Stateless |
2 |
|
Sudan |
1 |
|
Ukraine |
9 |
|
USA |
2 |
|
Uzbekistan |
1 |
|
Nationalities |
Number |
|
Albania |
4 |
|
Algeria |
3 |
|
Angola |
1 |
|
Belarus |
2 |
|
Brazil |
2 |
|
Bulgaria |
11 |
|
China |
49 |
|
Croatia |
17 |
|
Czech Req. |
68 |
|
Egypt |
8 |
|
Estonia |
11 |
|
Guatemala |
1 |
|
India |
4 |
|
Iraq |
4 |
|
Israel |
3 |
|
Kosovo |
16 |
|
Latvia |
19 |
|
Lithuania |
29 |
|
Malaysia |
6 |
|
Moldova |
17 |
|
Niger |
1 |
|
Nigeria |
22 |
|
Pakistan |
6 |
|
Peru |
1 |
|
Philippines |
2 |
|
Poland |
41 |
|
Portugal |
1 |
|
Romania |
169 |
|
Russia |
6 |
|
Serbia |
1 |
|
Sierra Leone |
1 |
|
South Africa |
38 |
|
Sudan |
1 |
|
Turkey |
1 |
|
Ukraine |
19 |
|
USA |
3 |
|
Yugoslavia |
1 |
|
Zaire |
1 |
|
Nationalities |
Number |
|
Albania |
3 |
|
Algeria |
14 |
|
Angola |
4 |
|
Armenia |
1 |
|
Bangladesh |
1 |
|
Bosnia |
1 |
|
Brazil |
8 |
|
Bulgaria |
4 |
|
Cameroon |
1 |
|
China |
18 |
|
Croatia |
13 |
|
Czech Republic |
13 |
|
Egypt |
2 |
|
Estonia |
1 |
|
Gambia |
1 |
|
Georgia |
1 |
|
Hong Kong |
1 |
|
Hungary |
5 |
|
India |
1 |
|
Israel |
4 |
|
Jordan |
1 |
|
Kazakhstan |
1 |
|
Kosovo |
17 |
|
Latvia |
4 |
|
Lebanon |
1 |
|
Lithuania |
3 |
|
Malaysia |
2 |
|
Moldova |
57 |
|
New Zealand |
1 |
|
Nigeria |
77 |
|
Pakistan |
3 |
|
Palestine |
1 |
|
Philippines |
1 |
|
Poland |
3 |
|
Romania |
250 |
|
Russia |
7 |
|
Serbia |
5 |
|
Slovakia |
5 |
|
Somalia |
2 |
|
South Africa |
29 |
|
Syria |
2 |
|
Tunisia |
1 |
|
Turkey |
2 |
|
Ukraine |
26 |
|
Vietnam |
1 |
There are approximately 430 persons awaiting deportation from the State, where travel and escort arrangements are in the course of being made. A further 5,850 persons are currently evading deportation orders but it is not known how many of these are still in the State. The number of persons granted temporary leave to remain in the State in the years 2002, 2003 and 2004 is provided in the table.
|
Year |
Number |
|
2002 |
158 |
|
2003 |
86 |
|
2004 |
140 |
Asylum Applications.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:210 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who arrived and claimed or sought asylum in the State in each of the years 2002, 2003 and 2004; their respective countries of origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4446/05]
The information sought by the Deputy in respect of the number of applications for asylum by country of origin for the years 2002, 2003 and 2004 is set out in the following tables:
|
Nationalities |
2002 |
|
Albania |
165 |
|
Algeria |
106 |
|
Angola |
117 |
|
Bangladesh |
16 |
|
Belarus |
61 |
|
Benin |
12 |
|
Bulgaria |
56 |
|
Burundi |
11 |
|
Cameroon |
187 |
|
China |
85 |
|
Croatia |
200 |
|
Czech Republic |
268 |
|
Dr Congo/Zaire |
270 |
|
Egypt |
20 |
|
Estonia |
66 |
|
Georgia |
103 |
|
Ghana |
293 |
|
Guinea |
13 |
|
Hungary |
23 |
|
India |
41 |
|
Iran |
17 |
|
Iraq |
148 |
|
Israel |
105 |
|
Ivory Coast |
53 |
|
Jamaica |
19 |
|
Kazakhstan |
92 |
|
Kenya |
105 |
|
Kosovo |
64 |
|
Kyrgyzstan |
11 |
|
Latvia |
46 |
|
Lebanon |
28 |
|
Liberia |
31 |
|
Lithuania |
284 |
|
Macedonia |
18 |
|
Moldova |
535 |
|
Morocco |
17 |
|
Nigeria |
4051 |
|
Pakistan |
120 |
|
Palestine |
40 |
|
Poland |
314 |
|
Romania |
1679 |
|
Russia |
206 |
|
Rwanda |
18 |
|
Serbia |
24 |
|
Sierra Leone |
78 |
|
Slovakia |
26 |
|
Somalia |
77 |
|
South Africa |
183 |
|
Stateless |
59 |
|
Sudan |
50 |
|
Togo |
70 |
|
Turkey |
19 |
|
Uganda |
16 |
|
Ukraine |
351 |
|
Uzbekistan |
28 |
|
Yugoslavia |
25 |
|
Zimbabwe |
357 |
|
Other |
157 |
|
Total |
11,634 |
**For confidentiality reasons it is not the usual practice to release details of nationalities with less than ten applications.
|
Nationalities |
2003 |
|
Afghanistan |
24 |
|
Albania |
142 |
|
Algeria |
68 |
|
Angola |
116 |
|
Armenia |
15 |
|
Belarus |
37 |
|
Bosnia |
13 |
|
Brazil |
13 |
|
Burundi |
32 |
|
Cameroon |
130 |
|
China |
168 |
|
Congo |
19 |
|
Croatia |
164 |
|
Czech Republic |
186 |
|
DR Congo/Zaire |
256 |
|
Egypt |
10 |
|
Eritrea |
21 |
|
Estonia |
23 |
|
Ethiopia |
13 |
|
Gambia |
11 |
|
Georgia |
133 |
|
Ghana |
180 |
|
Guinea |
15 |
|
India |
11 |
|
Iran |
48 |
|
Iraq |
129 |
|
Israel |
30 |
|
Ivory Coast |
54 |
|
Jamaica |
12 |
|
Kazakhstan |
25 |
|
Kenya |
73 |
|
Kosovo |
64 |
|
Latvia |
20 |
|
Liberia |
105 |
|
Lithuania |
82 |
|
Moldova |
243 |
|
Nigeria |
3,110 |
|
Pakistan |
62 |
|
Palestine |
20 |
|
Poland |
110 |
|
Romania |
777 |
|
Russia |
101 |
|
Rwanda |
29 |
|
Serbia |
24 |
|
Sierra Leone |
41 |
|
Somalia |
183 |
|
South Africa |
114 |
|
Stateless |
40 |
|
Sudan |
70 |
|
Syria |
15 |
|
Togo |
41 |
|
Turkey |
19 |
|
Uganda |
35 |
|
Ukraine |
140 |
|
Yugoslavia |
18 |
|
Zimbabwe |
88 |
|
Other |
178 |
|
Total |
7,900 |
*For confidentiality reasons it is not the usual practice to release details of nationalities with less than ten applications.
|
Nationalities |
2004 |
|
Afghanistan |
106 |
|
Albania |
99 |
|
Algeria |
66 |
|
Angola |
76 |
|
Azerbijan |
14 |
|
Belarus |
18 |
|
Burundi |
35 |
|
Cameroon |
62 |
|
China |
152 |
|
Congo |
19 |
|
Croatia |
131 |
|
Czech Republic |
25 |
|
Dr Congo/Zaire |
140 |
|
Eritrea |
29 |
|
Ethiopia |
27 |
|
Georgia |
130 |
|
Ghana |
64 |
|
Guinea |
37 |
|
India |
10 |
|
Iran |
72 |
|
Iraq |
38 |
|
Ivory Coast |
26 |
|
Kenya |
44 |
|
Kosovo |
36 |
|
Kuwait |
14 |
|
Liberia |
61 |
|
Libya |
10 |
|
Moldova |
100 |
|
Nepal |
18 |
|
Nigeria |
1,776 |
|
Pakistan |
55 |
|
Palestine |
33 |
|
Poland |
16 |
|
Romania |
286 |
|
Russia |
62 |
|
Rwanda |
21 |
|
Serbia |
10 |
|
Sierra Leone |
31 |
|
Somalia |
198 |
|
South Africa |
45 |
|
Sudan |
145 |
|
Syria |
18 |
|
Togo |
29 |
|
Turkey |
21 |
|
Uganda |
25 |
|
Ukraine |
68 |
|
Uzbekistan |
13 |
|
Zimbabwe |
69 |
|
Other |
186 |
|
Total |
4,766 |
*For confidentiality reasons it is not the usual practice to release details of nationalities with less than ten applications.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:211 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the time it takes for his Department to determine an application for asylum or an application for refugee status; the time it is taking to determine appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4447/05]
As the Deputy is aware, applications for refugee status are determined by an independent process comprising the office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, ORAC, and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, RAT, which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. Two types of processing caseloads exist in the ORAC and the RAT, namely, applications which are prioritised on foot of a ministerial prioritisation direction made under section 12 of the Refugee Act 1996 and cases in respect of which such a direction does not exist.
With regard to processing timescales for prioritised asylum applications, on 24 January 2005 I announced new arrangements for the speedier processing of such applications which were implemented with effect from 25 January. The new arrangements apply in the main to nationals of Nigeria, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and South Africa. In 2004, these applications comprised 47% of all applications. These new arrangements include the reduction of processing timescales both at the initial stage in ORAC from six weeks to around three weeks and for appeal determinations in RAT from an average of five weeks to three weeks.
For other cases, the typical processing time in the ORAC is in the region of six months. The average length of time taken to process and complete substantive appeals in the RAT is approximately 16 weeks and appeals which are determined on the basis of papers alone are completed in five to six weeks.
Work is ongoing in the ORAC and RAT with a view to further speeding up processing times for asylum applications. It should be noted, however, that the extent to which any period can be abridged is dictated in part by the necessity to allow an applicant a reasonable period in which to set out his or her claim in full. These safeguards are underpinned by the Refugee Act 1996. Also, a range of factors can add to the complexity of cases, notably where a case requires more than one interview or the applicant is unable to attend an interview or hearing for valid medical reasons.
Following significant additional investment in the asylum determination process over the past four years, considerable progress has been made in processing asylum applications in the timescales involved. This is evidenced, for example, by the fact that the number of cases more than six months old in the ORAC and the RAT stood at 1,057 on 31 January 2005, as compared to a figure of approximately 6,500 at the end of September 2001.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:212 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications for asylum and for refugee status which his Department received and determined in each of the years 2002, 2003 and 2004; the number of such applications at present in hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4448/05]
The numbers of applications for asylum received and determinations made for each of the years 2002, 2003 and 2004 is as in the table.
|
Year |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
No. of applications |
11,634 |
7,900 |
4,766 |
|
Total recommendations made at first instance (ORAC) |
8,360 |
8,192 |
6,890 |
|
Total appeals completed (RAT) |
5,544 |
5,045 |
6,520 |
*Figures refer to the year in which the recommendation or decision was made and not the year in which the application was lodged. As at 31 January 2005 there were 2,290 cases on hand in ORAC and 1,339 in RAT. This compares with a total number of cases in hand at 31 January 2004 of 4,334 in ORAC and 2,596 in RAT. The total number of cases in hand in ORAC and RAT as at 31 January 2005 which are more than six months old is approximately 1,057. This compares with a total of 6,500 cases in hand more than six months old in September 2001.
Questions Nos. 213 and 214 answered with Question No. 209.
International Agreements.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:215 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the readmission agreement between Ireland and Nigeria dealing with immigration matters and dated 29 August 2001 has entered into force; if so, the date on which it entered into force; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4454/05]
The agreement between the Government of Ireland and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on immigration matters, including matters relating to readmission, was signed in Abuja on 29 August 2001. This agreement was subsequently ratified by the Irish Government. Although the process of ratification is still ongoing on the Nigerian side, its authorities are operating the spirit of the agreement and 141 of its nationals have been deported to Nigeria from September 2001 to date.
Garda Stations.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:216 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will identify each Garda station in County Meath; if each is equipped with a PULSE terminal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4455/05]
The information requested by the Deputy regarding Garda stations in County Meath is set out in the table.
|
Station |
PULSE Terminal |
|
Ashbourne |
Yes |
|
Athboy |
|
|
Ballivor |
|
|
Crosskeel |
|
|
Duleek |
|
|
Dunboyne |
|
|
Dunshaughlin |
|
|
Enfield |
|
|
Kells |
Yes |
|
Kilmessan |
|
|
Laytown |
|
|
Navan |
Yes |
|
Nobber |
|
|
Oldcastle |
|
|
Slane |
|
|
Summerhill |
|
|
Trim |
Yes |
Under the current level of coverage, 85% of all incidents are directly captured and more than 75% of Garda personnel have direct access to PULSE systems in their stations. Garda personnel in other stations have also means to link up with the PULSE network indirectly. Further extensions to the PULSE system will be considered in the context of the Garda information and communications strategy under preparation in the Garda Síochána.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:217 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will identify each Garda station in County Kildare; if each is equipped with a PULSE terminal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4456/05]
The information requested by the Deputy regarding Garda stations in County Kildare is set out in the table.
|
Station |
PULSE Equipment |
|
Athy |
Yes |
|
Ballymore Eustace |
|
|
Ballytore |
|
|
Carbury |
|
|
Castledermot |
|
|
Celbridge |
Yes |
|
Clane |
|
|
Kilcullen |
|
|
Kildare |
Yes |
|
Kill |
|
|
Kilcock |
|
|
Maynooth |
|
|
Monasterevin |
|
|
Naas |
Yes |
|
Newbridge |
Yes |
|
Rathangan |
|
|
Robertstown |
|
|
Leixlip |
Under the current level of coverage, 85% of all incidents are directly captured and more than 75% of Garda personnel have direct access to PULSE systems in their stations. Garda personnel in other stations have also means to link up with the PULSE network indirectly. Further extensions to the PULSE system will be considered in the context of the Garda information and communications strategy under preparation in the Garda Síochána.
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:218 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4457/05]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 16 October 2002 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and on appeal by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 25 May 2004 that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State or leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order.
The person in question's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, prohibition of refoulement. I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:219 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the citizenship or residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4458/05]
The records indicate that the person referred to by the Deputy has permission to remain in the State based on his parentage of an Irish born child. This permission is valid until 16 October 2006.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:220 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4459/05]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 26 February 1997 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the asylum division and, on appeal, by the appeals authority.
Subsequently, he was informed by letter dated 30 March 1999 that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 14 working days, of voluntarily leaving the State before an order is made or making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
This person's case file, including all representations submitted, is due to be considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, prohibition of refoulement. It should be noted that the solicitors acting on behalf of this person indicated in June 2004 that he was married to a person with refugee status. Despite being advised in my Department’s reply to his solicitor to do so, he has not made any application to date to the family reunification section of my Department to have his case considered on those grounds. In the absence of such an application, his case will be considered solely on the grounds stated in the preceding paragraph.
Visa Applications.
John Perry
Ceist:221 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on the visa application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4475/05]
The visa application referred to by the Deputy was for the purposes of allowing a non-EEA national travel to the State for business purposes. In assessing any visa application, the visa officer will consider various matters, including whether it is reasonable in all the circumstances to conclude that the applicant would fully honour the conditions of the visa, for example, it is unlikely that the applicant would overstay the length of time applied for.
The application in question was refused on 2 February 2005 because the visa officer could not reasonably be satisfied, on the basis of the documentation supplied to my Department, that the applicant would observe the conditions of the visa applied for. If the applicant still wishes to travel the applicant may appeal this refusal by writing to the appeals officer in my Department and submitting any additional supporting documentation that it is felt may address the reason for refusal outlined above.
Special Educational Needs.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:222 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 and the latest information surrounding their case will be taken into consideration by her Department in the current review of the obvious and real need for additional special needs assistance support for schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4330/05]
I confirm that my Department has received an application for special needs assistant support, SNA, for the pupil in question. The review of SNA provision in primary schools referred to by the Deputy commenced in September 2004 and is continuing. The review is concerned with the level and deployment of SNA posts in mainstream classes.
The intention is to ensure that the level of approved SNA support in schools, and the manner in which that support is being allocated, are such as to ensure that the special care needs of pupils are being appropriately met. Decisions regarding the appropriate level of SNA support for the pupil in question in the school concerned will be based on the outcome of this review and a decision will issue to the school as quickly as possible.
Schools Building Projects.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:223 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science when a capital allocation will be made to a school (details supplied) in County Cork in order to commence construction of a new school. [4351/05]
A new school building project at the school to which the Deputy refers has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, which were revised following consultation with the education partners, and the project is being considered for the 2005 schools building programme.
I recently announced the first phase of the 2005 schools building programme which provided details of 122 major school building projects countrywide which will prepare tenders and move to construction during 2005.
This announcement is the first in a series of announcements I plan to make in the coming period about the schools building and modernisation programme that will include: details of schools identified as suitable for construction under public private partnerships; an expansion of the number of schools that will be invited to deliver their building projects on the basis of devolved funding; details of schools with projects approved under the 2005 summer works scheme; schools whose projects will further progress through the design process; and schools that will be authorised to commence architectural planning.
School Placement.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:224 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; the action she proposes to take to ensure that this person obtains a place in a school to meet their needs without further delay. [4352/05]
I understand that the parent of the pupil in question has appealed the decision of a school to refuse enrolment under section 29 of the Education Act. A decision on the appeal will issue to the parent shortly. Meanwhile, my Department has approved ten hours per week home tuition while a school placement is being sourced.
School Staffing.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:225 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if consideration will be given to increasing resource teaching hours in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork to five hours per week. [4353/05]
My Department has recently received an application for an increase in the level of resource teaching support for the pupil in question. As the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has taken over responsibility for such matters with effect from 1 January 2005, the application has been referred to the NCSE. My officials have been informed by the NCSE that the matter has been referred to the local special education needs organiser, SENO, who will make direct contact with the school authorities regarding the matter.
Computerisation Programme.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:226 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a grant to repair the computer room at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4372/05]
The cost of repairs to the computer room at the school referred to by the Deputy should be addressed by the school from its own funds. The school authorities have been informed accordingly.
Anti-Social Behaviour.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:227 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the funds and grants which are available from her Department or agencies responsible thereto to support initiatives to combat anti-social behaviour; the details of such funding, including the amounts expended in 2004 and the amount available in 2005. [4384/05]
The Department of Education and Science supports a number of programmes aimed at addressing educational disadvantage and which assist in countering anti-social behaviour.
The young peoples facilities and services fund, YPFSF, is a programme that targets those young people most at risk from substance misuse in disadvantaged areas. In developing youth, sport and other recreational facilities, the YPFSF seeks to attract at risk young people away from the potential dangers of substance misuse, into safe, non-threatening and constructive environments. My Department is responsible for funding projects mainstreamed under round one of the YPFSF. An amount of €6.574 million was expended in 2004 on 80 projects in the four VEC areas of city of Dublin, County Dublin, Dún Laoghaire and Cork city. An amount of €6.985 million is available for expenditure on these projects in 2005.
Under the national drugs strategy, my Department and the Department of Health and Children developed guidelines to assist schools in the formulation of a drugs policy and to ensure that all schools had drugs policies in place. The policy is intended to address education concerning alcohol, tobacco and drugs and the procedures for managing incidents relating to these substances. Expenditure in 2004 by the local drugs task forces was €3.092 million. The budget for 2005 is €3.286 million.
The special projects for disadvantaged youth scheme makes grant-in-aid available to organisations and groups for specific projects which seek to address the needs of young people who are disadvantaged due to factors such as youth unemployment, dependence on social welfare or unemployment assistance and social isolation. These projects are administered at local level by the vocational education authorities and national youth organisations such as Foróige and the National Youth Federation. There are currently 167 projects in receipt of funding under this scheme and the 2004 allocation was €13.5 million. Allocations for 2005 have not yet been finalised.
A fund exists for the development of targeted educational responses to certain children at risk. The target group is children from pre-school age to 18 years old, including young people at risk of early school leaving, becoming involved in anti-social behaviour, crime, prostitution and so forth. Some 30 projects were funded in 2004 supporting a range of community based projects for at-risk children. The allocation of €1.27 million is constant.
There are five residential schools for young offenders under the aegis of the Department of Education and Science providing residential care, education and rehabilitation for children generally up to age 16 years referred by the courts. The expenditure on operational costs in 2004 was €28.5 million. The 2005 provision is €34.7 million. Secure care and high support units provide residential care for children who are at risk and in need of care and protection and who require an education service in a secure and therapeutic environment. The Department of Education and Science has responsibility to provide education services for these children. The cost of the teaching provision in 2004 was approximately €1.5 million and is estimated to be €1.6 million in 2005.
There are five youth encounter projects which were established to provide educational facilities for children who had become alienated from the conventional school system, were persistent truants and had become involved in, or were at risk of becoming involved in, minor crime and delinquency. The expenditure costs for 2004 was €2.2 million. The provision for 2005 is €2.4 million.
Schools Building Projects.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:228 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the budget 2004 allocation for capital expenditure on primary schools, second level schools and higher education respectively; the additional funding for capital projects during 2004; and the actual expenditure at 31 December 2004 in each sector. [4407/05]
In the 2004 Revised Book of Estimates, the allocations were €394.3 million for the primary and post-primary sectors, of which €201 million was for primary, €187 million for post-primary and €6.3 million for the primary and post-primary combined allocation for schools ICT. The allocation for the third level sector was €97.5 million. The 2004 Revised Book of Estimates reflected increased funding which was announced subsequent to the publication of the Abridged Estimates in November 2003.
The outturn for primary and post-primary was €352.7 million, of which primary was €171 million; post-primary was €162 million and the primary and post-primary combined allocation for schools ICT was €19.7 million. The third level outturn was €96.6 million. My Department carried forward €50 million which is being allocated for use in the primary and post-primary sectors in 2005.
Teaching Qualifications.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:229 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether it is a considerable injustice for those who are qualified with Montessori degrees to be only given restricted recognition, thus preventing them from teaching in mainstream national schools and denying them sick leave, holiday pay and normal salaries and pension entitlements; and if broader recognition will be granted following the outcome of studies with representatives from a college (details supplied) in County Dublin. [4410/05]
Montessori teachers who qualify for restricted recognition are not given full recognition because the content of the course which they follow is not currently deemed to be sufficiently comprehensive to allow for recognition of the qualification for teaching in mainstream primary schools. Teachers with restricted recognition are qualified to teach in certain categories of special school and classes and as resource teachers. In these contexts, they can apply for permanent positions which entitle them to sick leave, holiday pay and normal salary and pension entitlements.
The study referred to by the Deputy was completed some time ago and the outcomes were conveyed to the named college. My Department has not yet received a final application for recognition from that college.
Special Educational Needs.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:230 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the secondary school facilities which are available for autistic children here; and if she has proposals to make them more accessible and available. [4411/05]
My Department is already supporting the education of individual students with autism in various second level schools throughout the country. Discussions are taking place with the management authorities of a small number of schools with a view to establishing second level provision for groups of children with autism who are now coming to a transition stage and are about to move from primary to second level. Organising such provision is a significant task of the National Council for Special Education.
The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has been established as an independent statutory body with responsibilities as set out in the National Council for Special Education (Establishment) Order 2003. With effect from 1 January 2005, the NCSE, through local special educational needs organisers, SENOs, will process resource applications for children with special educational needs. Where a pupil with special educational needs enrols in a post-primary school, it is open to the school to apply to the local SENO for additional teaching support and-or special needs assistant support for the pupil.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:231 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications received in her Department for teaching assistants since January 2004; the number of these applications which were accompanied by a psychological evaluation recommending a teaching assistant; the number of these applications subsequently granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4420/05]
I take it that when the Deputy refers to teaching assistants, she is referring to special needs assistants. The Deputy will be aware that with effect from 1 January 2005, the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has taken over responsibility for processing resource applications for children with disabilities who have special educational needs. In particular, it is responsible for the following: deciding on applications for resource teaching hours in respect of children with low incidence disabilities with special educational needs at primary level; deciding on applications for additional teaching support in respect of children with disabilities with special educational needs at second level; deciding on applications for special needs assistant, SNA, hours.
Under the new arrangements, the council, through the local special educational needs organiser, SENO, will process the relevant application for resources and inform the school of the outcome. It is important to note that in the case of decisions on resource teaching and SNAs, the SENO will outline the process to the school and parents, where appropriate, and will at the end of the process outline the basis on which the decision was made.
The Deputy is also aware that a review of SNA provision in primary schools commenced in September 2004 and is continuing. The review is concerned with the level and deployment of SNA posts in mainstream classes. The intention is to ensure that the level of approved SNA support in schools, and the manner in which that support is being allocated, are such as to ensure that the special care needs of pupils are being appropriately met.
For these reasons, the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available. I am, however, satisfied that the establishment of the NCSE will greatly enhance the provision of services to children with special educational needs, SEN, and result in a timely response to schools who have made application for SEN supports. The local service delivery aspect of the council's operation through the SENOs will provide a focal point of contact for parents-guardians and schools and will, I am confident, result in a much improved service for all.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:232 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance which can be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4460/05]
I understand from the relevant vocational education committee that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is enrolled and in attendance at a post-primary school. Where a pupil with special educational needs enrols in a post-primary school, it is open to the school to apply for additional teaching support and-or special needs assistant support for the pupil.
My Department allocates additional teaching support and special needs assistant support to second level schools and vocational education committees to cater for pupils with special educational needs. Each application is considered on the basis of the assessed needs of the pupil or pupils involved and having regard to a range of factors, including the overall resources available to the school.
My Department has approved an allocation of 48.60 hours teaching support per week and 56.0 hours special needs assistant support per week to the school in question to cater for the special educational needs of a number of pupils, including the pupil to whom the Deputy refers. The level of support allocated was determined after detailed consideration of the school's application, the supporting documentation provided and having regard to the overall level of resources already available to the school to address special needs issues.
If the school authority is of the view that the existing approved allocation is incapable of addressing the current level of assessed special needs within the school and additional information to that already submitted becomes available, my Department will be prepared to reconsider the case.
Schools Building Projects.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:233 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the provision of additional accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4461/05]
An application for temporary accommodation to facilitate increasing enrolments has been received from the school authority to which the Deputy refers. All applications for temporary accommodation for the 2005-06 school year are currently being assessed in the school planning section of my Department. I intend to publish a list of the successful applicants shortly.
The school referred to by the Deputy has also an application with my Department for a major capital project. Progress on this application is being considered in the context of the schools building programme. In this regard, the Deputy will be aware that I recently announced the first phase of the 2005 schools building programme which provided details of 122 major school building projects countrywide which will prepare tenders and move to construction during 2005.
This announcement is the first in a series of announcements I plan to make in the coming period regarding the schools building and modernisation programme that will include: details of schools identified as suitable for construction under public private partnerships; an expansion of the number of schools that will be invited to deliver their building projects on the basis of devolved funding; details of schools with projects approved under the 2005 summer works scheme; schools whose projects will further progress through the design process; and schools that will be authorised to commence architectural planning.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:234 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the provision of additional accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4462/05]
An application for temporary accommodation to facilitate increasing enrolments has been received from the school authority to which the Deputy refers. All applications for temporary accommodation for the 2005-06 school year are currently being assessed in the school planning section of my Department. I intend to publish a list of the successful applicants shortly. The school referred to by the Deputy has also an application with my Department for a major capital project. Progress on this application is being considered in the context of the school building programme.
In this regard, the Deputy will be aware that I recently announced the first phase of the 2005 schools building programme which provided details of 122 major school building projects countrywide which will prepare tenders and move to construction during 2005.
This announcement is the first in a series of announcements I plan to make in the coming period regarding the schools building and modernisation programme that will include: details of schools identified as suitable for construction under public private partnerships; an expansion of the number of schools that will be invited to deliver their building projects on the basis of devolved funding; details of schools with projects approved under the 2005 summer works scheme; schools whose projects will further progress through the design process; and schools that will be authorised to commence architectural planning.
School Accommodation.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:235 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the provision of additional accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4463/05]
My Department has not received an application for capital funding from either the junior or senior school referred to by the Deputy. However, officials in the school planning section of my Department are reviewing the overall primary educational needs of the area in which both schools are situated.
As the Deputy is aware, a new school planning model involving published area development plans is being piloted in five areas over the current school year. Included in the pilot scheme is an overall plan for the north Dublin-east Meath-south Louth area. The need for additional primary facilities in that area will be considered in this context.
The purpose of this new approach to school planning is to ensure that, in future, the provision of school infrastructure will be decided only after a transparent consultation process. In this regard, parents, trustees, sponsors of prospective new schools and all interested parties from a locality will have the opportunity to have their voices heard in the process. Arising from this process, an individual plan will set out the blueprint for the future of educational provision in an area, which will be the touchstone against which all decisions on capital investment will be made for the following decade.
The draft plan for north Dublin-east Meath-south Louth area is nearing completion in the school planning section of my Department and I hope to be in a position to publish it shortly.
Higher Education Grants.
John Perry
Ceist:236 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the circumstances outlined by a person (details supplied) in respect of a third level maintenance grant; if it will be granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4478/05]
The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except in exceptional cases where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired. It appears that no such advice or instruction has, to date, been sought in the case of the student referred to by the Deputy.
If an applicant considers that he or she has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, he or she may appeal to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by the relevant local authority or VEC and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his or her case, a letter outlining the position may be sent to my Department. Alternatively, as already indicated, the local authority or VEC may itself, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department.
Anti-Social Behaviour.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:237 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the funds and grants available from his Department or agencies responsible thereto to support initiatives to combat anti-social behaviour; and the details of such funding, including the amounts expended in 2004 and the amount available in 2005. [4385/05]
No such funding is provided by my Department or agencies under its aegis.
Library Projects.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:238 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if tender documentation, submitted by Kerry County Council in July 2004, for the provision of a branch library at Castleisland, County Kerry, will be approved in the near future; when work will commence on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4339/05]
On 26 January 2005, my Department approved tender documentation for a branch library at Castleisland and authorised Kerry County Council to proceed to invite tenders for the project. Further advancement of the project is a matter for Kerry County Council.
Planning Issues.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:239 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there has been a review of the operation of the planning exemption which applies for the conversion of private houses to bed and breakfast use; his views on whether this system adequately takes into account the possible impact on the amenity of neighbouring homes; and if he has proposals to modify the planning exemption in any way. [4340/05]
Article 10(4) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 sets out an exemption for development consisting of the use of not more than four bedrooms in a house, where each bedroom is used for the accommodation of not more than four persons, as overnight guest accommodation. The exemption does not apply where the development in question would contravene a condition attached to a planning permission or be inconsistent with any use specified or included in such a permission.
The exemption was reviewed and revised when drawing up the 2001 regulations which were subsequently endorsed by the Oireachtas. No problems relating to the application of the exemption have been brought to my Department's attention and I have no plans to amend the legislation in this regard.
Local Government Policy.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:240 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to grant town status to Glanmire, County Cork, and to allow it to form a district council. [4370/05]
I refer the Deputy to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 579 of 19 October 2004.
Anti-Social Behaviour.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:241 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funds and grants available from his Department or agencies responsible thereto to support initiatives to combat anti-social behaviour; and the details of such funding, including the amounts expended in 2004 and the amount available in 2005. [4386/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
A number of measures have been put in place to ensure that local authorities have the capacity to fulfil their responsibilities under the Housing Acts for the management and maintenance of their housing stock. These measures include the enactment of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 and the recently enacted Residential Tenancies Act 2004.
The housing unit, which is funded by my Department and local authorities, has produced guidance and organised training courses for local authority staff to help them deal with anti-social behaviour. My Department contributed €270,000 in 2004 towards the running costs of the unit. It has also put in place a housing management initiatives scheme which includes funding for programmes to improve estate management, tenant liaison and training initiatives. Grants amounting to €704,000 were paid by my Department in 2004.
Details of funding arrangements for 2005 have not yet been finalised but it is my objective to consolidate the progress made to date.
Remedial Works Scheme.
Dan Neville
Ceist:242 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a grant will be made available to complete remedial works at a location (details supplied) in County Limerick. [4406/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Riverview, Ballyhahill, was designated for funding under my Department's remedial works scheme in January of this year and approval has been given to Limerick County Council to obtain tenders for the proposed works.
Local Elections.
Dan Boyle
Ceist:243 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether it is likely that elections to newly established town councils will be held before the next local elections in 2009. [4466/05]
Part 17 of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that qualified electors of a town having a population of at least 7,500, as ascertained at the last preceding census and not having a town council, may make a proposal for the establishment of such a council. Under the relevant provisions of the Act, which I hope to commence in the near future, a proposal to establish a town council, and the timing of any such proposal, is a matter for the local community in the first instance, with a decision on such a proposal being a reserved function of the relevant county council, following a public consultation process. However, Part 17 also allows for the first elections to new town councils to proceed independently of the normal local election cycle.
Recycling Policy.
Dan Boyle
Ceist:244 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the infrastructure which exists for the collection and reprocessing of recycled polystyrene products. [4467/05]
Polystyrene is widely used internationally as protective packaging in the transport of electrical and other goods. It is also used in meat trays, egg cartons, hot beverage cups and other fast food packaging. While polystyrene can be recycled — for example, for insulation and other building products — there are limited outlets for it in Ireland. There is some processing activity relating to the remoulding and manufacture of roof slates and also a compacting operation of the material into blocks which are exported. However, the overall scale of these activities is limited. There are no official data on the amount of polystyrene put on the market in Ireland.
Polystyrene recycling is also fairly limited in other EU member states where, because of its high calorific value, a significant proportion of the material collected is used as feedstock in thermal treatment plants. The recycling of polystyrene is particularly hindered by its high volume to weight ratio and the associated costs of collecting such material.
With a view to facilitating the increased recovery of waste generally on an all-island basis, a North-South market development group was established last year to identify market opportunities for materials, including plastic materials, recovered for recycling. The group is developing a market development programme which will be published later this year.
Dan Boyle
Ceist:245 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the infrastructure which exists for the collection and reprocessing of recycled cigarette papers and the inner lining of cigarette packets. [4468/05]
I am not aware of any reprocessing capacity in Ireland for cigarette papers and the inner lining of cigarette packets. The selection of materials for recycling must of necessity be done on a targeted basis. Having regard to the types and volumes of the materials mentioned, it would not appear economically viable specifically to target those materials for collection and recycling. However, in those households served with segregated collection of dry recyclables, the light cardboard outer packaging on cigarette packets can be deposited in the recyclables wheelie bin for recycling.
Wildlife Conservation.
Dan Boyle
Ceist:246 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of licences issued by his Department to permit stag hunting; when such licences are to be renewed; and if consideration will be given to renewing such licences. [4469/05]
Under section 29(1) of the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended, my Department issues licences to hunt wild deer during an open season and some 2,215 such licences were issued for the 2003 to 2004 season. The extent of the deer hunting season is reviewed annually by staff of the national parks and wildlife service of my Department. The views of a number of organisations and individuals with knowledge of Irish deer species are also taken into consideration when reviewing open season dates.
In general, the open season for stags runs from 1 September to 28 February, and that for hinds from 1 November to 31 January. There are some regional variations. For example, red deer cannot be hunted in County Kerry at any time of the year and the open season for sika and fallow females finishes on 28 February in Dublin and Wicklow. Applications for licences to hunt wild deer are considered from 1 August for the following open season.
My Department also issues an annual licence, under section 26(1) of the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended, to the Ward Union Hunt Club to hunt deer with a pack of stag hounds during such period or periods as is or are specified in the licence. The Ward Union Hunt Club usually applies for a licence in September. Information on the conduct of hunts under the previous year's licence is reviewed and taken into account in considering whether to issue a new licence and any conditions that may attach to it. The licence for the current season is valid from 15 October 2004 to 31 March 2005.