Vol. 645 No. 2
12 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will publish the Nursing Home Support Scheme Bill; the reason the fair deal for nursing home care was not introduced as planned on 1 January 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2634/08]
36 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when the fair deal legislation will be published; when it will be debated in Dáil Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2737/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 36 together.
The Fair Deal scheme could not be introduced on 1 January 2008 because the legislation to underpin the scheme was not in place. The Bill providing for the scheme is at a very advanced stage and is being finalised by the Office of the Attorney General at present. It is intended to publish the Bill as soon as possible following Government approval.
On publication of the Bill, further engagement will take place with stakeholders on the details of the new scheme. This will take place under the auspices of Towards 2016. The subsequent presentation and passage of the legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas will be a matter of priority for me and my colleague, the Minister of Health and Children, Mary Harney, T.D.
13 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the development of modular units at St. Vincent’s Hospital in order that people with cystic fibrosis can be treated in a timely and appropriate manner by specialist staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2687/08]
71 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans to provide an interim solution to address the needs of cystic fibrosis patients until a permanent unit is established at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2725/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 71 together.
The improvement of services to persons with cystic fibrosis has been a priority of mine. The HSE was asked to place a particular focus on the development of services at the National Tertiary Referral Centre at St. Vincent's Hospital. The negative experience recounted by some patients is a matter of concern to me.
In 2006 and 2007, additional revenue funding of €6.78 million was provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE). 44 additional staff dealing with cystic fibrosis have been appointed to date throughout the country, with 10 of these posts at St. Vincent's. The necessary funding is available to facilitate the recruitment of a further 37 staff nationally, including a further 9 posts at St. Vincent's.
I accept the need to improve the infrastructural facilities for persons with cystic fibrosis attending St. Vincent's Hospital. A number of capital projects have recently been completed at the hospital and have helped to improve facilities. These include:
a new ambulatory care centre, which has dedicated accommodation (8 suites in total), incorporating single room facilities on an outpatient appointment basis for cystic fibrosis patients in an environment which allows for improved infection control,
the refurbishment of St. Camillus Ward, which provides 15 additional respiratory/cystic fibrosis beds bringing the bed complement to 44, and
the new Accident and Emergency Department which includes single room accommodation, which may be used for the care of cystic fibrosis patients.
However, I accept that these developments do not address the immediate needs of patients. The HSE has been working intensively with the hospital and with representatives of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland to progress options for further interim improvements. My Department is advised that the option of developing a modular unit is being examined in this context and the position will be clarified shortly.
The HSE advise that it is fast-tracking the re-development of a ward which is adjacent to the main cystic fibrosis treatment area. The project is to commence within the next few weeks and will provide six single rooms. On completion, additional work will begin to provide a further eight single rooms. This would result in a total of fourteen single rooms for cystic fibrosis patients by the end of the summer.
In the longer term, a new ward block is to be built and will include 120 replacement beds in single en-suite accommodation. The new facility will accommodate cystic fibrosis patients and will include appropriate isolation facilities. Planning permission has been obtained, financial provision has been included in the HSE Capital Plan and the contract is to be awarded by the end of this year. It will be a condition of the contract that the design build period is to be not more than 24 months from the date of contract award.
I am confident that these developments will significantly enhance the level of service provided for persons with cystic fibrosis.
14 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the fact that 43% of the Vision for Change development funds in 2006 and 60% of funding provided in 2007 was diverted to meet expenditure pressures in other areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2668/08]
45 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of additional funding that will be available in 2008 to implement A Vision for Change; if she is satisfied that this allocation is adequate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2727/08]
55 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if funds of €51m were allocated in 2006 and 2007 for the development of the mental health services in line with A Vision for Change have been diverted to other service areas; and if so, the areas in which this diversion took place and the allocation of extra funding for the continued implementation of the development of the mental health services recommendations contained in the report. [2613/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 45 and 55 together.
The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, "A Vision for Change", which was launched in January 2006, provides a framework for action to develop modern, high quality mental health services over a seven to ten year period.
The estimated additional cost of the implementation of "A Vision for Change" is €150m over 7-10 years. A total of €51.2 million has been allocated since 2006 which represents over a third of the overall requirement.
There are substantial resources already invested in mental health. In 2007, it is estimated that €1 billion was spent on these services. In addition to the extra funding required, existing resources need to be remodelled and reallocated. Indeed, implementation of "A Vision for Change" is dependent to a much greater extent on the remodelling of existing resources than on new funding. Both aspects of the additional investment and the reorganisation of existing mental health services and resources must be managed in parallel. In view of the significant additional investment in 2006 and 2007, it is appropriate, in 2008, to pause and review the situation to ensure consolidation of the investment to date.
The Department of Health and Children has been advised by the HSE that the additional €51.2m development funding was not used as planned because of competing expenditure pressures and the overriding obligation on the HSE to live within its approved overall allocation. As a result, some of the planned developments in mental health services have been delayed. However, some of these developments will proceed in 2008 for example, the recruitment of 8 child and adolescent mental health teams and the provision of 18 beds for children and adolescents.
The Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney has made it clear to the HSE in the context of their Service Plan for 2008 that there can be no question of diverting capital or development funds to meet expenditure pressures in relation to other services. The Minister also pointed out that she believed there is scope within the HSE's overall allocation to deliver further service enhancements in 2008 over and above those outlined in the Service Plan through improved performance / productivity and realignment of existing resources. I will be meeting with the HSE shortly to pursue these issues.
15 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made by Professor Tom Keane on the development of cancer services; if a budget has been determined for 2008 to commence the implementation of his proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2703/08]
50 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied regarding the availability, adequacy and the reliability of cancer treatment facilities throughout the country; her plans to address such issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2739/08]
136 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which she proposes to improve facilities for cancer sufferers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2969/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 50 and 136 together.
Prof. Tom Keane took up his post as National Cancer Control Director in November 2007. The delivery of cancer services on a programmatic basis will serve to ensure equity of access to services and equality of patient outcome irrespective of geography. This will involve significant realignment of services to move from the present fragmented system of care to one which is consistent with international best practice in cancer control. The decisions of the HSE to designate four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres will be implemented on a managed and phased basis. A detailed transitional plan will be put in place to facilitate the progressive, gradual and carefully managed transfer of services over the next two years or so.
Arrangements are in hand to enable Prof. Keane to take control of all new cancer developments and progressively all existing cancer services and related funding and staffing. An additional €35m has been allocated this year for cancer control, including €15m to support the initial implementation of the National Cancer Control Programme and implementation of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology.
16 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on recent discussions with pharmacists and if progress has been made; if she will appoint an independent body to provide an independent and fair assessment of all aspects of the pharmacy contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2697/08]
31 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that an independent process is put in place to resolve differences between the Health Service Executive and pharmacists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2705/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 31 together.
Following engagement between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) under Mr Bill Shipsey SC in December 2007, at which the sides did not reach agreement, the HSE has offered a draft interim contract to pharmacists to address their main concerns regarding the alleged impact of the proposed revised wholesaler arrangements on GMS-dependent pharmacies. I am informed that the HSE intends to implement the revised wholesaler arrangements from 1st March 2008. The Executive also recently commenced discussions with the IPU and other parties on the development of a new substantive pharmacy contract. The details of the draft interim contract, and the HSE's other intentions in this regard, were set out in a letter to individual community pharmacists on 2nd January 2008.
In the light of the legal position previously outlined in the House and after further consultation with the Attorney General, the other relevant Departments and the HSE on the best way of progressing the development of a new contract with pharmacists in compliance with competition law, my Department is working to develop appropriate arrangements for the development of contracts and for the setting of the fees payable in respect of contracts with private sector undertakings for the provision of health services on behalf of the HSE. These arrangements may include the establishment of an independent body which would consider the nature of the service to be provided and all other relevant factors in each case and make recommendations to the Government in relation to the fees it considers appropriate. The composition of such a body, its terms of reference and the timescale for its work are amongst the matters to be considered in this regard. In line with the legal advice received, the HSE may enter into discussions with community pharmacists on the non-fee aspects of their contract, with a view to developing a new substantive pharmacy contract.
17 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff in the Health Service Executive on long term leave due to illness; if there is a strategic management plan for the delivery of health services in County Wicklow; and if the impact of the random job cuts in the health service has been evaluated on the ability of the health care service terms to deliver the services required. [2446/08]
Data regarding the percentage of staff on long-term sick leave is collated as part of the HSE's Corporate Performance Measurement Report. This report captures information on staff that are on reduced pay due to sick leave. The last report (for quarter 3, 2007) indicated that 2.1% of staff employed directly by the HSE were on long-term sick leave.
The 2008 National Service Plan (NSP) has been approved by me and laid before the Oireachtas. It outlines the type and volume of health and personal services to be provided by the Executive on a national basis. The NSP is supported by a business planning process which translates these national deliverables into local deliverables at area, hospital network, local and unit level. I have been informed by the Health Service Executive that the Wicklow Local Health Office is in the process of completing its level 2 business plan which will set out the services to be delivered in 2008, including Mental Health, Primary Care, Disabilities, and Children & Families services.
The recruitment pause put in place in September 2007 was initiated as part of the HSE financial break-even plan to facilitate the delivery of services on budget in accordance with the provisions of the 2007 National Service Plan. This pause did not involve random job cuts but did mean that the recruitment of staff to approved positions was delayed. The HSE put in place a derogation process to deal with the filling of essential posts to protect front-line services and close to 900 posts were approved under this process.
This temporary pause in recruitment ended on 31st December 2007 and any posts falling vacant from 1st January 2008 can be filled subject to the provisions of a detailed employment control circular issued by the HSE on January 8th.
It is very important that measures are in place in 2008 to avoid a repetition of the problems encountered in 2007. In my letter to the Chairman of the HSE approving the 2008 National Service Plan, I have emphasised that the evident links between the Voted allocation, approved employment levels and service activity — within the HSE itself and in HSE funded agencies such as the major voluntary hospitals — need to be planned and actively managed from the very start of the year with appropriate action being taken in the event of any divergence from profile.
It is only through this integrated and managed approach that the HSE will be able to ensure that resources for services (including staffing) are directed as intended by Government.
18 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take action to address the radiography and nursing staff shortage and ward closure at Kerry General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2203/08]
Approval for an additional Consultant Radiologist has been granted for Kerry General Hospital. This post will facilitate the earlier reporting of x-rays and improve the quality of the service provided to patients.
I understand that Kerry General Hospital has an approved complement of 13.5 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) radiographers. The HSE, in line with the terms of Towards 2016, has initiated a consultation process at national and local level with regard to extending the working day for radiography and other grades.
I have been informed by the HSE that Kerry General Hospital took the decision to temporarily close a 24 bed ward from 14th January 2008 until early March 2008. The decision to close the ward was taken because of a temporary shortage of nursing staff due to retirements, resignations, long term sick leave and maternity leave. Kerry General Hospital has approval to recruit the required nursing staff (34 whole time equivalents) and everything possible is being done to fill these posts as quickly as possible.
19 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will give a commitment that the accident and emergency services at St. John’s Hospital, Limerick will not be downgraded but will be enhanced; when the teamwork consultants report on the review of acute hospital services in the mid-west will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2554/08]
The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that Horwath Consulting Ireland in association with Teamwork Management Services are undertaking on behalf of the Executive a strategic review of acute hospital services in the Mid West. The consultants have been asked to make recommendations on the options for the future configuration of clinical services, including A&E, critical care, acute medicine and surgery together with diagnostic services such as X-Ray for each of the hospitals in the Mid West. St John's Hospital Limerick is encompassed by the strategic review.
I am advised that the Health Service Executive indicates that the consultants are currently finalising the strategic review and their report is expected to be submitted to the Board of the Health Service Executive shortly.
20 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the recently published Acute Hospital Bed Capacity Review commissioned by the Health Service Executive. [2204/08]
46 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if she shares the view of the Health Service Executive acute hospital bed capacity review that the number of acute beds in the system could be reduced by 4,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2696/08]
59 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether services in hospitals or elsewhere should not be removed until as good or better services are available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2296/08]
72 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which adequate provision is expected to be made in terms of sufficient public hospital beds to meet requirements in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2740/08]
135 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extend to which she anticipates the number of hospital beds in the public sector to increase or decrease in the next 10 years; the expected increases or decreases in the private sector in the same period, having particular regard to her Departments plans for the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2968/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 46, 59, 72 and 135 together.
The Health Service Executive recently published a Review of Acute Bed Capacity carried out by PA Consulting together with a HSE discussion document which proposes an integrated approach to health service delivery that seeks to achieve the right balance between in-patient, day case and community based care.
The Review found that with future challenges, such as our ageing population and the increase in chronic diseases, we will need to plan for a 60% increase in demand for health care by 2020. It suggests that if current practices and processes continue the demand for public hospital beds would escalate to nearly 20,000 by 2020. To meet this need we would have to provide the equivalent of twelve new 600-bed hospitals over the next thirteen years. It concludes that such reliance on acute hospitals for service delivery is neither sustainable nor in the best interests of patients.
The Review examined alternative approaches to meeting this demand. It recommends an integrated approach to health service delivery involving substantial change in the way care is provided. Among the measures proposed are significant increases in day beds in hospitals, more long-term care beds, more rehabilitation beds and more services in community-based, non-acute hospital settings.
The Review outlines a number of bed demand scenarios. It suggests that if the proposed model of integrated health service delivery was 100% operational by 2020, the number of acute beds required could be reduced to about 8,800. If the model was 75% operational, the number would be about 10,700; at 50% the number is estimated at about 13,000 and at 25% the number is about 16,000. It makes the point that other developed countries, such as Australia, Canada, Denmark and England have achieved results of this kind through their reform programmes. It also points out that some of our hospitals are already achieving the required efficiencies, such as shorter lengths of stay, more day surgery and admission on day of surgery. The challenge is to achieve these standards of service across the entire acute system.
Pending the implementation of such reforms, the Review estimates that 1,100 additional acute hospital beds are needed to meet current demand. The Government has already committed itself to providing 1,500 extra acute beds through a combination of direct capital investment (500 beds) and the co location initiative (1,000 beds).
The Review also advises that services in acute hospitals should not be altered until viable and appropriate community based alternatives are in place.
I believe that the Review forms a basis for discussion with key stakeholders on how best to plan for the provision of public health care delivery to 2020.
21 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation with regard to agreement of a common contract between the Health Service Executive and consultants; the process of implementation of such an agreement; if the appointment of promised additional consultants can proceed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2731/08]
Talks with the Irish Hospital Consultants Association came to a successful conclusion on 25th January 2008. The Independent Chairperson of the negotiations, Mark Connaughton SC, is preparing a report setting out the agreed terms. A new employment contract will then be drafted.
There will be three types of contract
Type A (Salary up to €240,000) — consultants will be paid a public salary and will not have any private fee income;
Type B (Salary up to €220,000) — consultants may have private fee income for work done on the public hospital campus but at least 80% of their clinical/patient output must be public patients; and
Type C (Salary up to €175,000) — will apply only in exceptional situations and will allow the appointee to treat private patients outside the public hospital campus.
Some of the other key features of the agreement include:
The working week will be 37 hours
An extended working day (8am — 8pm), Monday to Friday, will be introduced
Consultants may be required to work up to 5 hours structured overtime on Saturdays and Sundays to expand access for patients/clients to consultant provided services.
Consultants will be led and managed by fellow clinicians. This will entail the appointment of Clinical Directors to manage clinical services, budgets and lead the development of services for patients;
Consultants will now, as part of their contract, work in teams to deliver consultant-provided rather than consultant-led services to patients.
The agreement will enable the HSE to recommence its consultant recruitment programme and will facilitate the implementation of Government policy to increase substantially the number of consultants in the public health services in order to re-balance the ratio between consultant and non-consultant hospital doctors and to move to a consultant delivered service, where patients in public hospitals will be seen and treated by a consultant.
22 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the contracts that have been signed for co-located private hospitals on the grounds of public hospitals; if she is satisfied that her co-location programme should be advanced without a democratic mandate and with less than enthusiastic support from health workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2730/08]
I am satisfied that this Government has a clear democratic mandate for the co location initiative. The co-location initiative aims to make available approximately 1,000 public acute hospital beds for public patients, beds that are currently being used by private patients.
In accordance with the competitive dialogue procurement process which is being used, the Board of the HSE approved in July last successful bidder status for the development of co located hospitals at the following six hospitals:
Waterford Regional Hospital
Cork University Hospital
Limerick Regional Hospital
Sligo Regional Hospital
Beaumont Hospital
St James's Hospital
Since then the hospitals and the bidders have been working towards finalising the Project Agreements.
It is expected that the Project Agreements for Beaumont, Cork and Limerick Hospitals will be signed very soon. It is also anticipated that the signing of the Project Agreements for the other three sites will be concluded shortly thereafter.
Connolly Hospital and Tallaght Hospital, which are also participating in the co location initiative, are at an earlier stage of the procurement process. A tender in relation to Connolly Hospital is under consideration and it is expected that the invitation to tender (ITT) for Tallaght Hospital will issue in the near future.
23 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the role that will be assigned to the National Treatment Purchase Fund in the implementation of the fair deal proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2711/08]
Under the new nursing home support scheme, A Fair Deal, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) will negotiate prices for long-term care with private nursing home owners on behalf of the State. Where nursing homes agree prices for the purposes of the scheme with the NTPF, the NTPF will recommend the homes to the Health Service Executive for inclusion on the list of nursing homes ‘approved' for the scheme.
While not a matter for the NTPF, private nursing homes will also have to be registered in order to be 'approved' for the scheme.
24 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are plans to develop a national framework of palliative care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2715/08]
Under the Programme for Government, the Government has committed to removing the regional disparities in the provision and funding of palliative care, and to ensuring that the needs of all those who require palliative care are met. The Department of Health and Children is committed to working with the HSE and other key stakeholders in developing palliative care services throughout Ireland.
Funding is being provided for the development of palliative care services in line with the recommendations in the Report of the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care (2001) and in the context of available resources and workforce planning across the health service. Additional funding totalling €18 million was provided by the Government in Budgets 2006 and 2007. A further €3 million was allocated under Budget 2008 to develop services. This funding is being used to improve palliative care services in consultation with the HSE Regional Development Committees and in line with the recommendations made in the 2001 Report.
In 2007, the Department of Health and Children set up a working group to develop a policy on children's palliative care in line with the 2001 Report. Their draft policy document is currently being finalised.
The HSE is developing a five-year capital and revenue implementation framework, in consultation with the Irish Association for Palliative Care, the Irish Hospice Foundation and the Irish Cancer Society. Work is ongoing on the development of this plan and good progress has been made to-date.
25 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children when the commitment in the Programme for Government to introduce a programme of vaccination against cervical cancer will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2706/08]
The most effective strategy for the prevention of cervical cancer requires decisions based on an assessment of the relative contributions of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination and cervical screening in reducing the burden of both existing and projected cervical precancerous changes and cervical cancer. Issues to be examined include the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of the vaccine for different age groups and for differing levels of screening provision and uptake.
The vaccine against HPV that is licensed for use within the European Union protects recipients against 4 types of HPV, including types 16 and 18 that cause 70% of cervical cancers and two other types that cause most genital warts. While it is 100% effective against types 16 and 18, there will remain at least 30% of women whose cancers will not be prevented with this vaccine.
As is being done in other jurisdictions, Ireland is now considering the potential role of HPV vaccination in addressing the problem of cervical cancer prevention. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has undertaken a scientific assessment of the public health value of HPV following a request from my Department. NIAC and the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS), agreed that this work needed to be complemented by a study of the cost effectiveness of the vaccine in the current Irish context. Accordingly, both organisations requested that the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) undertake this study. When I have received the results of this work I will then be in a position to take the necessary policy decisions based on the best available national and international evidence. In the meantime, the NCSS is planning to roll-out the National Cervical Screening Programme on a national basis around the middle of this year.
26 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the serious concern of the medical profession and the physical education association of Ireland regarding the poor posture of many young people in this country and the resulting health problems associated with poor posture; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2552/08]
I am aware of the health problems associated with back pain and that learning and practising good posture can help prevent back pain. In November 2005 the Health Promotion Unit of my Department published "The Back Care Book", a guide to keeping your back healthy. Since then responsibility for the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, including health promotion campaigns, has transferred to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004.
27 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason an Irish person (details supplied) studying as a mature student in the UK is not entitled to a medical card despite returning to Ireland for holidays and weekends; if this is a common policy pertaining to all Irish students studying abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2036/08]
Entitlement to health services in Ireland is primarily based on residency and means. Any person, regardless of nationality, who is accepted by the Health Service Executive (HSE) as being ordinarily resident in Ireland is entitled to either full eligibility (Category 1, i.e. medical card holders) or limited eligibility (Category 2) for health services.
Where a person stays temporarily in another EU member state to undertake a recognised course of study and the HSE is satisfied that the person continues to be ordinarily resident in Ireland, eligibility for health services in Ireland, whether full or limited, is unaffected.
Separately, under the provisions of Regulation (EC) 1408/71, an Irish resident who goes to another member state to undertake a recognised course of study but who remains ordinarily resident in Ireland is covered by the European Health Insurance Card for necessary healthcare in the public system of that member state (such persons were formerly covered by the form E128, which was replaced by the EHIC in 2004).
As the Deputy's question refers to an individual case, the Health Service Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have the matter examined and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
28 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of the 52 additional infection-control staff promised in 2006 that have yet to be recruited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2677/08]
During the latter half of 2006, 52 posts were approved by the Health Service Executive to enhance infection control in the Country's hospitals. These posts included Senior Pharmacists, Senior Infection Control Nurses and Surveillance Scientists. A recruitment process was initiated immediately on receipt of the formal approval of the posts in September 2006. To date, a total of 34.5 WTE (whole-time equivalent) positions have been filled.
29 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the Health Service Executive’s 2008 service plan. [2205/08]
Under Section 31 of the Health Act, 2004 the Health Service Executive must prepare and submit its annual National Service Plan for the coming year to the Minister for approval. The National Service Plan (NSP) must indicate the type and volume of health and personal social services to be provided by the Health Service Executive for the financial resources provided in its Vote. The format and content of the NSP has been improved and refined over the last number of years. A great deal of effort was deployed to the development and synthesis of the NSP 2008 by the HSE and I would like to express my public appreciation for the hard work of all the HSE officials concerned.
The NSP is focussed on providing quantifiable data for planned service outputs for the inputs/resources being used and the progress of the Plan through the year is monitored by way of detailed monthly and quarterly Performance Monitoring Reports submitted by the HSE to the Department. The quarterly reports in particular detail progress on all actions/deliverables that are included in the NSP. The NSP also embeds more than 30 selected indicators/measures that can be used to assess the performance of the HSE in relation to the NSP.
High level quarterly service plan meetings are held between Department and HSE management teams to discuss progress on the implementation of the NSP and to raise and resolve significant issues. In addition to these formal arrangements, there is ongoing contact and dialogue between the various sections in the Department and the relevant directorates in the HSE.
The NSP for 2008 was submitted on 19th November, 2007. In accordance with the Health Act, I approved the Plan on 10 December, 2007. In my letter of approval to the HSE, I requested the Board of the HSE to pay particular attention in 2008 to the absolute necessity for the HSE to operate within the limits of its Voted allocation in delivering, at minimum, the levels of service activity specified in the 2008 Service Plan. Clearly, this means that the Voted allocations, approved employment levels and service activities — both within the HSE itself and in HSE funded agencies such as the major voluntary hospitals — all need to be planned and actively and prudently managed from the very start of the year.
I do not propose to go into any of the details of the Service Plan here as it was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 20 December 2007 and, accordingly, is readily available to all Deputies.
Considerable additional funds, over and above those provided in the Estimates, are being made available to the HSE in 2008 as a result of the December Budget Day announcements. These additional funds are being provided for the further development of specific nominated additional services in 2008. At my request, the HSE has provided me with an Addendum to the National Service Plan setting out how the Executive intends to fund and to deliver these additional services and service enhancements in 2008. That addendum is under consideration within my Department at present.
30 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects the publication of the report by Dr. Ann O’Doherty on cancer diagnosis in Portlaoise Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2734/08]
73 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects the publication of the Health Service Executive report into misdiagnosis at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2735/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 73 together.
The HSE has advised that the review of the mammography services in Portlaoise is complete. Nine women were identified as having a diagnosis of cancer. All nine women have been offered appropriate treatment and counselling. A clinical review of ultrasounds at Portlaoise is also complete and no cancers were detected in this review. The HSE has advised my Department that a report on the reviews will be published by the HSE when the necessary legal requirements have been completed. The suspension of mammography services at the Hospital continues pending the publication of the report.
32 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the promised increase in general practitioner training places to 150 in 2008 is delivered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2201/08]
122 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of general practitioner trainee places here in each health board region; the steps she will take to recruit GP trainees to meet the requirements of the medical profession; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2869/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 122 together.
It is recognised that the number of General Practitioners (GPs) being trained at present is not sufficient to meet anticipated manpower need. In 2004, My Department agreed with the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) that the number of GP vocational training places should be increased from 84 to 150 on a phased basis over three years. Since 2005, an additional €6 million has been provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE) to enable the creation of additional GP places. I am informed by the HSE that to date, 36 of the additional 66 places have been filled.
There are currently 12 GP vocational training programmes in the State and these programmes are accredited by the ICGP. The HSE has indicated that there have been capacity issues within these training programmes and that this is the principal reason that it has not been possible to increase the number of training places as quickly as had been hoped. I understand that the HSE has been working closely with the ICGP with a view to addressing these issues.
Under Section 86 of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, the HSE has responsibility inter alia for the following:
Promoting the development of specialist medical education and training;
Co-ordinating such developments in co-operation with the Medical Council and the medical training bodies;
Undertaking appropriate medical workforce planning for the purpose of meeting specialist medical staffing and training needs, in co-operation with the medical training bodies and after consultation with the Higher Education Authority;
Assessing on an annual basis the number and type of specialist medical training posts required by the health service.
Therefore, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address the matters raised and to have replies issued directly to the Deputies.
33 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason she has departed from the policy as recommended in the report of the development of the mental health services A Vision for Change that the release of substantial resources both revenue and capital tied up in residual psychiatric institutions should form a significant part of the investment required in funding the new model of care; and if she will make a statement on asset loss and diversion of hospital buildings and lands from the mental health services. [2724/08]
"A Vision for Change" the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, which was launched in January 2006, has been accepted by Government as the basis for the future development of our mental health services. The vision embodied in this policy is to create a mental health system that addresses the needs of the population through a focus on the requirements of the individual. The Report recommends inter alia that a plan to bring about the closure of all mental hospitals should be drawn up and implemented, and that the resources released by these closures should be protected for reinvestment in the mental health service. The Health Service Executive has primary responsibility for implementing this recommendation.
I assume the Deputy is referring to "The Lie of the Land" Report recently launched by the Irish Psychiatric Association. The Report gives examples of proceeds of assets allegedly lost to psychiatric services over a 20-25 year period. A small number of assets disposed of in the past two years are identified. "A Vision for Change" is very clear on this issue and recommends that resources, both capital and revenue, should be retained in the mental health service, with the reconfigured mental health services having priority in their disposal. It also recommends that the full economic value of psychiatric hospital buildings and lands should be professionally assessed towards identifying appropriate future use and maximum value and benefit. The value of these assets significantly counter balances the capital cost of the new mental health services infrastructure requirement.
The Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney has also made it clear to the HSE in the context of their Service Plan for 2008 that there can be no question of diverting capital or development funds to meet expenditure pressures arising in relation to core services.
I have asked the HSE to provide me with a report on "The Lie of the Land" Report particularly insofar as it relates to the disposal of assets in the past two years.
34 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the illnesses covered by the long-term illness scheme; if she will, in particular, include Huntington’s disease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2704/08]
Under the 1970 Health Act, the Health Service Executive may arrange for the supply, without charge, of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with a specified condition, for the treatment of that condition, through the Long Term Illness Scheme (LTI). The LTI does not cover GP fees or hospital co-payments. The conditions are: mental handicap, mental illness (for people under 16 only), phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, parkinsonism, conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia. There are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions.
Products which are necessary for the management of the specified illness are available to LTI patients. Other products are available according to the patient's eligibility.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.
Non-medical card holders and people whose illness is not covered by the LTI can use the Drug Payment Scheme, which protects against excessive medicines costs. Under this scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than €90 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines. In addition, the Deputy will be aware that non-reimbursed medical expenses above a set threshold may be offset against tax.
35 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide an undertaking that there will be no further delay in the implementation of the recommendations of the Pollock Report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2694/08]
41 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite measures to provide high standard facilities for persons with cystic fibrosis in order to address the low life expectancy of CF sufferers here compared to Ireland’s EU neighbours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2198/08]
68 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is intended to provide a dedicated cystic fibrosis unit to meet the urgent and critical needs of cystic fibrosis sufferers; if she has plans to provide isolation units for CF patients at hospitals here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1592/08]
133 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she proposes to take to meet the requirements of cystic fibrosis sufferers with a view to bringing the quality of service here into line with that available in other jurisdictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2966/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 41, 68 and 133 together.
I acknowledge the need to improve services to persons with cystic fibrosis. The negative experience recounted by some patients is a matter of much concern to me.
Following publication of the Pollock Report in 2005, the Health Service Executive established a Working Group to undertake a detailed review of cystic fibrosis services. The Group, which was multi-disciplinary in its composition and included representation from my Department, was asked to review the current configuration and delivery of services to persons with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. The Group idenitified a range of service improvements required for persons with Cystic Fibrosis, including the need to increase the level of clinical, nursing and allied health professional staffing in Cystic Fibrosis units around the country.
Arising from the Pollock Report and the emerging recommendations of the Working Group, I identified the development of cystic fibrosis services as a policy priority in the Estimates process. In 2006 and 2007, additional revenue funding of €6.78 million was provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE) to develop services.
44 additional staff dealing with cystic fibrosis have been appointed to date across a number of hospitals, including St Vincent's, Beaumont, Temple Street, Crumlin, Tallaght, Cork University Hospital, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. The necessary funding is available to facilitate the recruitment of a further 37 staff nationally.
The HSE was asked to place a particular focus on the development of services at the National Adult Tertiary Referral Centre at St. Vincent's Hospital. A number of capital projects have recently been completed at the hospital and have helped to improve facilities. These include a new ambulatory care centre, the refurbishment of St. Camillus Ward, and a new Accident and Emergency Department which includes single room accommodation.
However, it is accepted that these developments do not fully address the immediate needs of patients. The HSE has been working intensively with the Hospital and with representatives of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland to progress options for further interim improvements. My Department is advised that the option of developing a modular unit is being examined in this context and the position will be clarified shortly.
The HSE advises that it is fast-tracking the re-development of a ward which is adjacent to the main cystic fibrosis treatment area. The project is to commence within the next few weeks and will provide six single rooms. On completion, additional work will begin to provide a further eight single rooms. The HSE advise that this will result in a total of fourteen single rooms for cystic fibrosis patients by the end of the summer.
In the longer term, a new ward block is to be built and will include 120 replacement beds in single en-suite accommodation. The new facility will accommodate cystic fibrosis patients and will include appropriate isolation facilities. Planning permission has been obtained and financial provision has been included in the HSE Capital Plan. The HSE advises that contract notices will be published by the end of February 2008 and the contract is to be awarded in 2008. It will be a condition of the contract that the design build period be not more than 24 months from the date of contract award.
Beaumont Hospital operates as a regional centre in providing services to adults with cystic fibrosis. In the 2008 Budget, a special allocation of €2.5m capital funding was provided to enable Beaumont hospital to provide out patient facilities for cystic fibrosis patients.
An independent registry for cystic fibrosis has been established. As yet, the data is not available to fully inform analysis relating to median survival in this country. When it is available, the data from the Registry will allow for benchmarking against comparable countries around the world to measure the performance of our healthcare system.
37 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will issue a policy white paper on orthodontics in view of the critical delays and long waiting lists for school children in many parts of the country. [2447/08]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) established an Orthodontic Review Group in 2006. The Group was broadly representative of the orthodontic profession and also included representation from the HSE, my Department and the dental schools. The terms of reference for the group were:
to review the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee Reports (February, 2002 and June, 2005);
to examine the recommendations within the operational remit of the HSE and to establish their status;
to conduct an analysis of the HSE's existing orthodontic delivery structure and capacity. Based on that analysis, to make recommendations in that regard;
the recommendations thus made to be costed and a time-frame for their implementation proposed.
The Orthodontic Review Group finalised its report last year. One of the recommendations contained in the report relates to the guidelines issued in 1985. The Review Group made a unanimous recommendation to the HSE to replace these guidelines with new assessment criteria based on Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (ITON). The national implementation of the proposed guidelines will ensure equity of access to treatment for all patients deemed eligible. The Review Group report has been approved by the HSE's Management Team, and it is a matter for the HSE to implement these guidelines. Orthodontics is one of a number of oral health issues which will be examined as part of the development of the National Oral Health Policy, which I am committed to publishing this year.
38 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will address the issues raised in a recent policy paper entitled All-Ireland Policy Paper on Fuel Poverty and Health published by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2719/08]
There are a number of initiatives currently undertaken that aim to tackle fuel poverty. Sustainable Energy Ireland, together with a number of government departments and agencies, is involved in a research project investigating the impacts of undertaking energy efficiency improvements in low-income households. This research involves 600 homes in Cork and Donegal. The householders will be interviewed prior to intervention to assess their current energy and health status and then again following the insulation measures to assess what, if any, improvement has resulted.
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has also undertaken initiatives to address fuel poverty. The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme which was introduced in November 2007, and is administered by the local authorities, provides targeted support to assist older people in carrying out necessary repairs and improvements. The provision of central heating and associated insulation works may be considered for grant aid under the scheme.
In addition, older people will benefit from the central heating programme introduced by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in July 2004. This programme assists local authorities in providing central heating facilities and associated insulation works in their rented dwellings.
The Department of Social and Family Affairs has undertaken to provide fuel allowance through the National Fuel Scheme. The National Fuel Scheme is intended to help households that depend on long-term social welfare of Health Service Executive payments and are unable to pay for their own heating needs.
The National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016 sets the overall policy framework for tackling poverty and social inclusion up to 2016 and includes measures relating to fuel poverty. Within that overall framework the relevant Departments and Agencies as well as energy suppliers will continue to work together to systematically address fuel poverty challenges.
39 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects the publication of the HIQA report in relation to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2736/08]
The investigation by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) into the care provided by the HSE to the named individual commenced in June 2007. I have been informed by HIQA that this report is expected to be published before the end of February 2008.
40 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to further extend eligibility for the medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2199/08]
At present, medical cards are granted primarily on the basis of means and individual circumstances. Under the Health Act, 2004, determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Persons aged seventy years and over are automatically entitled to a medical card, irrespective of means. The HSE has discretion, in cases of exceptional need, to provide assistance to individuals where undue hardship would otherwise be caused.
Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of general practitioner services. In 2005, the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on lower incomes who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP. In June 2006, I agreed with the HSE to raise the assessment guidelines for GP visit cards and these are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards. For medical card and GP visit card applications, the HSE now considers an applicant's income after tax and PRSI are deducted, rather than total income. Allowances are also made for expenses on childcare, rent and mortgage costs and the cost of travel to work.
My Department is currently reviewing all legislation relating to eligibility for health and personal social services with a view to making the system as fair and transparent as possible. As part of this general review, a review of the eligibility criteria for medical cards in the context of economic / financial, medical and social need is being undertaken with a view to clarifying entitlement to a medical card, and is expected to be completed by Autumn, 2008.
42 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the consideration being given to addressing the transportation needs that will arise in association with the consolidation of cancer services in eight designated centres over the course of the next two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2733/08]
74 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will put a viable transport system in place for cancer patients forced to travel long distances to access treatment or if she will rely on members of the public to provide this service despite the onus being on her Department to provide same to meet the needs of patients who can no longer attend local services due to the setting up of centralised centres of excellence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2037/08]
111 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made in establishing designated transport facilities for patients who have to travel long distances to gain access to cancer care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2807/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 74 and 111 together.
The delivery of cancer services on a programmatic basis will serve to ensure equity of access to services and equality of patient outcome irrespective of geography. The decisions of the Health Service Executive (HSE) in relation to the designation of four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres will be implemented on a managed and phased basis.
The HSE is conducting a fundamental review of how transport services are provided which will take into account the decisions made in relation to the designation of cancer centres under the National Cancer Control Programme. The Programme is also in discussion with the Irish Cancer Society in relation to this issue and has reached agreement on the administration by the Society of a hardship related transport scheme, to be funded by the Programme.
The HSE is also putting in place a structured programme of quality assurance, support and information services to underpin the re-organisation of services to ensure that cancer patients will receive quality services as close to home as possible.
43 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the implementation of the Government’s commitment to allow people with disabilities to work without losing their medical card after three years as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32285/07]
At present, people with disabilities may retain their medical card for three years on taking up employment. My Department is at present considering the most appropriate approach to the implementation of the commitment to extend this retention period.
44 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 168 of 19 December 2007, if the draft national standards for services for people with disabilities will be available for public consultation in the second quarter of 2008; the persons who, in addition to the National Disability Authority, were involved in drafting these standards; when she expects these standards to come into effect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2556/08]
As the Deputy may be aware, the draft National Standards for services for people with disabilities, which were produced by my Department in association with the National Disability Authority (NDA) were forwarded to the interim Health Information and Quality Authority (iHIQA) in March 2005.
Following the statutory establishment of HIQA, the development of standards is a matter for that Authority. However I can tell the Deputy that a 'Standards Advisory Group' was put in place by HIQA to consider the development of service specific standards including residential and community based services for people with disabilities in residential centres. The membership of the Standards Advisory Group is representative of a broad range of agencies and advocates within the disability sector. The membership includes the National Disability Authority, Not for Profit Business Association, Inclusion Ireland, National Parents and Siblings Alliance, the Life Sharing Alliance, People with Disabilities in Ireland, Health Service Executive, Psychological Society of Ireland, National Economic and Social Council, National Federation of Voluntary Bodies, St Joseph's Parents Association, the Disability Federation of Ireland, An Bord Altranais, Mental Health Commission, HIQA, a number of service users and my Department.
In tandem with the development of service specific standards, I understand that HIQA is due to commence recruiting and training of personnel to build capacity to be in a position, when appropriate, to carry out inspections of services. I understand that a set of draft standards will be available for public consultation in the second quarter of 2008 and completed later in the year. A published set of standards is expected by the end of 2008.
47 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans in place to strengthen the capacity of maternity hospitals here to address the growing demand on their services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2732/08]
The number of births last year was over 70,000. The Health Service Executive Service Plan for 2008 estimates that the number of births for the year will be nearly 73,000.
The transformation of maternity services nationally is a key project within the HSE Transformation Programme. As part of this work, an independent review of maternity and gynaecology services in the greater Dublin area is being undertaken by external consultants and is due to be completed shortly. The review will set out recommendations and provide an action plan to facilitate the best model for primary, community and hospital services and workforce requirements. The review will also help to inform decisions on the most appropriate model of care for the future delivery of maternity and gynaecology services in Dublin.
My Department is advised by the HSE that a range of capital improvements aimed at enhancing maternity services nationally have been put in place or are currently in train as follows:
The establishment of the National Epidemiology Centre in 2006 to facilitate the monitoring of all data from Irish maternity units with the aim of improving clinical services for mothers and babies.
The opening of the new Cork University Maternity Hospital in March 2007 saw the amalgamation of Cork's three existing hospitals on the one site.
A capital grant of €15m has been approved for Wexford General Hospital to meet the cost of upgrading the obstetric and gynaecological service.
At the Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar the obstetric/gynaecology ward including delivery suite is being upgraded.
A capital project to provide a new upgraded special care baby unit is being commissioned at Portiuncula Hospital.
A capital grant of €3m has been approved to carry out infrastructural improvements at the Rotunda Hospital.
€15m has been approved in principle to provide enhanced facilities at the National Maternity Hospital.
48 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects the publication of the internal report by Cork University Hospital into the appointment of a pathologist (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2720/08]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has informed my Department that the review of pathology services at Cork University Hospital is currently being completed. The HSE has also informed my Department that the Pathologist concerned no longer works in any of its Hospitals.
49 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the changes made to the initial proposals for community childcare facilities in response to concerns that the initial proposals would result in the closure of many community childcare units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2714/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) which, together with the earlier Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), are implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children.
The main supports the Government makes available to parents to assist them with their childcare costs are Child Benefit and the Early Childcare Supplement. The latter payment is the responsibility of my Office, and it alone is expected to amount to expenditure of over €500m in 2008. These payments are universal and benefit all parents, regardless of their income, labour market status or the type of childcare they choose. In addition to these universal supports, Government childcare policy has also recognised the need to target additional supports towards disadvantaged families.
Under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), which is co-funded under the EU Social Fund (ESF), targeted support was provided through the staffing support grant scheme whereby community based not-for-profit childcare providers with a strong focus on disadvantage were awarded grant aid towards their staffing costs to allow them to operate reduced fees to disadvantaged parents. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability. This funding was subsequently continued to the end of 2007, where it was considered necessary to enable services to continue to make their services accessible to disadvantaged parents. This continuation funding was subject to the condition that tiered fee structures were implemented by the services in question.
With the closure of the EOCP in December 2007, to continue to support community childcare services to provide affordable childcare to disadvantaged parents, the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) was introduced from 1st January 2008 under the Exchequer funded National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), the successor programme to the EOCP. The CCSS has been allocated €153 million over the next 3 years, representing a 16% increase in funding over the EOCP staffing scheme, and will continue to support community childcare services to provide reduced childcare fees for disadvantaged parents, complementing the universal supports in place for all parents. Under the new scheme, it will be possible to ensure that the level of grant aid which individual services qualify for will reflect the actual level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. As part of their application for funding under the new scheme, services are required to ask parents using their services to complete a simple declaration form which is to be included in a return to my Office and on which basis the level of subvention for each service will be determined. The subvention received by services will, in turn, be reflected in the reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the scheme.
It is considered that the new scheme will provide an effective framework for the continued targeting of additional resources towards disadvantaged parents and their children while continuing to support community childcare services generally. The scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage supported and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme. In addition, transitional arrangements have been made under which existing grant recipients will continue to be funded at their current levels until 1st July 2008. This is to ensure that existing childcare services are facilitated to adjust to the new scheme, including making any adjustments necessary to their fee structures.
When I announced the new scheme in July of last year, I signalled my intention to undertake a review of the Scheme on the basis of the more detailed and comprehensive data which was to be forwarded to my Office in November and December as part of the application process of the new scheme. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the review was completed last month and the following adjustments to the scheme have been approved by the Government:
the childcare subvention rates, which form the basis for assessing the level of grant funding payable to community childcare services, have been increased from €80 to €100 per week in the case of Band A parents and from €30 to €70 per week in the case of Band B parents;
services will also be grant aided to enable them to provide reduced childcare fees for parents in Band C who are marginally above the Family Income Supplement (FIS) threshold and low income parents who qualify under this measure will benefit by €45 per week per full-time place;
where a parent moves to a lower Band (e.g. from social welfare into employment), the subvention paid in respect of them will be withdrawn on a tapered basis with the effect that where a parent would no longer qualify for a Band A payment, he or she will be treated as a Band B parent in the following year;
special provisions will be provided for in the case of childcare services where, for valid reasons, it is not possible to assess grant funding on the basis of annual parental declarations alone (e.g. women's refuges, special services for children of drug misusers) and, in exceptional cases, where special levels of funding provision may be required;
in recognition of the on-going input of the community and voluntary sector, and to provide stability for services which would otherwise receive very low levels of grant subvention (e.g. small rural services) a minimum annual grant level of €20,000 is being introduced;
as a transitional measure during 2008-2010, services which would otherwise face a significant decrease in their existing level of grant support from July 2008, will continue to receive grant aid equal to not less than 90% of their previous grant level during July-December 2008, equal to not less than 85% of that amount in 2009, and equal to not less than 75% of that amount in 2010. The transitional grant funding is conditional on all requirements of the Scheme being complied with, including the return of annual applications together with completed parent declaration forms and the implementation of tiered fees based on the subvention levels for Band A, B and C parents.
51 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects the publication of a report by HIQA of a review of pathology services at University College Hospital Galway in the wake of a breast cancer misdiagnosis case where a woman was twice wrongly given a breast cancer all-clear; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2721/08]
The investigation by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) into pathology services at University College Hospital Galway in the context referred to by the Deputy was commenced in September 2007. I am informed that significant progress has been made in this investigation. While it is difficult to predict precisely at this stage when the work will be completed, it is hoped that the investigation will be concluded by the end of March 2008 and the report will be published as soon as possible thereafter.
52 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans in place to increase the number of child and adolescent psychiatric beds in the short and medium term; the locations where these beds will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2729/08]
The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, entitled 'A Vision for Change', which was launched in January 2006 provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over 7 to 10 years.
It makes a number of recommendations for the development of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services including the recruitment of 40 child and adolescent community mental health teams and the provision of four 20 bed units. A total of €11.2 million revenue funding has been provided to the HSE over 2006 and 2007 for the development of these services.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
53 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on recent discussions with dentists; if progress has been made on the ongoing dispute; the plans she has to ensure continuity of supply of dental services to medical card holders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2628/08]
The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides for a range of dental services for adult medical card holders from participating dentists holding contracts with the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The DTSS Review Group was established in May, 2006 to undertake a comprehensive review of Primary Care Oral Health Services provided under the DTSS. Represented on the Review Group are the HSE, the HSE — Employers Agency, the Department of Health and Children, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Department of Finance and the Irish Dental Association (IDA). The Group is chaired by Mr Finbar Flood.
During the course of the review, based on legal advice by the HSE, a legal issue arose in relation to the Competition Act, 2002 and the collective negotiation of fees with the IDA. The HSE was advised that the coming together of the DTSS contractors under the auspices of the IDA to negotiate fees would constitute a breach of the Act. The IDA was advised of the legal situation and, in January, 2007, discussions on the fee aspects of the review were temporarily put on hold. It is clear now from discussions between officials of my Department and the Attorney General's Office, that there are complex legal difficulties associated with the traditional process for the negotiation of professional fees and that a new approach, in line with Competition Law, must be found. Accordingly, officials in my Department have been working with the Attorney General's office to clarify the way forward.
54 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the initiatives that are ongoing by her Department to reduce the level of obesity in this country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2597/08]
The Report of the National Taskforce on Obesity, "Obesity — the Policy Challenges", was published in 2005 and contained 93 recommendations aimed at tackling overweight and obesity. The Health Service Executive has established a Working Group to implement the health sector recommendations of the Task Force on Obesity for which the HSE has the lead responsibility and for which €3 million has been allocated.
The Taskforce and my Department recognise that a multi-sectoral approach is necessary, involving other state agencies and government departments and real engagement of the public and private sectors to implement the report's recommendations. My Department continues to liaise with other Government Departments and is at present working through the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion, Children and Integration to progress implementation of the Taskforces's recommendations.
56 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is intended to make an order pursuant to Section 11 (2) (a) of the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002 to enable the Ombudsman for Children to investigate complaints received regarding children detained in prisons such as St. Patrick’s Institution as well as other adult prisons here; if the consent of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has been sought for the making of such order; and if not, the reason for same. [2722/08]
At the time of the drafting of the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002, children detained in St. Patrick's Institution were excluded from the remit of the Ombudsman for Children for a number of reasons. Firstly, the Ombudsman Act 1980 exempted prisons and it was decided there should be consistency of approach in the Ombudsman for Children Bill. Secondly, the remit of the Ombudsman for Children is for persons under 18 years. As St. Partick's Institution does not cater exclusively for children, young adults aged up to 21 years are also detained in this facility, it does not fall within the remit of the Ombudsman for Children. The Inspector of Prisons has a remit to inspect all places of detention operated under the aegis of the Irish Prison Service. St. Patrick's Institution comes within this remit. In addition, there is also a visiting committee appointed to St. Patrick's.
Children detention schools come within the remit of the Ombudsman for Children. Under the amendments to the Children Act 2001, contained in the Criminal Justice Act 2006, children detention schools will be extended to include all children under 18 years. Plans are progressing to bring these changes into effect, after which all children under 18 in detention will come within the remit of the Ombudsman for Children.
57 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children if the special vests that alleviate the symptoms associated with cystic fibrosis are available to such patients here; if they are available in all Health Service Executive regions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2728/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
58 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if the ACE schools project aimed at addressing obesity in school children in the Health Service Executive Dublin mid-Leinster region will be expanded to other areas; her plans to address the growing problem of obesity in the population here particularly in children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2717/08]
The Report of the National Taskforce on Obesity, "Obesity — the Policy Challenges", was published in 2005 and contained 93 recommendations aimed at tackling overweight and obesity. The Health Service Executive has established a Working Group to implement the health sector recommendations of the Task Force on Obesity for which the HSE has the lead responsibility and for which €3 million has been allocated. This is in addition to the annual spend of €25 million on health promotion activities, €5 million of which is also utilised in specifically anti-obesity initiatives.
The Taskforce and my Department recognise that a multi-sectoral approach is necessary, involving other state agencies and government departments and real engagement of the public and private sectors to implement the report's recommendations. My Department continues to liaise with other Government Departments and is at present working with the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion, Children and Integration to progress implementation of the Taskforces's recommendations.
The schools project to which the Deputy refers relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
60 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether it is unacceptable that persons applying for inter country adoption have to wait for five years or more before they are allowed to complete the assessment process, in consequence of which the waiting list for foreign adoptions has doubled in the past five years; if she will take steps to establish a more effective system bearing in mind that many such applicants may be middle aged couples; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2364/08]
The HSE has statutory responsibility for the implementation of policy with regard to assessments for inter-country adoption.
As the Deputy may be aware, requests for assessment for inter-country adoption are continuously increasing. The recent study on inter-country adoption, undertaken by the Children's Research Centre in Trinity College, revealed that Ireland has one of the highest rates for foreign adoption in Europe. In addition, as a result of the increased number of children coming from abroad, a new and increasing demand for post-adoption reports from sending countries has been created. Both assessments and post-placement reports are being undertaken by HSE social work staff.
The HSE has been assessing the provision of services in the context of moving from the health board system to a single executive. It has acknowledged that there is a divergence in the provision of services and is committed to addressing those differences. In a number of areas, the HSE has improved waiting times by contracting assessments out to non-statutory agencies with appropriate expertise.
The HSE has also appointed an outside consultant to undertake a review of the inter-country adoption service. This review is examining staffing, business processes, resources, strengths and options within the service. The HSE has indicated that it will contact the Department shortly with proposals to improve this service based on the outcome of the report. I would like to assure the Deputy of my attention to this issue and reiterate the importance of a rigorous and effective assessment system.
61 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if extra funding has been allocated to the National MRSA Reference Laboratory in response to concerns expressed in 2007 as to its capacity to carry out its functions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2716/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services, including the National MRSA Reference Laboratory which is operated by St. James's Hospital, is provided in its annual vote. The HSE was allocated a total sum of almost €14bn for 2007 and near €15bn for 2008 and it is for the HSE to determine priorities and decide how these funds are used to deliver the best and most efficient public health service. Therefore, the particular question raised by the Deputy in this case is a matter for the HSE and my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
62 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are provisions in place to examine or research the supports and services of caring on young carers and introduce an appropriate programme of in home supports as per the national agreement Towards 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32259/07]
Towards 2016 includes a commitment that a study of the extent to which children undertake inappropriate care roles will be undertaken to establish the extent and degree to which this issue arises and the levels of impact it has on the lives of the children concerned. The Office of the Minister for Children will be commissioning this study in 2008, following consultation with the relevant Government Departments and agencies. It is envisaged that the study will take 12-18 months to complete.
63 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the Government’s commitment to suicide prevention in view of the freeze in the 2008 Budget for the National Office for Suicide Prevention at the 2007 level of funding. [2202/08]
156 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress on the implementation of the 33 recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee report on High Levels of Suicide in Ireland published in July 2006 and debated in Dáil Éireann on 26 October 2006. [2202/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 156 together.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the Government is fully committed to the implementation of suicide prevention initiatives and the further development of services to prevent and reduce further tragic loss of life.
In September 2005, "Reach Out" — a National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, 2005-2014 was launched. The strategy provides a policy framework for suicide prevention activities in Ireland. The strategy calls for a multi-sectoral approach to the prevention of suicidal behaviour in order to foster cooperation between health, education, community, voluntary and private sector agencies. The HSE, through the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP), oversees the implementation of the strategy and has taken on board the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Health and Children regarding the "High Levels of Suicide in Irish Society" which are consistent with the actions identified in "Reach Out".
Additional funding of €1.85 million was provided in 2007 for the implementation of the Strategy bringing the overall funding available to support suicide prevention initiatives in 2007 to €8 million and this level of funding continues into 2008.
Initiatives funded by the National Office for Suicide Prevention include developing and implementing national training programmes, completing the availability of self-harm services through A&E departments, developing mental health awareness campaigns, implementing recommendations arising from a review of bereavement services, eleven dedicated suicide officers and supporting voluntary organisations working in the field of suicide prevention.
It should also be emphasised that a wide range of other expenditure on mental health services generally is of importance in measures to help prevent suicide. A total of some €1 billion is now spent on mental health services, including consultant psychiatry and psychiatric nursing. These services play a vital role in the drive to reduce the incidence of suicide, and should be taken into account when examining the level of total public expenditure devoted to suicide prevention.
64 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the information available to her on the incidence of MRSA, C Difficile and other infections in hospitals here; the measures being taken to reduce the spread of these infections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2712/08]
138 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which hospitals in both the private and public sector have been affected by MRSA; the action taken to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2971/08]
139 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which MRSA is under control; the number of patients who contacted the disease in the pact 12 months; the action taken in response; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2972/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 64, 138 and 139 together.
I would like to assure the Deputies that tackling Health Care Associated Infections (HCAIs), including MRSA and C Difficile, continues to be a priority for the government and for the Health Service Executive (HSE). It should be noted that the HSE does not have a remit in relation to private hospitals.
The European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (EARSS) was established in 1999 in response to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in Europe. In 2007, 43 Irish laboratories serving 64 acute hospitals (public and private) participated in EARSS representing an estimated 98% coverage of the Irish population. In 2007, by the end of the 3rd Quarter (the most up to date figures available) there were 1,035 isolates of Staphylococcus Aureus blood stream infection of which 432 (41.7%) were MRSA. The annual trends indicate that the proportion of MRSA in Ireland has levelled off at approximately 42% since 2002.
Clostridium difficile is not a notifiable disease and, as a result, it is difficult to quantify the extent of infection in the health care system. However, Clostridium difficile infection was examined in the Third Prevalence Survey of Health Care Associated Infections (HCAIs) in acute hospitals in 2006. The survey found that thirty-six patients had Clostridium difficile representing 0.5% of patients studied. Clostridium difficile infection increases with age and is eight times more common in patients over 65 years compared to those under the age of 65 years. The emergence of more virulent strains of Clostridium difficile which is partly due to over use of antibiotics underlines the importance of strict antibiotic stewardship in our health care system.
The extent to which hospitals are affected by MRSA varies with the type of hospital. In the 2006 prevalence survey of healthcare associated infections, the prevalence of MRSA was 0.5% in tertiary/regional and general hospitals, and was zero in specialist hospitals.
A National Surveillance System has recently been established by the HSE to collect data and provide information on a quarterly basis on four key areas, to monitor HCAIs in our healthcare system:
1. Staphylococcus bacteraemia;
2. Antibiotic consumption;
3. Alcohol gel use;
4. MRSA surveillance in Intensive Care Units.
A report on the 2006 data from the system is expected to be made available by the Surveillance Centre in the near future and work has commenced on providing information in respect of 2007. All of this will greatly assist in the monitoring of improvements in infection control.
The HSE launched a National Infection Control Action Plan in March 2007. An Infection Control Steering Group, chaired by Dr. Pat Doorley, National Director (Population Health) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the plan. Over the next three to five years, the HSE aims to reduce HCAIs by 20%, MRSA infections by 30% and antibiotic consumption by 20%. Achievement of these targets will benefit all patients who are at risk. These targets will be achieved through the development of national and local level action plans to reduce the potential for spread of infections between persons in healthcare settings and, in addition, will focus on reducing antibiotic use in Ireland. The Steering Group is supported by eight Local Implementation Teams which will ensure that all local facilities are focused on achieving the national targets.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) undertook a comprehensive review of hygiene in our hospitals in 2007 against hygiene standards developed by the Irish Health Services Accreditation Board. HIQA published its report, the National Hygiene Services Quality Review, on 13th November, 2007. The report represents a thorough assessment of how hygiene services are provided and managed in 51 HSE-funded acute care hospitals. Hospitals generally performed well on hygiene in the service delivery area. Most hospitals achieved either extensive or exceptional compliance with the standard in the service delivery section of the report. However, the results were poor on governance. While the good hygiene practice of front line staff highlighted in the report is vital, real improvement in this whole area also depends heavily on good leadership and a system of governance. HIQA is currently working with managers and clinicians to develop national standards for Infection Prevention and Control. When completed these, along with the national hygiene standards, will provide a comprehensive framework to help reduce the spread of infection and improve the quality of our health care.
The availability of isolation facilities is an important factor in the overall solution to the issue of reducing incidence of infection. I have instructed the HSE that designated private beds should be used where isolation facilities are required for patients who contract MRSA and this policy has been adopted by the HSE. New environmental building guidelines are being prepared by the HSE to inform infection control policy in all new builds and refurbishments and the HSE is committed to ensuring that such facilities are in line with best international practice including the provision of adequate numbers of single units.
While accepting that not all HCAIs are preventable, I am satisfied that significant steps are being taken to reduce the rates of infections and to treat them promptly when they occur.
65 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the procedures in place in her Department to monitor, on an ongoing basis, the number of children who are the subject of reports to the Health Service Executive of either abuse or neglect and to monitor the time frame involved in the commencement of an investigation to assess the validity of such reports; the HSE areas in which such reports have been received and in which to date no investigation or assessment has commenced; the number of children to which such reports relate; and the action proposed by her to address difficulties in this area and to ensure children are properly protected. [2723/08]
As the Deputy is aware the management and delivery of health and social services are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Under Section 31 of that Act, the Health Service Executive must prepare and submit to the Minister its Service Plan for the coming year, for approval. The National Service Plan (NSP) must, amongst other things, indicate the type and volume of health and personal services to be provided by the Executive for the resources provided in its Vote.
The NSP is focused on providing quantifiable data for planned service outputs for the inputs/resources being used. The NSP is monitored through a series of monthly and quarterly Performance Monitoring Reports submitted by the HSE which are examined by the Department. The quarterly reports in particular detail progress on all actions/deliverables that are included in the NSP. Expenditure by the HSE is monitored on an ongoing basis by the Department's Finance Unit.
The NSP also embeds more than 30 indicators/measures that can be used to assess the performance of the HSE in relation to the NSP. The 2008 HSE National Service Plan includes performance indicators, which will be reported to the Department quarterly, for each HSE region on;
the number of notifications of child abuse or neglect;
the number of assessments conducted following notifications;
the number of children on waiting lists for assessments following notification of child abuse or neglect; and
the average time spent on a waiting list for assessment following notification of child abuse or neglect.
Reporting against the above measures will be based upon the phased implementation of a standardised business process through the Childcare Information System project.
High level quarterly service plan meetings are held between Department and HSE management teams to discuss progress on the implementation of the NSP and to raise and resolve significant issues. In addition to these formal arrangements there is ongoing contact and dialogue between the various sections in the Department and the directorates in the HSE.
66 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if she plans to establish a national cancer screening register; if so, when; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2710/08]
The National Cancer Screening Service which amalgamates BreastCheck and the Irish Cervical Screening Programme (ICSP) was established on 1 January 2007 and will deliver both programmes nationally. This will maximise the expertise in both programmes, ensure improved efficiency and develop a single governance model for cancer screening. The Service compiles a register of women eligible for screening from information supplied by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, General Medical Services and private health insurance providers. The Service also provides facilities for eligible women to self register to the programmes.
The Health (Provision of Information) Act 1997 allows for the provision of information to the National Cancer Registry Board, the Minister for Health and certain Health Bodies, for the purposes of cancer screening programmes, and to provide for related matters. The National Cancer Screening Service has in place a register for both the breast and cervical screening programmes and under the Act can compile a register for any future screening programmes. The issue of population registers is currently being considered by my Department in the context of the preparation of the forthcoming Health Information Bill.
67 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on statistics published in a newspaper (details supplied) which showed long waiting times for out-patients appointments for public patients; her plans to reduce these times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2709/08]
The management of out-patient waiting lists is a matter for the Health Service Executive and the individual hospitals concerned. My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the details contained in the relevant newspaper article. I might add that in 2005, at my request, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) set up an out-patient pilot programme. Under the programme 4,500 patients were provided with out-patient appointments in 2005. The following year 6,250 patients were provided and a further 10,672 in 2007. The NTPF expects to provide a further 13,500 out-patients appointments in 2008
69 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of drug detox beds available; if this number meets the demand for such facilities; the areas where such facilities are available; if, from a geographical point of view and for easy access the facilities meet the demand for such facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32595/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
70 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with her counterpart in Northern Ireland regarding the use of hospital services in the border regions on a joint basis; if they have agreed the hospitals that are being considered or if cross border involvement will decide the best site for a hospital in the north east region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2295/08]
I met with Mr. Michael McGimpsey, MLA, Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety in October and November last year to discuss a range of co-operation issues in the health sector, including hospital services. As both Health Departments have established a Project Board to take forward a Feasibility Study on the potential for future co-operation across a range of health service areas, it has been decided to await the outcome of that Study, before discussing any potential future action. It is expected that the Study will be completed in June/July this year.
The hospital reconfiguration process in the North East is being overseen by a HSE Steering Group. A sub-committee of the Steering Group was established to progress the issue of site selection for the new regional hospital. Following a tendering process, the HSE appointed a firm of consultants to carry out an independent site location study. The HSE anticipates that the consultants' report will be completed in February.
I discussed with my counterpart the issue of North South co-operation in the Acute Hospitals in the North East. At official level some publicly available information on the profile of hospital services in Northern Ireland was provided by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to the HSE in order to assist the study. However, in the light of current acute hospital capacity and planned developments in the North, the two Departments agreed that the HSE should not assume any increase in patient flows across the Border when deciding on the preferred site of the new hospital.
75 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a copy of the survey by the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish College of General Practitioners showing that public patients have slower access to cancer care than private patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2200/08]
The Report 'Early Detection in Cancer: A Needs Assessment of General Practitioners' was a joint study involving the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish College of General Practitioners. The aim of the study was to identify the barriers experienced by General Practitioners to early diagnosis of cancer in order to improve early detection, increase the number of patients diagnosed at an early stage and maximise potential for cure. The key findings of the study include a need for increased patient awareness, improved communications with hospitals, further education and clinical practice guidelines on identification of early stage cancer, appropriate investigative pathways and referral criteria for suspected cancer and identification and screening of 'high risk individuals' and elimination of inequity between public and private patients.
I am firmly of the view that cancer patients should be seen and treated solely on the basis of medical priority. The implementation of the National Cancer Control Programme will serve to ensure equity of access to services and equality of patient outcome. The recent decisions of the Health Service Executive (HSE) in relation to four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres will be implemented on a managed and phased basis. The Programme will identify gaps in the provision of existing services, address regional disparities in cancer treatment, and develop a national approach to timely access to diagnostic services for cancer. Prof. Keane, Director of the Programme, has already made significant progress in this regard. He has met with the President of the Irish College of General Practitioners and has received support for his plan to develop a national mechanism for referral of patients into the eight designated centres. In addition, the Lead Consultant Surgeons in the eight designated breast cancer centres have agreed to a common referral process for breast cancer and will institute policy changes in relation to follow up practice.
76 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has given consideration to alternative funding mechanisms for the care of older people in nursing homes instead of the proposal to include a portion of the value of the estate of such persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2702/08]
In January 2005, the Minister established an Interdepartmental Working Group on Long-Term Care. The Group was chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach and comprised senior officials from the Departments of Finance, Health and Children, and Social and Family Affairs. Its terms of reference included the identification of policy options for a financially sustainable system of long-term care.
The Group reported to Government in January 2006. It also carefully considered and helped to develop the policy proposals for the new Nursing Home Support Scheme, A Fair Deal.
The Minister has always highlighted that the fundamental objective of the new Fair Deal scheme is to address the inequities within the present arrangements for long-term residential care as a matter of urgency. However, in addition to that, in the recent partnership agreement, Towards 2016, the Government and the social partners agreed to further analysis on financially sustainable options for the future financing of all long-term care services; residential and community-based. While working to put in the place the Fair Deal scheme, the Department has also already commenced work on the wider issue of financing of all long-term care services. The Department hopes to progress this work through the aegis of the Interdepartmental Working Group on Long-Term Care.
77 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Health and Children if Health Service Executive front-line staff are being replaced while on maternity leave, leave of absence, long-term illness or retirement on a one-for-one basis; the number of staff positions that this involves, broken down by category; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2553/08]
Over 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the number of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the health care needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of the Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
78 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a waiting list for BCG vaccinations since October 2007, that there is currently no BCG vaccine available and that the Health Service Executive will not receive fresh stocks of vaccine until March 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2718/08]
I understand from the Health Service Executive (HSE), that owing to regulatory difficulties being experienced by the manufacturer of the BCG vaccine, there is a shortage of the vaccine throughout the country at present. This is a Europe wide problem as the manufacturer in question is the only company which supplies the vaccine to the European Market. I have been informed that the HSE is in regular contact with the supplier, and is doing all it can do to ensure delivery of the vaccine at the earliest possible juncture. Unfortunately, it is not possible to stockpile the vaccine in advance as it has a very short shelf life. It is anticipated that the HSE will receive fresh stocks of the vaccine in March.
79 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department continues to require its approval for senior administrative posts in the Health Service Executive; the number of such posts approved in 2007; the number to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2708/08]
Under the terms of the Employment Control Framework introduced in December 2006, the HSE is required to obtain the prior approval of my Department and the Department of Finance for the filling of posts at Grade VIII and above. The number of posts approved in 2007 was 18 and this year the figure so far is 4.
80 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to Circular 01/2008 of the Health Service Executive and the concern this circular is causing due to the restrictions it places on the filling of vacancies in the health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2726/08]
It is very important that measures are in place in 2008 to avoid a repetition of the budgetary difficulties encountered by the HSE in 2007. In my letter to the Chairman of the HSE approving the 2008 National Service Plan, I have emphasised that the evident links between the Voted allocation, approved employment levels and service activity — within the HSE itself and in HSE funded agencies such as the major voluntary hospitals — need to be planned and actively managed from the very start of the year with appropriate action being taken in the event of any divergence from profile. In this regard, I understand that, under the Circular 01/2008, Area Employment Monitoring Groups have been established in each of the 4 administrative areas to ensure that monthly reports in respect of new or replacement staff being entered onto the payroll are rigorously assessed to determine whether any remedial action is necessary to ensure services are operated fully within budget. I understand that essential posts in front-line services would be prioritised in this process.
It is only through the integrated and managed approach as set out in Circular 01/2008 that the HSE will be able to ensure that resources for services (including staffing) are directed as intended by Government.
81 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the time frame for the roll-out of cervical cancer screening; the funding that has been set aside in 2008 for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2707/08]
The National Cancer Screening Service is planning to roll out the National Cervical Screening Programme on a national basis around the middle of this year. Women aged 25 to 44 years old will be screened every 3 years; women aged 45 to 60 will be screened every 5 years. The Service will be available free of charge to all eligible women. Approximately 230,000 women will be screened annually, assuming an 80% take up by eligible women.
All elements of the programme, call/recall, smear taking, laboratories, colposcopy and treatment services will be quality assured, organised and managed to deliver a single integrated national service. The Service is in the process of procuring quality assured internationally accredited laboratory capacity. The laboratories will be required to meet turnaround times of ten working days. This process is due to be completed by end March. In terms of smeartaker capacity, the Service completed a stakeholder consultation process in November 2007 and published a draft smeartaker contract for consultation in the first week of January this year. This consultation process will end on 28 February next and the actual smeartaker contract will be published shortly thereafter. The programme will be based on a turnaround time of four weeks for smear testing. The Service is also carrying out a baseline quality audit of existing clinical colposcopy services in the State to establish their fitness for purpose in the context of a national cervical screening programme.
Additional revenue funding of €5.0m was allocated to the Service in 2007 for the roll-out of the programme and an additional €15.0m has been allocated in 2008. An additional 30 posts have been approved to facilitate integration and roll-out of the programme.
82 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans for the development of services at Roscommon County Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2307/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular question raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
83 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans for the reconfiguration of services at Roscommon County Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2306/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular question raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
84 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied with the effectiveness of spending in the health area; and if he has plans to improve scrutiny. [2123/08]
I have continued to emphasise to the Health Service Executive (HSE) the need to secure greater value for money and cost effectiveness from the HSE core funding. The National Service Plan (NSP) sets out strategic objectives, cost containment initiatives, value for money and productivity reviews to progress the development and delivery of greater efficiencies in 2008 and beyond. An extensive Value for Money Programme is planned, targeting to deliver significant cost reductions in 2008.
85 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position regarding the implementation of the recommendations of the Flood Policy Review Group; and the recommendations of the Report of the Flood Policy Review Group that have to date been implemented. [2931/08]
86 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position regarding the development of River Basin Flood Risk Management Plans as recommended by the Flood Policy Review Group; and the steps that have been taken by his Department to ensure these plans are underway. [2932/08]
87 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the steps that have been taken by his Department to reorganise structures and responsibility for flooding as recommended and outlined in the Flood Policy Review Group. [2933/08]
88 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the works that have been carried out since 2000 under the flood relief programme. [2935/08]
89 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the works to be carried out in 2008, 2009 and 2010 under the flood relief programme. [2936/08]
90 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the steps that have been taken by his Department on foot of the recommendations in the Flood Policy Review Group for funding and resources to be provided to MET Éireann in respect of information technology infrastructure and hydrological modelling. [2937/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 to 90, inclusive, together.
The Government has assigned responsibility as lead Agency for the implementation of its policy in respect of flood risk management to the Office of Public Works as recommended by the review group. The policy being pursued is fully in line with the recommendations of the review group.
The provision for flood risk management in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 is €382m. The provision for this year is €50m. Expenditure last year amounted to €23.115m. In addition to the capital provision, there is a provision in the OPW vote in 2008 of €22m for Channel maintenance and other work programmes.
The Department of Finance sanctioned the appointment of an additional 30 staff to enable the Office of Public Works to implement the recommendations of the report. The process of filling these posts is complex and is ongoing.
OPW is pro actively developing a range of non-structural measures to mitigate the effects of existing flood risk and to prevent the creation of future flood risk.
A website, www.floodmaps.ie, which shows details of records of flooding throughout the State for more than 100 years has been developed and is accessible to the public. Planning Authorities are in a position to access more detailed information in relation to flood risk through the website.
Measures taken to date to raise the general level of public awareness of flooding as an issue include running a number of public awareness campaigns including the distribution of an information booklet and the setting up of a website www.flooding.ie, which contains information and advice under the headings Plan, Prepare, Protect.
OPW was actively involved, in co-operation with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, in the negotiation of the EU Floods Directive and will continue to be responsible in co-operation with the Department for the implementation of the Directive.
Pilot Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Studies [CFRAMS] are currently in progress in respect of the Rivers Lee, Dodder and Suir Catchments. Tenders are currently being sought for the Finglas/East Meath Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study. Progress on this programme is ahead of the requirements of the EU Directive, which requires that CFRAMS for all River Basins be completed by 2015.
A project to update the hydrometric and hydrological methodologies and data used by engineers and designers, is at an advanced stage and will be completed and published this year. OPW has also carried out a review of it's own hydrometric stations to ensure that adequate data will be available in the future, to monitor flood risk and to inform decision making where action may be required in response to evidence of increased risk.
OPW is working with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, to develop a guidance document on the consideration of flood risk in the planning and development process.
OPW is also working with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to develop a guidance document outlining best practice in respect of the emergency management of a flood event.
OPW has initiated a review of the legislation under which it currently deals with flood risk management issues to determine what changes may be necessary to enable it to discharge the full range of its responsibilities in the future.
OPW is examining the criteria and processes that will be required to enable rivers, channels and flood defence assets to be designated for future maintenance where it is considered appropriate on economic, social or environmental grounds to do so.
All of OPW's major structural flood relief schemes are currently subjected to Cost Benefit Analysis. OPW has developed draft prioritisation criteria to enable it to prioritise between different elements of its work programme to make best use of staff, financial or other resources. The process of striking the right balance between economic, social, environmental and other considerations is extremely complex and further research is needed before this work is completed. It is expected that this task will be concluded this year.
OPW has established an Environmental Unit within the Engineering Services Division to advise in relation to the environmental considerations arising from its structural and non structural work programmes and to assist in ensuring that the best environmental options are selected, and where possible, environmental enhancement measures are incorporated in flood risk management measures.
OPW has established a high level steering committee to co-ordinate the implementation of its flood management work programme. Met Éireann are represented on the committee. The possibility of OPW providing assistance to Met Éireann to help improve flood forecasting has been discussed but no specific measures have been identified to date.
OPW is also engaged in a programme of structural flood relief measures to alleviate existing flooding problems.
The following flood relief works have been completed or are in progress since 2000 under the flood relief programme:
Mulkear River, Cappamore, Co. Limerick
Bridgend, Co. Donegal
Maam Valley, Co. Galway
Shinkeen Stream, Hazelhatch, Co. Kildare
Bandon River, Dunmanway, Co. Cork
Suir River, Carrick-on-Suir
River Nore, Kilkenny
Limerick (Harry's Mall)
Limerick (Clancy Strand)
River Tolka (Meath, Fingal and Dublin)
Munster Blackwater Mallow
River Suir (Clonmel)
Rye River, Leixlip
River Dodder
New Ross
Spencer Dock
The first phase of Flood Relief Schemes for Ennis, Clonmel, Carlow, Mallow and Fermoy are at varying stages of the tender process at present and will commence this year.
Detailed Design work on subsequent phases of these schemes will commence this year and it is anticipated that construction of schemes will commence in 2009 / 2010.
Flood Relief Schemes for Waterford, Woodford and the Dunkellin river and Mornington are at an advanced stage of design and it is anticipated that work on these schemes will also commence this year.
Flood Relief Schemes for Templemore, Raphoe, Letterkenny, River Liffey (South Quays), Enniscorthy, Tullow, Bray, Arklow, Portarlington, Piltown, and Tullamore are at various stages of the design process. While it is too early at this stage to say when work on site will commence, it is anticipated it will be possible to commence work on most of these projects in 2009 or 2010.
In addition to the works listed above OPW is also engaged in assisting Local Authorities though the provision of advice, funding or the execution of works as appropriate in each case, to deal with localised flooding problems where economic, social and environmental considerations support such measures. OPW also maintains an extensive network of watercourses, which were improved under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, to maintain them in proper repair and effective condition. There is considerable evidence that this contributes to the prevention of flooding in areas drained by these watercourses.
91 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of DIRT-exempt bank accounts that have been established during each of the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2864/08]
Up to 2006, DIRT was deducted from a customer's deposit interest regardless of whether or not the customer was actually liable to tax. At the end of each year some account holders, provided they met certain conditions, were entitled to claim a refund from Revenue of any DIRT deducted during the year.
Section 34 of the Finance Act 2007 introduced a new scheme to allow the operation of DIRT exempt savings accounts subject to two conditions: the account holder must be aged 65 years of age or over or be permanently incapacitated and their total income must not exceed the relevant exemption threshold, i.e. in 2007 €19,000 (for an individual) or €38,000 (for a married couple).
Provisional figures show that in 2007, 39,201 such accounts were operated. These figures will increase as the remaining financial institutions file returns for 2007. Such accounts were not operated before 2007.
92 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on the introduction of tax relief on fees paid to property management companies in the Finance Bill 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2865/08]
The Finance Bill will be published at 14:00 today and it is not the practice to comment on it, one way or another, before it is presented to the Dáil.
93 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 6 November 2007, if all legal matters relating to the agreement for a Garda station (details supplied) in County Clare have been finalised; when An Garda Síochána will be taking possession of the premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2896/08]
All work pertaining to this Lease Agreement has been completed by the Commissioners of Public Works. All final fit-out works have been completed by the Landlord this week.
The Chief State Solicitor awaits a final closing document from the Landlord's Solicitor. The Landlord was contacted directly by the Commissioners and has agreed to furnish this document. Following receipt of this document by the CSSO the Commissioners will then be legally entitled to take possession of this premises. Hand-over to An Garda Síochána will follow and is imminent.
94 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will advise on a query from a person (details supplied). [2900/08]
From the details supplied by the Deputy, it is not possible for the Revenue Commissioners to comment on the actual case. However, the general position is as follows. Tax relief at source (TRS) is granted on a secured loan used for the purchase, repair, development or improvement of a principal private residence. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that an individual wishing to register for TRS on mortgage interest payments should complete the relevant form TRS1 available at www.revenue.ie and return it to Revenue. Alternatively, an individual can register online at www.revenue.ie/trs 1.
To claim relief for previous years' interest payments, an individual must complete a TRSP form which is available from Revenue online at www.revenue.ie and return it to Revenue. I should point out that relief for the current year and the previous four years are only eligible for relief. Any interest paid before 1 January 2004 is no longer eligible for relief.
95 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the price of fuel accounts for one third of the gross profit of a fishing vessel; if he will cap the amount of VAT paid on a litre of fuel for fishing vessels. [2914/08]
The position is that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under the VAT Directive, Member States can only apply the standard VAT rate to fuel. In Ireland the standard VAT rate is 21%. Any reduction VAT paid on a litre of fuel for fishing vessels would have to apply to all goods and services subject to the standard VAT rate. For example, a one percentage reduction in the standard VAT rate would cost the Exchequer approximately €483 million in a full year and make little or no difference to the price of fuel for fishing vessels.
In relation to capping the amount of VAT paid on a litre of fuel for fishing vessels, the EU VAT Directive sets out the method through which VAT must be calculated which has been transposed from the VAT Directive by section 10 of the Value Added Tax Act 1972 as follows: "...the total consideration which the person supplying goods or services becomes entitled to receive in respect of or in relation to such supply of goods or services, including all taxes, commissions, costs and charges whatsoever, but not including value-added tax chargeable in respect of the supply". Consequently, EU VAT law does not permit a capping of the amount of VAT paid in respect of any good as proposed by the Deputy.
96 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if disability allowance is a taxable payment; if additional income from rehabilitative work is liable to income tax; and if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [2923/08]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that disability allowance is not taxable.
The additional income from rehabilitative work earned by the person is, in general, taxable. However, the tax credits to which the person is entitled exceed any liability on this income and based on their current level of income they are not liable to tax. The taxpayer has not paid any income tax over the past four years.
97 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of separated children seeking asylum who arrived in the State in each of the years 2000 to 2007; the number of such children who were reunited with their families; the numbers who are currently provided by the State with accommodation in accommodation centres; the address of such centres; and the number of such children whose whereabouts are unknown. [2854/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
98 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the dedicated services currently in place for children aged 16 years and over who require in-patient psychiatric hospital treatment; the action proposed to be taken to put in place essential services; and the timeframe involved. [2783/08]
The Mental Health Act 2001, which has been implemented in full since 1 November 2006, recognises 16 and 17 year olds as children, whereas under the Mental Treatment Act 1945, this age group was treated as adult.
"A Vision for Change" provides a framework of 7-10 years for the development of mental health services, including services for children and adolescents. It makes a number of recommendations for the development of these services including the recruitment of 40 additional child and adolescent community mental health teams and the provision of four 20 bed units. Implementation of these recommendations is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive.
A total of €11.2 million revenue funding has been provided to the HSE over 2006 and 2007 for the development of child and adolescent services. At the end of 2007, there were 47 child and adolescent mental health teams in place and 12 child and adolescent beds for children under 16 years. In 2008 the HSE plan to recruit 8 additional child and adolescent mental health teams and commission 18 additional beds for children and adolescents, 14 of which will be for children over 16 years. Construction of two 20 bed units in Cork and Galway is also expected to commence in 2008.
99 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the action taken to date to extend social work services provided to families and children at risk to a seven day 24 hour service as recommended by the Committee on the Rights of the Child in its second periodic report adopted on 29 September 2006 reviewing Ireland’s compliance with its international obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. [2784/08]
As the Deputy is aware this matter relates to the management and delivery of health and social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. In October the Management Team of the Health Service Executive adopted the report of a National Working Group, set up in 2006 to examine out of hours Child Protection Services. The report was subsequently submitted to the Department of Health and Children for consideration.
The Department through the Office of Minister for Children is working with the HSE to see how best resources to address the social work out of hours service can be provided as a service requirement within the overall social work services provided by the HSE.
100 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there is not a special provision in place here for children in foster care who have special needs or difficulties; the plans the Health Service Executive have to do this; and the funding that has been put in place to do same. [2460/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
101 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of reports received by the Health Service Executive in 2006 and separately in 2007 relating to child abuse or neglect; the number of children in respect of whom such reports were received within each area of the Health Service Executive’s administration in respect of each year; the number of such reports fully investigated to date and the number of such reports awaiting investigation; and the average time delay in respect of each year within each area administered by the HSE between the receipt of any such report and a visit by a HSE social worker or other professional personnel to commence investigating or assessing the risk, posed to the children concerned. [2776/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
102 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children within each area administered by the Health Service Executive in respect of whom there are currently reports of abuse or neglect where no investigation or assessment has commenced by the HSE; the number of children so affected in respect of whom such reports were received over three months ago in each such area; and the steps being taken to ensure a speedier response to such reports and the proper protection of children at risk. [2777/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
103 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the arrangements made by the Health Service Executive to provide accommodation for separated children seeking asylum; the steps that have been taken in the past 12 months to ensure the adequacy of the care provided in view of the concerns expressed by the Ombudsman for Children; and the services in place to ensure that adequate standards are maintained with properly trained care staff in the accommodation provided whether it is public or private. [2778/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
104 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the provisions in legislation enacted by the Houses of the Oireachtas in relation to children’s legislation which have not been brought into operation; the reason for the delay; when it is intended to bring such provisions into operation; and the action proposed in this regard. [2779/08]
In reply I wish to advise as follows with regard to childrens' legislation (i) Part IVA of the Child Care Act 1991, as inserted by the Children Act 2001, which allows Special Care cases to be dealt with at District Court level, is commenced but is not operational. My Office is drafting a bill to amend Part IVA of the Child Care Act 1991 to provide a statutory scheme for the High Court to have exclusive original jurisdiction to hear Special Care cases. The Heads of this bill were approved by the Cabinet and the drafting of legislation is proceeding. (ii) Sections 5 to 13 of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2007, which amended Part VII of the Child Care Act 1991, enabled regulations to be made which would allow school age childcare services to be brought within the 1991 Act on the same basis as pre-school child care services. Arrangements to allow commencement of these provisions are being examined.
105 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of complaints made in each of the years 2000 to 2007 inclusive of sexual or physical abuse of children in the care of the State during the aforesaid years; the agency to which such complaints were made; the procedures in place to promptly respond to such complaints; the investigations conducted into such complaints; the outcome of such investigations; and the action taken. [2780/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
106 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the mechanisms put in place by the Health Service Executive to investigate complaints of alleged physical or sexual abuse of children presently in the care of the State; the steps taken by the HSE to publicise contact points in respect of any such service; and the number or personnel employed in such service, their qualifications, training and location. [2781/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
107 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if they can have a scan as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2793/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
108 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a domiciliary care allowance has not been awarded to persons (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2794/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
109 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 218 of 27 November 2007, the alternatives available to a person to obtain transport to Tullamore General Hospital for treatment as the previous reply to the stated question is incorrect in that there is no bus service that is suitable to the needs of the applicant to attend the clinic at the stated times and in view of the fact that the person is a cancer patient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2796/08]
My Department has made enquiries with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and has been advised that a reply to the Deputy's question of 27 November 2007 in this matter issued to him on 19th December. The reply indicated the HSE's position in relation to provision of patient transport services in the Kildare area and also advised regarding the public bus service between Athy and Tullamore.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE to arrange to have the matter re-investigated to see if any further assistance can be offered to the person and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
110 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive a date for surgery at Tullamore General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2797/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
112 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding a protocol with Belarus with respect to the adoption of children in relation to the points raised in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 141 of 24 October 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2808/08]
The position with respect to the draft protocol regarding intercountry adoptions from Belarus remains unchanged.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Adoption Board entered into an informal working arrangement with Belarus in 1999, to facilitate the adoption of children from Belarus to Ireland. In 2005, the Belorussian Authorities sought to formalise this arrangement in a draft Protocol. The Adoption Board referred this draft Protocol to the Attorney General's Office, and were advised that it was not compatible with Irish law as it contained terms which conflict with the Constitution of Ireland.
Unfortunately legal advices preclude agreement by Ireland on the terms which are being required by Belarus. Due to Constitutional difficulties an agreement with Belarus is very unlikely and, in that light, negotiations have concluded. I appreciate very much that this is disappointing for the prospective adoptive parents involved. However, the authorities in Belarus, as in all "sending" States, must retain the absolute prerogative with regard to what children may be adopted, and what requirements must be satisfied to ensure children's best interests have been central to any decision regarding their placement and adoption at home or abroad. The Deputy will appreciate this is the same prerogative and minimum standard we require within the Irish State in respect of Irish children being placed for adoption in Ireland.
113 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made and payment approved under the health repayment scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2815/08]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
114 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if the new graduate medical programme at the University of Limerick, leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, entitles a graduate to automatic registration as a registered medical practitioner under the Medical Practitioners Act (details supplied) in the same way as those with such degrees from the NUI and the University of Dublin have an automatic entitlement; if not if there are proposals for the Medical Council to extend such recognition to the course at Limerick University; if the university or the students currently enrolled are aware of the present situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2825/08]
No medical graduate from any Irish university is entitled to automatic registration as a medical practitioner. All graduates have to successfully complete an internship of one year before they can register.
The graduate entry programme at the University of Limerick is accredited by the Medical Council. This accreditation is provisional as it is the Council's policy that full accreditation is not given to any programme until a cohort of students have completed the programme. The Medical Council will be monitoring the University of Limerick's programme as it rolls out and obtaining the views of students is a key part of this review process. The University of Limerick is fully aware of the accreditation situation.
115 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if she proposes to introduce changes to the current statutory and contractual definition of hospital consultant as meaning a registered medical practitioner who, by reason of their training, skill and experience in a designated speciality, is consulted by other registered medical practitioners and undertakes full clinical responsibility for patients in their care, without supervision in professional matters by any other person; the implications of the definition on her proposals to introduce a consultant delivered rather than a consultant led hospital service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2827/08]
Negotiations with the Irish Hospital Consultants Association on a new medical consultants contract were successfully concluded on 25 January 2008. The issue of the role and definition of a consultant was the subject of detailed discussion during negotiations. Agreement was reached on the terms and conditions from which an employment contract for consultants will now be drafted.
The agreement will enable the HSE to recommence its consultant recruitment programme and will facilitate the implementation of Government policy to increase substantially the number of consultants in the public health services in order to re-balance the ratio between consultant and non-consultant hospital doctors and to move to a consultant delivered service, where patients in public hospitals will be seen and treated by a consultant.
116 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if she proposes to introduce legislation to remove from the Irish Medical Council its power to prescribe the standards of education and training for specialist medical qualifications; if she proposes in this or some other way to reduce the current lengthy training process for higher and specialist medical qualifications; if she proposes that practitioners applying for the anticipated 2,000 new posts required to provide a consultant delivered rather than a consultant led hospital service will need to have completed the current requirements for recognised higher specialist training before applying for these positions; if not, the location where the applicants for those posts are expected to come from; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2828/08]
The Medical Practitioners Act 2007 provides for specific functions in relation to medical education and training to be assigned to the Medical Council and to the Health Service Executive (HSE). In this context, the Act provides that the Medical Council will work in association with the recognised training bodies regarding the prescribing of standards for specialist medical qualifications. Arrangements for the recruitment of new consultant posts will be a matter, in the first instance, for the HSE.
In the context of the current agreement on a new consultant contract, I will be requesting the HSE to engage with the appropriate bodies including the Public Appointments Service with a view to expediting the training, recruitment and appointment processes for consultants.
117 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are plans to consolidate all Health Service Executive services in Mallow, County Cork, to a single location in view of the services currently being split between four separate buildings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2829/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
118 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people awaiting an MRI scan at all Cork County hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2835/08]
120 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people awaiting an MRI scan at all Cork hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2837/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 120 together.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
119 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the management reporting structure of Mallow General Hospital to Cork University Hospital compared to that of Bantry General Hospital; if BGH has an autonomous management structure; the reason the CT scanner, which is fully operational at BGH, is not operational in Mallow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2836/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
121 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of home-care packages that have been distributed in each local Health Service Executive area in the Dublin region from the beginning of 2007 to date in 2008; the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2866/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
123 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a specific aid can be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [2882/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
124 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the criteria used by the Health Service Executive in selecting which private nursing homes host public contract beds. [2883/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
125 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the specific plans that will be put in place to fully implement the 10 recommendations (details supplied) in the annual report of the Health Service Executive South Orthodontic Service, Cork/Kerry 2007 in view of the deficits in service provision in Cork and Kerry identified in the report. [2884/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
126 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if persons (details supplied) in Dublin 9 will be assisted. [2899/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
127 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate amending the definition of nursing home in the Nursing Homes Act 1990 to also apply to a class of institution which would specially include a cystic fibrosis unit. [2901/08]
There are currently no plans to amend the definition of nursing homes in the Nursing Homes Act 1990.
128 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the McCauley Ward, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire is closed; and when it will re-open. [2916/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
129 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Health and Children the dates for the commencement of construction, completion of construction and opening of the new 250 bed hospital at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire. [2917/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
130 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Health and Children if sufficient current funding will be provided to allow all units in the new 250 bed hospital at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire to open upon completion of construction. [2918/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
131 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Health and Children if set national criteria are in operation for the cancellation of medical operations. [2919/08]
132 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Health and Children the criteria in operation for the cancellation of medical operations. [2920/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. This includes the monitoring of elective activity in each acute hospital.
The National Hospitals Office (NHO) of the HSE is responsible for the collection and publication of performance data on acute hospitals nationally including information on cancellation rates. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
134 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which the policy of her Department in the future is expected to be influenced by the various reports commissioned by her Department over the past 10 years such as the 10 year plan, The Brennan Report and The Hanly Report; if it is intended to adopt all of the recommendations; the recommendations that are not expected to be adopted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2967/08]
As part of the ongoing roll out of the Health Reform Programme, my Department is responsible for overall organisational, legislative, policy and financial accountability for the health sector. The Health Service Executive (HSE) was established in January, 2005 and is responsible for the management and delivery of health and personal social services.
Policy for the delivery of health services is concerned with development of health services in all regions of the country, capable of providing safe, high-quality services that achieve the best possible outcomes for patients whether in primary care settings or when accessing a hospital service. My Department is informed by a broad range of strategy documents and associated policies to guide it in that work.
The Health Reform Programme comprehends Quality and Fairness — The National Health Strategy, The Primary Care Strategy as well as the Prospectus, Brennan and Hanly reports. These reports are guiding the future of the health service in that they lay out the overall direction for the major changes in the health services and how they should be addressed and delivered.
Under the Health Act, 2004, a core responsibility of the Department is that of holding the HSE to account in relation to its financial performance and performance of service delivery, as well as the effective implementation of Government policies. A number of Expert Advisory Groups (EAGs) have also been established by the HSE and are located within its organisational structure in order to provide strategic leadership and expertise in the development and interpretation of national policy, strategies and service design in the delivery of health and personal social services. The EAGs are made up of a wide range of health professionals and will verify compliance with policy and legislation, monitor appropriate resource utilisation and ensure national consistency in implementation and service delivery.
Another contributor to policy development in the delivery of health services is the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). HIQA will undertake health technology assessments and will evaluate information on health and social services and the health and welfare of the population, and advise the Minister and the HSE on these issues.
Government policy in relation to health will continue to be guided by various strategic and policy documents and the recommendations which they contain, while taking into account the growing evidence base nationally and internationally on best practice in healthcare, and the requirement that the patient and their needs be at the centre of service development.
137 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which she has given consideration to the upgrading of health centres with a view to extending the scale of services available and in order to reduce pressure on outpatient and accident and emergency services at hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2970/08]
The Primary Care Strategy aims to increase health service capacity through the development of services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, home helps, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and others.
It has been estimated that up to 95% of people's health and social services needs can be properly met within a primary care setting and the establishment of new Primary Care Teams can contribute greatly to enhancing community based health services.
The provision of the appropriate infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of primary care services is being considered by the HSE, having regard to a number of factors. These include the type and configuration of the services involved, the mixed public/private nature of our health system, the suitability of existing infrastructure and the capital requirements of the health services generally over the coming years. I understand that the HSE has recently sought expressions of interest from the private sector for the provision of the Primary Care Team infrastructure, with the HSE proposing to enter into fixed term leases with such providers.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care services, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
140 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which elderly patients have suffered from accidental falls in hospital in the past 12 months; the action taken to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2973/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
141 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of agency nurses currently employed here; the requirement in nursing posts to be filled; when these posts are expected to be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2974/08]
The numbers of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health system have increased significantly in recent years, in tandem with the high level of investment in the development in new services. In December 2007, a revised employment ceiling for the health service of 108,291 expressed in whole time equivalents was sanctioned, representing an increase of 291 over the December 2006 approved ceiling and 10,741 over that approved at the end of 2005.
There has also been a substantial expansion of training places available at undergraduate level across a range of healthcare professions in order to ensure an ongoing supply of personnel in sufficient numbers for our health services into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
142 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of nursing, medical and consultancy posts to be filled at the present time; the plans to fill these posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2975/08]
The numbers of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health system have increased significantly in recent years, in tandem with the high level of investment in the development in new services. In December 2007, a revised employment ceiling for the health service of 108,291 expressed in whole time equivalents was sanctioned, representing an increase of 291 over the December 2006 approved ceiling and 10,741 over that approved at the end of 2005.
There has also been a substantial expansion of training places available at undergraduate level across a range of healthcare professions in order to ensure an ongoing supply of personnel in sufficient numbers for our health services into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
143 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects the clean air theatre to become functional at Naas General Hospital, Naas, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2976/08]
145 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the anticipated date for the completion of the Naas Hospital development plan in its entirety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2978/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 145 together.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
144 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of posts to be filled at all grades at Naas General Hospital, Naas, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2977/08]
Over 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the number of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of the Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
146 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of families compensated under the health repayment scheme to date; the number outstanding; when it is expected that all payments will be made; the reason the problem has taken so long; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2979/08]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.
The HSE has informed my Department that over 36,000 applications for living and deceased patients have been received by the Health Repayment Scheme. To date in excess of 16,500 of the claims received by the Scheme Administrator have been processed, which includes 9,471 offers of repayment totalling more than €180 million.
I have been advised that the Scheme Administrator has given assurances to the HSE that the vast majority of claims submitted by the public will be dealt with within the 2 year time frame allotted for the Scheme which is due to end in June 2008. The HSE has indicated that if there are any outstanding claims at the end of June 2008 such claims will be kept to an absolute minimum and will be dealt with as quickly as possible.
The HSE have informed my Department that the scheme is progressing as speedily as possible and every effort is being made to settle claims as quickly as possible. However, there are a number of different factors which have affected the length of time it takes to process a claim.
A very high number of deficiencies have appeared on claim forms which must be rectified before they can be processed. Over 13,400 estates who have lodged claims to date did not have a grant of representation, as required by law, and the Scheme Administrator has had to establish probate before the claim can be progressed. This is to ensure that the person entitled to claim on behalf of an estate is the person who ultimately receives the repayment. Over 330 HSE facilities around the country have had to be visited by the Scheme Administrator to review and retrieve their records of payment. In some cases, these records dated as far back as 1976. The format in which this information was stored varied widely between institutions and usually included a mixture of paper files, handwritten files and computer files. All of this information had to be scanned and uploaded onto a usable database and this process took over 6 months to complete.
In an effort to address some of the issues mentioned above, the HSE and the Scheme Administrator conducted an intensive national roadshow campaign in nine locations around the country (Dublin, Dundalk, Waterford, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Athlone and Cavan) in the run up to the deadline last year. The open days resulted in positive progress in resolving deficiencies and progressing applications.
The HSE have informed my Department that the Scheme Administrator and the HSE continue to work closely together in dealing with issues under the scheme as they arise.
147 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in making restitution under the health repayment scheme in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; the reason such secrecy currently surrounds the administration of payments to all claimants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2980/08]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
148 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if and when entitlement to rebate through the national nursing home charges scheme will be ascertained in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2983/08]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
149 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when moneys outstanding under the health repayment scheme will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who completed all further information requests sought by the Health Service Executive in September 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2984/08]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
150 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Health and Children the review processes that have taken place or she has requested to be undertaken in respect of the budgeting, financial and reporting systems within her Department and agencies; the costs incurred to date; the expected total costs; the deadlines that have been imposed for such reviews; if she will make the reports' findings public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3022/08]
In the context of his last Budget Statement, the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen, T.D., announced an Efficiency Review, under which all Departments are required to furnish, by 1st March, 2008, a comprehensive list of specific, actionable proposals to maximise efficiency gains within their areas. The nature of these gains is open, and may include both direct savings from relevant Votes and the reorganisation of resources within Votes to allow the delivery of additional objectives within existing resources.
The review covers all administrative spending including spending by all State bodies (whether statutory or not) and voluntary or other bodies in receipt of significant State funding. My Department is presently preparing its input to this review.
151 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects to provide for the creation of a national guideline for clinical practice in maternity care; the consequences to be implemented by HIQA where hospitals fail to reach the designated national guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3036/08]
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), which was established in May 2007, is the body responsible for the setting of standards on safety and quality in relation to the public health service in accordance with Section 8 of the Health Act 2007. HIQA propose to develop such standards for acute hospitals in 2008. The standards will, in the first instance, be generic across the acute hospital sector. However, the standards will be refined over time in line with priorities. The role of HIQA includes the monitoring of compliance with those standards.
152 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects to be in a position to provide for the publication of clinical reports on maternity hospital statistics; when the national perinatal epidemiology unit in Cork University Hospital will be in a position to provide a structure for such publications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3037/08]
My Department is advised by the Health Service Executive that annual clinical reports are published by each of the three public maternity hospitals in Dublin and that reports are prepared annually or are in the course of preparation by other units. My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have a more detailed reply issued to the Deputy in relation to this element of his question.
The National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre at Cork University Hospital was established in 2006 under a service level agreement with the HSE. The aim of this centre is to improve clinical services for mothers and babies by monitoring all data from Irish maternity units. The role of the centre is to record, monitor and analyse all births, important interventions, complications and outcomes. The priorities for the Centre are the development of a national maternity chart for Ireland and standardised data collection across all maternity units.
The development of a single maternity chart for use in all of the State's hospitals and units should offer benefits such as improved harmonisation of data collection from different hospitals, facilitation of better patient movement between hospitals and co-ordination of a perinatal epidemiology monitoring service.
My Department has been advised by the HSE that a draft maternity chart is due to be circulated shortly to all maternity units for comment. In addition, a draft data set detailing the clinical and demographic variables was compiled with specialist input following a review of similar sets in use internationally.
153 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the Health Amendment Act 1991 does not allow for midwifery led care to avail of designated private beds which are available under a consultant led system; if she has carried out a study of the implications of the difference between midwifery led care and consultant led care in respect of maternity services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3038/08]
The Health (Amendment) Act, 1991 and associated regulations make no provision for midwives to admit patients to designated private beds.
The transformation of maternity services nationally is a key project within the HSE Transformation Programme. As part of this work, an independent review of maternity services in the Greater Dublin Area is being undertaken by external consultants on behalf of the HSE and is due to be completed shortly. The review will set out recommendations and provide an action plan to facilitate the best model for primary, community and hospital services and workforce requirements. The review will also help to inform decisions on the most appropriate model of care for the future delivery of maternity and gynaecology services to patients in Dublin, including the provision of midwife led services.
154 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make arrangements to have consumer representation for improvements in the maternity services provided and represented on the board of HIQA; if this is Government policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3039/08]
The Board of the Health Information and Quality Authority, which is made up of 12 members, is appointed in accordance with Section 13 of the Health Act 2007. The membership of the Board is, as required, made up of people with a broad range of experience and expertise in relation to matters connected with the functions of the Authority and includes representatives of service providers and service users generally. It would not be feasible to have every individual health service provider group or service sector represented at Board level. However, any person or group may put forward their views on any particular matter for consideration by the Board by writing to the Chairperson or its Chief Executive Officer.
155 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make arrangements for a temporary decompression chamber to be provided at Galway pending provision of a new hypobaric decompression chamber currently under construction; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that divers operating commercially off the west coast pending the provision of a new decompression chamber would have to attend at Craigavon or the Isle of Man in the event of emergency treatment being required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3040/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular question raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
157 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the growth in the volume of traffic in the Greater Dublin Area since 1997 to date in 2008; the growth in traffic volume for each of the years between 1997 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2787/08]
The data available to my Department on the general growth in passenger traffic in the Greater Dublin Area over the last ten years is contained in the Census travel to work and travel to education data for the years 1996, 2002 and 2006.
In summary, the table below shows a growth of 33% in trips to work and education in the Greater Dublin Area over the last ten years. The growth in car trips is close to 70%, while trips by rail have more than doubled (aided by the addition of LUAS in 2004). Cycling trips have declined by 25% over the same period and trips by bus have remained almost static (just a 2% increase in the last 10 years).
|
Mode of travel |
1996 |
2002 |
2006 |
% Growth in trips 1996-2006 |
|
% |
||||
|
Walk |
190,393 |
187,506 |
205,269 |
7.8 |
|
Cycle |
46,537 |
33,888 |
34,655 |
-25.5 |
|
Bus/Coach |
156,161 |
154,208 |
159,233 |
2.0 |
|
Train / Dart / LUAS |
29,666 |
39,107 |
63,941 |
115.5 |
|
Motor cycle or scooter |
6,150 |
11,794 |
9,024 |
46.7 |
|
Car (Driver) |
247,593 |
346,702 |
418,515 |
69.0 |
|
Car (Passenger) |
109,752 |
130,587 |
139,874 |
27.4 |
|
Other (incl lorry or van) |
19,273 |
33,956 |
40,227 |
108.7 |
|
Total trips |
805,525 |
937,748 |
1,070,738 |
33 |
Source: CSO Census.
158 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to the provision of an emergency towing vessel service for the Irish coastline; if this matter will be progressed in cooperation with the Government of the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2810/08]
Emergency Towing Vessels (ETV's) are deployed to empower a State to proactively protect its coast and all maritime activities within its Exclusive Economic and Marine Pollution Responsibility Zones. The tasking of ETV's include intervention in casualty response to prevent pollution from oils or hazardous and noxious substances and damage to the environment, life or property; pollution enforcement; oil recovery; reduction of pollution costs; fire fighting; and enhancement of search and rescue services.
My Department is reviewing the options to ensure that Ireland has access to ETV capacity to protect the coast from the consequences of major oil pollution or vessel stranding. In reviewing options I also intend to include discussion with our counterparts in the UK.
159 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport when Dublin Bus will be given permission by his Department to run buses through the Port Tunnel; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the failure to sanction Dublin Bus use of the tunnel is causing significant extra delays for customers using buses from Swords to the city centre particularly those using 41X; when he proposes to permit Dublin Bus to use the tunnel in the same way as he is permitting private bus providers to use the tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2868/08]
My Department supports the use of the Port Tunnel by any bus operator, whether it is Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann or a private operator.
On the 22nd March, 2007, Dublin Bus notified my Department of its proposal to re-route four of its existing Route 41X services from Swords via the Port Tunnel. At that time, my Department advised the Company that the proposal was in conflict with a prior application from a private operator for a high frequency bus service from Swords to the City Centre via the Port Tunnel. Therefore, in accordance with legislative procedures, Dublin Bus was advised that a decision on its proposal was being deferred until the prior application was finalised. Applications from private bus operators and notifications from the State Companies are dealt with on a first come basis and Dublin Bus is aware of these procedures.
The prior application was finalised and my Department issued a licence on the 3rd October, 2007 to the private operator concerned.
The Department is currently considering the Dublin Bus proposal taking into consideration the introduction of the newly licensed service and the matter has been the subject of ongoing contact with Dublin Bus.
An issue such as that which has arisen in relation to the Route 41X only occurs where my Department considers that the proposal conflicts with a prior application.
My Department has previously approved Dublin Bus to operate the Route 33X (Skerries — City Centre) and Route 142 (Portmarnock- Malahide- City Centre — Rathmines) service via the Port Tunnel. My Department has no other outstanding proposals from Dublin Bus for services that would utilise the Port Tunnel.
160 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Transport the review processes that have taken place or he has requested to be undertaken in respect of the budgeting, financial and reporting systems within his Department and agencies; the costs incurred to date; the expected total costs; the deadlines that have been imposed for such reviews; if he will make the reports findings public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3025/08]
In his Financial Statement to the Dáil in December 2007, the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance announced that the Government had agreed to an efficiency review of administrative expenditure across the public service. As part of this review, my Department is currently examining its administrative expenditure and that of the non-commercial and regulatory state bodies under its aegis with a view to identifying areas where savings can be made. My Department is required to provide the Department of Finance with specific proposals to achieve administrative savings by 1 March this year. These proposals will then be reviewed by the Department of Finance, which will report to the Government on them. It is also envisaged that the Secretary General of each Department will advise the relevant Oireachtas committee of the savings agreed by the Government, and may be examined by the committee on these.
The question of publishing the outcome of this efficiency review will be considered by the Government in due course.
161 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the case brought before the European Court of Justice seeking to allow Ireland to be part of the EU security arrangements covering bio metric passports and to be part of the EU frontier control system; and the decision and an indication of the approach to be adopted in this regard. [2462/08]
In the year 2000, Ireland and the United Kingdom were granted the right to participate in some proposals that build upon the Schengen acquis.
In February and May 2004, the United Kingdom signalled its intention to take part in the adoption of Regulation 2007/2004 (EC) on the establishment of FRONTEX, and Regulation 2252/2004 (EC) on biometric passports. Both measures were intended to build on the provisions of Article 62(2) (a) of the Schengen acquis.
The Council subsequently refused to allow the United Kingdom to take part in these measures on the grounds that they constituted a development of provisions of the Schengen acquis to which the United Kingdom was not a party by virtue of Council Decision 2000/365 (EC).
The United Kingdom launched legal challenges through the European Court of Justice with a view to enabling it to participate fully in both regulations. In May 2005, the Government authorised the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to present to the Court Ireland's written observations in relation to these cases. Subsequently Ireland, together with Poland and Slovakia, intervened at the court in support of the United Kingdom. Spain and the Commission were given leave by the Court to intervene in support of the Council.
The Judgements of the European Court of Justice were handed down on 18 December 2007 in which the court ruled that the Council was correct in refusing to allow the United Kingdom the right to take part in adopting the measures in question.
The full implications of these judgements are currently being considered and the Attorney General's legal advice has been sought.
162 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the review processes that have taken place or he has requested to be undertaken in respect of the budgeting, financial and reporting systems within his Department and agencies; the costs incurred to date; the expected total costs; the deadlines that have been imposed for such reviews; if he will make the reports' findings public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3021/08]
In Budget 2008, the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance announced that the Government agreed to an efficiency review of all administrative spending across the public service.
As part of this process all Government Departments are required to examine their administrative spending and to provide specific proposals for administrative savings to the Department of Finance, by 1 March 2008. These proposals will be reviewed by the Department of Finance. It is also envisaged that each Secretary General will be required to advise the relevant Oireachtas Committee of the savings.
This process is now underway within my Department. The question of the publication of the outcome of the Review exercise will be considered by the Government in due course.
I would also like to draw the Deputy's attention to a further review process which is underway in my Department. The 2006 White Paper on Irish Aid proposed a management review of Ireland's official development assistance programme to ensure that its systems, structures, procedures and staffing can continue to deliver a high quality aid programme as funding expands towards reaching the UN target of 0.7% of GNP by 2012.
The review commenced in the Spring of 2007 and is overseen by a Steering Committee comprised of high level officials from both the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Finance. Following a tender process, FGS Consulting were appointed to provide the professional expertise and support to the Steering Committee at a cost of €230,000.
It is expected that the report and recommendations will be finalised and submitted to the Secretaries General and Ministers in the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Finance in March 2008 and that this will, in turn, lead to proposals being put before Government.
It is expected that the findings of the Irish Aid review will, in due course, be made public.
163 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the outcome of an appeal for a work permit by a person (details supplied). [2819/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that a work permit has now issued in this case.
164 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the outcome of an appeal for a work permit by a person (details supplied). [2820/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that a work permit has now issued in this case.
165 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the outcome of an appeal for a green card permit by a person (details supplied). [2821/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that this application was refused on the grounds that the position did not meet the criteria for a Green Card. This decision was upheld on appeal. However, if a work permit application were received for this position, it would be considered.
166 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the breakdown of the funding allocated to Cork North Enterprise Board for the years 2000 to 2007; the amount of revenue returned for the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2834/08]
I am aware that the approach being adopted by North Cork Enterprise Board in the development of micro-enterprise is underpinned by an emphasis on the provision of advice, mentoring and management development supports to the micro-enterprise sector at local level. The Board's budget spend reflects this current prioritisation away from direct financial assistance towards an increasing recourse to non-financial and capability support assistance.
The information sought by the Deputy, broken down into current and capital expenditure (Measure 1 selective financial intervention) and (Measure 2 entrepreneurial and capability development) is set out in tabular format below.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Admin |
177,763 |
190,461 |
211,457 |
201,286 |
226,000 |
226,000 |
234,000 |
245,700 |
|
M 1 |
253,948 |
185,382 |
268,065 |
40,100* |
160,000 |
75,000 |
239,944 |
0 |
|
M 2 |
76,184 |
76,184 |
117,526 |
53,207 |
70,000 |
75,000 |
80,000 |
120,000 |
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Admin |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
90,000 |
20,000 |
0 |
|
M 1 |
25,395 |
16,507 |
238,235 |
40,100* |
25,000 |
75,000 |
239,944 |
0 |
|
M 2 |
31,743 |
8,888 |
48,426 |
0 |
0 |
40,000 |
30,000 |
50,000 |
*Original Allocation was €22,969 — Allocation revised 15 May 2003.
167 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions he proposes to deal with the significant job loses (details supplied) in Dublin 24; his views on the upset of the workforce and the wider community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2846/08]
I understand that a restructuring of the manufacturing activities of the company in question will lead to a cessation of production at its biscuit factory in Tallaght by early 2009. The planned restructuring will include an investment programme and the company expects to employ 120 people at that stage in Ireland.
Enterprise Ireland has had a number of discussions with the company over the last twelve months in relation to its development plans, and assistance has also been given to the company's innovation agenda. After reviewing a number of options, the company has now taken the strategic decision to outsource its biscuit manufacturing operation. However, the company has also indicated its commitment to undertaking new product development in Ireland by deciding to establish an innovation centre of excellence in biscuit manufacturing. The agency will seek to continue working with the company to assist it to develop new products and processes, and enhance its famous range of brands.
The redundancies at the company will take place on a phased basis from September 2008, through to early 2009. The role of FÁS, the Industrial Training agency, will be particularly important. The agency has already written to the company and a response is currently awaited as to how and when the company wishes to proceed. The agency is prepared to offer its full range of services to any employees who wish to avail of its services. I am aware of the significance of the job losses in such a long established company and every effort will be made to assist the employees. I understand the company is entering into talks with employees and unions immediately.
The State Development agencies will continue to work together and with local interests to promote employment opportunities for Tallaght. I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued in the area by the agencies will maximise the flow of potential investors and convert these into investment and job opportunities. The development of the Grangecastle Business Park, which Microsoft Corporation has selected for its new data centre, combined with the development of the City West Business Park will ensure that the overall area is an attractive location for investment.
168 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the 146% increase in complaints regarding property management companies, as registered by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement for 2007; the steps he will take to ensure that this trend is reversed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2859/08]
The number of complaints received in 2007 in respect of property management companies was 64, a 146% increase on the previous year's figure of 26. This increase is likely to have been prompted by the publication of the ODCE's Consultation Paper on the Governance of Apartment Owners' Management Companies in December 2006, the attendant media interest in the subject and also the fact that there is an increasing number of people living in apartments in Ireland.
I am pleased that the Director of Corporate Enforcement successfully rectified difficulties in 43 of these cases by contacting the directors in question. 21 other cases are continuing to be assessed at year-end.
The enforcement of breaches of company law by property management companies, as with any companies, is a matter for the Director of Corporate Enforcement. I understand that the Director is producing a Governance Handbook for property management companies in order to raise awareness of the responsibilities and rights that apartment owners have as members of such companies.
169 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the review processes that have taken place or he has requested to be undertaken in respect of the budgeting, financial and reporting systems within his Department and agencies; the costs incurred to date; the expected total costs; the deadlines that have been imposed for such reviews; if he will make the reports findings public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3019/08]
I am assuming the Deputy's question refers to the Efficiency Review exercise which was announced by the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance in his Budget Day speech in December 2007.
In line with the Tánaiste's announcement, my Department was asked to provide the Department of Finance, by 1 March 2008, with a list of specific actionable proposals to maximise efficiencies gains in spending areas under the aegis of my Department. An exercise to identify potential efficiencies in my Department, its Offices and its agencies is currently being carried out and will be completed in time to meet the 1 March deadline set by the Department of Finance.
The exercise is being conducted by relevant staff of my Department, its Offices and agencies as part of their day-to-day activities. The salary and overhead costs of these staff are included as part of my Department's budget for 2008. Therefore, no specific additional costs have arisen at this point in time.
It is envisaged that proposals which my Department forwards to the Department of Finance under the Efficiency Review will be considered by the Tánaiste and the Government, along with proposals from other Departments. The question of publishing the outcome of the Efficiency Review will be a matter for the Government to decide upon in due course.
170 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of sports capital grants that have not been drawn down over the past five years in County Kildare; the amount not drawn down for the remainder of the country; if he has changed the minimum level of funding required by applicants; if changes have been made in relation to applications for such funding from RAPID or CLÁR areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2799/08]
In line with a commitment in the Programme for Government, the minimum own funding requirement for projects in areas of urban disadvantage (i.e. RAPID and Local Drugs Task Force areas) has been reduced to 10%. No such change was made for CLÁR areas.
171 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the new swimming pool programme will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2921/08]
A Value for Money and Policy Review Report of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme has been completed by my Department. The Report examined, among other things, how the programme has worked to date and what changes, if any, are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery.
Following consideration of the recommendations in the Report, it is my intention to launch a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme.
172 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the review processes that have taken place or he has requested to be undertaken in respect of the budgeting, financial and reporting systems within his Department and agencies; the costs incurred to date; the expected total costs; the deadlines that have been imposed for such reviews; if he will make the reports’ findings public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3014/08]
An efficiency review is currently being undertaken throughout the Department and in the bodies under the aegis of the Department as part of the efficiency review initiative announced by the Minister for Finance in the 2008 Budget. This review is to be completed by 1 March 2008. It will be carried out within existing resources and no additional costs will be incurred. The publication of the review is a matter for the Minister for Finance.
173 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the legal position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Sligo who has been unable to get her child registered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2867/08]
I have been advised by the Registrar General that the position is as follows.
The provisions governing the registration of births are contained in Part 3 of the Civil Registration Act, 2004. Section 22 (3) provides that, where the mother was married at the date of the birth of the child or at some time during the period of 10 months ending immediately before such birth, and where it is maintained that the legal spouse is not the father, there must be given to the registrar either a statutory declaration from the spouse rebutting paternity of the child, or a statutory declaration of the mother that she has been living apart from the spouse during a period ending immediately before the date of the birth of the child of more than 10 months by virtue of a decree of divorce, a decree of divorce a mensa et thoro, a decree of nullity or a deed of separation.
Subsection 22(1)(d) provides for applications to register the father’s particulars where there is provided to the registrar a document purporting to be a copy of an order made by a court in proceedings referred to in section 45 of the Status of Children Act 1987, and to be certified by or on behalf of the court to be a true copy of the order, finding that the person is the father of the child. The orders referred to are maintenance orders and orders relating to guardianship, for which applications may be made to local District Family Law Courts.
These provisions stem from section 46 of the Status of Children Act, 1987, which provides that the husband in a legally subsisting marriage shall be presumed to be the father of all children of the marriage, unless the contrary is proved on balance of probability. The statutory declarations and court orders referred to above are required in order to set aside the presumption of paternity.
In the case (details supplied) that is the subject of the Deputy's question, the mother is still legally married to the father and is not in a position to obtain from her legal spouse a statutory declaration rebutting paternity. Consequently, she was informed by the registrar that a court order, naming the father of the child, is required under the legislation, in order to disprove the presumption of paternity and effect registration of the child's birth. To date, no such order has been supplied to the registrar. Once a copy of such an order is presented to the registrar, registration may be completed very shortly thereafter.
174 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent assistance will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2982/08]
One of the conditions for entitlement to rent supplement is that a person must be assessed by a housing authority as having a housing need.
As stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 322 which I answered for the Deputy on 18th December 2007, the Health Service Executive has advised that in December 2006, it refused a payment of rent supplement in this case on the grounds that the local housing authority had not certified that the person concerned has a housing need.
The Executive has advised that this decision has not been appealed by the person concerned. It has confirmed that it has not received a new application for rent supplement from the person concerned.
175 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo can expect to receive their replacement child benefit book. [2804/08]
The Customer informed Child Benefit Section on 3rd January 2008 that she mislaid her Child Benefit Book. A replacement book was sent to her nominated Post Office on 23 January 2008.
176 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if and when child benefit will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2947/08]
A child benefit claim was received from the person concerned in June 2006. However, due to the very high volume of claims received from EU nationals over the past 2 years, delays in claim processing has been experienced.
Additional resources have been assigned since September 2007 to deal with the arrears and progress is being made. This claim is now being prioritised and payment will be made as soon as possible.
177 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the review processes that have taken place or he has requested to be undertaken in respect of the budgeting, financial and reporting systems within his Department and agencies; the costs incurred to date; the expected total costs; the deadlines that have been imposed for such reviews; if he will make the reports’ findings public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3024/08]
I understand from contact with the Deputy that he is interested in the accounting systems in use in my Department.
The Department produces two statutory accounts annually. These two accounts — the Appropriation Account and the Social Insurance Fund account — are subject to annual audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General. Their annual outturn for 2006 was €7.3 billion and €7.7 billion respectively. This is the last year for which full information is available.
These receipts and payments are brought to account using our financial and accounting system known as Oracle Financials, which is used widely across the public and private sectors and supports the normal range of accounting functions such as General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Purchasing, Inventory and Fixed Assets. The system was initially acquired in 1998 at a cost of €480,000.
A separate query and reporting tool known as Business Objects was also implemented in tandem with Oracle Financials to provide management reporting facilities.
While there has been no specific review of Oracle Financials since it was implemented, the system is monitored on an ongoing basis and has been upgraded regularly to keep up with emerging business needs. The most recent upgrade in 2006 was implemented at a cost of €235,000. Planning for the next upgrade will commence this year.
An integral part of the accounting process is the reconciliation of the sixty two million payment transactions carried out by the Department each year through the banks and Post Offices. Systems supporting the existing reconciliation operations have been in place since 1986. Following an in-depth review of these processes with expert consultancy assistance costing €127,000, a decision was taken in 2005 to seek a modern integrated solution to replace existing reconciliation systems. After an extensive competitive tendering and evaluation process the most suitable solution was selected and a contract was awarded in 2007. Phased implementation is now under way with planned completion in 2009. The costs of the new system over 2008 and 2009 are projected to be €3.7 million (excluding VAT).
In parallel with the new reconciliation project, a consultancy contract has been awarded to provide the Department's Accounts Division with essential additional expertise in business re-engineering, risk management and enhanced financial controls. The projected cost of this additional expertise over a two year period is projected to be €900,000 (excluding VAT). It is also clear that these and other modernisation initiatives will not only underpin a more effective accounting systems but will yield savings in excess of these initial costs over their lifetime particularly in terms of the ongoing staff resources required to support these systems.
The Department's Vote also funds five statutory bodies which come under the aegis of my Department. The organisations are Citizens Information Board, Combat Poverty Agency, Family Support Agency, Pensions Board and Pensions Ombudsman. Responsibility for maintaining proper financial systems and books of account primarily rests with each of the respective organisations under the terms of their governing legislation and such arrangements are subject to separate regular scrutiny by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
178 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department will be in a position to provide some financial support for the production of a community-based drugs awareness film. [2872/08]
Responsibility for the National Drugs Awareness Campaign lies with the Health Promotion Unit of the Health Services Executive. In consultation with various parties, that Unit is currently rolling out a new awareness campaign. This campaign may combine local elements within the broader message.
The primary aim of the awareness campaign will be to communicate the dangers of cocaine use, with a particular focus on so called "recreational cocaine users" in the 15-34 age group. It will utilise appropriate media, such as social network websites, billboard and bus advertising as well as radio advertising to target this age group.
No specific funding is available from my Department to support the production of a community-based drugs awareness film and, broadly speaking I would favour a coherent approach involving an overall message through the Health Promotion Unit. Having said that, it is open to community groups to approach the relevant Local or Regional Drugs Task Force for their area in regard to any proposals they might have. Alternatively, an application could be made under the "small grant scheme" of the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund which has a €5,000 maximum level of grant assistance. Applications under that Fund, which is restricted to particular areas, would be made to the Local Development Group. Contact details for any of these agencies are available from my Department.
179 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the review processes that have taken place or he has requested to be undertaken in respect of the budgeting, financial and reporting systems within his Department and agencies; the costs incurred to date; the expected total costs; the deadlines that have been imposed for such reviews; if he will make the reports’ findings public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3016/08]
The Deputy may be aware that, on foot of an announcement in the 2008 Budget of an efficiency review of administrative spending across the public service, each Department is required to examine such spending, both within its own ambit and of bodies under its aegis, and to provide proposals for administrative savings to the Department of Finance by March 2008.
The process of conducting the efficiency review is now underway in my Department and in relevant bodies under its aegis. The review is being carried out internally and there are no specific costs arising.
It is anticipated that the question of publication of the outcome of the efficiency review will be considered by Government in due course.
180 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on whether the quota system is workable for fishing vessels operating in a mixed fishing area. [2908/08]
All current quota management arrangements have been put in place following detailed consultation with industry representatives. I am always prepared to consider any alternative proposals from industry for improving the management of quota allocation.
181 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on whether the dumping of dead fish overboard on a fishing vessel will lead to the conservation of fish stock. [2909/08]
The dumping overboard of unwanted fish from a fishing vessel, usually referred to as discarding, is a complex problem and is a feature of many fisheries, particularly those that involve a mix of species (for example, cod, haddock and whiting). In a mixed fishery, one species may be the target of fishing activity, but other species may be caught accidentally in the fishing gear. This can result in the unwanted fish being discarded. Discarding can also occur for economic reasons, i.e., when smaller, less valuable fish are dumped in favour of larger, more marketable ones (a practice known as high-grading).
Most of the fish discarded do not survive. It is frequently the case that these smaller fish are juveniles of the target species or other species caught as a bycatch. As such, their capture in the first instance impacts on the future reproductive capacity of the stock and on the future viability of the fishery. From a fisheries management perspective, since the amounts discarded are not usually recorded in logbooks and counted against the relevant quota, the real quantities of fish being taken from a stock are not known, and decisions in relation to the prudent management and conservation of the stock are compromised. The issue of high levels of discards in commercial sea fisheries is a global problem. It is already being addressed at a European level, however, through measures regulating fishing gear, such as adjusting net mesh sizes or requiring acoustic devices to be attached to fishing gear. Ireland has been to the forefront in pressing for action on the discard issue in the European Union (EU). During its Presidency of the EU in 2004, Ireland made the theme of "fast tracking the development of environmentally friendly fishing methods a key focus. A major international conference involving EU member states, Norway and Iceland was held in Dundalk in March 2004 to discuss how to reduce discards in commercial fisheries.
Following further consideration of the issue, a European Commission Communication on a policy to reduce unwanted by-catches and discards in European fisheries was presented to Council in June 2007. The Council adopted a range of conclusions on the Commission proposal and these will determine the agenda on discards at European level for the immediate future. An effective resolution of the discards issue will likely require a combination of new policy and technical measures. The development of policy on discards will be driven in part by reviews of existing stock recovery programmes during 2008. Technical solutions are likely to involve the deployment of more selective gear types, particularly in mixed-stock fisheries. Because the dynamics of discarding vary, depending on the characteristics of each fishery, any new measures may have to be implemented on a case-specific basis.
Ireland will continue to press for progress on this issue, and I am confident that significant improvements can be achieved. In addition, the current Programme for Government commits to increasing supports to assist fishermen make the change over to more environmentally friendly fishing gear. I am confident that a combination of technical developments, management strategies and policy changes will assist in reducing the incidence and impact of discarding in the future.
182 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a fishing vessel which could not operate due to dangerous weather conditions or mechanical failure cannot bring its monthly fishing quota forward to the following month. [2910/08]
Any restrictions regarding the carryover of quota in various fisheries from one month to the next or from one period to another are in place with the agreement of industry representatives. These arrangements are discussed in detail at regular meetings between my officials and industry representatives and all proposals from industry are, as far as possible, accommodated. I am always prepared to consider any alternative management arrangements proposed by industry.
183 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will allow monthly fishing quotas to be brought forward to the following month in conditions where a fishing vessel could not operate due to bad weather or mechanical failure. [2911/08]
Any restrictions currently in place regarding the carryover of quota in various fisheries from one month to the next or from one period to another are there with the agreement of industry representatives. These arrangements are discussed in detail at regular meetings between my officials and industry representatives and all proposals from industry are, as far as possible, accommodated. I am always prepared to consider any alternative management arrangements proposed by industry.
184 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps that have been taken by her Department to advise the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and local authorities on impacts and sensitivity of erosion and flood risks in relation to planning and development as required by the flood strategy review group report. [2927/08]
One of the requirements of the Flood Strategy Review Group Report, was that the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources advise the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Office of Public Works on ‘impacts and sensitivity of erosion and coastal flood risk in relation to planning and development', as well as providing assistance in the development of guidelines and standards.
This has been done primarily through the participation of the Department's Engineering Division in the "Preparation of Guidance on the Consideration of Flood Risk in Planning and Development Management Project" which is led by the Office of Public Works. This project commenced in early 2007 and is scheduled for completion in August 2008.
This project will result in the issue of guidance to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Local Authorities on how to best manage future development in Flood and Erosion risk areas.
It should be noted that in line with a recent Government decision, responsibility for Coastal Protection and Coastal Flooding will become the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Arrangements are currently in train to effect the transfer.
185 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps that have been taken by her Department to develop a national coastal protection strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2928/08]
In 2002, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR) began a review of coastal protection requirements with a view to adopting a more long-term strategic, structured approach to the issues involved.
The National Coastal Protection Strategy Studies in pilot areas have been completed and studies are being extended into new areas. In the pilot area information was assembled on the current and historic position of the coastline, the nature of the coast, its vulnerability to erosion and flooding and the nature of the hinterland in terms of economic, heritage and environmental assets. The information was collated on a geographic information system (GIS).
Following completion of the pilot studies the surge modelling and identification of areas at risk was extended to the North East and South coast of Ireland. Land use restrictions, if any, resulting from these studies are a matter for the relevant planning authority. This Department has advised the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the OPW since early 2007 on impacts and sensitivity of erosion and coastal flood risk in relation to planning and development, including the provision of assistance as required in the development of guidelines and standards.
Over the last four years, 2004-2007, DCMNR has spent in excess of €10.2 million to deal with the risks of coastal flooding and erosion throughout Ireland.
In line with a recent Government decision, responsibility for Coastal Protection and Coastal Flooding will become the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Arrangements are currently in train to effect the transfer.
186 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if funding will be provided for the extension of Doonbeg Pier in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3027/08]
Doonbeg Pier is owned by Clare County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the Local Authority in the first instance. However, in late 2007, my Department invited Clare County Council to submit its proposals for inclusion in the Fishery Harbours & Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme for 2008.
An application for funding for the development of Doonbeg Harbour was included in the recent submission received from Clare County Council. The Fishery Harbours & Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme for 2008 is currently being drafted and the application from Clare County Council will be given due consideration subject to the availability of Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.
187 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has had recent discussions with the IFA or the former sugar beet representatives from the Carlow or Mallow areas in relation to provision of alternatives to the sugar industry; and if there has been discussions with agencies or groups in relation to the proposed large bio-refinery plant to be located in the Carlow area or with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to this matter or other alternatives; if not, if she will hold discussions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2800/08]
Support for the development of an alternative industry to sugar processing is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the relevant state agencies.
Notwithstanding this and the fact that responsibility for the promotion and development of renewable energy rests with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, I did meet with the promoters and representatives of the IFA prior to the recent official launch of a bio-refinery project proposed for the South East.
In 2006 I participated in a Ministerial Task Force which agreed a National Bioenergy Action Plan. In accordance with this plan I subsequently launched a range of measures to stimulate the production of energy crops to complement measures on the demand side such as the major excise relief scheme introduced by the then Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
The measures introduced include a new National Energy Crop Premium of €80 per hectare, which is payable in addition to the EU premium available under the EU Energy Crops Scheme. I also launched a new Bioenergy Scheme in February 2007 to encourage farmers to grow willow and miscanthus for bioenergy purposes. Land used for growing energy crops can also benefit from the Single Payment. I had frequent meetings with farmers' representatives prior to the introduction of these measures.
With the introduction of the Single Payment, farmers now have the freedom to consider alternative land use options, while maintaining a degree of income stability. The buoyant market for biofuels and the introduction of new incentives at farm level has encouraged many farmers to consider agricultural production for non-food uses. Contact with the IFA and other farming groups in relation to non-food crops is continuing as required.
188 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the payments outstanding to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for the year 2007; if a DAS payment and full SPS payment issued to them; if so, the dates they issued; and if not, when these payments will issue. [2801/08]
An application under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme / Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2007.
The person named has 80.03 standard entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme, and he declared 79.69 hectares of land on his 2007 application form. In order to receive payment in respect of standard entitlements an applicant must have an "eligible hectare'' to accompany each entitlement. In that regard an advance payment for €1,795.36 issued to the person named on 16 October 2007, based on the 79.69 hectares declared. A balancing payment for €1,795.35 issued on 3 December 2007.
Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 21 September, with payments issuing in respect of those cases cleared for payment at that stage. The application of the person named was processed for a payment of €4,456.75.
However, the person named was advised of a penalty for non-compliance in the REPS Scheme in early 2007 in the amount of €3,145.56 plus €88.10 interest. This amount was recovered from the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme payment, which resulted in a cheque for €1,374.28 issuing. A further REPS penalty remains unpaid in the sum of €104.85 for late submission of a payment application. This overpayment will be recovered from his next due payment.
189 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not received payments for 2007; and if she will investigate this matter and confirm when payments will issue. [2811/08]
An application was received on 16 May 2007 requesting the transfer of 5.63 standard entitlements by way of sale with land from the person named to another farmer.
The proposed transferee did not have a herd number at the time of receipt of the transfer application. This was requested and subsequently received. It was also necessary to request a copy of a Deed of Transfer or Sale Agreement for land sold with entitlements. A Sale Agreement was received on 10 September 2007.
In addition the proposed transferee is claiming ‘New Entrant' status but has not supplied relevant documentation in support of his claim. This documentation has been requested and the transfer application will be processed without delay upon receipt after which any payments due to the person named will be made.
190 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the review processes that have taken place or she has requested to be undertaken in respect of the budgeting, financial and reporting systems within her Department and agencies; the costs incurred to date; the expected total costs; the deadlines that have been imposed for such reviews; if she will make the reports’ findings public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3013/08]
My Department has a well developed management information framework, the main component of which is the SAP R3 Accounts system which was introduced into my Department in 2001. Additional modules were added in 2003 and the system was updated in 2006.
Apart from facilitating the efficient processing of payments and the production of the annual Appropriations Account and other statutory accounts, the system includes a management reporting module which is available to management at all levels. Management reports, including information on administrative and programme expenditure, as well as non-financial performance indicators, are examined at every meeting of my Department's Management Advisory Committee in order to monitor progress and manage programme delivery.
The availability of systems of this nature has long been regarded as a priority in my Department. The system is under constant review and necessary changes are made incrementally as new statutory obligations or business needs arise. For example, the system has been adjusted to produce new statutory accounts and reports which are required from 2007 under the CAP Financing Regulations while fisheries functions are now being integrated into the system. Apart from on-going adjustments of this type, there are no formal reviews of the system under way at present.
State Agencies are responsible for their own internal management information systems. My Department has reporting requirements in place to supervise and monitor the activities of the relevant State bodies under the aegis of the Department. These procedures are also subject to on-going review. There are no formal reviews under way at present.
Finally, the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General is undertaking a Value For Money review of the impact of the Management Information Framework across the Civil Service. My Department has been selected for participation in a pilot phase and will be co-operating fully with that review.
191 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when, in connection with the farm waste management scheme, she will request a deferral beyond December 2008 for up to two years to allow the works applied for and approved to be completed as otherwise it will not be possible to achieve present deadlines where planning or agricultural building industry capacity would not be able to cope with meeting the present deadline. [3026/08]
The end-2008 deadline for completion of work by farmers under the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme introduced by my Department in March 2006 is a strict condition of the EU state aid approval for the Scheme. I have no plans to approach the EU Commission to alter the terms of the state aid approval.
192 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the mechanism available to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow to seek home tuition for a child; if her Department or any of its agencies have personnel who could address the problem the family has; if so, if her Department will supply such details to the family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2795/08]
193 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the mechanism available to persons (details supplied) in County Carlow seeking home tuition for their child, that has been granted by her Department, to obtain such a tutor; if her Department or its agencies have listings of such qualified persons; and if so, if the list will be supplied to the family concerned. [2798/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 193 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the home tuition scheme provides funding to parents to provide education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting a suitable educational placement.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, cognisant of the difficulties being experienced by parents in securing home tutors the Programme for Government commits to providing a central database of suitably trained personnel seeking employment as home tutors.
I understand that the family in question has sourced a tutor.
194 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the outcome of a recent survey sent by her Department to students and parents of students in a school (details supplied); the length of time she expects to consider all the matters relating to this issue before coming to a decision; her views on the fact there was no consultation with the interested parties before this survey was submitted to parents and pupils alike in the school concerned; her further views on whether there is a high degree of confusion regarding the survey so submitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2789/08]
In October 2007, I announced my intention to survey all parents and students in the school to establish the level and range of provision being sought through Irish or English that will cater for the spectrum of student needs. I asked the Commission on School Accommodation to conduct the survey.
The Commission on School Accommodation formally requested the board of management of the school to provide the names and addresses of parents and students in the school to whom the survey would be distributed. This followed a meeting between the Commission and the school authorities, at their request.
However, the board of management then indicated its belief that the provisions of the Data Protection Acts prevented it from supplying the Commission with the names and addresses as requested.
I decided, therefore, to place public notice advertisements in local and national newspapers inviting parents of students in the school to write to the Commission on School Accommodation to obtain the survey form.
I wish to reiterate that I am determined to ensure that the school continues to guarantee an education through the medium of Irish to those students from the Gaeltacht and from Irish speaking homes who wish to be educated through the medium of Irish. Equally, I wish to ensure that to the greatest extent possible the new Community School should make a contribution to maintenance of Irish as the primary community language. However, provision also has to be made for those who have no Irish at all or those who, because their Irish is too weak, are unable to learn in classes conducted exclusively through the medium of Irish.
The survey is intended to give parents of students attending the school, and the students themselves, an opportunity to directly express their views and preferences in relation to the language used in tuition and in other school activities during the course of their post-primary education. The survey is part of an open process of engagement with all the parents and the students who are attending the school. Through the survey my Department is seeking to ascertain the needs of all learners, from those that are fluent to those that may not have sufficient fluency to be able to fully engage in the curriculum through Irish. This has been my clearly stated intention since the survey was announced and I do not share the Deputy's suggestion that there is any level of confusion involved.
There has been extensive consultation and communication on this issue between my Department, the board of management of the school and the Joint Trustees of the school since August of last year.
Responses to the survey are currently being examined by my Department and the results will be made known in due course.
195 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will release a site (details supplied) in County Mayo. [2803/08]
The request for the release of my interest in the portion of site at the school in question is being considered by my Department's School Planning Section. A report is awaited on the future educational needs for this particular area before any decision can be made to surrender the particular portion of site at this school.
196 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science when the long-promised report in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be concluded and published; if the allegations in respect of work place bullying will be included in this report; if her Department has policy guidelines in respect of work place bullying; the reason a school evaluation report in respect of this school has not been published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2814/08]
The officer appointed to conduct the inquiry referred to by the Deputy has informed my Department that he anticipates that he will be in a position to conclude his report and furnish it to me by Easter.
The Terms of Reference of the inquiry, at paragraph (a) (iii), specifically refers to allegations of bullying of staff members. Therefore, I expect that the report, when furnished, will deal will that issue. A copy of the Terms of Reference follows.
My Department has issued guidelines to the Management Authorities of second level schools on meeting their obligations under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act to ensure the safety and health of their employees.
The Health and Safety Authority has also issued a Code of Practice on the Prevention of Workplace Bullying. It defines workplace bullying as repeated inappropriate behaviour, direct or indirect, whether verbal, physical or otherwise, conducted by one or more persons against another or others, at the place of work and/or in the course of employment, which could reasonably be regarded as undermining the individual's right to dignity at work. An isolated incident of the behaviour described in this definition may be an affront to dignity at work but as a once off incident is not considered to be bullying.
As a supportive resource, teachers can now access an Employee Assistance Service (EAS) specifically tailored to meet their particular needs. The EAS now available to teachers throughout the country is designed to support the health and well-being of teachers which will in turn positively affect work quality and performance. The service will incorporate confidential counselling on issues such as health, relationships, addictions, bereavement, stress, conflict, critical incident and trauma.
Services include, single session or short term structured telephone counselling, face to face short term confidential counselling as well as critical incident debriefing. These services are intended to assist individual teachers and school communities to increase psychological resilience, improve communication, develop positive work relationships and enhance well-being.
A Whole School Evaluation (WSE) was carried out on the school referred to by the Deputy in October 2004. The evaluation was appealed by the Principal teacher and, following the review of the evaluation, the report was issued unaltered to the Vocational Education Committee and the school staff. The WSE report was never published as the publication of reports only began for all evaluations commenced on or after the 6th February 2006.
Terms of Reference
I, Mary Hanafin T.D., Minister for Education and Science, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 105 of the Vocational Education Act 1930, hereby appoint Mr Torlach O'Connor, retired Assistant Chief Inspector of the Department of Education and Science, to—
(a) carry out an inquiry into the performance by Ms Cathy McSorley, Principal of Kilkenny City Vocational School, of her duties as Principal of Kilkenny City Vocational School and such an inquiry shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, an inquiry into—
(i) the organisation and administration of that school in the area of human resource management,
(ii) the alleged failure of Ms McSorley to effectively apply the schools disciplinary policy,
(iii) the alleged engagement by Ms McSorley in the bullying of staff members of County Kilkenny Vocational Education Committee,
(iv) the alleged failure of Ms McSorley to comply with the lawful orders of the Vocational Education Committee as directed from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer,
(v) the administration of the school by Ms McSorley with regard to recording of the roll books in the school and the supervision of a foreign trip by the school in February 2001, and
(vi) the alleged payment by Ms McSorley to students enrolled in Kilkenny City Vocational School to attend such school.
(b) to report to me the outcome of the inquiry as speedily and in as efficient a manner as possible, having regard to the circumstances of the case,
(c) to provide an interim report if requested by me to do so.
The terms of reference may be subject to such addition or amendment as I consider appropriate.
Signed this 20th day of February 2006
Mary Hanafin TD
Minister for Education and Science
197 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will clarify the continuation of the school summer work scheme in order that boards of management can plan ahead for their improvement works in the summer of 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2816/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Summer Works Scheme has, since its introduction just a few years ago, transformed the standard of existing school accommodation. With over 3,700 projects now having been funded under the scheme, the Department's intention is to concentrate the investment in school buildings this year on delivering as many large projects as possible.
While there will be a focus on providing extra places in developing areas, the Department will also be delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. The emphasis, however, will be on new schools, extensions and major refurbishments, rather than on smaller projects.
In the circumstances, there won't be a new Summer Works Scheme as part of the Department's building programme in 2008.
At primary level, schools may use their devolved minor works grants for necessary small scale works while at post primary level capitation grants are intended, in part, for this purpose.
198 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has approved the tender for the new primary school for Ballybunion, County Kerry; when work will commence on the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2818/08]
Tenders for the project referred to by the Deputy are currently with my Department.
Progression of all projects to tender and construction are considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
As indicated at the post budget education briefing I intend to announce shortly the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008.
199 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if the new graduate medical programme at the University of Limerick, leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, entitles a graduate to automatic registration as a registered medical practitioner under the Medical Practitioners Act (details supplied) in the same way as those with such degrees from the NUI and the University of Dublin have an automatic entitlement; if not, if there are proposals for the Medical Council to extend such recognition to the course at Limerick University; if the university or the students currently enrolled are aware of the present situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2826/08]
The registration of medical practitioners is a matter for the Medical Council in accordance with the relevant legislative provisions which fall under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Health and Children.
It is my understanding that the graduate entry programme at the University of Limerick is accredited by the Medical Council and that this accreditation is provisional as it is the Council's policy that full accreditation is not given to any programme until a cohort of students have completed the programme. I understand that the Medical Council will be monitoring the University of Limerick's programme as it rolls out and obtaining the views of students is a key part of this review process. I believe that the University of Limerick is fully aware of the accreditation situation.
200 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if legislation will be required in respect of new community VEC primary schools; if the heads of the legislation are ready; when this legislation will be brought before Dáil Éireann; if she will be establishing such schools as a part of a pilot project or if she proposes to await necessary legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2857/08]
In December 2007 I announced that a new State model of community national school, under the patronage of County Dublin Vocational Education Committee (VEC), is to be piloted from September 2008.
I also indicated that I would be bringing proposals to Government to provide necessary amending legislation to underpin the VEC role in the primary sector. Preparatory work is currently underway in this regard. I also indicated that I, as Minister, will act as interim patron in advance of the legislation being enacted. The Deputy will note the inclusion in that regard of the Education (Patronage) Bill on the recently published Government legislative programme.
201 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position on the acquisition of a site for a new primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [2873/08]
A suitable site has been identified for this school. The site comprises three plots of land with three separate vendors. Agreement on price and general terms (subject to contract) has been reached in respect of each of the plots and draft Contracts are with the Chief State Solicitor's Office for completion of the conveyancing process.
My Department has instructed the Chief State Solicitor's Office to finalise outstanding matters and to arrange for the signing of the Contracts and closure of the sales.
When the site acquisition is complete, a building project for the school will be considered in the context of my Department's 2008 budget allocation and the School Building and Modernisation Programme.
202 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position on the appointment of a design team for a proposed new school building for a primary school (details supplied) in Cork City. [2874/08]
The school referred to by the Deputy has submitted an application to the Department for capital funding towards the provision of a new school and the long-term staffing figure on which accommodation needs will be based has been determined and notified to the school authority. It has been agreed that appropriate accommodation should be provided to cater for a long-term projected staffing of Principal plus 12 Mainstream Assistants plus appropriate ancillary accommodation. The building project required will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
203 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the appointment of a design team at a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [2875/08]
The process of appointing a design team to the school building project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage.
Progression of all projects to tender and construction will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
204 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding planned refurbishment work and a new building for a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [2876/08]
An extension/refurbishment project proposed for the school referred to by the Deputy is at the early stages of architectural planning. The progression of the project will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.
205 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps her Department is taking to ensure that the road safety message is communicated to students in schools around the country; and if consideration is being given to practical road safety training initiatives for students. [2877/08]
I believe that schools have a role to play both in teaching students about road safety issues and in helping them to develop the attitudes necessary to promote safe behaviour on the roads.
The Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) programme, which is mandatory in primary schools and at junior cycle level, provides a framework under which the generic values and skills which underpin responsible decision-making, and respect for the rights and safety of others, can be developed and promoted among students. SPHE has a specific personal safety strand within the programme, and this provides a mechanism through which road safety issues for all can be best dealt with in an age appropriate way.
In February of 2007, the Road Safety Authority launched the RSA MACE "Safe to School" campaign at primary level. Due for its second phase in February of this year, the programme is aimed at helping primary school children learn effective road safety lessons. The 2007 campaign covered walking to school safely, in 2008 the campaign is focused around the topic of Cycling to School Safely. A dedicated website, www.safetoschool.ie, has also been launched as part of the campaign.
The Streetwise programme for junior cycle pupils was launched in UN Road Safety Week on 24 April 2007. It covers road safety across 9 topics — walking, cycling, seatbelts, airbags, speed, driver fatigue, motor cycle safety, hazard recognition and the engineering aspects of road safety, to be delivered over nine class periods.
In addition, a Road Safety programme for Transition Year, developed by the Road Safety Authority in collaboration with my Department, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the Second level Support Service is being piloted in schools in the current school year for rollout in the 2008/09 school year.
My Department will continue to work with the Road Safety Authority to strengthen the role of schools in promoting road safety even further.
206 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will sanction funding for new primary school buildings at a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [2891/08]
The school authority in question has submitted an application to my Department for a new school. Applications for large scale capital funding are assessed and banded in accordance with published prioritisation criteria. These criteria were agreed following consultation with the Education Partners and the progression of individual projects is considered in the context of the multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
207 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the capital grants (details supplied) that have been announced for schools in County Mayo since the beginning of 2008. [2894/08]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that since the beginning of 2008 emergency works grants have been approved for St. Mary's Secondary School, Ballina and Dookinella NS, Achill.
As indicated at the post budget education briefing I intend to announce shortly the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008.
208 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason no reply has issued from her Department to a letter dated 21 November 2007 for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when a reply will issue in this matter. [2895/08]
My Department has not replied to the letter referred to by the Deputy as its content is being considered in conjunction with an appeal currently on hand from the candidate concerned.
A reply will issue shortly when my Department's consideration of the candidate's appeal has concluded.
209 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science when the school building unit of her Department will sign off on a new school building project (details supplied) in Dublin 12; if she will expedite the construction of a new school building which has been promised since 2000. [2943/08]
Tenders for the project referred to by the Deputy are currently with my Department.
Progression of all projects to tender and construction are considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
As indicated at the post budget education briefing I intend to announce shortly the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008.
210 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the stage the development of a senior cycle programme in social personal and health education is currently at; when she expects this programme will be implemented in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2944/08]
A senior cycle programme in Social Personal and Health Education is being developed by the NCCA. To date, a draft curriculum framework has been published, and consultations on the draft have also been completed. I look forward to receiving the recommendations of the Council on the matter at an early date.
211 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science when a social personal and health education regional development officer, with responsibility for collaboration with the local drugs task-forces, will be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2945/08]
The Social Personal and Health Education support service through my Department has advertised three times for the position of Regional Development Officer with responsibility for collaboration with the Local Drug Task Force areas. On each occasion a suitable candidate was not forthcoming. The SPHE, in consultation with my Department, are currently examining ways of addressing this issue.
In the interim, in the absence of a dedicated person serving the needs of LDTF areas the SPHE team is currently facilitating all requirements within their regions.
212 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Education and Science the review processes that have taken place or she has requested to be undertaken in respect of the budgeting, financial and reporting systems within her Department and agencies; the costs incurred to date; the expected total costs; the deadlines that have been imposed for such reviews; if she will make the reports' findings public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3018/08]
The Management Information Framework (M.I.F) project has been developed in this and other Departments over the past few years. The purpose of the M.I.F. is to improve public sector financial management.
In general the development of the MIF has contributed, in line with its objectives, to improved financial management, performance measurement and accountability. Overall financial service has been improved with greater efficiency in terms of processing financial transactions and accounts, higher levels of productivity, provision of better quality information to managers and improved customer service.
The work to date on implementing MIF in this Department has mainly focused on the installation, maintenance and development of a modern Financial Management System (FMS). The FMS replaced a mostly manual system and has substantially modernised the financial management of the Department. Further developments of the FMS were dependent on an upgrade of the system. This upgrade was completed recently and planned developments will proceed from 2008 onwards. The operation of the system is continually under review.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to bodies under the aegis of the Department is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
213 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3028/08]
My Department has carried out a technical assessment of the existing school buildings and sites to determine their suitability to host the proposed amalgamation. This assessment has ruled out the use of the existing buildings and sites for the purposes of accommodating the amalgamated school. The Parish has offered to make a greenfield site available for an amalgamated school. My Department has carried out a technical inspection of this proposed site and has deemed it suitable for the proposed amalgamated school.
An assessment of projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and housing developments in the area is necessary in order to determine the long term projected staffing figure on which the amalgamated schools accommodation needs will be based. Once the long term projection has been determined and agreed with the school authorities the building project will be considered in the context of the multi annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
214 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a technical team will visit a school (details supplied) in County Kerry to decide on the design and site for the new school that has been approved to replace the existing defective building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3029/08]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension at the school to which the Deputy refers was received and assessed. The long term projected staffing for the school has been determined and notified to the school authority. A technical assessment of the existing accommodation is required in order to determine how best to provide for the school's future accommodation needs. My officials will be in contact with the school authority to arrange a suitable date for this assessment.
215 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if the breakdown of the 2008 building budget between the devolved and other schemes has been determined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3031/08]
Under my Department's School Building and Modernisation Programme there will be close to €600 million available to address first and second level school infrastructure deficits/improvements in 2008. While there will continue to be a focus next year on providing extra places in developing areas, my Department will also be delivering improvements in the quality of existing school accommodation throughout the country. The emphasis in 2008 however will be on delivering many large-scale projects such as new schools, extensions and major refurbishments, rather than on smaller projects. The level of investment in school buildings has never been greater. And with €4.5 billion to be invested in this area under the National Development Plan over the next few years, further significant progress will be made.
My Department's School Building and Modernisation Programme is generally divided into a number of component elements or sub programmes. These include Large Scale Building Projects (new school buildings and major extensions/refurbishments); Emergency Works; Site Acquisitions; Remediation Programmes (asbestos removal, radon mitigation); Devolved schemes; Furniture and Equipment; provision of Temporary Accommodation etc. The level of funding available to each sub programme has not yet been finalised.
216 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of training given to trainee teachers to provide an element of understanding of applied behaviour analysis teaching skills; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3032/08]
As part of initial teacher education, student-teachers access modules in special educational needs (SEN) to assist them in meeting the diversity of students in today's inclusive classrooms. Trainee teachers receive instruction with regard to the appropriateness of application of behavioural principles to learning. The full-time pre-service teacher training courses for the primary education sector (in the Colleges of Education) contain specific elements aimed at enabling all student teachers to recognise and deal with children having special educational needs, such as pupils with autism.
The level of mandatory engagement of students in relation to SEN varies from College to College, however students may also have the opportunity to take elective modules in this area. The SEN/Educational Psychology content of initial teacher training generally introduces and explains a range of different approaches to a student's individual or behavioural needs, including applied behaviour analysis. As a rule an overview of the different approaches is given, and an explanation of how such approaches would be applied in the classroom.
In relation to the second level sector, there are elements to both the Higher Diploma in Education and the Education Degree programmes, as part of a general alertness orientation programme, on a variety of learning difficulties which pupils may have. The provision in teacher training programmes is consistent with the Government's belief that as each child with autism is unique; such children should have access to a range of different approaches to meet their individual needs. Applied behavioural analysis, or ABA, is one of the methods used in special classes for children with autism.
Advice received from international experts on autism, the National Educational Psychological Service and the inspectorate informs the Department of Education and Science's view that a range of approaches should be used, rather than just one. An analysis of research, including the report of the Irish Task Force on Autism, also supports this approach, and autism societies in other countries also caution against relying on just one intervention. By enabling children in special classes to have access to a range of methodologies, including ABA, the Government is doing what we are advised is in the best interests of such children.
My Department, therefore, supports the use of ABA and training is provided for teachers in its use. However, my Department does not accept, based on research, advice and best practice, that it should be the only method used. Whereas ABA helps to improve behaviour, other methods, such as TEACCH and PECS, are just as important in developing children's communication and speech skills. Children in special classes have the benefit of fully-qualified teachers trained in educating and developing children generally and who have access to additional training in autism-specific approaches, including ABA. The level of such training available to teachers has significantly improved in recent years and is a major priority for the Government.
217 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm funding for an autism support unit for County Mayo in respect of which contact has been made with her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3033/08]
The request for funding to which the Deputy refers is associated with an application from the organisation in question for inclusion in the Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) pilot programme which is funded by my Department. The pilot programme will not be expanded and applicant groups have been so advised.
The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children including those with special needs can have access to an education appropriate to their needs preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. This facilitates access to individualised education programmes (IEPs), fully qualified professional teachers who have received additional training in autism, special needs assistants, and the appropriate school curriculum with the option where possible of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. As each child with autism is unique it is important that children have access to a range of methods so their broader needs can be met.
In excess of 275 autism-specific classes have now been approved around the country at primary and post primary level by my Department in conjunction with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), while more are being set up as required. At primary level there are a maximum of six children in each special class with a teacher and at least two special needs assistants. Extra assistants are provided where the children need them on a case by case basis. The pilot programme was established in the absence of this network of special classes in our schools. The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government commits to the long-term funding for the centres that are currently in the ABA pilot programme subject to agreement with my Department on standards that will enable the Department to support them as primary schools for children with autism. I am pleased to advise that the issue is being actively progressed.
In terms of autism provision in other locations, we will continue to work to ensure that all children can have access to a broad programme, with provision for ABA as appropriate, in special classes.
218 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in County Mayo that provide autism specific education for second level students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3034/08]
219 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the choice open to parents in respect of autistic children in their being sent to schools of parental choice where parents are happy with the level and range and type of education provided for their children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3035/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 219 together.
The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism, receive an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings where children may have access to individualised education programmes (IEPs), fully-qualified professional teachers who have received additional training in autism, special needs assistants, the appropriate school curriculum with the option, where possible and appropriate, of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils.
This approach promotes the maximum level of inclusion which accords with the intent of the EPSEN Act. While some children may be able to attend a mainstream class at primary or post primary level with or without support, for others the most appropriate provision may be in a special class or unit in the school.
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for the establishment of special classes for autism and for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. In excess of 275 autism-specific classes have now been approved around the country at primary and post primary level. The NCSE is continuing to establish classes as required, and has advised that it is planning towards the first ASD class at post primary level in Co. Mayo, provisionally scheduled to open in the 2008/2009 school year.
220 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Defence the review processes that have taken place or he has requested to be undertaken in respect of the budgeting, financial and reporting systems within his Department and agencies; the costs incurred to date; the expected total costs; the deadlines that have been imposed for such reviews; if he will make the reports’ findings public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3017/08]
I am satisfied that appropriate budgeting, financial and reporting systems are in place in my Department and bodies under its aegis. These systems are reviewed on an ongoing basis by management and are also subject to review by the internal audit unit of my Department and by the Comptroller and Auditor General. No formal reviews of the kind referred to in the Deputy's Question have been undertaken recently or are planned.
221 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps in place, or proposed, to refuse, limit or restrict the right of citizens of other EU member states with serious criminal records from travelling into and remaining in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2461/08]
Freedom of movement is a fundamental right of European citizens enshrined in the EC Treaty. The intention behind this principle is the removal of all internal borders of the EU. The obligations on Member States to permit the free movement of European citizens are set out in Directive 2004/38/EC which is transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) (No. 2) Regulations 2006.
Provision is made in the Directive for a right of entry (in Article 5) to all Union Citizens to enter the territory of the Member state with the production of ‘a valid identity card or passport'. The Article further provides that ‘No entry visa or equivalent formality may be imposed'. The Directive also provides (in Article 27) that ‘ Member States may restrict the freedom of movement and residence of Union citizens', however, these measures ‘shall comply with the principle of proportionality and shall be based exclusively on the personal conduct of the individual concerned. Previous criminal convictions shall not in themselves constitute grounds for taking such measures'. The scope for a Member State to refuse entry to its territory is further restricted to the extent that the ‘personal conduct of the individual concerned must represent a genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat...' and that ‘ Justifications that are isolated from the particulars of the case or that rely on considerations of general prevention shall not be accepted'.
Expulsion decisions by Member States on public policy or public security grounds are similarly restricted and may only be taken on ‘serious grounds' following full consideration of the persons circumstances including ‘how long the individual concerned has resided on its territory, his/her age, state of health, family and economic situation, social and cultural integration ... and the extent of his/her links with the country of origin'. As can be read from the foregoing, it is very difficult in EU law to impede the free movement of European Union citizens. I have concerns in this area and have relayed them to the European Commission. It is essential that something as valuable and important to the success of the EU is not undermined by persons who abuse the privilege.
222 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will raise directly with his counterpart in Northern Ireland, the possibility of introducing an all-island ban on the sale and unlicensed use of fireworks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2463/08]
As the Deputy may be aware, the Explosives Act 1875 provides for the control of the importation, manufacture, storage and sale of fireworks. Accordingly, fireworks may not be imported into the State except under an importation licence granted by my Department. It is long standing policy that these licences are granted only for organised displays conducted by competent and professional operators. The 1875 Act was amended by the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 which came into effect in August, 2006 to provide for new offences governing the possession of illegally imported fireworks with intent to supply. The amendments also provided for significantly increased penalties governing the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks. Officials of my Department meet, from time to time, with their counterparts in Northern Ireland to discuss issues of mutual concern in relation to the control of fireworks. However, as the Deputy will appreciate, any possible change in Northern Ireland's fireworks policy is a matter for the relevant authorities in that jurisdiction to consider.
223 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the type and level of enforcement action taken by the Gardaí to enforce laws governing the noise emissions from cars and motorcycles; the equipment which the Gardaí have for this specific purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2464/08]
The Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 set out the legislative basis for prosecution due to excessive noise levels of vehicles. Current permissible sound levels are set by EU Directive. I am further informed that 714 proceedings were commenced and 349 convictions were recorded for offences contrary to the legislation in 2006. In 2007, 514 proceedings were commenced and 157 convictions were recorded. Some offences detected, particularly those detected in 2007, have not yet reached the courts. I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are reviewing the suitability of various sound meters which will meet the specifications for sound measuring devices set out in Directive 92/97/EEC with a view to improving the collection of the technical evidence necessary for the prosecution of drivers whose vehicles produce excessive levels of noise.
224 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a final submission from the Chief Justice on the proposals to establish a body to regulate the judiciary; if, in the absence of such a submission, he will proceed with the publication and enactment of that legislation as a matter of priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2465/08]
As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 57 on the same topic on 13 December last, work on the scheme of the Judicial Council Bill to build on the report of the Committee on Judicial Conduct and Ethics is at an advanced stage of development in my Department. That Report recognised the need for a procedure for dealing with complaints of judicial misconduct which, while serious in itself, might not warrant the ultimate sanction of impeachment by the Oireachtas. Consultations on the proposed Bill have, as is usual in the development of any legislative proposals, taken place with the Office of the Attorney General. It was also considered prudent, given the particular nature of the subject, to consult with the Chief Justice. While some preliminary views were received, the Chief Justice requested an opportunity to offer further views at a later stage. The Chief Justice has confirmed that the proposals for a Judicial Council are being examined across the various court jurisdictions and has advised me of progress in that respect. In that regard, I am advised that there will be a meeting shortly involving the Chief Justice to discuss the details of the proposed structure of the Judicial Council. I welcome this progress on examination of the proposals and look forward to progressing the necessary legislation in thisrespect.
225 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if members of the Garda Síochána are exempt from the ban on the use of hand held mobile telephones while driving; the basis for such exemption; his views on whether such exemption is warranted in view of the availability of hands-free mobile telephones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2790/08]
Section 3(1) of the Road Traffic Act 2006 creates an offence of holding a mobile phone while driving a mechanically propelled vehicle. Under section 3(2) of the Act this prohibition does not apply to a member of the Garda Síochána who is acting in the course of his or her duties and holding a mobile phone in relation to the performance of his or her duties. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the legal exemption for members of the Garda Síochána is needed asoperational requirements may dictate that it is necessary to hold a mobile phone whiledriving.
226 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are proposals for a full time Garda station in Dunboyne, County Meath in view of its increasing population and a number of recent serious incidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2791/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Dunboyne Garda Station on 31 December, 2007 (the latest date for which figures are readily available) was 16. The opening hours for the station are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on Sunday. An increase in the opening hours of Dunboyne Garda Station would necessitate the employment of additional Garda personnel on indoor administrative duties who are more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties. Local Garda Management report that Dunboyne is patrolled on a 24 hour basis. Garda personnel assigned throughout the Country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public. It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Dunboyne Garda Station will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.
227 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the arrangements in place to facilitate the input by JPCs into the district and divisional policing plans for 2008; if he will provide details of the scheduling that has been worked out to facilitate same; and if he will confirm if all superintendents are aware that the JPCs have a statutory function in terms of informing local policing plans. [2839/08]
228 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will publish the findings of the evaluation of the pilot JPCs; the way and when the remaining JPCs will be rolled out; and if he anticipates changes to the guidelines governing the original pilots. [2840/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 228 together.
Paragraph 5.3 of the guidelines under which the Joint Policing Committees operate provides that a Committee or a subcommittee of a Committee will act as a mechanism through which, firstly, elected representatives and local communities can have a role in conveying information and views to Garda Divisional and District officers to assist them in the formulation and operation of their policing plans and, secondly, Garda Divisional and District officers can convey information and views to elected representatives and local communities to assist them in carrying out their duties, functions and activities. I am informed by the Garda authorities that Garda members of Joint Policing Committees are aware of the Committees' function with regard to local policing plans. The Committees provide a forum for consultations, discussions and recommendations on policing issues of local concern. Those consultations, discussions and recommendations inform as appropriate the formulation of Garda local policing plans. Following completion of the evaluation of the operation of the Committees in the pilot phase, revised guidelines will be drafted, taking into account the outcome of the evaluation and the experience of the pilot Committees. Following consultations with my colleagues, the Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, I intend to issue as soon as possible revised guidelines to enable roll out of the Committees to all local authority areas in the State. The guidelines will provide inter alia a timetable for the roll-out. As the revised guidelines will be the output of the evaluation, it is not intended to publish the evaluation’s findings as such.
229 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way and the steps through which the Gardaí intend to improve their co-operation with other police forces in relation to human trafficking; the size of the dedicated allocation of Gardaí to Operation Pentameter; and if this number will be increased. [2841/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that in recognising the international dimension to the phenomenon of human trafficking the Garda Síochána is actively participating in a number of anti-human trafficking related initiatives involving law enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions. Liaison at international level between the Garda Síochána and other law enforcement agencies through the exchange of information, intelligence and best practice forms part of the approach of the Garda Síochána to tackling this crime. A network of members of the Garda Síochána are employed as liaison officers in major cities of a number of EU Member States and in international organisations such as Europol and Interpol to assist in the anti-human trafficking work of the Garda Síochána.
Gardaí participate in high level meetings organised by Europol, Interpol and Frontex and also inter-act with countries of origin of those suspected of being victims of human trafficking. The Garda Síochána and officials from my Department are taking a lead role in an anti-human trafficking initiative known as the G6 Human Trafficking Initiative. This G6 Initiative involves Ireland, the UK, Poland, Italy, France, Spain and the Netherlands as well as the international organisations, Interpol, Europol and Eurojust. The most recent meeting of the G6 initiative was hosted by Ireland at Dublin Castle on 15 January 2008. As part of this Initiative the Garda Síochána has commenced an operation designed to prevent the trafficking of minors into, out of, and within the State. The operation aims to ensure that the welfare of suspected victims of such criminal activity is adequately provided for, and to commence prosecutions where criminal activity has been detected.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the United Kingdom Immigration Service and the Garda Síochána facilitates the exchange of data and further enhances the working relationship between the immigration services within the Common Travel Area. Co-operation is taking place in a number of ways, including intelligence sharing, joint training and operational cooperation where investigations have a cross-border, UK/Ireland dimension. Operation Pentameter is a proactive and co-ordinated campaign of activity to tackle the trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation throughout the common travel area of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Operation Pentameter 2 was launched by the UK Home Secretary on 3 October 2007. The operation is led by Gloucestershire Constabulary. One of the main objectives of Pentameter 2 is to raise awareness, particularly among those who purchase sexual services, of the scale and nature of the problem of trafficking of human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation as a means of reducing demand.
A senior officer at Detective Superintendent rank from the Garda Síochána has been appointed as liaison officer with Operation Pentameter and sits as an observer on the Operation's Gold Command Team. He continues to meet his counterparts in the UK on a regular basis with a view to ensuring that coordination of activity between the two jurisdictions in tackling human trafficking is in place. Joint operations by the Garda Síochána and UK Immigration Service continue to be part of immigration policy to prevent and detect abuses of the Common Travel Area by human traffickers. Over 175 personnel, Garda and civilian, are allocated to the Garda National Immigration Bureau and members are deployed in relation to matters arising from Operation Pentameter and other anti-trafficking operations as required. Personnel attached to bureau have received training in the investigation of human trafficking to an international level. The Garda Síochána has developed its own human trafficking related training course. The UK Human Trafficking Centre and the International Organisation for Migration have assisted in the delivery of the training courses. The training has been delivered to about 150 participants in 2006/2007. Through the Garda Síochána's involvement in Operation Pentameter a number of officers of the Police Service of Northern Ireland have also participated in the training courses provided by the Garda Síochána Training College. Within this jurisdiction, the Garda National Immigration Bureau continues to liaise with governmental and non-governmental organisations, including Ruhama and the International Organisation for Migration, to ensure the exchange of information regarding suspected trafficking in human beings.
230 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the primary recommendation of the Law Reform Commission’s Report on Spent Convictions LRC 84-2007 has not been implemented; and if he will take steps to arrange for its implementation. [2842/08]
The draft Bill attached to the Report from the Law Reform Commission, which was published in July 2007, was introduced in the Dáil as a Private Members' Bill in October 2007. The Bill gives effect to the report's recommendations. I support its proposals, in principle, and I am considering arrangements to facilitate its progress through the Oireachtas.
231 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement listing and describing the protocols governing co-operation between the PSNI and the Gardaí. [2843/08]
The Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) engage in close and ongoing reciprocal co-operation on a number of levels, including:
mutual legal assistance;
direct police to police contact on both formal and informal bases; and
agreements and protocols, pursuant to law or otherwise.
With specific regard to police-to-police protocols, there are two arrangements which govern such co-operation. The first protocol relates to the exchange of personnel between the two police services with a view to further improving bilateral policing co-operation between the jurisdictions. This protocol facilitates the exchange of personnel between specific police stations for periods of time not exceeding one year. For the duration of their placement, seconded police officers remain full members of their respective police services and do not exercise police powers in the other's jurisdiction.
The second protocol relates to the secondment of staff with policing powers between the two jurisdictions. Through such secondments, it is expected that bilateral co-operation between the two police services may be further strengthened. Such secondments may run for no longer than three years.
Both protocols were entered into pursuant to the provisions of the Intergovernment Agreement on Police Co-operation between Ireland and Britain, signed in April 2002.
232 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a memorandum of understanding on information sharing arrangements with regard to sex offenders negotiated by his Department and the British Home Office referenced by his predecessor in a parliamentary exchange on 9 March 2006; and the substance of that memorandum. [2844/08]
On 27 November, 2006 a Memorandum of Understanding on information sharing arrangements between Ireland and the UK relating to sex offenders was signed by my predecessor as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Mr. Vernon Coaker, Under-Secretary of State at the British Home Office, in Hillsborough.
The MOU was negotiated between my Department and the Home Office, with input from the Northern Ireland Office. It relates to information about persons travelling between Ireland and the UK and who are subject to sex offender notification requirements in their own jurisdiction. Such information is being shared for the purposes of protecting the public from the risks presented by sex offenders and investigating serious sexual offences. The transmission of any information necessary to achieve these purposes is covered.
As a result of the MOU, the exchange of such information between the Garda Síochána and Northern Irish and British police forces, which of course had already been taking place for some time, is now on a formal footing.
233 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 505 of 18 December 2007, relating to a report made on an RTÉ production that their investigator was given access to a confidential Garda file (details supplied), if charges have or will be pressed against any Garda in relation to the disclosure given that such disclosures of confidential information to the media risk jeopardising the success of future criminal proceedings. [2845/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that enquiries directed by the Commissioner arising from the RTÉ production referred to by the Deputy are continuing. As this is an ongoing Garda investigation it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.
234 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the provisions in the Children Act 1997 that are not yet in force; the reason for the delay in bringing them into force; and the action proposed by him. [2851/08]
Sections 26 (social reports in the District Court) and 28 (appointment of guardian ad litem for a child and provision for separate representation of a child) of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, as inserted by the Children Act 1997, remain to be brought into operation by Ministerial order. The matter will be considered further in the light of experience of the system to be funded by the Courts Service for the provision of reports to the family law courts that is referred to in my reply to Priority Question No. 5 of 13 December 2007.
235 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of warning notices issued to children for alleged anti-social behaviour pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act 2006 during 2007; the number of anti-social behaviour orders sought and granted by the courts in respect of children and adults during 2007; and the number of applicants for such orders presently awaiting determination by the District Court. [2852/08]
Part 11 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which provides for civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by adults, was commenced on 1 January, 2007. Part 13 of the Act relating to anti-social behaviour by children was commenced on 1 March, 2007. These provisions set out an incremental procedure for addressing anti-social behaviour by adults and children. With regard to children, these range from a warning from a member of An Garda Síochána, to a good behaviour contract involving the child and his or her parents or guardian, to referral to the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme and to the making of a behaviour order by the Children's Court.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that in 2007 443 behaviour warnings were issued to adults and 132 to children. Four good behaviour contracts were issued to children.
I am further informed that there were three applications made to the courts for orders under the Criminal Justice Act 2006. One of these did not result in an order being made and the others are before the courts.
236 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number, in respect of each year since the coming into force of the Sex Offenders Act 2001, of convicted sex offenders who have been released subject to post release supervision orders and the number of such offenders currently subject to a post release supervision order being supervised by the Probation and Welfare Service. [2853/08]
I can advise the Deputy that since the commencement of the Sex Offenders Act, 2001 on 27 September 2001, the number of convicted sex offenders who have been released subject to post-release supervision Orders, pursuant to Section 29 of the Act, is 133. The tabular statement below sets out the year-by-year breakdown.
|
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
— |
7 |
7 |
19 |
35 |
36 |
29 |
— |
I can further advise the Deputy that there are currently 83 sex offenders subject to post-release supervision orders being supervised by the Probation Service.
237 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the establishment of a local police station in the Ongar area of Dublin 15 and to the servicing of the entire Ongar area from the Blanchardstown station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2856/08]
The detailed allocation of Garda resources and the designation of areas to be covered by any individual Garda District are matters for the Garda Commissioner to decide in accordance with his identified operational requirements. As set out in the 2008 Policing Plan, which I recently approved before laying it before both Houses of the Oireachtas, An Garda Síochána plans to carry out an examination this year of Divisions and Districts within the Dublin Metropolitan Region in light of demographic and infrastructural changes and for the purposes of alignment with the four local authority areas. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the coverage by the Force of the Ongar area of west Dublin forms part of these deliberations.
238 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost on a yearly basis for the hire of interpreters by An Garda Síochána in County Clare for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2893/08]
The expenditure for the hire of interpreters by An Garda Síochána in the Clare Division for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 is set out in the table below. I have also been informed by the Garda authorities that a request for tender is currently being prepared for the supply of interpretation and translation services for An Garda Síochána on a national basis.
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
€3,646 |
€12,354 |
€40,279 |
239 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an updated stamp four will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2948/08]
As this case is the subject of legal proceedings, I am unable to comment on same.
240 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2949/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 249 of Thursday, 25 May 2006 and No. 168 of Thursday, 11 May 2006 and the written replies to those Questions.
The person concerned arrived in the State on 16 January 2003 and applied for asylum. The application was refused following consideration of her 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), she was informed, by letter dated 23 November 2005, re-issued on 12 May 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of submitting written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned. I understand that the file of the person concerned is currently being processed by Officials in my Department. I expect the file to be passed to me for decision within the next two weeks. When a decision has been made, this will be conveyed, in writing, to the person concerned.
241 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2950/08]
I refer the Deputy to replies given to Parliamentary Questions No. 193 of Thursday 8 November 2007, No. 956 of Wednesday 26 September 2007, No. 139 of Thursday 28 September 2006, No. 70 of Thursday 15 June 2006 and No. 248 of Thursday 16 February 2006.
The person concerned arrived in the State on 26 February 2003 and applied for asylum. The 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 15 February 2005, 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 leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of submitting written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned. I understand that the file of the person concerned is currently being processed by Officials in my Department. I expect the file to be passed to me for decision within the next two weeks. When a decision has been made, this will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
242 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2951/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 31 January 2006 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 31 August 2006, 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 leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of submitting written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered before the file is passed to me for decision.
243 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in respect of an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2952/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 7 July 2003 and applied for asylum. The 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 7 July 2005, 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 leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were received on behalf of the person concerned.
On 10 October 2006, Regulations known as the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006, S.I. No. 518 of 2006 came into force. The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application will be considered in due course. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, 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 (as amended) on the Prohibition of Refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned will be passed to me for decision.
244 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in respect of an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2953/08]
I would refer the Deputy to the Reply given by my predecessor to his Dáil Question Number 363 of Wednesday 27 September 2006 and the Reply given by me to his Dáil Question Number 200 of Thursday 8 November 2007. The status of the person concerned remains as set out in those Replies.
245 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in respect of an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2954/08]
I refer the Deputy to the answer to Parliamentary Question number 975 put down for answer on 26 September 2007. I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made a Family Reunification application in January 2006. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation has been completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department. The Immigration Division of my Department will be in contact shortly with the person concerned seeking further clarification.
246 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in the matter of the application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2955/08]
The person concerned, along with his spouse made an application for asylum in the State on 28 September 1997. On 11 November 1997 the spouse gave birth to a child. They subsequently withdrew their asylum application and sought residency on the basis of parentage of an Irish born child and this was approved. On the 11 October 2004 the person in question became a naturalised Irish citizen. Accordingly, the entitlement to seek family reunification under the Refugee Act does not apply in this case.
As the family members in question are visa required nationals, it is open to them to make visa applications to enter the State. They can then outline their circumstances and provide supporting documentation to accompany their visa applications. To date, visa applications on behalf of the three persons in question have not been made.
The person in question has been in correspondence with the Immigration Division of my Department regarding his family circumstances. A reply will issue shortly.
247 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to extended residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2956/08]
I refer the Deputy to Replies given to Parliamentary Questions No. 232 of Thursday 28 June 2007, No. 142 of Thursday 28 September 2006 and No. 63 of Thursday 15 June 2006. The person concerned arrived in the State on 9 May 2005 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 12 June 2006, 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 leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of submitting written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered before the file is passed to me for decision.
248 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2957/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Questions 207 of 29 June 2006 and 943 of 26 September 2007. The position remains the same.
249 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2958/08]
I would refer the Deputy to the reply my predecessor gave to his Dáil Question No. 133 of Thursday 29 March, 2007. The status of the person concerned remains as set out in the reply.
250 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a stamp four card has been restored in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin who has applied for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2959/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question Number 231, put down for answer on 28 June 2007.
The person in question was the subject of a Family Reunification application which was approved in March 2002.
Correspondence issued to the person concerned and his legal representative in August 2007 advising him that his permission to remain in the State was being renewed. The person in question was also advised to report to the Garda National Immigration Bureau, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 to have the appropriate permission endorsed on his passport and to have a Certificate of Registration issued in respect of him.
Enquiries made by the Immigration Division of my Department indicate that the person concerned has contacted the Garda National Immigration Bureau and has renewed his permission to remain until 26 July 2008.
251 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if permission can or will be given to relocate to self catering accommodation in the case a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2960/08]
The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. The RIA is currently accommodating almost 7,000 people in 60 centres in 22 counties.
In addition to direct provision accommodation, the Agency operates a very limited number of self-catering accommodation centres in certain parts of the country. This accommodation is reserved for special needs and extreme medical cases in the main. It is important to understand that in no circumstance are persons resident within the RIA system entitled as of right to self catering accommodation irrespective of the length of time they are in the asylum system and the special needs involved. No new self catering centres are planned and the value of retaining the existing centres is under review. The RIA is satisfied that all of the material needs of asylum seekers can be met within the direct provision system.
I am informed that the person referred to in the question is currently accommodated at Glenvera Accommodation Centre in Cork City. This person applied for asylum on 20 May, 2003. The RIA received an application for transfer to self-catering accommodation (as per details supplied with this question by the Deputy) on 29 September, 2007. This request was given due consideration and was referred to the RIA's Medical Referee for a recommendation. There was no recommendation to grant and the request for a transfer was refused.
In relation to food, the RIA places particular emphasis on meeting, to the greatest extent possible, the dietary needs of residents and, in this regard, 28-day menu cycles are in place in all large centres. The menus offered reflect the reasonable needs of the different ethnic groups and the reasonable prescribed dietary needs of any person accommodated in centres.
All contractors are required to serve, breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. At the centre at which the person referred to above is accommodated, breakfast consists of eggs, a choice of 4 cereals, a choice of 2 juices, a selection of fruit, milk, tea, coffee, toast, brown and white bread and a selection of spreads, jams and preserves. Lunch consists of a choice of 3 light main course (varied daily) together with vegetables, pasta, rice, potatoes, juice, tea and coffee. Dinner includes a choice of 2 starters (1 hot and 1 cold) or desert or yogurt and a choice of 3 main courses (varied daily) to include a meat dish, a fish dish and a vegetarian dish. Tea, coffee, toast, are made available outside of normal meal times.
All contractors are required to consult regularly with residents to ascertain what foods they prefer and how such foods should be cooked. These meetings are particularly important where many ethnic groups may be accommodated in the same centre and where there are residents who have special dietary requirements. Menus are kept under review and are revised from time to time with a view to meeting the ethnic and special dietary needs of residents to the greatest extent possible.
Regular inspections of centres by RIA staff and by an Independent Inspectorate are carried out and appropriate measures are taken where the requirements of residents are not being met. In addition, RIA staff, including senior management, regularly eat in centres to ensure that the fare on offer is of the standard required.
In relation to the running of centres, residents are provided with a copy of the House Rules and Procedures, which incorporates a complaints procedure. Management organises regular meeting with residents where issues can be addressed. Moreover, RIA staff regularly hold ‘clinics' in centres where residents can raise issues in relation, inter alia, the running of the centre, the provision of services at the centre and any problems with quantity, variety or quality of the food.
The RIA is committed to facilitating the needs of asylum seekers in direct provision, including their dietary needs. The person referred to in the question should discuss their requirements with the manager and chef at Glenvera accommodation centre so that they can facilitate her dietary needs.
252 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedure to be followed in the case of a person (detail supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2961/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in March 2007.
Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in July 2005 and have approximately 11,200 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the application will commence in the second half of 2009. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the matter.
253 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the special dietary needs of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2 are currently being met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2962/08]
I refer to my answer to the Deputy's previous Dáil Question of 11 October, 2007 (ref: 23306/07) in respect of this person's dietary needs and her request for a transfer to alternative accommodation, specifically self-catering accommodation.
The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. I am informed that the person is currently accommodated at Camden Hall accommodation centre in Dublin. She applied for asylum on 13 February, 2004.
To provide an update on the situation since my Dáil answer last October, this person has made five requests for self-catering accommodation in just over 2 years. The first three were made on the basis of the length of time she was residing in direct provision accommodation. Her most recent dated request was received on 12 October, 2007 and was referred to an independent medical referee who was of the opinion that she did not have adequate medical grounds to be considered for self -catering accommodation.
It should be noted that no new self-catering centres are planned by the RIA going forward and, moreover, the value of retaining the existing centres is under review. The RIA is satisfied that all of the material needs of asylum seekers can be met within the direct provision system.
Records indicate that the person referred has never complained to centre management about the food or asked for any special dietary concessions. As her transfer request has as its basis a diet-related medical condition, she was requested on 14 September and 16 October, 2007 to provide centre management with a diet sheet from her doctor. This has not yet been provided. When it is provided, centre management will endeavour to facilitate her dietary requirements.
254 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2963/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 349 of Wednesday 27 September 2006 and the written reply to that question.
The first named person was granted permission to remain in the State on 9 July 2002 on the basis of his parentage of an Irish born child. This position still obtains.
The second named person arrived in the State on 12 November 2004 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her 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), she was informed, by letter dated 25 April 2006, re-issued on 4 May 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of submitting written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned and these representations will be fully considered before the file is passed to me for decision.
255 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Dublin qualifies for Irish citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2964/08]
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 2004, which commenced on 1 January 2005, provides that certain non-nationals are required to be resident in the island of Ireland for a three year period prior to the birth of their child, for that child to be entitled to Irish citizenship. This altered the previous situation whereby a child born in the island of Ireland was automatically entitled to Irish citizenship.
Section 4 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 2004 excludes certain types of residency, and these depend, in part, on the nationality of the parent during that period of residence. Periods of unlawful residence and periods of lawful residence for the purpose of study or as an asylum applicant are not reckonable for that purpose.
The Deputy has not provided sufficient information in regard to the person in question to enable me to give a detailed response. However, if the Deputy wishes to furnish further particulars, officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department will be happy to advise.
256 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if and when residency status will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2965/08]
I would refer the Deputy to my replies to Parliamentary Questions 136 on 8th February, 2007 and 234 on 28th June, 2007. The person in question submitted an application for permission to remain in the State based on being a family dependant of the parent of an Irish born child who was granted residency under the IBC/05 scheme. A request for additional documentation issued to the person in question on 29th January, 2008. The application will be considered further upon receipt of the requested documentation.
257 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the review processes that have taken place or he has requested to be undertaken in respect of the budgeting, financial and reporting systems within his Department and agencies; the costs incurred to date; the expected total costs; the deadlines that have been imposed for such reviews; if he will make the reports’ findings public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3023/08]
The implementation of the new Financial Management System for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service, the Courts Service and the Property Registration Authority commenced in December 2002 and was completed in March, 2005. A Post Implementation Review was completed in December 2005 as an integral part of the system implementation and was not separately costed.
258 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the contrast in the treatment of extra income earned by a low paid person on a differential rent compared to a person on rent supplement, whereby on differential rent, a contribution of 15% of the extra income is made, whereas on rent supplement 100% of the extra income is lost in reduced payments; his views on revising the rent accommodation scheme to set a more realistic rent ceiling to apply for eligibility and to reduce the requirement of 18 months on supplement before eligibility applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2792/08]
Under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) households pay a contribution towards their rents to the local authority. The level of contribution is determined by the local authority by reference to each authority's Differential Rent Scheme, and will vary from authority to authority. Over time this contribution will vary to take into account changes in the income and family circumstances of the household concerned.
Arrangements regarding the treatment of extra income under the Rent Supplement scheme are a matter for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and I am advised that those in receipt of additional income can discount the first €75 of eligible additional income and 25% of any such income in excess of €75, for rent supplement purposes.
The level of rents payable is determined by negotiations between the landlord and the local authority, taking account of rent supplement levels and local market conditions. The setting of rent limits under the Social Welfare Allowance scheme is a matter for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and his Department is currently reviewing levels of rent limits to determine what limits should apply from July 2008 onwards. My Department will contribute to the review.
A Value for Money and Policy Review is currently underway specifically to evaluate the operation of RAS in light of the objectives set for it and the arrangements under which it operates. The review is expected to be completed in April. Under current arrangements local authorities have discretion to transfer tenants to RAS who are less than eighteen months on rent supplement, when they are assessed as having a long-term housing need.
259 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of a sewerage scheme for Tarbert, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2817/08]
Kerry County Council is undertaking a strategic study with a view to optimising the delivery of wastewater infrastructure in up to 90 towns and villages in the county, including Tarbert. The Council's Preliminary Report for the Tarbert Sewerage Scheme will be further considered by my Department in light of the study recommendations.
260 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost to date incurred in respect of the electronic voting machines; the estimated storage cost for 2008 together with the cost of any reviews or reports in respect of the electronic voting issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2830/08]
The cost incurred to date in respect of the purchase and adaptation of the electronic voting machines is €43.9 million. In addition, information provided by returning officers to my Department indicates that the total annual storage costs incurred by them in respect of the electronic voting machines and ancillary equipment in 2007 is some €528,000, with figures for 2004, 2005 and 2006 amounting to some €658,000; €696,000; and €706,000 respectively. Costs incurred to date in respect of the movement of the electronic voting equipment to centralised storage arrangements are some €328,000. Further costs will be incurred in relation to the completion of these arrangements, including buy-out costs.
The total cost incurred to date in the assessment and review of the electronic voting and counting system is €2.8 million (including €1.95 million in respect of the Commission on Electronic Voting).
261 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the regulations and guidelines issued by his Department to returning officers regarding the lay out of ballot papers for general elections; if the names of candidates are required to be printed in alphabetical order from top to bottom on a ballot paper or if they can be printed in two columns on a ballot paper; if similar regulations apply for elections to Seanad Éireann; the basis for these regulations and guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2831/08]
Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 1992 states that the ballot paper at a Dáil election shall be in the form set out in the Fourth Schedule to the Act, subject to any modifications provided for in regulations made under section 88(2)(cc) of that Act. Regulations made under this provision (S.I. No. 156 of 2007) provide for the modification of the ballot paper set out in the Fourth Schedule to allow for the inclusion of candidate photographs and political party emblems.
Section 88(2)(a) of the 1992 Act provides that the names of the candidates as stated in their nomination papers should be arranged alphabetically on the ballot paper in the order of the surnames or, if there are 2 or more candidates with the same surname, of their other names.
Section 88(2)(c) of the Act provides that on ballot papers the list of candidates must be arranged either in one continuous column or in 2 or more columns in such manner (without departing from the alphabetical order) as, in the opinion of the returning officer, is best for marking and counting, but subject to the restriction that the spaces on the ballot paper within which the candidates' names and descriptions appear must be the same for each of the candidates.
Section 47(1)(b) of the Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) Act 1947 provides that a ballot paper must contain the names, addresses and descriptions of all the candidates named in the panel to which it relates arranged in the alphabetical order of their surnames and, in cases of identity of surname, of their other names, and either in one continuous column or in 2 or more columns as the Seanad returning officer, with the consent of the Minister, considers to be most convenient. Regulations (S.I. No. 91 of 1954, as amended by S.I. No. 68 of 2002) made under section 47(2) of the Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) Act 1947 set out the form of the ballot paper to be used at these elections.
Section 20(1) of the Seanad Electoral (University Members) Act 1937 provides that the ballot paper must contain a list of the candidates described by their names, addresses and descriptions as stated in their nomination papers and arranged alphabetically in the order of their surnames and, in the case of the identity of surnames, of their other names. Regulations (S.R. and O. No. 18 of 1938, as amended by S.I. No. 67 of 2002) made under section 20(2) of the Seanad Electoral (University Members) Act 1937 set out the form of the ballot paper to be used at these elections.
Sections 21, 56 and 57 of the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001 provide for the inclusion of photographs of candidates and political party emblems on ballot papers at Dáil elections and for the inclusion of photographs of candidates on ballot papers at Seanad elections.
262 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is proposed to implement into law the recommendations contained in the Constituency Commission Report 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2860/08]
The Constituency Commission presented its report on Dáil and European Parliament constituencies on 23 October 2007. Work is now underway on the drafting of the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2008 which will, inter alia, provide for revision of Dáil and European Parliament constituencies in accordance with the Commission's report. The Bill will be published as soon as possible.
263 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of councillors in each local authority area here; the population of each local authority area as per the most recent census; the ratio of population to councillors in each local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2861/08]
264 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of town councils here; the number of councillors per town council; the population served by each town council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2862/08]
265 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the population increase in the Fingal area in recent years and that this population is only represented by 24 councillors, giving a very low level of representation compared to counties such as Leitrim; if he proposes to make provision for an increase in the number of councillors for Fingal for the 2009 local elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2863/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 263 to 265, inclusive, together.
The following tables set out the number of councillors in each local authority area, the population of each local authority and the ratios of elected members to population by local authority, as per Census 2006.
The number of elected members in each local authority is set out in section 21 and schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2001. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to publish a Green Paper on Local Government Reform, which will examine a number of issues in relation to the organisation of local government. The Green Paper will be published shortly; a White Paper on Local Government Reform will follow later in 2008. As part of this reform process I will give consideration to those parts of the Local Government Act 2001 which have not yet been commenced, including section 22 which provides for the alteration of the number of members of a local authority.
I have recently established two Committees to review local electoral areas and to report to me not later than 20 June 2008. The Committees are to review the ratio of population to elected members in each local electoral area with a view to ensuring a reasonable relationship between the current population and representation within each local authority. For this purpose, the Committees are to assume no change in the total membership of each local authority. I will consider the Committees' reports as the basis for a revision of the local electoral areas for use at the local elections to be held in 2009.
|
Local Authority |
Councillors |
Population |
Ratio of Population to Councillors |
|
Counties |
|||
|
Carlow |
21 |
50,349 |
2,398 |
|
Cavan |
25 |
64,003 |
2,560 |
|
Clare |
32 |
110,950 |
3,467 |
|
Cork |
48 |
361,877 |
7,539 |
|
Donegal |
29 |
147,264 |
5,078 |
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown |
28 |
194,038 |
6,930 |
|
Fingal |
24 |
239,992 |
10,000 |
|
Galway |
30 |
159,256 |
5,309 |
|
Kerry |
27 |
139,835 |
5,179 |
|
Kildare |
25 |
186,335 |
7,453 |
|
Kilkenny |
26 |
87,558 |
3,368 |
|
Laois |
25 |
67,059 |
2,682 |
|
Leitrim |
22 |
28,950 |
1,316 |
|
Limerick |
28 |
131,516 |
4,697 |
|
Longford |
21 |
34,391 |
1,638 |
|
Louth |
26 |
111,267 |
4,280 |
|
Mayo |
31 |
123,839 |
3,995 |
|
Meath |
29 |
162,831 |
5,615 |
|
Monaghan |
20 |
55,997 |
2,800 |
|
North Tipperary |
21 |
66,023 |
3,144 |
|
Offaly |
21 |
70,868 |
3,375 |
|
Roscommon |
26 |
58,768 |
2,260 |
|
Sligo |
25 |
60,894 |
2,436 |
|
South Dublin |
26 |
246,935 |
9,498 |
|
South Tipperary |
26 |
83,221 |
3,201 |
|
Waterford |
23 |
62,213 |
2,705 |
|
Westmeath |
23 |
79,346 |
3,450 |
|
Wexford |
21 |
131,749 |
6,274 |
|
Wicklow |
24 |
126,194 |
5,258 |
|
Cities |
|||
|
Cork |
31 |
119,418 |
3,852 |
|
Dublin |
52 |
506,211 |
9,735 |
|
Galway |
15 |
72,414 |
4,828 |
|
Limerick |
17 |
52,539 |
3,091 |
|
Waterford |
15 |
45,748 |
3,050 |
|
Town Councils |
|||
|
Ardee |
9 |
4,301 |
478 |
|
Arklow |
9 |
11,712 |
1,301 |
|
Athlone |
9 |
14,347 |
1,594 |
|
Athy |
9 |
7,943 |
883 |
|
Balbriggan |
9 |
6,731 |
748 |
|
Ballina |
9 |
10,056 |
1,117 |
|
Ballinasloe |
9 |
6,049 |
672 |
|
Ballybay |
9 |
401 |
45 |
|
Ballyshannon |
9 |
2,004 |
223 |
|
Bandon |
9 |
1,721 |
191 |
|
Bantry |
9 |
3,309 |
368 |
|
Belturbet |
9 |
1,395 |
155 |
|
Birr |
9 |
4,091 |
455 |
|
Boyle |
9 |
1,599 |
178 |
|
Bray |
12 |
27,041 |
2,253 |
|
Buncrana |
9 |
3,411 |
379 |
|
Bundoran |
9 |
1,706 |
190 |
|
Carlow |
9 |
13,623 |
1,514 |
|
Carrickmacross |
9 |
1,973 |
219 |
|
Carrick-on-Suir |
9 |
5,856 |
651 |
|
Cashel |
9 |
2,413 |
268 |
|
Castlebar |
9 |
10,655 |
1,184 |
|
Castleblayney |
9 |
1,822 |
202 |
|
Cavan |
9 |
3,934 |
437 |
|
Clonakilty |
9 |
3,745 |
416 |
|
Clones |
9 |
1,517 |
169 |
|
Clonmel |
12 |
15,482 |
1,290 |
|
Cobh |
9 |
6,541 |
727 |
|
Cootehill |
9 |
1,243 |
138 |
|
Drogheda |
12 |
28,973 |
2,414 |
|
Droichead Nua |
9 |
17,042 |
1,894 |
|
Dundalk |
12 |
29,037 |
2,420 |
|
Dungarvan |
9 |
7,813 |
868 |
|
Edenderry |
9 |
5,617 |
624 |
|
Ennis |
9 |
20,142 |
2,238 |
|
Enniscorthy |
9 |
3,241 |
360 |
|
Fermoy |
9 |
2,275 |
253 |
|
Gorey |
9 |
3,479 |
387 |
|
Granard |
9 |
933 |
104 |
|
Greystones |
9 |
10,112 |
1,124 |
|
Kells |
9 |
2,257 |
251 |
|
Kilkee |
9 |
1,325 |
147 |
|
Kilkenny |
12 |
8,661 |
722 |
|
Killarney |
9 |
13,497 |
1,500 |
|
Kilrush |
9 |
2,657 |
295 |
|
Kinsale |
9 |
2,298 |
255 |
|
Leixlip |
9 |
14,676 |
1,631 |
|
Letterkenny |
9 |
15,062 |
1,674 |
|
Lismore |
9 |
790 |
88 |
|
Listowel |
9 |
3,901 |
433 |
|
Longford |
9 |
7,622 |
847 |
|
Loughrea |
9 |
4,532 |
504 |
|
Macroom |
9 |
3,407 |
379 |
|
Mallow |
9 |
7,864 |
874 |
|
Midleton |
9 |
3,934 |
437 |
|
Monaghan |
9 |
6,221 |
691 |
|
Mountmellick |
9 |
2,872 |
319 |
|
Muinebheag |
9 |
2,532 |
281 |
|
Mullingar |
9 |
8,940 |
993 |
|
Naas |
9 |
20,044 |
2,227 |
|
Navan |
9 |
3,710 |
412 |
|
Nenagh |
9 |
7,415 |
824 |
|
New Ross |
9 |
4,677 |
520 |
|
Passage West |
9 |
4,818 |
535 |
|
Portlaoise |
9 |
3,281 |
365 |
|
Shannon |
9 |
8,481 |
942 |
|
Skibbereen |
9 |
2,338 |
260 |
|
Sligo |
12 |
17,892 |
1,491 |
|
Templemore |
9 |
2,255 |
251 |
|
Thurles |
9 |
6,831 |
759 |
|
Tipperary |
9 |
4,415 |
491 |
|
Tralee |
12 |
20,288 |
1,691 |
|
Tramore |
9 |
9,192 |
1,021 |
|
Trim |
9 |
1,375 |
153 |
|
Tuam |
9 |
2,997 |
333 |
|
Tullamore |
9 |
10,900 |
1,211 |
|
Westport |
9 |
5,163 |
574 |
|
Wexford |
12 |
8,854 |
738 |
|
Wicklow |
9 |
6,930 |
770 |
|
Youghal |
9 |
6,393 |
710 |
266 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will clarify the rules regarding the obligations of elderly people who apply for grant aid to local authorities under the housing aid scheme for the elderly scheme; if all applicants need to supply tax clearance certificates; if a person applies for a grant under €10,000, if that person needs to supply a tax clearance certificate; and if his Department has advised local authorities accordingly. [2870/08]
Department of Finance Circular 44 of 2006 (Tax Clearance Procedures Grants, Subsidies and Similar Type Payments) sets down revised procedures to be followed in the operation of the tax clearance scheme for applicants for all grants from State and public sector bodies, which apply to all applications received after 1 January 2007.
As regards the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, in the case of a grant application totalling €10,000 or more, applicants are required to produce a valid Tax Clearance Certificate. As an alternative to producing a valid Tax Clearance Certificate, arrangements are in place whereby an applicant may authorise the relevant local authority to confirm electronically that he/she holds a valid Tax Clearance Certificate by using the on-line verification facility on the Revenue Commissioners' website, www.revenue.ie. Provision for this authorisation is made on the Housing Aid for Older People application form.
In the case of grant applications for less than €10,000, applicants are not required to submit a Tax clearance Certificate but must confirm that, to the best of their knowledge, their tax affairs are in order.
Detailed administrative guidance underpinning the operation of the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, including tax clearance procedures, was issued to all local authorities in October 2007.
267 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied with the operation of the WEEE scheme to date; the position regarding the workings of the WEEE monitoring group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2892/08]
The WEEE Directive has been very successfully implemented in Ireland. During 2006, the first full year of operation, 31,500 tonnes of household WEEE was collected. This represents approximately 3.5 million electrical and electronic products or 7.4kg per inhabitant. This is almost double the 4 Kgs target the WEEE Directive requires Ireland to achieve by the end of 2008 and indicates widespread public support for the scheme.
Under the terms of the WEEE Directive, financing the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment is solely a producer responsibility. Two collective compliance schemes, functioning under the responsibility of producers, are operating in Ireland. These compliance schemes, WEEE Ireland and the European Recycling Platform, are responsible for the recycling of all household WEEE deposited at designated collection points. These include civic amenity facilities and retail outlets. The compliance schemes are also responsible for ensuring that recovered WEEE is recycled in an environmentally sound manner and for putting in place tracking and auditing systems for materials recovery in line with the requirements of the Directive.
An increasing proportion of this WEEE is now recycled in Ireland following the establishment of several new WEEE recycling and treatment facilities since August 2005. My Department is working with relevant stakeholders through the WEEE Monitoring Group to ensure that further progress is made.
268 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the cost of adapting a house for a person who has acquired a disability is in many cases much greater than the maximum grant of €30,000 which can be allocated under the disabled persons housing grant. [2912/08]
269 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will increase the maximum grant of €30,000 which can be allocated under the disabled persons housing grant. [2913/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 268 and 269 together.
The Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme for People with a Disability, which replaced the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme with effect from 1 November 2007, is intended to assist with works which provide additional or adapted accommodation in private houses. The scheme is not designed to cover the full cost of works for all applicants.
Under the new scheme the grant has been increased from €20,320 to an effective maximum grant of €30,000, which may now cover up to 95% of the cost of works, compared to 90% previously. Furthermore, the grant level will increase annually in line with the building cost index, thus protecting its value into the future.
270 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the numbers of local authority houses throughout the country that have attic insulation; and the percentage of the current total number of local authority houses that local authority houses with attic insulation make up. [2929/08]
271 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding works being carried out to increase the amounts of local authority houses that have attic insulation. [2930/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 270 and 271 together.
The management, maintenance and improvement of their rented dwellings, including the installation of attic insulation is primarily the responsibility of local authorities to be financed from their own resources. In addition, where capital funding is provided under remedial or regeneration schemes operated by my Department for upgrading local authority dwellings, the provision of attic insulation may form part of the works undertaken. From 1 January 2007, direct control was given to local authorities over their internal capital receipts from the sale of local authority dwellings, to be used primarily for their improvement works programmes, including the installation of attic insulation.
In July 2004, my Department introduced a separate central heating programme in local authority dwellings. In conjunction with the provision of central heating, eligible works must also include, where necessary, measures to ensure the energy efficiency of the dwellings such as attic insulation to Building Regulations standards, draught-proofing to existing windows and external doors, the lagging of exposed pipework and hot water storage cylinders, and the installation of a mains operated smoke alarm.
My Department does not collate information on the number of local authority dwellings with attic insulation. However, since the introduction of the central heating programme, some 19,600 dwellings have benefited from the installation of central heating and related energy improvement measures.
272 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps that have been taken by his Department to develop planning and development guidelines in relation to flooding for local authorities to consider when drawing up County Development Plans. [2934/08]
The First Schedule of the Planning and Development Act 2000 specifies, inter alia, that planning authorities may include in their development plans objectives regulating, restricting or controlling development in areas at risk of flooding. Where development is proposed in an area at risk of flooding, it is a matter for each planning authority to evaluate such risk, on the basis of a flood risk assessment where appropriate, and planning permission may either be refused, or, if granted, can be made subject to conditions requiring the implementation of measures necessary to alleviate or avoid damage due to flooding.
Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Development Plans were published by my Department in June 2007 to further assist planning authorities in the preparation of development plans. The guidelines recommend that flood risk should be considered at relevant stages of the planning and development process and the aim should be to ensure that existing flood risks are either reduced or addressed and that new development does not individually or cumulatively give rise to new flood risks, particularly in the context of potential impacts arising from climate change.
My Department, in conjunction with the OPW, is preparing more comprehensive guidance on flooding and the planning system, which it is intended to issue for public consultation and finalisation this year. Preparation of these guidelines, and the mapping resources already available to planning authorities on the OPW National Flood Hazard Mapping website at www.floodmap.ie, are two of the key actions arising from the work of the Flood Policy Review Group.
273 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the notification procedures under European Union law that will have to be complied with in respect of the proposal to bring in minimum standards that all light bulbs must meet; and the maximum amount of time that the Irish Government can be required to delay its proposal under the legislation that provides for the notification procedures. [2938/08]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 66, 111 and 116 of 18 December 2007. I met with the Vice-President of the European Commission, Günter Verheugen, and the Commissioner for Environment, Stavros Dimas, in Brussels on 9 January 2008 to outline the Government's plans to introduce minimum energy efficiency standards for light bulbs.
European Commission Directive 98/34/EC, which lays down procedures for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations, specifies that Member States are required to notify draft compulsory standards to the European Commission. Member States are required to wait three months after making a notification under the Directive for the Commission and the other Member States to respond. If a Member State raises an objection, it is understood that the Commission has to take a position in the matter and the Member State may be required to postpone adoption of the measure for up to 18 months. However, Commissioner Verheugen, who is responsible for competitiveness and internal market issues related to goods, assured me of the Commission's support for Ireland's intention to introduce the energy efficiency standards from early next year. He confirmed that, in the light of Ireland's initiative, the Commission would be ready to accelerate its own regulation in this area as much as possible. We agreed that Ireland would work closely with the Commission to ensure consistency between our approaches.
274 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps that have been taken by his Department to develop the adaptation strategy required under the National Climate Change Strategy. [2939/08]
The position set out in the reply to Question No. 97 of 18 December 2007 has not changed. The National Climate Change Strategy which was published in April 2007 contains a commitment to produce a national adaptation strategy within two years. The planned strategy will provide a framework for the integration of adaptation issues into decision-making at national and local level across all sectors.
275 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Fitzpatrick Report that was carried out for the National Strategy Group on packaging waste recycling; if this report was published by his Department; and if it is available to the public. [2940/08]
A National Strategy Group on Packaging Waste Recycling — which is co-chaired by my Department and Repak and involves key public and private sector stakeholders — was established in late 2004 to monitor and further develop the regulatory packaging waste regime in Ireland in the context of the new recovery and recycling targets set for 2011 under the new Directive 2004/12/EC.
The Strategy Group carried out a comprehensive review of the regulatory regime governing the recovery and recycling of packaging waste nationally which led in the first instance to the introduction of amending regulations in late 2004 and ultimately culminated in the new consolidated packaging regulations which will come into effect on 31 March 2008. The report referred to in the Question was carried out in the context of that review. It was commissioned by Repak Limited; consequently, the issue of publishing this report is a matter for Repak.
276 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of companies registered with a company (details supplied) under the packaging regulations; and the number of companies registered as self complying with the regulations; and the number of companies estimated neither to have registered with the company or as self complying that are required to do so under the legislation. [2941/08]
The data sought in the Question are not available in my Department. Major producers i.e. those who have an annual turnover in excess of €1 million and who place more than 25 tonnes of packaging on the Irish market, have additional responsibilities with regard to the recovery of packaging waste from their customers, meeting targets, signage, reporting of specified data and registration with local authorities.
Major producers have the option of either complying directly with their producer responsibility obligations (i.e. self-compliance), or alternatively, getting an exemption from those requirements by becoming a member of a Repak, the producer compliance scheme for packaging waste.
Information on the number of companies participating in the compliance scheme may be obtained from Repak directly. Similarly, given that self-compliant major producers are required to register with each local authority in whose functional area their premises are located, accurate data on the number of self-compliers may be obtained directly from individual local authorities.
277 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps that have been taken by Ireland to comply with the Birds Directives and Habitats Directive following the European Court of Justice ruling on Ireland’s failure under these directives to protect certain species of birds in a ruling in December 2007. [2942/08]
On 13 December 2007, the European Court of Justice handed down its Judgment in case C 418/04. Ireland has two months to respond formally to the European Commission and to satisfy it that the necessary steps are being taken to meet the requirements of this lengthy Judgment. My Department will shortly meet with Commission officials to discuss the measures that will need to be taken to comply with the Judgment.
278 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the processing of water and sewerage schemes in his Department from conception to commissioning takes at least ten years; the proposals he has to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3042/08]
When a water or sewerage scheme is first proposed it may take some time to be approved for inclusion in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme, depending critically on the priority afforded to it by the elected members of the local authority and the resources available for the overall Programme.
In the case of a scheme included in the Water Services Investment Programme, my Department's involvement at individual stages of schemes costing less than €5m is confined to approving the local authority's Design Brief and Preliminary Report, including the Water Pricing Policy Report. Schemes under €5m represent almost 60% of the 955 schemes in the current Investment Programme. For traditional style contracts exceeding €5m, my Department also approves the Contract Documents. In the case of Public Private Partnership contracts my Department, additionally, approves the local authority's Tender Recommendation.
My Department's objective is to deal with Preliminary Reports within six months of receipt. In the case of Contract Documents the target is four months and two months for Tender Recommendations. Design Briefs are generally cleared within a few weeks. Issues requiring clarification may arise between my Department and the local authority and could unavoidably extend these timescales.
Apart from these direct involvements by my Department, responsibility for each scheme, including appointment of consultants, statutory planning and other processes (including public consultation and approval of elected members), site investigations, acquisition of lands and wayleaves, preparation of tender documents, tendering process, appointment of contractors and carrying out of works, rests with the local authority. The amount of time taken to advance a scheme will depend largely on how quickly these processes are completed. My Department keeps the approval procedures for water services schemes under ongoing review and is committed to devolving as much responsibility as possible to local authorities, consistent with the requirements of the Department of Finance's Capital Appraisal Guidelines and my own Department's obligations relating to management and oversight of Exchequer expenditure.
279 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of persons qualified as building energy rate assessors on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2824/08]
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has been designated as issuing authority under Statutory Instrument No. 666 of 2006, European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006.
In respect of registration of Building Energy Rating (BER) assessors, among the responsibilities for the issuing authority are:
In considering an application for registration as a BER assessor, the issuing authority must be satisfied that the applicant has successfully completed a validated training course provided by an accredited BER training provider in relation to BER assessment for the relevant designated class or classes of buildings.
The issuing authority shall establish, operate and maintain a register of BER assessors registered by the issuing authority.
Each register established shall be a public record, and shall be kept under the management of the issuing authority.
To this end SEI has published a training specification that can be delivered by training institutions and bodies registered by Higher Education and Training Awards Council, (HETAC)/Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) and operating within the National Framework of Qualifications for higher and further education. SEI does not itself directly administer or deliver the training courses but is responsible for the registration of suitably trained and certified assessors. These assessors are maintained on a public register by SEI (www.sei.ie/ber). The number of persons registering as BER Assessors by county to date, is set out in the following table.
|
County |
Registered Assessors |
|
Armagh |
1 |
|
Carlow |
3 |
|
Cavan |
9 |
|
Clare |
3 |
|
Cork |
59 |
|
Donegal |
10 |
|
Dublin |
60 |
|
Galway |
31 |
|
Kerry |
13 |
|
Kildare |
6 |
|
Kilkenny |
7 |
|
Laois |
3 |
|
Leitrim |
2 |
|
Limerick |
22 |
|
Longford |
6 |
|
Louth |
9 |
|
Mayo |
18 |
|
Meath |
8 |
|
Monaghan |
4 |
|
Offaly |
3 |
|
Roscommon |
4 |
|
Sligo |
9 |
|
Tipperary |
9 |
|
Waterford |
6 |
|
Westmeath |
7 |
|
Wexford |
16 |
|
Wicklow |
9 |
|
Total |
337 |
In respect of persons certifying, either through HETAC or FETAC institutions/bodies, it remains at their discretion whether they choose to register immediately and incur the registration fee. SEI advises that there is a further tranche of approximately 800 persons who have attended training courses run in recent months under the aegis of FETAC and who are qualified but are presently awaiting certification of their qualification by FETAC. SEI anticipates that many of these persons will apply for registration next month. SEI does not as yet have a county breakdown of these qualified persons.
280 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of electricity storage capacity Ireland currently has; his plans to increase the electricity storage capacity; the amount by which it will be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2788/08]
ESB owns and operates the pumped water power station with an installed electricity generating capacity of 292 megawatts at Turlough Hill, County Wicklow. National Surveys for suitable pumped storage sites were carried out many years ago. Apart from Turlough Hill, the only other economically viable site was at Camlough in Northern Ireland. However, that site was never commissioned.
It is possible that technological progress could render new sites viable for pumped storage in the future. This is a matter for ESB and EirGrid in the first instance. Compressed air storage is widely used at small scale within industry, but not generally for power generation at significant scale. Developments will be kept under close review by my Department in consultation with EirGrid and the energy sector.
281 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on relaxing the drift net ban for drift net fishermen who did not participate in the compensation fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2838/08]
As the Deputy is aware, the primary motivation in aligning the future management of the wild salmon fishery with the scientific advice and the introduction of the appropriate regulations to cease mixed stock fishing is the conservation of the wild salmon stocks. It is vital to afford every protection to the remaining salmon stocks and to clearly prioritise conservation over catch. We must fulfil our obligations under the Habitats Directive, namely to maintain or restore fish stocks to favourable conservation status.
Persons who did not avail of the Salmon Hardship Scheme are entitled to apply for a commercial salmon fishing licence where available in the future. There is no question of relaxing the conservation measures other than where stocks recover and it is established from the results of the Genetic Stock Identification project that significant numbers of fish destined for other rivers are not intercepted. It should be possible, in those circumstances, to exploit the identified surplus in rivers, bays and estuaries by all appropriate methods, within the constraints permitted by the Habitats Directive. It is not envisaged that drift netting in the open seas will be licensed in the future.
282 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when land-line broadband will be rolled out in an area (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that it was promised for 2008; the reason for the delay in this matter; and the person who has been given the contract to roll out broadband in this area. [2897/08]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. I have no function in the matter of the enabling of exchanges owned by private companies. However it is hoped that the facilitation of greater competition in the area via the introduction of broadband from different technology platforms will encourage the more rapid enabling of all exchanges for broadband.
283 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the review processes that have taken place or he has requested to be undertaken in respect of the budgeting, financial and reporting systems within his Department and agencies; the costs incurred to date; the expected total costs; the deadlines that have been imposed for such reviews; if he will make the reports' findings public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3015/08]
In Budget 2008, the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance announced the requirement for all Government Departments to examine all administrative spending under their aegis with a view to producing efficiency savings. The review covers all spending with no area being regarded as exempt from critical scrutiny with a view to realising efficiencies. All non-commercial State Bodies under the aegis of my Department have been requested to carry out an efficiency review in this regard and report back to my Department by 9 February. A similar exercise is being undertaken on both Administrative and Programme Expenditure within my Department. All Departments are required to submit their reports to the Department of Finance by 1 March.
A Group has been set up in my Department to oversee this project. This Group has representation from all Sectors in my Department. This Group will coordinate, for submission to the Management Committee and to me, efficiency savings proposals received from areas in my Department and the Group will also scrutinise efficiency savings proposals received from agencies under the aegis of my Department.
I would emphasise that this is a high priority issue from both the Government's and my own viewpoint. I fully support the efficient and effective use of taxpayers' money and the continuous achievement of value for money. My Department continuously seeks to deliver programme and administrative expenditure as approved each year by the Dáil, in a value for money way while meeting the policy objectives underpinning this expenditure.
284 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has received an application for prospecting licences (details supplied); if he has examined this application; his decision in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3030/08]
The Department has received an application from this company for a prospecting licence in respect of certain areas in County Mayo. The Exploration and Mining Division of the Department is currently compiling its report and recommendation, and I expect to receive this in the near future, following which a decision will be made on the application.
