Vol. 649 No. 2
88 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the budget that has been made available to the Office for Disability and Mental Health in 2008; the number of staff employed in the office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9279/08]
The Office for Disability and Mental Health was established by the Taoiseach at the end of January 2008. The Office supports me as the Minister for Disability and Mental Health in exercising my responsibilities in four Government Departments, namely the Departments of Health & Children; Justice, Equality & Law Reform; Education & Science and Enterprise, Trade & Employment.
The new Office brings together responsibility for a range of different policy areas and State services which directly impact on the lives of people with a disability and people with mental health issues. The Office will bring about improvements in the manner in which services respond to the needs of people with disabilities and mental health issues, by continuing the work to develop person-centred services, focusing on the holistic needs of people with a disability and actively involving them in their own care.
The budget for the Office is encompassed in the Vote of the Department of Health and Children. A Director has been appointed to the Office from within the Department's staff complement and 34 wholetime equivalent staff, drawn mainly from the Disability and Mental Health Units of the Department, now form the core of the new Office. Senior managers from each of the three other Departments concerned also have a reporting relationship with the Director of the Office.
89 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the publication of the Health Information and Quality Authority report on the misdiagnosis of a person (details supplied) has been delayed again; when this report will be completed and published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9401/08]
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is an independent authority and the management of the investigation referred to by the Deputy is a matter for HIQA.
The investigation commenced in June 2007. I understand that HIQA had hoped to publish its report in December but publication had to be deferred to enable further work to be undertaken.
I am advised that the draft report is currently going through the necessary legal verification process which includes consulting those referred to in the report. Once this has been completed and the report has been approved by the HIQA Board, it will be published. I am naturally keen that the report be completed and published as soon as possible.
90 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with the Health Service Executive in relation to its plans for cuts in hospital services in the north east region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9286/08]
The overriding aim of the North East Transformation Programme is to improve safety and achieve better standards of care for patients in that region.
I fully support this objective and I have had many discussions with the HSE about the importance of progressing implementation of this change programme.
The HSE also has an obligation to deliver services within its approved funding allocation each year. Discussions about budget allocations and associated service activity levels have been ongoing in recent weeks throughout the different regions of the HSE. This is an entirely normal and necessary part of the HSE's service planning and financial management process.
The need to get better value — in terms of effective services for patients — from the substantial core resources provided to the health services was one of the key objectives underpinning the health reform programme. We can not continue to simply provide "more of the same". The progressive reconfiguration of services in the North East within available resources in a way which demonstrably delivers safer and more effective services for people in that region will continue to have my full support.
91 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children when the strategic Review of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9417/08]
103 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Strategic Review of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Services will be published; if it included recommendations for a national rehabilitation strategy and the development of stroke services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9324/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 103 together.
A Strategic Review of Neurology services in Ireland has been undertaken by the Health Service Executive. The Review was overseen by a multidisciplinary Steering Group whose aim was to identify the current level of service provision and future requirements for neurology and neurophysiology services in Ireland. The specific objectives were to:
1. Describe the epidemiology of neurological conditions in Ireland.
2. Evaluate current neurology services, including paediatrics and neurophysiology.
3. Review the evidence in relation to models of service delivery and make a recommendation on the preferred model for the Irish health system.
4. Identify requirements for the development of neurology and neurophysiology services nationally and prioritise service requirements.
5. Report to the Director of the National Hospitals Office.
The HSE has advised my Department that work on the review has recently been completed and that the final draft report has been submitted to the Director of the National Hospitals Office for consideration.
92 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children if, with regard to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre quarterly publication of infection rates in hospitals, these reports will only count the number of MRSA bloodstream infections, or if they will include MRSA wound infections, lung infections, bone infections and other hospital acquired infections such as C difficile; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9392/08]
I would like to assure the Deputy that tackling all Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs), including MRSA and C Difficile continues to be a priority for the Government and for the Health Service Executive (HSE).
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 health system:
1. Staphylococcus bacteraemia (blood stream infections);
2. Antibiotic consumption;
3. Alcohol gel use;
4. MRSA surveillance in Intensive Care Units.
The data on MRSA surveillance in Intensive Care Units will cover all MRSA infections, including MRSA wound infections, lung infections and bone infections. The HSE intend to publish available data on the above for 2006 and 2007 in April this year and then quarterly thereafter. The data will be listed by individual hospital and in due course, where appropriate, by each Local Health Office. However, as the total data on surveillance in Intensive Care Units is new, the historical information for 2006 and 2007 will not include data under this heading.
In relation to Clostridium difficile (C difficile), my Department, in conjunction with the HSE, is actively considering the addition of a small number of diseases, including C difficile to the list of notifiable diseases. This will be finalised as soon as the EU issues a new list of case definitions. In the meantime, I am arranging that C difficile be included as an organism which is notifiable under the category "acute infectious gastroenteritis". This will in effect make C difficile notifiable in the short term and on that basis I will be asking the HSE now to also provide data on C difficile on a quarterly basis as soon as possible.
93 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the reported Health Service Executive intention to boycott advertising on a radio station (detail supplied) due to the fact that the station is fulfilling its public service remit by raising health service issues of concern to its listeners and the public at large; her views on whether this is an abuse of public moneys in a democracy, tantamount to censorship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9350/08]
166 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the reported Health Service Executive intention to boycott advertising (details supplied) purely because the station is fulfilling its public service remit by raising health service issues of concern to its listeners and the public at large; her views on whether this is an abuse of public moneys in a democracy, tantamount to censorship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9777/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 166 together.
Decisions taken by the HSE in relation to its communications strategy are matters for the Health Service Executive itself.
However, the issue raised by the Deputy is a matter which should be of much wider concern. The issue is one of standards in broadcasting and specifically whether it is acceptable practice for any individual to be phoned live on air and have their conversation broadcast without their consent.
The health services have always been the subject of a great deal of scrutiny and comment by the media and this is as it should be. However, in the past number of weeks, in a new departure for Irish broadcasting, it has been the policy of one radio station to telephone officials in my Department, the HSE and other Government Departments and broadcast officials live on air without prior warning or the consent of the individuals involved. I am aware that the Government Press Secretary met with management of the station involved and asked them to stop this practice, which staff feel amounts to intimidation. The radio station would not give any assurances that it intended to change its policy. I do not regard this practice as acceptable and it is now the subject of a number of complaints by officials of my Department and other Government Departments to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission. Complaints have also been made in the matter to the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland.
94 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in the publication of two reports (details supplied) on the Portlaoise cancer situation which have been passed to her by the Health Service Executive; the reason these reports have not been published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9347/08]
I refer the Deputy to the response which I gave this afternoon to Priority Parliamentary Question No. 2.
95 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason funding for the development of homeless services has not been provided in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9362/08]
147 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will insist that funding is provided to develop new services for homeless people in 2008 in accordance with Government policy and the fact that people are forced to sleep in the streets due to a shortage of beds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9289/08]
165 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason funding for the development of homeless services has not been provided in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9776/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95, 147 and 165 together.
The provision of accommodation to homeless adults is the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the individual local authorities. The provision of health services to homeless adults is the responsibility of the HSE.From the publication in 2000 of Homelessness — An Integrated Strategy up to 2007, total funding channelled through local authorities for the provision of accommodation and related services to homeless adults has amounted to some €366m. In the same period expenditure channelled through the HSE for services to homeless adults has amounted to some €171m.
In 2008 the HSE is due to spend €33m on the provision of adult homeless services including grants to the non-governmental/voluntary sector. The Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government and local authorities will make available over €53m towards the provision of accommodation for homeless adults.
A new Integrated Homelessness Strategy is being finalised by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, with input from my Department and the HSE. Its core objective is the elimination of the long term occupancy of emergency homeless accommodation and the need to sleep rough in Ireland by the end of 2010. This builds upon the commitment made in Towards 2016 regarding emergency accommodation. The intention is to minimise the risk of homelessness occurring through effective preventative policies and services and where homelessness occurs to ensure it is of a short duration and that appropriate housing and other supports are facilitated.
96 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if new budgets have been put in place for home care packages in all Health Service Executive areas; the number of such packages that are estimated to be put in place in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9319/08]
Government policy in relation to older people is to support people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Where this is not feasible, the health service supports access to quality long-term residential care where this is appropriate. This policy approach is renewed and developed in the latest partnership agreement "Towards 2016".
The Government's objective of continued development of community-based services for older persons is reflected in the funding given to the system in recent times. In Budgets 2006 and 2007, over €400 million was provided to enhance service developments across the sector, of which €110m was for Home Care Packages over these two years.
Arising from Budget 2008, a full year package of €22m was allocated for a range of new community based services for older people. This included a further €10m to expand the Home Care Package initiative. This will result in a total of just over 4,700 packages being available this year, benefiting an estimated 11,500 people.
97 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has had further negotiations with the Northern Health Minister in relation to bringing a radiotherapy centre to the north-west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8906/08]
The Government decided in July 2005 that the best option for improving geographic access for patients in the North West to radiation oncology services is to (i) facilitate access to Belfast City Hospital and (ii) progress consideration of a joint venture for the provision of oncology services in the medium term to patients in the North West from a satellite centre in the North West linked to Belfast City Hospital.
I met with Minister Michael McGimpsey of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Northern Ireland on 28 November last. We discussed the potential for further cross-border collaboration in relation to cancer care, and specifically, provision of a satellite centre for radiation oncology in the North West, linked to Belfast City Hospital. We agreed that this issue would be progressed by both of our Departments in the context of our ongoing assessment of the feasibility of greater cross-border co-operation in health and social care.
Cancer patients in the North West requiring radiation oncology treatment are referred to either St. Luke's Hospital Dublin or to University College Hospital Galway. A Service Level Agreement has also been in place since last year between the Health Service Executive, Belfast City Hospital Trust and Altnagelvin Area Hospital for the referral of radiation oncology patients from Donegal to Belfast City Hospital.
98 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will direct the Health Service Executive to engage in meaningful dialogue with pharmacist representatives with a view to ensuring the uninterrupted and ongoing availability of the quality and scale of services heretofore available to the public throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9233/08]
123 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on her role in the critical impasse regarding community pharmacy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9288/08]
195 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she has taken to assure the public in respect of the ongoing dealings between the Health Service Executive and Irish Pharmaceutical Union; if her attention has been drawn to the concern of communities in respect of their local pharmacies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9485/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98, 123 and 195 together.
The Government is firm in its view that the wholesale mark-up paid on the price of drugs should be reduced to a level that is fair to both taxpayers and wholesalers. The existing mark-up in the range of 15% to 17.6% is neither reasonable nor sustainable. The Government also supports the HSE's decision to pay an 8% mark-up from 1 March, and 7% from 1 January 2009.
However, I am concerned, in particular, to support pharmacies which have a high proportion of medical card patients, where a dispensing fee of €3.27 applies for most transactions. Many of these pharmacies are in rural or inner city areas and provide an important social and health service.
With my support, the HSE has indicated it is prepared to offer a higher fee, of no less than €5 per item dispensed, to community pharmacists, on the basis of an interim contract which would be essentially the same as the existing contract. This contract is being offered on a voluntary basis and community pharmacists can opt to remain on their existing contract if they so wish.
I met with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union recently and heard their point that there should be an independent assessment of the fees offered. I have now established an Independent Body to begin work immediately to assess an interim, fair community pharmacy dispensing fee of at least €5 to be paid for the medical card scheme, the DPS and other community drug schemes.
This Body is being chaired by Seán Dorgan, former Head of IDA Ireland. It has been asked to make its recommendations by the end of May 2008. Its recommended fee level, subject to Government approval, will be backdated to 1 March 2008.
The Independent Body held its first meeting on 25th February 2008 and has invited submissions. Both the HSE as the contracting body and the IPU as the representative organisation for community pharmacists, along with other stakeholders, will be entitled to make submissions to the Independent Body, on issues of concern to them. The Independent Body will also be entitled to engage whatever outside expertise it requires to assist it with its task.
The HSE has put a comprehensive contingency plan in place at local level in the event of the withdrawal of service by community pharmacists, including information notices in newspapers and an information helpline, open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday. In response to a written request to all 1600 community pharmacy contractors from the HSE, to date one community pharmacy has confirmed its intention to withdraw services under the present pharmacy contract. A second pharmacy has signalled an intention to withdraw services, but this remains unconfirmed. There are no changes planned to the operation of the GMS and community drugs schemes and all patients continue to receive their entitlements in the usual way.
99 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if she plans to make new policy proposals for dental services following her visit to the US; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9309/08]
The purpose of my recent official visit to the United States was to visit a number of health care facilities with a view to seeing, at first hand, how services are planned, organised and delivered. These included the Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, Texas and the Veterans Administration (V.A.) Medical Centre in Washington DC.
The facilities visited are internationally recognised centres of excellence with proven track records for innovation and results. These meetings will be of particular benefit to me and my officials in a number of policy areas including the preparation of the National Oral Health Policy, which I plan to publish this year.
In developing the National Oral Health Policy, it is intended to examine some of the following areas:
A revised regulatory regime for the dental sector in Ireland culminating in a new Dentists Act.
The integration of oral health in the wider health care delivery system to include enhanced synergies with health promotion, children's health, primary care partnerships, disability services, long stay care and services for older people.
Competition issues as raised by the Competition Authority in its report/s on the dental profession in Ireland.
Manpower planning, specialization and skills-mix including the recognition and future expansion of role of auxiliary dental professions and the identification of appropriate training needs.
Examining the possibility of stream-lining the existing State-funded dental schemes.
Service delivery issues such as orthodontic services, and special needs dentistry.
My discussions with the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health will be of particular relevance in the context of manpower planning.
100 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the hazard analysis and critical control points legislation emanating from the EU Commission; if she has liaised with food industry representatives here; if her attention has further been drawn to their concerns; when this updated legislation will be transposed into Irish law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7109/08]
I believe that the Deputy is referring to the proposal to amend Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 of the European Parliament and the Council on the hygiene of foodstuffs. This Regulation was introduced in January 2006 and its main aim is to ensure a high level of protection for the food consumer. The Regulation requires, inter alia, that food business operators put in place, implement and maintain a permanent procedure based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles. This involves analyzing all potential hazards, identifying critical control points, establishing a critical limit for each point together with the monitoring, correcting, verifying and maintenance of records.
The current Regulation allows for flexibility in relation to compliance with the HACCP requirement by permitting low-risk operators to control food safety without the need to develop a full HACCP-based system. Additionally, the Regulation allows businesses to follow recognised guides to good practice where typical hazards and controls have been identified.
As part of its 2006 Strategic Review of Better Regulation in the European Union the Commission proposed to exempt "micro enterprises" from the requirement to put in place, implement and maintain a permanent procedure or procedures based on the hazard analysis and critical control points ("HACCP") principles. "Micro-enterprises" were defined in the proposal as having less than ten employees and an annual turnover or annual balance sheet total that does not exceed €2 million.
Ireland, together with most other Member States, opposed the proposed changes on the grounds that the system proposed would not be risk-based and that the existing flexibility arrangements were sufficient. Also, it was pointed out that many Irish retail and food service establishments would fall into the "micro-enterprise" category.
The Presidency proposed a range of amendments, none of which was acceptable to the majority of Member States. Finally, at a meeting of Attaches on 29th October 2007, the proposal was rejected. An amended version of this proposal was, however, adopted by the Environment Committee of the European Parliament in January of this year. However, Ireland retains its concerns, as outlined above, to this proposal.
101 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures she will take to address the queue for assessment and diagnosis of children suspected of having autism which stands at up to two years, noting that this loss of time for early intervention in such cases where a positive diagnosis for autism is critical as the first three years of a child’s life presents the best chance of a positive outcome of such children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9377/08]
I refer the Deputy to the response which I gave this afternoon to Priority Parliamentary Question No. 1.
In addition, waiting lists for health services 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
102 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on an opt out system of organ donation in order to increase the number of organs available to those who need transplants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9317/08]
Two systems that can be used to ascertain an individual's wishes on organ donation are the opt-in system and the opt-out system. The former system (which operates in this country) requires the specific consent of the donor or, where he or she is deceased, their relatives, before organs or tissues are removed. The opt-out system presumes that all deceased persons consent to donation unless they have specifically expressed a wish to the contrary. My Department is advised that even where opt-out/presumed consent systems are in operation the relatives of the deceased may be approached as part of the donor screening process to seek a medical history of any high-risk behaviour. In these circumstances the relatives can register an objection to the donation.
The practice in this country is that, even when a deceased person had indicated his or her willingness to donate organs, the consent of the next-of-kin is always sought. There are differing views as to the appropriateness and effectiveness of a change to the existing arrangements covering the question of consent.
My Department is formulating proposals on human tissue legislation to meet the key recommendation of the Madden Report on Post Mortem Practice and Procedures. The scope of the Bill will cover the removal, retention, storage, use and disposal of human tissue from deceased persons, and related matters.
A Consultative Forum on the development of the legislative proposals was held in June 2007 followed by a public invitation for written submissions. One of the matters that has been raised in this context is the issue of consent for the donation of tissue and organs for transplantation. Discussions are ongoing with the major stakeholders on issues identified from the submissions. It is expected that proposals will be submitted to Government this Spring seeking approval to draft Heads of a Bill.
104 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Nursing Home Support Scheme Bill will be published; 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. [9430/08]
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 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.
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.
105 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to address the shortage of cardiac technicians which has resulted in unfilled posts and delays for patients; her views on the concern of patients and staff at waiting times such as a six to eight month wait for a routine outpatient echocardiogram at Beaumont Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9320/08]
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.
106 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she is taking to expand detoxification facilities for drug-addicted people within both public and private healthcare in view of the fact that there are only 23 hospital detoxification beds available here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5522/08]
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.
107 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a report from the Irish Blood Transfusion Service on the reason it allowed data on donors to be sent out of Ireland without the permission of those donors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9298/08]
141 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the information she has on the number of donors whose data was sent to the US and subsequently stolen; the part of Ireland these donors were from; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9299/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 141 together.
My officials have been in regular contact with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) on this matter and I have been briefed accordingly. The IBTS entered into an Agreement with the New York Blood Centre Inc (NYBC) for the provision of a data query tool on 23 October 2007. The purpose of the data warehousing and reporting tool is to improve the existing IBTS blood banking system computer system, Progesa in order to provide a better service to its donors and clients. Under the terms of that agreement, the IBTS exported data on CD from its Progesa system. The data was encrypted using a 256 bit key encryption, prior to export on a CD.
The IBTS is very conscious of its obligations under the Data Protection Acts to take appropriate security measures against unauthorised access to, or unauthorised alteration, disclosure or destruction of data. In this instance, the IBTS is confident that it has complied with these obligations by virtue of the robust security measures which have been taken by the IBTS and NYBC and consider that the risk of any person being in a position to bypass password controls and decrypt the data is extremely remote. The IBTS informed the Data Protection Commissioner as quickly as possible of the details of the case and the Commissioner has been in regular contact with the IBTS on the matter. The Commissioner has noted publicly that the IBTS had a legitimate reason to send the data out of the country, that it had taken its responsibilities to donors and clients seriously and that the information had been securely encrypted.
The Data Protection Acts specifically exclude disclosure to employees or agents. It was agreed between the parties that the NYBC would act as an agent of the IBTS for the purposes of the agreement. Therefore as an agent of the IBTS, the disclosure of personal data to the NYBC does not constitute disclosure within the meaning of the Acts. At no time were these records ever unencrypted and the IBTS will continue to take every measure to protect the personal records of donors.
The IBTS has contacted all 171,324 donors affected directly to assure them that the data was protected by state of the art encryption. They have provided an information line to donors who were concerned about the data loss and since this matter became public, the IBTS has dealt with over 3,000 calls as well as many letters and emails from concerned donors. These donors were from all over the country.
108 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures in place to ensure that money specifically allocated to implement A Vision for Change since 2006 is spent for that purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9303/08]
128 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will insist that funding promised over a five year period to implement A Vision for Change is allocated and spent for that purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9304/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 128 together.
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, 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 Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney has made it clear to the Health Service Executive 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 will be meeting with the HSE shortly to pursue this issue.
109 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to address the early diagnosis and treatment of type two diabetes having opened a conference on the issue on 22 February 2008 and in the context of the rapid growth of the incidence of this disease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9301/08]
125 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if deficiencies identified in a report (detail supplied) on services for children with diabetes will be addressed, particularly the shortage of diabetes nurse specialists and the difficulties arising when patients are transferring from the paediatric to the adult service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9300/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 125 together.
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.
110 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children when there will be an increase in dedicated in-patient beds for people with eating disorders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9315/08]
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 a 7 to 10 year period. "A Vision for Change" acknowledges gaps in the current provision of services for people with eating disorders and makes several recommendations for the further improvement of these services.
€750,000 was allocated in 2007 for the development of designated eating disorder services. This includes €500,000 to enhance the service in the Elm Mount Unit at St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin. The balance of €250,000 was allocated to HSE South to commence the development of an eating disorder service.
St Vincent's Hospital provides a referral service for public patients with eating disorders and has three dedicated national public beds for the assessment of such patients. Some HSE areas have placed public patients with eating disorders in St Patrick's Hospital and St John of God's private facilities when required. In a limited number of cases, consultants make referrals to other specialised eating disorder private services in Dublin or the UK.
111 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the assessment that has been carried out on the staffing implications of co-located private hospitals, including consultants and other health professionals; her views on whether this will increase the difficulties encountered in recruiting staff for certain posts in the public health system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9305/08]
151 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the deals signed for co-located private hospitals on the grounds of public hospitals, including future commitments on the use of these facilities beyond the lifespan of the current Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9290/08]
222 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the person, persons, groups, bodies or agencies from who she or the Health Service Executive sought or received advice in the matter of co-location; if such individuals, groups, bodies or agencies are expected to become future beneficiaries of this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9752/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 111, 151 and 222 together.
The Government's co-location initiative aims to make available approximately 1,000 public acute hospital beds for public patients by transferring private activity, with some limited exceptions from public acute hospitals to co-located private hospitals. The co-location initiative is designed not only to increase public acute bed capacity into the future but is considered to be the fastest way of doing this. A very important benefit of the initiative is that the beds made available for public patients in public hospitals under the initiative will come fully staffed (in contrast to the position which usually obtains where direct capital investment is used to fund public hospital capital developments). The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that it has received detailed staffing plans for the co-located projects and that it will be the responsibility of the private partner concerned to ensure adequate staffing at the co-located private hospital.
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 sites:
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 signed in the near future.
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 shortly.
It is expected that the co-located private hospitals will open within three years of receiving planning permission. My Department has been advised by the National Development Finance Agency and by the Chief State Solicitor's Office and the Office of the Attorney General on the financial assessment method employed by the Health Service Executive and on legal issues pertaining to the co-location initiative respectively since the Ministerial direction on co-location was issued to the Health Service Executive in July 2005. The issue of these agencies having beneficial ownership of co-located private hospitals does not arise. The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that it has been advised by A& L Goodbody Solicitors, Farrell, Grant Sparks and Teamwork on the co-location initiative. The Executive has stated that none of these firms has a beneficial interest in the ownership of any bidder. I should add that the invitation to tender used in the procurement process for the co-location initiative by the Health Service Executive requires bidders to identify any conflict of interest or any potential conflict of interest. The co-location Project Agreements also set out robust contractual arrangements in relation to conflicts of interest and change in beneficial ownership in order to ensure that the public interest is fully protected.
112 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will develop a respiratory strategy to address the statistics in the report Ireland Needs Healthier Airways and Lungs — the Evidence published by the Irish Thoracic Society which shows that Ireland has the worst death rate in Europe from respiratory diseases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9297/08]
The study, to which the Deputy refers, has made an important contribution to our understanding of respiratory disease and the burden it poses on individuals and the healthcare system. The report has identified the contribution that lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma make to the overall burden of respiratory disease.
Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in Ireland with over 1,600 deaths in 2004 from cancer of the respiratory system. A number of measures have been put in place with respect to cancer control including the appointment of Professor Tom Keane as National Cancer Control Director to oversee the delivery of cancer services and this year an additional €35 million has been allocated for cancer control including €15 million to support the initial implementation of the cancer control programme and the National Plan for Radiation Oncology.
Tobacco control and reducing both the levels of smoking and the numbers of people taking up smoking continues to be a priority for my Department. The Smoke Free At Work legislation is acknowledged by the Irish Thoracic Society as a successful initiative in reducing the impact of tobacco.
The Irish Thoracic Society has also acknowledged and welcomed steps being taken to tackle respiratory disease including joint hospital/community initiatives such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease outreach programmes, pulmonary rehabilitation initiatives and the National Tuberculosis Advisory Committee which is working on measures to control tuberculosis.
The initiatives above indicate that a range of measures are being taken to address issues raised by the Report. A national chronic obstructive pulmonary disease strategy is currently being developed by the HSE. The work of the strategy group is well advanced in providing a model of care which should reduce the impact of this condition for individuals, their carers and the health system.
113 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the report on breast cancer screening at Barringtons Hospital has been completed; the process and timeframe for its publication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9294/08]
Following disclosures about the provision of breast cancer services at Barringtons Hospital and Medical Centre, it was agreed to commission an independent review of patients' files in the Hospital during the period1 September, 2003 to 10 August, 2007.
The Chairperson of the review team is Dr. Henrietta Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of the All-Ireland Cancer Foundation and former Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland. Barringtons Hospital is co-operating in full with the process. Dr. Campbell expects to finalise a draft report shortly. Following the completion of the necessary legal formalities, the Report will be submitted to me and to Barringtons Hospital.
114 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will classify myasthenia gravis as a long-term illness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9287/08]
215 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will order a review of the Health Service Executive guidelines for qualifying illnesses under the long-term illness scheme; her views on seeking the inclusion of myasthenia gravis in revised guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9589/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 215 together.
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, non-reimbursed medical expenses above a set threshold may be offset against tax.
115 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans to transfer services from Roscommon County Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8952/08]
129 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when the report on the review of services at Roscommon County Hospital will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8953/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 129 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 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.
116 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will publish the report of Dunne Inquiry into organ retention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9282/08]
136 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will publish the findings of the Dunne Inquiry, edited for legal reasons if necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9302/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 136 together.
When Ms Anne Dunne SC presented her report on post mortem practice to me in March 2005, I was advised by the Attorney General that it could not be published for legal and natural justice reasons. Some sections of the Executive Summary were released on 18 July 2006 in response to a request under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Acts from Parents for Justice. Parents for Justice appealed the decision to partially release the Executive Summary. Following internal review a redacted version of the Executive Summary was released on 14th February 2008.
In light of the legal advice available to me, however, I have no plans to publish the full report.
117 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will address serious deficits in the provision of forensic mental health services outside of the Dublin area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9311/08]
The provisions of the Criminal Law Insanity Act 2006 have made additional demands on the forensic mental health services particularly outside Dublin, however the situation is improving. An enhanced forensic mental health service is now being provided within the prison system. Increased funding has enabled the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) to provide consultant-led clinics in all prisons within reach of Dublin. The provision of this service, whereby mentally ill prisoners are assessed and/or treated within the prison system, reduces the need for admissions to the CMH. It is also worth noting that assessments for the Courts can be undertaken at the CMH Outpatient Clinic at Usher's Island. There may also be situations where it would be appropriate to divert those charged with minor offences from the criminal justice system to their local psychiatric service.
The newly established Office for Disability and Mental Health has a remit to deliver closer co-operation between the Health and Justice Sector in relation to people with mental health issues who come before the courts and it will be considering this matter in that context in the coming months.
118 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Standards for Nursing Home Care recently approved by the board of the Health Information and Equality Authority will be published; when the standards will come into force; if the standards will be compulsory; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9404/08]
The Standards that the Deputy is referring to were recently submitted by the Board of the Health Information and Quality Authority for the approval of the Minister for Health and Children, as required under section 10(2) of the Health Act, 2007. The Standards and the Regulations required to underpin them will be subject to a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) before finalisation. The RIA process is expected to commence shortly and both the Standards and Regulations can be expected to be in place later this year. The approved Standards will be published. In the meantime, the Health Service Executive continues to carry out inspections of private nursing homes under the 1993 Care and Welfare Regulations.
I would like to take this opportunity to compliment the Working Group established by HIQA on the commitment, effort and time invested in drafting the Standards.
119 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that indemnity insurance will be withdrawn from independent midwives on 31 March 2008; if she will ensure that this cover is provided by the State Claims Agency in order that domiciliary births can continue to be available to those who want and are suitable for them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9293/08]
212 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children her views regarding the threat to the choice of home births posed by the withdrawal of indemnity insurance cover for self employed midwives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9574/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 212 together.
Independent or self employed midwives are not employees of the public health service. As the independent midwives are private operators who do not have service level agreements with the public health service it is not possible at present for them to come within the ambit of the Clinical Indemnity Scheme administered by the State Claims Agency. The Irish Nurses Organisation provides a certain level of insurance cover to independent midwives who are members of the organisation. The INO had indicated that they would not be providing insurance cover after 31st March, however, I understand that it has been in touch with its insurer about extending this cover until the end of September.
I support choice for women in childbirth. The option of domiciliary births must only be provided in a safe and secure manner. My officials are working with the HSE to put in place a robust clinical governance framework in order to ensure that the practice of independent midwives is brought into close working relationships with maternity services currently delivered by the HSE and the voluntary maternity hospitals. Subject to this being achieved it would then be the intention to bring the independent midwives within the scope of the Clinical Indemnity Scheme by means of an extension of the cover under the scheme to the HSE.
120 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children when the personal health check promised in the Programme for Government will be rolled out. [9322/08]
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to the development of a freely available and personalised national programme to provide for the prevention and early detection of illnesses for both men and women.
The Programme intends that guidelines should be developed for the Personal Health Check based on best available national and international evidence of what works well, with structured call and recall arrangements during a person's life and provision for appropriate clinical follow-up where required.
My Department is at present examining a range of issues which need to be addressed in order to decide how best to proceed in relation to this commitment, in the context of international best practice, our own national health policy and the many competing priorities for health service development. Among the issues to be considered for a Personal Health Check Programme are: whether whole age cohorts of the population should be offered, or encouraged to have, a periodic health check or whether a more targeted approach is preferable; the appropriate clinical content of a personal check and the interval between checks, according to individuals' age, gender and relevant risk factors; the appropriate degree of State involvement in any programme and the organisational issues which would arise; direct and indirect cost issues.
121 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will undertake a review of the food pyramid which leading nutritionists have found to be in need of a major overhaul; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7105/08]
The Food Pyramid was introduced in Ireland by my Department, supported by the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute, as a nutrition education tool and has since been the cornerstone in all national healthy eating and obesity campaigns. It is a graphic way of communicating balance of food choices for a healthy diet and allows flexibility of choice on each shelf. It is easily understood by all population groups, as demonstrated at annual focus testing from 1993-2005.
In the light of the rapid increase in overweight and obesity and its potential to escalate other health problems, in June 2006, my Department asked the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) to review the Healthy Eating Guidelines and, as part of this process, to update the Food Pyramid. A Working Group has been established by the FSAI and is expected to report to my Department with recommendations before the end of the year.
While the Food Pyramid is being updated as part of this review, my Department and the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute remain committed to using the Food Pyramid as an educational tool. My Department expects that the review will include some changes to the Food Pyramid and some changes to the Healthy Eating Guidelines; however the basic healthy eating messages which have stayed consistent for more than a decade (e.g. low fat, high fibre, low salt) are not expected to change.
122 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the National Office for Suicide Prevention will not receive extra funding in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9421/08]
Since the establishment of the HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention in 2005, additional funding of €3.55 million has been provided for the implementation of "Reach Out" — the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, 2005-2014. This brought the total funding available to support suicide prevention initiatives to €8 million and this level of funding continues into 2008.
It should also be emphasised that a range of services such as mental health and primary care services are important in helping to prevent suicide. These services play a vital role in the drive to reduce the incidence of suicide, and should be taken into account when considering the level of expenditure devoted to suicide prevention.
124 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the assessments carried out on the number of extra general practitioners that will be needed to address population growth and other demands; if it is intended to increase the number of places in the GP training scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9292/08]
127 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures she proposes to increase the number of general practitioners in practice in the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9283/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 127 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 facilitate 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 continues to work with the ICGP with a view to addressing these issues.
In 2007, FÁS agreed to undertake an update to their 2005 Healthcare Skills Monitoring Report. The 2005 Report identified a range of healthcare skills requirements up to 2015. The current research by FÁS, which is expected to be completed in 2008, will analyse the labour market for 11 healthcare grades and professions, and will help to determine future GP training needs.
126 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of the overall health budget that currently comes from health insurance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9291/08]
The total health expenditure for a given year is compiled from the health estimates as published in the Revised Estimates Volume for Public Services together with household survey data supplied by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) in relation to household spending and treatment benefits paid from the Social Insurance Fund. The latest year for which a full set of data is available is 2004. The total public health expenditure, both current and capital, for 2004 amounted to €10.161 billion. An amount of €2.954 billion for private expenditure is then added to give an overall total health expenditure of €12.755 billion. My Department has estimated that €1 billion or 8% was in respect of the private health insurance sector.
130 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has decided on a date for holding the referendum on amending the Constitution to ensure protection of children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2472/08]
As the Deputy is aware, the Twenty-Eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2007, was published in February 2007 and contained the Government's proposal to amend the Constitution in relation to children. The Programme for Government of June 2007 committed to deepening consensus on the issue and to this end, the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children [JCCAC] was established in November, 2007, to report back within four months, on the proposals set out in the Bill.
The Government awaits the outcome of the deliberations of the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children so that an amendment to the Constitution in relation to children, based on all-party consensus, can be put to the people as soon as possible.
However, it is increasingly unlikely that the Committee will be in a position to conclude its deliberations within this timescale, and accordingly, it is now probable that a Referendum on Children will not take place until 2009.
131 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the decision of the Health Service Executive north east to accept only urgent or emergency child and adolescent psychiatric referrals from general practitioners in Cavan and Monaghan for at least the next four months; and the action she will undertake to reverse this cutback in services. [9281/08]
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. 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 the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
132 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify the commitment in the Programme for Government that states that funds will be ringfenced from the sale of existing mental hospitals, estimated to be approximately €800 million, to fund community based services; if, as this statement is under the heading mental health services, the money will all be spent on community based mental health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9295/08]
"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 Report recommends inter alia that psychiatric hospitals should be closed in order to free up resources to provide community based multidisciplinary team-delivered mental health care for all. A plan to achieve this should be put in place for each psychiatric hospital.
"A Vision for Change" 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 Health Service Executive has primary responsibility for implementing these recommendations.
133 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide much needed funding to a centre (details supplied) to keep them afloat and to provide and promote positive mental health in the community due to the fact that this service will close shortly and the burden will then fall back onto the Health Service Executive who are unable to provide this level of early intervention and treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7472/08]
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. The Executive, therefore, 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.
134 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received the report of the Irish Psychiatric Association published on 24 January 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9285/08]
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", which is the basis for the future development of our mental health services is very clear on this issue. It 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.
135 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason it will take 110 months from the awarding of a contract to construct a new national paediatric hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9321/08]
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board has responsibility for planning, designing, building, furnishing and equipping the new national paediatric hospital. I would like to see the new hospital constructed as soon as possible and I know that this objective is shared by the Development Board, which is working closely with the Health Service Executive in progressing the project.
My Department has asked the HSE to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy on the specific issue raised.
137 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will introduce measures to address the needs of people with myasthenia gravis including the appointment of a specialist neurologist and a specialist nurse, accompanied by an awareness campaign on the condition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9316/08]
213 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to plans to put in place a neurologist in the health services who would specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of myasthenia gravis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9587/08]
214 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received correspondences from an association (detail supplied) in relation to the potential of establishing a specialist nurse support on myasthenia gravis in the health services; her views on meeting with the association to further discuss the idea; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9588/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 137, 213 and 214 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 issues raised by the Deputies. 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 Deputies.
I have received the correspondence from the association concerned regarding the provision of support in this area and the matter is currently under consideration.
138 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has had discussions with the Department of Education and Science to address problems in the allocation of staff including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and psychologists for children with special needs in primary schools which, in one case, has caused the board of management to postpone the opening of a school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9308/08]
The staffing of primary schools is a matter for the Minister for Education and Science and the provision of health-related services to pupils in such schools is a matter, in the first instance, for the Health Service Executive.
Since the establishment of the Health Service Executive, the number of speech and language therapists has increased by 215 to 712 — an increase of 43%, the number of occupational therapists has increased by 320 to 1,025 — an increase of 45% and the number of psychologists has increased by 184 to 692.5 — an increase of 36%.
As the Deputy is aware, intervention early in life can have a significant impact on the disabling effects of a condition or impairment. In recognition of this, Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 was commenced for children aged under 5 years with effect from 1 June, 2007. This provides parents of young children with disabilities with an entitlement to an independent assessment of their child's health and education needs and a statement of the services which it is proposed to provide for them. To date over 1,300 applications for assessment of need have been received and are being processed by the HSE.
Representatives of the Department of Health and Children, Department of Education and Science, the Health Service Executive and the National Council for Special Education meet on a monthly basis to address a range of issues including matters arising in relation to the ongoing implementation of the Disability Act 2005. This work includes planning for the roll out of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 and the Education for Persons with Special Needs Act 2004 to children between 5 and 18 years and to adults. Issues in relation to the timely and appropriate provision of health and education supports to children with a range of disabilities including autism are being considered in the context of these discussions. Health related support services for children aged 5 to 18 and for adults will continue to be enhanced to enable the Health Service Executive to meet needs identified for this group.
The recently-established Office for Disability and Mental Health will focus in particular on facilitating the delivery of integrated health and education support services for children with special needs, by further developing these existing mechanisms for co-operation and co-ordination between the health and education sectors.
139 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress being made in filling the 183 occupational therapy posts which were unfilled at the end of 2007; if the recruitment embargo has been lifted to allow people on the panel to take up some of these posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9318/08]
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. 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.
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 issue in relation to the filling of occupational therapy posts 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.
140 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in setting up an interim isolation unit for cystic fibrosis patients at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9306/08]
The Health Service Executive has made provision within its draft Capital Plan for a new ward block to be built at St. Vincent's University Hospital. The new ward block will include 120 replacement beds for patients, including persons with cystic fibrosis. My Department is advised that planning approval has been received, contract notices were published on the 29th February and that it is proposed to award a contract by the end of 2008. The construction period is estimated at two years.
In the interim, the HSE has been working closely with St. Vincent's to progress interim improvements. This includes fast-tracking the re-development of a ward which is adjacent to the main treatment area for cystic fibrosis patients. The HSE has advised my Department that this interim project is to commence shortly and will provide a minimum of six single rooms.
On completion, additional work will begin to provide a further eight single rooms.
The HSE has previously advised my Department that this is to result in a total of fourteen single rooms for cystic fibrosis patients by the end of the summer.
142 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people with learning disabilities who have committed criminal offences and are being accommodated outside Ireland for specialised forensic services; the estimated cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9312/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5s and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's specific 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
143 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a report on the progress made by Professor Tom Keane in developing a cancer strategy; if he has had discussions with health service providers in the north west to address the specific issues there; if services will be retained in Counties Sligo and Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9314/08]
Prof. Keane reported last month to the Cabinet Committee on Health on the significant progress being made in implementing the HSE National Cancer Control Programme. Developments to date include:
The appointment on a part-time basis of National Clinical Leaders in Surgical, Medical and Radiation Oncology;
Cessation of breast cancer surgery in fifteen hospitals with low case volumes;
Agreement with the surgical leads in the eight designated breast cancer centres (i) on a transparent and evidence based resourcing mechanism, benchmarked to best practice (ii) to move to a common referral process, which will allow urgent patients to be seen within two weeks and (iii) to eliminate unnecessary follow-up of previously treated asymptomatic patients; and
Agreement with the Irish Cancer Society on the administration of a grants programme to enable patients to be transported to designated cancer centres.
The HSE has designated University College Hospital Galway and Limerick Regional Hospital as the two cancer centres in the Managed Cancer Control Network for the HSE Western Region, which includes Sligo and Mayo. It is fully recognised that there are particular and unique geographical circumstances applying to Donegal. On a sole exception basis, the Managed Cancer Control Network in the West will therefore be permitted to enter into outreach service delivery in Letterkenny as an additional activity. Thus, the current arrangements in relation to breast cancer will continue in Letterkenny. This exception is subject to quality assurance criteria and also to the proviso that the potential to meet the needs of cancer patients in Donegal through North-South initiatives, such as the provision of radiation oncology services to patients from Donegal at Belfast City Hospital, must be optimised and fully facilitated.
The designation of cancer centres aims to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care while at the same time allowing local access to services, where appropriate. Where diagnosis and treatment planning is directed and managed by multi-disciplinary teams based at the cancer centres, then much of the treatment (other than surgery) can be delivered in local hospitals, such as Sligo General Hospital and Mayo General Hospital.
There will be a very thorough and inclusive process of dialogue involving all of the cancer clinicians within the areas covered by each of the Managed Cancer Control Networks. Prof. Keane has advised that meetings and discussions are under way with the eight designated centres and with the non-designated hospitals currently providing cancer services, in order to manage the transition.
146 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent and the role she intends public and private hospital beds to play in the delivery of services to the public with particular reference to bed complement requirements in the future; if a diminution in public beds is the objective; the extent to which this is expected to affect the delivery of services; if privatisation of services is anticipated in such circumstances; the way this is expected to affect the quality and extent of services available to public patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9234/08]
221 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of public and private hospital beds available in each of the past 10 years; the projected numbers for the next 10 year period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9751/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 221 together.
In 2001, the year of the publication of the Health Strategy, the average number of in-patient beds and day places available in the 53 public acute hospitals was 12,145, based on returns to the Department (11,374 in-patient beds and 771 day places). The provisional number of acute hospital beds recorded by the Health Service Executive for 2006 was 13,771 (12,574 in-patient beds and 1,197 day places) based on a total bed complement. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to provide an additional 1,500 public acute hospital beds. In this context the co-location initiative which was announced in July 2005, aims to make available approximately 1000 additional acute beds for public patients through the transfer of private activity from public hospitals to co-located private hospitals. Additional acute beds, which are at various stages of planning, will be made available through the Health Service Executive's capital plan.
The provision of private care in public acute hospitals is a long standing feature of the Irish healthcare system. Over 2,500 beds in public hospitals are designated as private and semi-private. There is an 80:20 public/private ratio average across the entire acute system. The percentage of beds designated as private varies between individual hospitals; for example, there is a higher ratio of private beds in maternity and paediatric hospitals and a lower ratio in other hospitals.
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 ranging from partial to full delivery of an integrated health service. It makes the point that other developed countries, such as Australia, Canada, Denmark and England have achieved significant results 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 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.
My Department has asked the Health Service Executive to provide the detailed information sought on acute public hospital beds directly to the Deputy.
149 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Health Service Executive grade VIII and above posts on 31 December 2007; the number of these posts on 29 February 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9296/08]
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.
150 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the serious difficulties being caused by the Government’s new child care subvention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8907/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) under which the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) is being implemented.
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.
The Community Childcare Subvention Scheme was introduced in January 2008 with an allocation of €154.2 million over 3 years. The Scheme will continue to support community-based childcare services to provide reduced childcare fees for disadvantaged parents, complementing the universal supports in place for all parents. Community childcare services will qualify for grant aid on the basis of the level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. The parent profile of each service, and the amount of subvention it will receive, are determined on the basis of completed parent declaration forms which they return as part of the application process. The subvention received by services is, in turn, reflected in reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the scheme.
The new scheme provides 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 subvention to services is responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage and the ceiling for funding which existed under the previous scheme has been removed. Account is also being 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, in some cases, were previously inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme. In addition, transitional arrangements have been introduced to facilitate community services which were funded under the previous scheme to adjust to the new arrangements, including making any adjustments necessary to their fee structures.
When I announced the framework for 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 October 2007 as part of the application process of the new scheme. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the review was completed and the following adjustments were made to the scheme in December:
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 has been introduced.
as a transitional measure during 2008-2010, services which could 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.
The changes which have been introduced will ensure that the most affordable childcare is available to families according to their means. Put simply, the tiered fee structure is the most effective way of ensuring that the considerable and ongoing Government support for the community childcare sector, will be targeted at those who need it most. I am sure that the Deputy will agree that, with an allocation of €154.2 million over a 3 year period for the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme, the Government is continuing to offer very generous support to this important sector of Ireland's childcare infrastructure.
I am also pleased to advise the Deputy that, from last week, services are being notified of their individual grant levels for July-December 2008 and that the total amount of grant assistance under the new Scheme will be significantly higher than was the case under the previous scheme. I am confident that the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme is a fair and equitable way of supporting community childcare operators in the provision of an affordable and high quality service to parents, based on their means.
152 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 6 of 31 January 2008 and the Minister of State’s comments regarding the development of formal policy in her Department, the progress that has been made in the provision of a rehabilitation centre in the Cork or Munster region for stroke and acquired brain injury victims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9278/08]
My Department considers that there should be an over-arching policy framework to set out the broad policy guidelines for development of policy on cardiovascular health, including stroke. A new Cardiovascular Health Policy Group was established in September 2007 to develop this framework. The group, chaired by Professor Hannah McGee of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, is due to complete its work by May 2008. In addition, a national audit of stroke services is currently being undertaken by the Irish Heart Foundation in association with the Health Service Executive. This will provide the evidence base necessary for the development of stroke policy.
My Department is currently considering the development of a formal policy on rehabilitation. A number of issues must be considered including:
a needs assessment on a population health basis;
the structure of service provision;
the location of the facilities; and
the nature of the facilities, that is, whether they are hospital type, step down, or preparation for independent living.
Plans have been prepared in some areas for regional rehabilitation facilities. My Department and the Health Service Executive are aware of the need to review the potential benefits of a regional network of rehabilitation facilities and services. The development of such a network should be considered in the context of a national strategy for rehabilitation services and the Department is currently considering this issue.
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 the specific matter of the provision of rehabilitation services for the Cork or Munster region investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
153 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Taoiseach if there are proposals for the establishment of an annual memorial day for the Great Famine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9600/08]
The inauguration of an annual memorial day for the Great Famine is under consideration by officials. Their recommendations in the matter are expected shortly.
154 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the farm rental income tax exemption scheme applies to a father-son arrangement even when this lease is stamped and approved of by the Revenue Commissioners; the tax considerations of establishing share farm arrangements where the landowner is the non-active participant; and if the unearned income tax relief applies in this case. [9492/08]
Section 664 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, provides for a scheme of relief for certain income from leasing of farmland. Broadly speaking, if a farmer who is aged 40 years or more or who is permanently incapacitated, leases out farm land for a period of at least 5 years, some or all of the rent received from that land will be exempt from income tax. The amount of exemption varies depending on the length of the lease. The scheme operates by exempting the lower of the rental income received or a specified amount which varies depending on the length of the lease. Currently the specified amounts are €12,000 in the case of a lease for a term of at least 5 years, €15,000 where the lease is for a term of 7 years or more and €20,000 where the lease is for a term of at least 10 years. The scheme applies where there is a lease in writing made on an arm's length basis between unconnected individuals for a definite term of 5 years or more. Thus, a lease of land between a father and son would not be a qualifying lease for the purposes of the scheme.
It is not clear what "share farm arrangements" the Deputy is referring to in the second part of the question. I am also not clear what unearned income tax relief the Deputy has in mind. However, if the Deputy wishes to supply me with further details I will be happy to deal with the matter.
155 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has received their full tax credits for 2008; if arrears of tax credits are due for the years 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9494/08]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a certificate of tax credits and standard rate cut-off point issued to the taxpayer on 21 February 2008. This included all credits claimed by the taxpayer. PAYE balancing statements for the years 2006 and 2007 were sent to the taxpayer on 8 October 2007 and 20 February 2008 respectively. All credits claimed by the taxpayer for these years were included in the statements and refunds made accordingly.
156 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position where parents or others assist a first time buyer to acquire a house; if this can have implications for first-time buyer’s relief; if so, under what conditions; and the checks the Revenue Commissioners carry out to check that FTB rules are adhered to. [9544/08]
I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the following tax implications arise where a parent or others assist a first time buyer to buy a house.
Stamp Duty
A child is not precluded from claiming first time buyer relief where a parent acts as co-mortgagor in relation to the purchase by the child of a house. The parent is treated as effectively acting in the role of guarantor for the loan where the following conditions are satisfied:
the transfer of the house is taken in the name of the child,
it is the intention of both the child and the parent that the parent is not to take a beneficial interest in the house,
the parent has been joined into the mortgage solely at the request of the lending institution for the purpose of providing additional security for the monies being advanced for the purchase,
it is not intended that the parent will be contributing to the repayment of the mortgage.
A similar treatment applies where the co-mortgagor is not a parent of the first time buyer.
Any first time buyer, who receives an unconditional gift of monies which is used to fund the purchase of a house, is not precluded from claiming first time buyer relief on the basis that the donor does not take a beneficial interest in the house.
Provisions have been included in the Finance Bill 2008 which further clarify the position in relation to first time buyer relief including the definition of a purchaser for the purposes of claiming first time buyer relief.
A Purchaser is required to confirm whether he or she is a first time buyer and this is done by inserting a mandatory certificate to that effect in the purchase deed to be submitted for stamping to the relevant Revenue Stamping District.
Revenue uses its risk evaluation procedures to check for potential abuse of first time buyer relief. Revenue databases are interrogated as part of this risk evaluation process including the Tax Relief at Source database (to ascertain whether Mortgage Interest Relief has previously been claimed). In addition, the databases of the Private Residential Tenancies Board and the Property Registration Authority can be accessed on a case by case basis should the need arise. Cases may be referred to Revenue auditors for additional examination and Revenue audit, where appropriate.
Gift Tax
A liability to gift tax for a first time buyer may arise depending on the amount of the gift and the relationship between the donor and the donee involved.
Tax Relief at Source
Tax Relief at Source for home mortgage interest (known as TRS) is available on loans for Principal Private Residences. The relief element on the mortgage interest is given, by the lender, either in the form of a reduced mortgage payment or a credit to the borrowers funding account.
A qualifying loan for the purpose of mortgage TRS is a secured loan, used to purchase, repair, develop or improve a sole or main residence, situated in the State. Therefore, if a person not resident in the property borrows to assist in its purchase these borrowings are not eligible for the relief.
However, mortgage interest paid in respect of a mortgage for a dependent relative (including an incapacitated son or daughter) for whom a dependent relative tax credit is claimed is eligible for TRS.
157 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will extend the same tax concessions to a sector (details supplied) as those granted to the white fish fleet in Budget 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9567/08]
The position with regard to the taxation of the Salmon Hardship Fund is that individual payments under the scheme have two identifiable component parts and that one part is taxable while the other is not. The taxable component is that part of the payment which is based on a fisherman's catch and is taxable on recipients in the year of receipt. Accordingly, commercial fishermen should include this part of any payment as a receipt in their accounts. The part of the payment which is based on the 2006 licence fee is not liable to tax. I understand that when making payments, Bord Iascaigh Mhara identify the amount of the payment relating to the 2006 licence fee so that this may be excluded from income tax returns.
In addition, in order to facilitate recipients wishing to spread the tax liability on the payments over three years, eligible applicants may opt to receive their payment in one sum or alternatively to have it paid in three equal amounts over a three-year period.
In Finance Bill 2008 I introduced provisions to amend the income and capital gains tax codes to assist the take-up of the decommissioning scheme to support the restructuring of Ireland's fishing fleet in line with the European Communities initiative concerning compensation for decommissioning of fishing vessels.
There is no scope for the extension of these Finance Bill measures to payments made under the Salmon Hardship Fund. Firstly, there is no requirement under the Salmon Hardship Scheme for the permanent withdrawal of fishing vessels from the fishing fleet in order for applicants to qualify for payments under the scheme. Secondly, in the case of the amendment to the capital gains tax code, the part of the Salmon Hardship Fund that is liable for taxation is liable for taxation under the income tax code. As this particular payment is based on the average verifiable catch for each licence holder for the 5 years (2001-2005) it is an income replacement payment and under long-standing principles of taxation such payments are taxable as income. The question, therefore of extending the application of this amendment to the Salmon Hardship Fund cannot arise.
158 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has been deducted the proper taxation for the tax year 2007; if their application for a tax rebate has been completed; if the payments due to the applicant have been determined; if the determined returns have been forwarded to the applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9654/08]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a PAYE balancing statement for 2007 issued to the taxpayer on 4 February 2008, together with a refund of €176.18. Following receipt of the information now supplied, contact was made with the taxpayer's former employer who confirmed that incorrect information was shown on form P45 issued on termination of the taxpayer's employment. The correct information has now been obtained from the employer and an amended PAYE balancing statement for 2007 will issue to the taxpayer in the coming days, together with an additional refund of €212.94.
159 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number and location of drink theatre licences which have been granted by the custom service of his Department for each of the years 2003 to 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9657/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the number and location of Theatre Licences granted, or were in existence, in the years 2003 to 2007 and for 2008 to date are as follows:
|
Region |
District |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
BMW |
Donegal |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
Sligo |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
Longford |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Galway |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
6 |
|
|
Roscommon |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
Mayo |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Offaly |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Westmeath |
4 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
|
|
Cavan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Monaghan |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Louth |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
Total |
11 |
11 |
13 |
15 |
15 |
17 |
|
|
ESE |
Meath |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Kildare |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
|
|
Laois |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Tipperary |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
|
|
Waterford |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Wexford |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Wicklow |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Kilkenny |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Carlow |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Total |
11 |
11 |
11 |
12 |
12 |
11 |
|
|
SW |
Cork |
6 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
7 |
|
Kerry |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
Limerick |
3 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
|
|
Clare |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
Total |
10 |
9 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
13 |
|
|
Dublin |
Dublin |
35 |
32 |
32 |
36 |
35 |
57 |
|
Total |
35 |
32 |
32 |
36 |
35 |
57 |
|
|
Grand Total |
67 |
63 |
68 |
76 |
76 |
98 |
(Normally Theatre Licences run from 1 October to the following 30 September). Each Licence application is subjected to individual scrutiny and includes a requirement, where necessary, to produce a "List of Events" to be carried out on the premises, prior to the issuing of the Licence.
While the Revenue Commissioners do not specifically make contact with an Garda Síochána or the District Court, I understand that the Revenue Commissioners have been in touch with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on matters concerning the law relating to the granting of Theatre Licences.
160 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will support a proposal (details supplied). [9659/08]
The position is that in matters relating to the VAT rating of goods and services, I am constrained by the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. In this regard, I would point out that the rate of VAT that applies to a particular good or service depends on the nature of the good or service and not on the status of the consumer. In this instance, there is no provision in EU law that would permit the removal or reduction of VAT based on the social or economic status of the consumer or voluntary sporting and community groups.
In relation to the VAT rate that applies to defibrillators, the position is that under the VAT Directive, Member States may retain the zero rates on goods and services which were in place on 1 January 1991, but cannot extend the zero rate to new goods and services. The zero VAT rate cannot therefore be applied to defibrillators which are subject to the standard rate.
In addition, Member States may only apply the reduced VAT rate to those goods and services which are listed under Annex III of the VAT Directive. While Annex III does include the supply of medical equipment for the exclusive personal use of a disabled person, it does not include defibrillators for general use. The reduced rate cannot be applied to the supply of defibrillators.
Therefore the only rate of VAT that can apply to the supply of defibrillators is the standard VAT rate which in Ireland is 21%.
161 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the action taken by her Department, together with the private sector and consumer groups on the marketing and advertising of products that contribute to weight gain, in particular those aimed at children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9496/08]
The National Task Force on Obesity recommended that multi-sectoral action be taken on the marketing and advertising of products that contribute to weight gain, in particular those aimed at children. In response to this and other recommendations in the Report of the Task Force, my Department is currently developing a national nutrition policy which will provide strategic direction on nutrition for the next ten years. While this policy covers the whole population, the target group for recommendations is young people, 0-18 years, and the priority areas for action are obesity and food poverty. It is expected that this policy will include clear recomendations on the marketing and advertising of foods to children. A national consultation has already taken place and the policy will be published in the coming months.
162 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the guidelines that have been established for food and nutrition labelling to ensure that labelling is accurate, consistent, user-friendly and contains information on portion size and nutrient content; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9500/08]
Currently, EU general labelling requirements for all foodstuffs are set out in Directive 2000/13/EC. This Directive lists the compulsory information to be included on all labels, such as the list of ingredients, the use-by date and any special conditions of use. In addition to the general legislation, there are certain labelling rules for certain food groups (e.g. country of origin labelling for beef), and specific measures including labelling provisions for certain foods and substances (e.g. beef, fish, chocolate, dietetic foods, food supplements, fortified foods etc).
Nutrition labelling on foods is currently regulated by Directive 90/496/EEC. At the moment, under EU legislation, nutrition labelling is optional, although it becomes compulsory when a nutrition or health claim is made in the labelling, presentation or advertising of a foodstuff or when vitamins or minerals are voluntarily added to foods.
Last January, the European Commission issued a comprehensive proposal on food labelling. This proposal recommended the amalgamation of all labelling legislation, in an attempt to modernise and improve EU food labelling rules, so that consumers have, in a legible and understandable manner, the essential information they need to make informed purchasing choices. In addition, this proposal made recommendations on such issues as front-of pack labelling and allergen labelling.
It is expected that this proposal will be discussed at EU Level over the next two years. My Department, which leads in regard to food labelling, will play an active role in these discussions.
163 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if the cost of repatriation and funerals of tourists or migrant workers who are murdered in this State are paid by her Department or the arrangements in place to help such families recoup the costs of travel in such tragic circumstances. [9533/08]
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 that the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive investigate the matter and issue a reply directly to the Deputy.
164 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the budget allocated to the recently launched anti-drugs campaign The Party’s Over, with details of the way this budget will be spent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9558/08]
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.
167 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Wexford for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9457/08]
175 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Tipperary for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9465/08]
179 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Waterford for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9469/08]
180 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Kilkenny for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9470/08]
190 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Carlow for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9480/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 167, 175, 179, 180 and 190 together.
I have identified the enhancement of services to persons with cystic fibrosis as a key priority over recent years. Development funding of €6.78m has been allocated to the Health Service Executive since 2006 to facilitate the recruitment of specialist staff in this area.
The detailed application of this funding across the various hospital networks is a matter for the Executive and accordingly, my Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy with regard to the services in Wexford, Tipperary, Waterford, Kilkenny and Carlow.
168 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Donegal for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9458/08]
169 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Leitrim for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9459/08]
170 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Sligo for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9460/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 to 170, inclusive, together.
I have identified the enhancement of services to persons with cystic fibrosis as a key priority over recent years. Development funding of €6.78m has been allocated to the Health Service Executive since 2006 to facilitate the recruitment of specialist staff in this area.
The detailed application of this funding across the various hospital networks is a matter for the Executive and accordingly, my Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy with regard to the services in the North Western HSE region.
171 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Roscommon for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9461/08]
172 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Mayo for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9462/08]
173 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Galway for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9463/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 to 173, inclusive, together.
I have identified the enhancement of services to persons with cystic fibrosis as a key priority over recent years. Development funding of €6.78m has been allocated to the Health Service Executive since 2006 to facilitate the recruitment of specialist staff in this area.
The detailed application of this funding across the various hospital networks is a matter for the Executive and accordingly, my Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy with regard to the services in the Western HSE region.
174 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Clare for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9464/08]
176 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Limerick for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9466/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 176 together.
I have identified the enhancement of services to persons with cystic fibrosis as a key priority over recent years. Development funding of €6.78m has been allocated to the Health Service Executive since 2006 to facilitate the recruitment of specialist staff in this area.
The detailed application of this funding across the various hospital networks is a matter for the Executive and accordingly, my Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy with regard to the services in the Mid Western HSE region.
177 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Kerry for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9467/08]
178 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Cork for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9468/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together.
I have identified the enhancement of services to persons with cystic fibrosis as a key priority over recent years. Development funding of €6.78m has been allocated to the Health Service Executive since 2006 to facilitate the recruitment of specialist staff in this area.
The detailed application of this funding across the various hospital networks is a matter for the Executive and accordingly, my Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy with regard to the services in Kerry and Cork.
181 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Laois for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9471/08]
I have identified the enhancement of services to persons with cystic fibrosis as a key priority over recent years. Additional revenue funding of €6.78m has been allocated to the Health Service Executive since 2006 to facilitate the recruitment of specialist staff in this area. The detailed application of this funding across the various hospital networks is a matter for the Executive. My Department has asked the HSE to reply directly on the specific operational issues raised in the Deputy's question.
182 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Offaly for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9472/08]
I have identified the enhancement of services to persons with cystic fibrosis as a key priority over recent years. Additional revenue funding of €6.78m has been allocated to the Health Service Executive since 2006 to facilitate the recruitment of specialist staff in this area. The detailed application of this funding across the various hospital networks is a matter for the Executive. My Department has asked the HSE to reply directly on the specific operational issues raised in the Deputy's question.
183 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Westmeath for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9473/08]
I have identified the enhancement of services to persons with cystic fibrosis as a key priority over recent years. Additional revenue funding of €6.78m has been allocated to the Health Service Executive since 2006 to facilitate the recruitment of specialist staff in this area. The detailed application of this funding across the various hospital networks is a matter for the Executive. My Department has asked the HSE to reply directly on the specific operational issues raised in the Deputy's question.
184 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Longford for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9474/08]
I have identified the enhancement of services to persons with cystic fibrosis as a key priority over recent years. Additional revenue funding of €6.78m has been allocated to the Health Service Executive since 2006 to facilitate the recruitment of specialist staff in this area. The detailed application of this funding across the various hospital networks is a matter for the Executive. My Department has asked the HSE to reply directly on the specific operational issues raised in the Deputy's question.
185 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Cavan for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9475/08]
186 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Monaghan for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9476/08]
187 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Louth for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9477/08]
188 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Meath for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9478/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 to 188, inclusive, together.
I have identified the enhancement of services to persons with cystic fibrosis as a key priority over recent years. Additional revenue funding of €6.78m has been allocated to the Health Service Executive since 2006 to facilitate the recruitment of specialist staff in this area. The detailed application of this funding across the various hospital networks is a matter for the Executive.
My Department has asked the HSE to reply directly on the specific operational issues raised in the Deputy's question.
189 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Kildare for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9479/08]
I have identified the enhancement of services to persons with cystic fibrosis as a key priority over recent years. Additional revenue funding of €6.78m has been allocated to the Health Service Executive since 2006 to facilitate the recruitment of specialist staff in this area. The detailed application of this funding across the various hospital networks is a matter for the Executive.
My Department has asked the HSE to reply directly on the specific operational issues raised in the Deputy's question.
191 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Wicklow for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9481/08]
I have identified the enhancement of services to persons with cystic fibrosis as a key priority over recent years. Additional revenue funding of €6.78m has been allocated to the Health Service Executive since 2006 to facilitate the recruitment of specialist staff in this area. The detailed application of this funding across the various hospital networks is a matter for the Executive.
My Department has asked the HSE to reply directly on the specific operational issues raised in the Deputy's question.
192 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities in place in County Dublin for cystic fibrosis sufferers; the number of cystic fibrosis patients in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9482/08]
I have identified the enhancement of services to persons with cystic fibrosis as a key priority over recent years. Additional revenue funding of €6.78m has been allocated to the Health Service Executive since 2006 to facilitate the recruitment of specialist staff in this area. The detailed application of this funding across the various hospital networks is a matter for the Executive.
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.
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 shortly and will provide a minimum of six single rooms. On completion, additional work will begin to provide a further eight single rooms. The HSE has previously advised 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. The HSE has advised that planning permission has been obtained, financial provision has been included in the HSE Capital Plan 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.
The HSE advises that patients with cystic fibrosis will also benefit from additional single room capacity in the new Medical Admissions Unit at Beaumont Hospital which is due for completion in December.
My Department has asked the HSE to reply directly on the additional operational issues raised in the Deputy's question.
193 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the shortage of a medication drug (details supplied); the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9483/08]
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. The Executive is also responsible for the supply of drugs and medicines for the GMS and community drugs schemes. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the 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.
194 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the hospitals here that have proper facilities to cater for cystic fibrosis patients; the number of these beds in each hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9484/08]
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.
196 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concern being expressed in respect of the reported decision by the Health Service Executive to cut funding to homeless services; if her attention has further been drawn to the particular challenges this will present for an organisation (details supplied) in Dublin 24 and many similar organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9486/08]
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.
197 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people who died that were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in each county in the years 2002 to 2007 and to date in 2008; the average age and gender in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9489/08]
235 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children on average born here with cystic fibrosis in each of the past 10 years; the number in each EU country in the same period; the extent of research and support services made available here and in other EU Member States with a view to improving the quality of life and life expectancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9765/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 235 together.
The information sought by the Deputies is not routinely collected by my Department.
An independent registry for cystic fibrosis, which is funded by the Health Service Executive, has been established. As yet, the data is not available to fully inform analysis relating to persons with cystic fibrosis, including 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.
My Department has asked the HSE to arrange to have replies issued to the Deputies on the specific issues raised.
198 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of heart and lung transplants that have been carried out here; the number currently on the waiting list; the number who have been sent to the UK in the years 2002 to 2007 to have heart and lung transplants carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9490/08]
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 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.
199 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if, pending the outcome of the Government’s consideration of a scheme to assist voluntary sporting and community groups acquire defibrillators, she will propose the reduction of VAT on the purchase of defibrillators to 13.5%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9491/08]
My Department has sought the advice of the Department of Finance on the issue of reducing or removing VAT on Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs). The Department of Finance has advised that VAT on AEDs cannot be removed or reduced as Irish VAT laws must comply with the requirements of EU VAT law. Under the VAT Directive, member states may only apply the reduced VAT rate to those goods and services which are listed under Annex III of the VAT Directive. Annex III does not include general medical equipment such as AEDs for general use.
200 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children when oncology services will transfer from Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; the part of the service that will be retained at the hospital site; and when staff, including professional, administrative and medical will be advised or consulted on any proposed transfer of services. [9524/08]
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 has designated Beaumont Hospital and the Mater Misericordiae Hospital as the two cancer centres in the Managed Cancer Control Network for HSE Dublin North East, which includes County Louth.
The designation of cancer centres aims to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care while at the same time allowing local access to services, where appropriate. Where diagnosis and treatment planning is directed and managed by multi-disciplinary teams based at the cancer centres, then much of the treatment (other than surgery) can be delivered in local hospitals, such as Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.
The Deputy's specific question in relation to consultation with staff at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services which are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this regard.
201 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (detail supplied) in County Carlow; if they will be treated as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9527/08]
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 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.
202 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (detail supplied) in County Wicklow who is waiting for a hip replacement; if they will have the procedure as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9528/08]
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.
203 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if wards at Mallow General Hospital will close either temporarily or permanently during 2008; if so, the reason for this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9542/08]
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.
204 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the important service (details supplied) in Dublin 15 to support families with children under five; her views on whether the maintenance of this service is important for the Dublin 15 area; the past commitments given to support this service with mainstream funding; if her attention has been further drawn to the proposed one-off payment of €10,000 envisioned by the Health Service Executive will not be sufficient to keep the service afloat even until the end of 2008; if she will fulfil commitments to provide mainstream funding to the service on an ongoing basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9547/08]
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.
205 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a medical officer has not been re-appointed for County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9549/08]
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.
206 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason transfers are not being permitted between hospitals for staff nurses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9550/08]
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.
207 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Minister for Health and Children the terms and conditions for staff nurses who wish to take special leave, or sick leave; if the employment for permanent staff will not be available to them if they take extended leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9551/08]
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
208 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the most recent review of the adequacy of the capacity of the national neurosurgery facility in Beaumont Hospital; the capacity increases planned under the National Health Strategy for this service; the progress made to date in developing additional capacity under this plan; and the expected date when additional increases in capacity will be provided. [9559/08]
The Comhairle na nOspidéal Report on Neurosurgery, (2006) recommended that the future development of safe, high quality neurosurgical services in Ireland would be best served by increasing capacity in Dublin and Cork and by improving access to neurosurgical units, including improved transport and telemedicine facilities for referring hospitals. The Report identified a need for additional investment in neurosurgical services and in the planning and commissioning of such services on a national basis.
The Health Service Executive has invested significantly in the expansion of the service at Beaumont Hospital over the past number of years. For example, in 2006 additional revenue funding of €800,000 was allocated to Beaumont Hospital, to address identified service requirements in the area of Paediatric Neurosurgery as well as other neuroscience service priorities. Within this funding a new paediatric neurosurgeon post was approved and the post has since been filled.
In 2007 additional revenue development funding of €4m was allocated to the HSE to progress the further development of neuroscience services nationally. A business case to enhance and restructure the neurosurgery unit was completed by Beaumont during 2007. On foot of this the Executive allocated an additional €1m in service development funding in 2007 to enable the hospital to make further improvements to the Neurosurgical Service. This funding has allowed for additional staff to be put in place including a temporary Consultant Neurosurgeon (8th) and a Specialist Registrar in neurosurgery. The appointment of a Consultant Anaesthetist is awaiting the outcome of discussions on paediatric neurosurgery and anaesthesia services.
In 2008 Beaumont hospital has been allocated an additional €1m within their overall allocation to support (inter alia) the continued development of the neurosurgery programme.
In addition to the revenue investment, capital funding of nearly €5.0m was allocated to Beaumont by the Health Service Executive in 2007. This funding was designed for:
Replacement equipment for the neurosurgery theatres;
Refurbishment of interventional radiology room;
Investment in intra-operative monitoring equipment; and
Investment in image linkages and a data base to improve reporting arrangements.
The 2007 capital allocation builds on the investment of €750,000 in 2006 for equipment. The commissioning of the 11th theatre which is currently underway. (This new theatre is capable of being commissioned on a 2.5 day basis with effect from this month subject to recruiting an additional three staff which were approved last year).
To optimise the use of the existing acute neurosurgical beds in Beaumont the Health Service Executive has provided additional home care packages for those patients who have completed the acute phase of their care.
To support the rehabilitation needs of neurosurgical patients in Beaumont a joint project team between the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Beaumont and the Health Service Executive has been set up to progress the establishment of an acute 25 bedded rehabilitation ward in Beaumont. The aim is to improve the outcome for patients with acquired brain injury with the provision of dedicated rehabilitation pending the patient's suitability for transfer to the National Rehabilitation Hospital. This development is identified in the draft HSE Capital Plan 2008-2013.
Paediatric neurosurgery services including trauma services, are currently provided at Beaumont Hospital. As indicated in the Addendum to the Comhairle Neurosurgery report the HSE considers that paediatric neurosurgical services will be provided, in the longer term, at the new National Paediatric Hospital. In advance of this move early discussions are underway to facilitate the optimal configuration of the delivery of paediatric neurosurgery within the existing hospital structures to ensure the appropriate delivery of the service.
209 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of reported HIV cases from County Wicklow in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9564/08]
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.
210 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a service (details supplied) will be provided in an area. [9569/08]
There is no statutory obligation on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide community physiotherapy services but arrangements have been made in some regions to provide such services. Before the establishment of the HSE, the nature of any arrangements for community physiotherapy services and the level of service provided were a matter for individual health boards. As a result, variation in practice developed over time. I understand that, in some areas, the HSE has made arrangements with private physiotherapists to provide services to medical card holders who have been referred by their General Practitioners. These arrangements will be reviewed in the context of the ongoing development of primary care services and the legislative proposals being prepared by my Department to clarify and update existing legislation on eligibility for health and personal social services, including physiotherapy services.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care services, including physiotherapy 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.
211 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist persons (details supplied); and if she will make this a priority case. [9571/08]
My Department is advised that the Health Service Executive has recently issued an interim response regarding this case and will be issuing a full response on receipt of additional information requested.
216 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will request the Health Service Executive to provide community health services in Fettercairn, Tallaght, Dublin 24; her views on local concerns in the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9590/08]
I am conscious of the complex range of social and environmental circumstances which affect Fettercairn and a number of other disadvantaged urban areas around the country. The health services have a key role to play in working with communities and a range of other statutory and non-statutory interests to ensure a co-ordinated and integrated response in such areas.
I am also aware of the research study entitled "Taking the First Steps to a Healthier Fettercairn" which was launched in 2007. In this regard, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has indicated that it met with Fettercairn Community Project Team on 26th November 2007 to discuss and progress implementation of the report's recommendations on health services. The HSE continues to liaise closely with the Project Team.
The Primary Care Strategy aims to develop services in the community to give people direct access to integrated mutli-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 services.
The HSE received additional funding of €40m over the period 2006 to 2008 for the establishment of some 200 primary care teams involving 600 front line professionals.
The Programme for Government commits to ensuring that there is a primary care team serving every community, with particular reference to new and rapidly growing areas. The HSE has indicated that it intends to establish 3 Primary Care Teams in the West Tallaght area and that a needs assessment has been commenced to establish the precise needs of the area.
Under the Health Act 2004, the management and delivery of health and personal social services are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. This includes operational responsibility for the selection and recruitment of general practitioners to provide services under the General Medical Services Scheme and also the selection of locations for Primary Care Teams. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address these matters and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
217 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions her Department has had or is planning to have with the Health Service Executive to investigate and overcome the technical problem that the eastern community works section has within their computer section in view of the fact that it does not allow the section pay the home helps employed by that section on behalf of the HSE, their travel allowances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9601/08]
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 payment of travel allowances to eligible personnel, has been provided as part of its overall vote. 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
218 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of home helps in the Kildare-west Wicklow area of the Health Service Executive that are due arrears in relation to travel expenses; the period of time that each is waiting for such expenses; if the rate of travel is the Civil Service rate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9602/08]
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 payment of travel allowances to eligible personnel, has been provided as part of its overall vote. 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
219 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients who received treatment through the treatment purchase scheme in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9749/08]
As the Deputy's question relates to the operation of the National Treatment Purchase Fund, my Department has asked the Chief Executive of the Fund to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the information requested.
220 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason home help hours have been restricted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9750/08]
The new funding package of €22m provided in the recent Budget is designed to enhance a range of important community initiatives, including €4.6 million additional expenditure by the HSE for 200,000 extra Home-Help hours this year. The Executive therefore expect to provide a total of around 11.98 million Home-Help hours nationally in 2008, to benefit in excess of 53,000 people. This is over and above the 11.78 million hours provided in 2007.
223 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied with the strength of the ambulance service; her proposals for increasing staffing levels or vehicles; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9753/08]
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.
224 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if adequate accident and emergency staff are available at all hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9754/08]
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.
225 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of agency nurses employed in Naas General Hospital, Naas, County Kildare in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9755/08]
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.
226 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of agency nurses currently employed by the Health Service Executive throughout the country; the extent to which such numbers have fluctuated in the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9756/08]
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.
227 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the full extent of staff required to operate the full scale of services at Naas Hospital, Naas, County Kildare; the additional staff requirements at present; her proposals to meet these requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9757/08]
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.
228 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects the delivery of the full scale of services at Naas Hospital, Naas, County Kildare including the utilisation of all facilities there; if there are exceptions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9758/08]
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.
229 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which she expects upgraded community health centres to play a role in the delivery of health services in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9759/08]
The Primary Care Strategy aims to develop services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multidisciplinary 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 HSE received additional funding of €40 million in the period 2006 to 2008 for the establishment of some 200 primary care teams involving some 600 additional front line professionals. The Government has committed under the Towards 2016 agreement to the establishment of 300 Primary Care teams by 2008; 400 by 2009 and 500 by 2011. A review of these targets is due to be undertaken in 2008. 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.
230 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of full medical card holders in 1998 and at the present time as a proportion of the general population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9760/08]
Details of the numbers of medical card holders are provided to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive. The most recent figures provided to my Department reflect the position as at the 1 February 2008. The table that follows this reply shows the number of persons with medical cards and the proportion of the national population which this represents, on the dates requested by the Deputy. In interpreting this information, it is necessary to take account of the fact that the HSE — before 2005 the health boards — has undertaken a substantial programme of work in recent years to improve data quality in the General Medical Services client database. For example, in 2003 and 2004, work carried out by the health boards led to a deletion of approximately 104,000 inappropriate entries, where, for example, there were duplicate entries for the same person, the expiry date on the card had passed, the person had moved away or was deceased. This exercise did not involve any reduction in the actual number of persons who held medical cards but rather resulted in a more accurate picture of the number of individuals in receipt of GP services under the GMS Scheme.
|
Year |
National Population |
No. of Medical card holders |
Proportion of National Population with medical cards |
|
31 December 1998 |
3,703,100 (Official CSO population estimate for 1998) |
1,183,554 |
31.96% |
|
1 February 2008 |
4,339,000 (Official CSO population estimate for April 2007 announced on 18th December 2007) |
1,280,510 |
29.51% |
In addition, as at 1st February, 2008, 76,094 persons held a GP visit card.
231 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if all school medical examinations here are carried out at a frequency required by international standards; the areas which are not up to that standard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9761/08]
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.
232 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children screened for orthodontic treatment in each of the past five years; the number who failed to receive treatment; the number currently receiving treatment and on waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9762/08]
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.
233 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of incidence of the various forms of cancer diagnosed here in each of the past 10 years; the way these levels compare with those in each of the other EU Member States; the extent of research undertaken to identify the cause or causes throughout the European Union; the degree to which best practices diagnosis and treatment is available throughout the Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9763/08]
The aim of the National Cancer Control Strategy is to reduce our cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality rates relative to other EU member states. The strategy embraces the concept of cancer control which is emerging internationally and supported by the World Health Organisation. It makes recommendations in terms of organisation, governance and quality assurance across the continuum of cancer control from health promotion and early detection to treatment, supportive and palliative care and research and education. Professor Tom Keane took up his post as National Cancer Control Director in November 2007. The decisions of the HSE on the designation of four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres will be implemented on a managed and phased basis. Arrangements are in hand to enable Professor Keane to take control of all new cancer developments and progressively all existing cancer services and related funding and staffing. An additional €35 million has been allocated this year for cancer control, including €15 million to support the implementation of the National Cancer Control Programme. This funding also includes €1 million to support initiatives under the All-Ireland National Cancer Institute Cancer Consortium, including cancer clinical trials. Further investment in cancer control will be based on the reform programme being implemented by the HSE. Statistics on cancer incidence are collated by the National Cancer Registry. My Department has asked the Director of the Registry to examine these matters and to reply directly to the Deputy.
234 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the research that has been undertaken into the cause or causes of high levels of heart disease here with particular reference to comparisons with statistics in other EU Member States; the extent of the research available as regards the contributory cause or causes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9764/08]
There is a large measure of agreement internationally on the factors which increase risk of coronary heart disease. The WHO has stated that, "the major determinants of population rates of coronary heart disease had now been identified: an inappropriate national diet aggravated by physical inactivity and overweight (reflected in the mass raising of blood lipids and blood pressure), and widespread cigarette smoking." Smoking, raised blood pressure and raised blood cholesterol are regarded as the three "classic" risk factors for coronary heart disease. There has also been much research over the years into heart disease funded by the Health Research Board. In recent years heart disease and stroke rates have declined in Ireland. Ireland is no longer the worst place for premature deaths from coronary heart disease in EU-15 as was the case prior to the publication of Building Healthier Hearts in 1999. The pace of improvement for coronary heart disease is faster in Ireland compared with the EU-15 average. For example in the period 1995-2004 the rate of decline in premature mortality due to coronary heart disease was 2½ times the EU-15 average for men and over 3 times the EU-15 average for women.
Coronary heart disease mortality rates fell by 47% in people aged 25 — 84 between 1985 and 2000. This resulted in 3,760 fewer deaths in 2000. More recent research in Ireland has examined how much of the decline in coronary heart disease mortality can be attributed to "evidence based" medical and surgical treatments and to changes in major cardiovascular risk factors. Approximately half the coronary heart disease mortality decline in Ireland between 1985 and 2000 can be attributed to medical treatments and almost half to reductions in major risk factors, principally high cholesterol and smoking. These beneficial effects were offset by increases in diabetes, obesity and physical inactivity which collectively contributed to approximately 500 more deaths. Available research is being considered by the Cardiovascular Health Policy Group. This group, which was established in September 2007, will set out broad policy guidelines for development of policy on cardiovascular health, including stroke. It is due to complete its work by May 2008.
236 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people suffering from respiratory conditions here and in each EU country; the research undertaken to identify the cause or causes of the exceptionally high level here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9766/08]
Comparable figures on the prevalence of respiratory conditions across the European Union are not available. The reason for this is that these conditions cover a very wide range of diagnoses from minor to acute or chronic disease which are not generally notifiable or covered by specific disease registries. Data are available for hospitalisation for respiratory diseases and for mortality resulting from these diseases. The recent INHALE report noted that Ireland continues to have high overall mortality rates from respiratory disease. However, data from the World Health Organisation shows that rates of decline in mortality from respiratory conditions in Ireland have been very rapid, particularly in the last 10 years, and that the gap with our EU counterparts has closed significantly over this period. When the respiratory category is broken down into more specific conditions, improvements are particularly marked in certain areas. For example, for bronchitis, emphysema and asthma Ireland now has one of the lowest mortality rates in the EU. Death rates from chronic lower respiratory disease have decreased by 40% since 1999 compared with a 20% reduction for the EU as a whole. The reduction in mortality from pneumonia has also been steep although Ireland continues to have double the death rate compared with the EU average. Respiratory conditions remain a very significant cause of chronic illness and of mortality in Ireland, but considerable progress is being made which can be attributed to a variety of causes including improved medical treatment and better environmental and lifestyle factors such as reduction in smoking.
237 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children born with autism or Asperger’s spectrum in each of the past 10 years to date in 2008 in each of the EU countries; the extent of research undertaken in each country arising therefrom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9767/08]
238 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the full extent of research undertaken to determine the cause or contributory causes of the high incident of autism here; her proposals in this regard in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9768/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 238 together.
The Department of Health and Children does not collect data on the number of children born with autism or Asperger's syndrome in this country. It does not know whether such information is available from each EU member state, or the extent of the research undertaken in each country. There has been an increase in recent years in the number of children being diagnosed with autism in Ireland. Similar increases have been experienced in other European countries and the USA. It is not clear whether the increase is due to greater awareness or whether there is a true increase in the prevalence of autism. It is recognised that the epidemiology of Autistic Spectrum Disorder is undergoing rapid change due in whole or part to better ascertainment and re-clarification. The diagnosis is a clinical one — it is based on a variety of observations rather than a defined laboratory investigation. Hence the evolving concept of an "autistic spectrum" which stretches from those severely affected to those with only a mild disability.
In December 2004, the Department of Health and Children, through the Health Research Board, approved expenditure of €5 million on autism research to help improve international understanding of the genetic causes of autism. This €5 million is the Irish contribution to a major international research initiative called the Autism Genome Project which will receive a total investment of €12 million from a variety of international organisations over the next three years. The other co-funders in the international consortium include Autism Speaks (US), the British Medical Research Council (MRC), Genome Canada and Partners, Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC), and the Hilibrand Foundation. This unique combination of international, public and private partners funding a consortium of clinicians and scientists is a new and welcome departure in the field of autism research. The Health Research Board has informed my Department that this funding was awarded as follows: €2.8 million to Professor Michael Gill, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College, Dublin; and €2.2 million to Professor Andrew Green, Director National Centre for Medical Genetics, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, which is affiliated to UCD. This figure represents the largest tranche of funding to be awarded by any of the four funders within the international consortium. The Irish researchers are at the forefront in unravelling the genetic determinants of autism and related disorders. They are using novel state-of-the-art genetic sequencing technology to analyse DNA samples taken from autistic patients to identify candidate genetic markers for autism. They will collaborate with their international colleagues to then link these genetic markers with clinical outcomes. This unique international research effort will greatly improve not only our understanding of the causes of autism, but its diagnosis and treatment.
239 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which a trend in respect of incidents of MRSA show an increase or decrease on a monthly basis in the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9769/08]
240 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the procedures in place to combat MRSA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9770/08]
241 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the prescription of lower strength antibiotics is necessitating repeat treatments and thereby causing susceptibility to superbugs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9771/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 to 241, inclusive, together.
I assure the Deputy that tackling all Health Care Associated Infections (HCAIs), including MRSA, continues to be a priority for the Government and for the Health Service Executive. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre of the HSE collects data on MRSA which are published on a quarterly basis. In 2007, 43 Irish laboratories serving 64 acute hospitals (public and private) participated in their data collection system representing an estimated 98% coverage of the Irish population. The number of MRSA cases recorded over the last five years was 445 cases in 2002, 480 cases in 2003, 553 cases in 2004, 592 cases in 2005, 588 cases in 2006 and 432 cases by the end of the 3rd Quarter in 2007. 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 health care 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.
Appropriate antibiotic prescribing is an important element in the effective treatment of all infections. Antibiotic stewardship programmes form a key part of the HSE Infection Control Action Plan. While there has not been any direction about prescribing "lower strength antibiotics", the HSE advises the use of narrow spectrum rather than broad spectrum antibiotics and this is aided by knowing the bacterial sensitivities in the local community. A National Surveillance System has been established by the HSE to collect data and provide information on a quarterly basis on four key areas and to monitor HCAIs in our health system. It is focusing on Staphylococcus bacteraemia; Antibiotic consumption; Alcohol gel use; and MRSA surveillance in Intensive Care Units. The HSE intends to publish available data on the above for 2006 and 2007 in April this year and then quarterly thereafter. The data will be listed by individual hospital and in due course, as appropriate, by each Local Health Office. This will greatly assist in the monitoring of improvements in infection control. It will in particular highlight recent trends in the key areas identified and represent a benchmark against which we can assess progress in the future and particularly when and where that progress is being achieved. Improvements on hygiene are critical to effective infection control.
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 13 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 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 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 another 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 have been prepared by the HSE to inform infection control policy in all new builds and refurbishments. A process of consultation on the draft guidelines is ongoing. 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.
242 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the group, bodies, agencies or representatives for whom she, her Department or the Health Service Executive sought or received advice in the past six months in relation to the costs of medicines, dispensing fees and ongoing services to the public in relation to the issues which have caused the dispute between the pharmacists and the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9772/08]
243 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which she, her Department or the Health Service Executive have had discussions with the drug companies, the wholesalers and the pharmacists in regard to the subject matter on the impasse between the Health Service Executive and the pharmacists; the reason the discussions were not held with each body simultaneously; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9773/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 243 together.
My Department and the Health Service Executive (HSE) have been reviewing the pharmaceutical supply chain, with a view to seeking value for money in the State's drugs bill, in order to better fund existing and innovative therapies without compromising patient safety or continuity of supply. The HSE has operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services under the Health Act 2004, including the arrangements for the supply of drugs and medicines for eligible patients under the GMS and community drugs schemes.
In line with the strategy agreed by the Cabinet Committee on Health for reform of the drugs supply chain, it was decided to address each element of the supply chain sequentially. Accordingly, a HSE-led negotiating team, including officials from my Department, first engaged with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) and the Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of Ireland (APMI), representing proprietary and generic supplier representative bodies, and completed new agreements with these bodies in mid-2006. These agreements are in place.
At the commencement of planned negotiations with wholesalers' representatives, legal issues around competition law were raised. Subsequent legal advice to the HSE indicated that a consultation process, accompanied by independent economic analysis, was considered the most appropriate means to allow for the determination of new reimbursement pricing arrangements for wholesale supply. The revised pricing arrangements for wholesale delivery were arrived at following this process, involving direct discussion with wholesaler companies and a call for public submissions, published on 20th December 2006, in response to which a total of 161 submissions (including 143 from community pharmacy contractors) were received.
Following the completion of public consultation, and informed by the independent economic analysis carried out by Indecon Economic Consultants, new reimbursement arrangements for wholesale supply were announced by the HSE on 17th September 2007. The report by Indecon was published by the HSE on 13 November 2007. All aspects of the Indecon report were considered by the HSE in making its determination.
The Government is firm in its view that the wholesale mark-up paid on the price of drugs should be reduced to a level that is fair to both taxpayers and wholesalers. The existing mark-up in the range of 15% to 17.6% is neither reasonable nor sustainable. The decision to pay an 8% mark-up from 1 March, and 7% from 1 January 2009, will go ahead.
However, I am concerned, in particular, to support pharmacies which have a high proportion of medical card patients and where a dispensing fee of €3.27 applies for most transactions. Many of these pharmacies are in rural or inner city areas and provide an important social and health service. With my support, the HSE has indicated it is prepared to offer a higher fee, of no less than €5 per item dispensed, to community pharmacists, on the basis of an interim contract which would be essentially the same as the existing contract.
I met with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union recently and heard their point that there should be an independent assessment of the fees offered. In the light of this, I have established an Independent Body to begin work immediately to assess an interim, fair community pharmacy dispensing fee of at least €5 to be paid for the medical card scheme, the Drugs Payment Scheme and other community drug schemes.
This Body is being chaired by Seán Dorgan, former Head of IDA Ireland. It will take submissions from all sides and will carry out its own analysis. It has been asked to make its recommendations by the end of May 2008. Its recommended fee level, subject to Government approval, will be backdated to 1 March 2008. The requested date for submission of the Body's report is 31 May 2008. The Independent Body has met twice, on 25th February 2008 and 3rd March, and has invited submissions. Both the HSE as the contracting body and the IPU as the representative organisation for community pharmacists, along with other stakeholders, will be entitled to make submissions to the Independent Body, on issues of concern to them.
Based on its consideration of submissions received and its own independent evaluation, the body will recommend an appropriate dispensing fee that would, in its view, represent a fair and reasonable price to be paid for the pharmaceutical service currently being provided by community pharmacists to the HSE under the GMS and community drug schemes. If approved by Government, it will be backdated to the date from which any individual community pharmacist may choose to avail of the HSE's offer.
The development of a new substantive pharmacy contract will also get underway as soon as possible. This will be done under the auspices of an agreed facilitator and it too will be priced by the Independent Body. I believe the foregoing provides all concerned with a reasonable way to make the transition to a fair and transparent method of payment for present services and, I hope, greatly developed pharmacy services in the near future.
244 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of an application under the health repayment scheme by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9779/08]
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.
245 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocation from his Department for local improvement scheme road projects in County Clare for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9511/08]
The grants paid to Clare County Council under the Local Improvements Scheme in 2006 and 2007 and the allocation for 2008 are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2006 |
1,446,161 |
|
2007 |
1,811,772 |
|
2008 Allocation |
906,000 |
246 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocation from his Department for community and regional roads projects in County Clare for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9512/08]
The grants paid to local authorities in county Clare for works on regional and local roads in 2006 and 2007 and the allocation for 2008 are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Clare County Council |
Ennis Town Council |
Kilrush Town Council |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2006 |
20,879,671 |
587,000 |
197,000 |
|
2007 |
20,298,101 |
605,000 |
204,000 |
|
2008 (Allocation) |
20,659,750 |
605,000 |
204,000 |
247 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if a specific percentage of all road budgets are designated to the construction of safe walkways and cycle ways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9502/08]
The provision and improvement of regional and local roads, including facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, in its area is a matter for each individual road authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. Road grants for regional and local roads are allocated annually under a number of grant categories. These include special block grants paid to Town Councils for carriageway and footpath repairs and grants for the provision or repair of footpaths in towns which were former Town Commissioners.
Discretionary or block grants are also allocated to all road authorities which may, at the discretion of the authority, be used for the provision of cycleways and footpaths. In addition, local authorities have been advised that consideration should be given to the provision of facilities for cyclists where warranted on existing roads in urban areas and in the development of new road schemes.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The implementation of individual national road projects, and decisions as to whether to cater for other forms of transport such as cyclists or to provide for pedestrian traffic, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the relevant local authorities concerned.
248 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the specific targets that have been put in place to encourage the reduction of car use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9503/08]
On 25 February 2008, I commenced a public consultation exercise that will lead, during 2008, to the adoption by Government of a sustainable travel and transport action plan.
Pending completion of the consultation exercise, I am open to suggestions from all quarters in relation to the content of the proposed action plan. Accordingly, at this stage, it would be premature for me to set targets or make decisions, in the context of sustainable travel and transport, on issues such as modal shift.
249 Deputy James McDaid asked the Minister for Transport the status of the application by a group (details supplied) with their rural transport initiative for the north Irishowen area. [9513/08]
250 Deputy James McDaid asked the Minister for Transport the number of rural transport initiatives currently operating; and the budget for the scheme and number or rural transport initiatives in County Donegal. [9514/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 249 and 250 together.
Some Euro 9 million was provided by my Department for the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) in 2007 and a further Euro 2 million has been allocated for the Programme this year. Pobal administers the RTP on behalf of my Department. There are two schemes under the Rural Transport Programme in operation in County Donegal — Seirbhis Iompair Tuaithe Teoranta (South West Donegal) and Síob Teo. (An Gaeltacht Lár and the islands of Arranmore and Tory).
251 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport the reason he did not grant a licence to a company (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9536/08]
Bus Éireann currently operates a service between Limerick and Shannon Airport, which serves Bunratty and Sixmilebridge. Having regard to the provisions of Section 11 of the 1932 Act, my Department has refused an application from a private bus operator for a service from Sixmilebridge to Shannon Airport via Bunratty, because of the presence of the existing passenger services on the route. The application was refused on 30 July 2007. The operator was given 21 days to lodge an appeal against my Departments decision. As my Department received no appeal, the case was closed.
252 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if his Department granted permission for Dublin Bus to extend a route without first consulting with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9553/08]
I can confirm that my Department received a proposal from Dublin Bus to operate a new 0630 city centre departure and a new 0730 Newcastle departure on the Route 68/X. My Department deemed that the proposed services would not compete with the existing licensed services being operated by the Company referred to by the Deputy and therefore Dublin Bus was advised that it could proceed with the proposal.
The assessment process applicable to the consideration of proposals received from Dublin Bus or of applications received from private bus operators, does not include consultation between my Department and existing operators on the route in question.
253 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if Dublin Bus is converting three year 2000, low-floor vehicles to conduct multilingual Dublin City tours; if the commercial division of Dublin Bus has purchased these buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9554/08]
254 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if infrastructure that has been partially funded by the Government, such as garage and maintenance facilities, are being used to park and maintain the vehicles operating the Dublin Bus City tour; if these facilities are available to the commercial activities at no extra cost; his views on whether this constitutes illegal State aid therefore conferring an unfair advantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9555/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 254 together.
The management and use of garage and maintenance facilities and the deployment of buses is an operational matter for Dublin Bus. I understand from Dublin Bus that the vehicles used on Dublin City Bus Tours are not Exchequer funded buses but funded from the Company's own resources.
I am informed by Dublin Bus that, as part of the accounting arrangements maintained in accordance with the requirements of EC Regulation 1191/69 which require separate accounts for public service obligation-funded services and commercial services, the costs of garaging and maintaining the City Tour buses are charged to that service and that the service does not benefit from the compensation paid by the Exchequer to Dublin Bus in respect of its public service obligations.
The CIÉ annual accounts also include a statement to the effect that the grants paid to CIÉ are in accordance with the relevant EU regulations governing State Aid to transport undertakings.
255 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if the costs associated with the public service obligation services are being separated from the costs associated with the commercial services, or could there be the possibility of cross subsidisation, that is, could the staff that are being paid from the public service obligation services be used to work on the commercial services that are in competition with a private company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9556/08]
Under EU Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2408/92 of 23 July 1992, the Government has established Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services between Dublin and the regional airports at Sligo, Donegal, Knock, Kerry, Galway and Derry. Exchequer subvention is paid in respect of these services on the basis that they are considered vital for the economic development of their regions, and that they would not be provided by the airlines on a fully commercial basis. Selection of the air carriers providing the PSO air services is by means of an open competitive tendering process.
Payment of the subvention in respect of each service under the PSO contracts is the lesser of the fixed price agreed with the airline for the year in question or the actual losses incurred by the airline in operating the service during that year, taking account, inter alia, of all direct, indirect and allocated costs, as certified by the airline's Auditor. These arrangements are in line with EU rules and regulations governing PSO services. No Public service obligation payment is made to the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) in respect of Luas services.
The position in relation to Irish Rail, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann is that the 3 companies include in the notes to their annual Financial Statements a note analysing total revenue and expenditure over social and commercial activities in line with the principles of EU Directive 2000/52/EC. I am informed by both Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann that their commercial services do not benefit from the compensation paid to both companies in respect of their public service obligations. The issue does not arise in the case of Iarnród Éireann, as it is the sole provider of services on the railway network.
256 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a decision will be made on an application for a work permit on behalf of a person (detail supplied) in County Tipperary. [9560/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that it has no record of a current application in relation to the above case.
257 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to statutory redundancy. [9596/08]
Payment of statutory redundancy is, in the first instance, a matter for the employer. There is no record in my Department of an application for statutory redundancy on behalf of the person to whom the Deputy has referred. If the Deputy requires further information on the Redundancy Payments Scheme, he may contact my Department at 016313051.
258 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of visits the Industrial Department Authority has made to Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim in the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9487/08]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
The arrangement of visits by potential investors to various locations through out the country is an operational matter for the Agency and not one in which I have a function. Accordingly, I have forwarded your query to the Secretary of IDA Ireland for his attention.
259 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are plans to review health and safety legislation to place a particular emphasis on healthy eating and active living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9497/08]
I am responsible under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, for workplace health and safety policy. The Health and Safety Authority is responsible for the administration and enforcement of occupational health and safety legislation which is concerned with workplace health and safety. The Deputy's question raises a wider public health matter, in which my colleague the Minister for Health and Children would have major responsibilities.
My Department chairs the National Framework Committee for Work Life Balance Policies, which was established under social partnership. While the Committee is tasked with supporting work life balance policies at the level of the enterprise but its remit does not extend to specific measures such as healthy eating and active living which, as I have said, are areas in which my colleague the Minister for Health and Children would have responsibility in the first instance. Accordingly, I have no plans to review health and safety legislation along the lines suggested.
260 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has had consultations with the electronic leisure industry and consumer groups with a view to revising the design, production and marketing policies surrounding products that impact on healthy eating and active living, particularly in relation to children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9498/08]
I have not had any consultations regarding the design, production and marketing policies surrounding products that impact on healthy eating and active living, particularly in relation to children. I would advise the Deputy that general policy responsibility for healthy eating and active living, including in relation to children, lies with my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children.
261 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the fact that only one Industrial Development Authority supported company has set up in County Kerry over the last five years, compared to 30 set up in County Cork during the same period; and if steps are being taken to ensure that Kerry is on a level playing field with other counties in terms of infrastructural development. [9515/08]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
At the end of 2007, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 16 IDA Ireland supported companies in Kerry employing approximately 1,838 people. The impact of FDI in Ireland goes much deeper than job creation alone. Foreign owned companies are at the cutting edge of demand for high skills, advanced management training and of business process, which permeates the wider business community. These companies have contributed to the broadening of the economic base in Ireland by fostering entrepreneurial activities and new start–up companies aimed at supporting and selling to foreign owned companies.
In line with the National Spatial Strategy, IDA Ireland is actively promoting the hub towns of Tralee and Killarney as well as the greater Kerry region to prospective investors across the full range of IDA targeted sectors, such as International Financial Services, Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) and Internationally Traded Services. Every effort is being made to secure new advanced knowledge based industry for the area.
Over the last number of years the nature of Foreign Direct Investment has changed and Ireland is now competing for premium mobile investments against the most advanced countries in the world. As Ireland competes for investments at the highest end of the value chain the concept of scale is crucial to our economic destiny. Leading corporations require a significant population of highly qualified talent, effective physical and digital infrastructure and the availability of sophisticated professional support services. If we are to make progress in attracting FDI to the regions we need to continue our investments under the NDP and all economic and social stakeholders will need to commit to the goal of balanced regional development as envisaged in the National Spatial Strategy. Future thinking and action must have a regional rather than a local bias and this requires a significant change in mindset.
IDA Ireland is working closely with educational institutions in the region, in developing the skill sets necessary to attract high value added employment to the county. In addition, the Agency is also working with FÁS to provide guidance in developing the skill-sets needed by those in the workforce who are interested in upskilling.
In the final analysis it is the investor who decides where to locate. I am confident, that the policies being pursued by the development agencies together with the roll out of the National Development Plan will continue to bear fruit in terms of employment and investment for the people of Kerry.
262 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has instructed FÁS to introduce training courses in green energy technology installation in view of its rising popularity and the lack of current qualified tradesmen in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9520/08]
FÁS is currently involved in the funding and provision of energy related programmes to meet demand in this area.
At present the Services to Business Central Environmental Training Unit is currently developing a training programme in Energy Efficiency and alternative energy options in respect of industrial and commercial applications. The programme is being developed in conjunction with Sustainable Energy Ireland, the Construction Industry Federation and Waterford County Council. It is expected that the programme will be available from April and will be of six days duration.
At a regional level FÁS is currently funding a Gas Installation Domestic and a Gas Installation Safety programme. The Midwest Region is supporting Limerick Institute of Technology in the completion of a 3-year full time BSc in Renewable and Electrical Energy Systems.
In addition the FÁS Training Services Division has established two training facilities, at the Ballyfermot Training Centre and the Cork Training Centre, which specialise in Sustainable Energy Systems Installation and Maintenance Skills. At present the following three courses are on offer:
Domestic Biomass Installation
Domestic Heat Pump Installation
Domestic Solar Hot Water System Installation
These courses are designed to update the skills of crafts persons and are at FETAC level 6.
263 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline in respect of each unit and agency listed for decentralisation, the property acquisitions that they have made including their location, size and cost, the number of staff that have moved to the proposed location for decentralisation, the number of staff who have been assigned for a move to the new decentralisation location, the number of staff who have been assigned who are new recruits, the number of staff assigned who are moving on promotion and the number of staff who have indicated to the Central Applications Facility that they wish to move with their posts; if he has conducted an assessment of the decentralisation move in terms of the cost savings that will accrue, the improved efficiency that will be achieved, and the loss of the skills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9649/08]
Officials in my Department are currently compiling the information sought by the Deputy. However, due to the large amount of detail involved it will not be possible to supply the material within the timescale requested. Nonetheless, my Officials are well advanced in bringing the data together and a final response will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly.
264 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason, in view of the Government’s commitment to encouraging and promoting sciences throughout all aspects of Irish education, his Department has refused to apply for full membership status of the international organisation CERN; if, in view of the possibilities that membership of this organisation has for Irish students studying a range of sciences in this country and the fact that they are unable to obtain summer programme placements because Ireland is not a member of CERN, in Geneva, Switzerland, in which the world’s largest particle physics laboratory is located, he will give a commitment to fully join this organisation as a matter of priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9651/08]
The Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (2006-2013) recognises the importance for Ireland in building its international collaborative networks in science and highlights the importance of making investments in a way that produces the greatest benefit to Ireland. Ireland is currently involved in various international programmes and initiatives including the European Seventh Framework Programme for Research (FP7), the European Space Agency, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EUREKA, the network for market orientated research and development and COST, European co-operation in the field of scientific and technical research.
However, I am cognisant of the need to keep under review developments and opportunities at international and European level and to ensure that our investments assist us to build a strong national research capacity that will attract and retain researchers. Consequently, at my request, the Advisory Science Council (ASC) has commenced a study in order to help elaborate a strategy for Ireland's international engagement in science, technology and innovation. The outcome of this study, which is expected to be completed this year, will help to guide decision making on the international research organisations in which Ireland should seek closer involvement. In this regard, it is important to appreciate that decisions about joining international organisations must take into consideration the opportunity costs involved and the capacity of the research community to derive and optimise benefits from such memberships.
265 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he plans to reopen the swimming pool programme; and when this might occur. [9597/08]
My Department has completed a Value for Money and Policy Review Report of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. 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.
266 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if there are proposals to open a famine museum as part of the National Museum to commemorate the millions of Irish people who died in the Great Famine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9599/08]
Since the National Museum of Ireland became an autonomous statutory body under the National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997 on 3rd May 2005, the Board of the National Museum is statutorily responsible for operational matters concerning exhibitions of the Museum's collections. Any decision, therefore, to commemorate the victims of the Famine within the campus of the National Museum of Ireland is a matter for that organisation.
267 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a swipe card will be introduced for old age contributory and non-contributory pensions in 2008; and the date of same. [9525/08]
The Department is implementing a three year strategy to change paper based payment instruments to electronic payments at post offices and financial institutions. The programme is being implemented on a phased basis to coincide with book renewal production schedules and as personalised payable order books expire.
The current range of payment options offered by my Department to customers' includes payment at a local post office or to a bank or building society account; or certain credit unions that have been authorised by the banking and credit union regulators. Customers opt for a particular payment method having regard to their own personal circumstances.
Since September 2007, State Pension Contributory and State Pension Non-Contributory customers have been paid at their nominated Post Office using a Social Service card or at a Financial Institution.
From the end March 2008, some 5,000 State Pension Contributory customers' will be changed from a Personalised Payment Order (PPO) book to payment using Social Services Card. A further group of both State Pension Contributory and Non Contributory customers will be changed to payment using a Social Service Card from the end September 2008.
The replacement of books with Social Service cards will have no impact on customers paid at post offices. Customers will simply present their Social Services Card at all Post Offices and sign for their payment in the normal way. An Post and the Irish Postmaster's Union (IPU) are committed to assisting customers in the use of cards for collecting their payment.
For those customers who cannot collect their payment in person, the Department is putting arrangements in place to allow a nominated person collect their payment using a Social Services card.
268 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he will take to address the situation where employers are not obliged to make payments to employees on maternity leave but make full payments to them when they are on sick leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9538/08]
Maternity Benefit is an income maintenance payment awarded by this Department to eligible women for a 26-week period on foot of a confinement. Entitlement to this benefit for employees is contingent on entitlement to statutory Maternity Leave.
Under the provisions of social welfare legislation, the 26-week period of core statutory Maternity Leave attracts a payment from my Department — subject to certain social insurance contribution conditions being fulfilled. Maternity Leave legislation also provides an option for a woman to take an additional 16-week period of leave that does not attract a benefit payment.
Some employment contracts may allow for additional periods of leave to be taken or for an additional top-up payment to be made above the normal entitlement to Maternity Benefit. These arrangements are discretionary private contractual arrangements agreed between employers and workers and, as such, are outside the realm of social welfare legislation.
Similarly, an employee has no right under employment law in Ireland to be paid by their employer while on sick leave. Consequently, it is at the discretion of the employer to decide his/her own policy on sick pay and sick leave, subject to the employee's contract or terms of employment. Under Section 3 of the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994 and 2001 an employer must provide an employee with a written statement of terms of employment within two months of the commencement of the employment. One of the terms referred to in this Act on which the employer must provide information is the terms or conditions relating to incapacity for work due to sickness or injury.
If an employee has no entitlement in their terms and conditions of employment to pay during sick leave, they may apply for Illness Benefit entitlement to which is based on their PRSI contribution record.
269 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding allocation under the CLÁR programme from his Department for local improvement scheme road projects in County Clare for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9510/08]
Co Clare was allocated €604,000 in 2006 under this scheme. In 2007 the county applied for funding of €345,000 which was granted, out of a total available of €500,000. No decision in relation to 2008 has been made as yet.
270 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the organisations in the Dublin mid-west area that were granted funds under the current round of national lottery grants; the amount granted in each case; the organisations in this area whose applications were unsuccessful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9561/08]
The Department uses the proceeds of the National Lottery to part fund the following schemes and programmes:
Programme of Grants for Locally-based Community & Voluntary Organisations;
Scheme of Community Supports for Older People (CSOP);
The Community Development Programme (CDP);
Funding Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community & Voluntary Sector; and
Ciste na Gaeilge.
Details of the funding to the successful and unsuccessful organisations in mid-west Dublin and the relevant scheme are set out in the following tables.
|
Name |
Area |
Amount |
Granted Scheme |
|
€ |
|||
|
Deansrath Women’s Group |
Clondalkin |
8,347 |
Grants for Locally Based C & V Organisations |
|
Sruleen Women’s Group |
Clondalkin |
4,230 |
Grants for Locally Based C & V Organisations |
|
Separated Women’s Group |
Clondalkin |
2,587 |
Grants for Locally Based C & V Organisations |
|
North Clondalkin Community Development Association |
Clondalkin |
8,100 |
Grants for Locally Based C & V Organisations |
|
Clondalkin Women’s Group |
Clondalkin |
630 |
Grants for Locally Based C & V Organisations |
|
Carers Association |
Clondalkin |
1,800 |
CSOP |
|
Clondalkin Senior Citizens Social Club |
Clondalkin |
30,180 |
CSOP |
|
Bawnogue Women’s Development Group |
Clondalkin |
78,800 |
CDP |
|
Clondalkin Travellers Development Group |
Clondalkin |
121,300 |
CDP |
|
Dolcain Community Development Project |
Clondalkin |
125,400 |
CDP |
|
Quarryvale Community Development Project |
Clondalkin |
121,400 |
CDP |
|
Rowlagh Women’s Group |
Clondalkin |
128,300 |
CDP |
|
Clondalkin Women’s Network |
Clondalkin |
156,000 |
CDP |
|
North Clondalkin Community Development Project |
Clondalkin |
117,800 |
CDP |
|
Ronanstown Community Development Group |
Clondalkin |
153,100 |
CDP |
|
Name |
Area |
Granted Scheme |
|
Support after Homicide Limited |
Rathcoole |
Grants for Locally Based C & V Organisations |
|
Liffey Sound Communications Co-Operative Society |
Lucan |
Grants for Locally Based C & V Organisations |
|
The Marie Keating Foundation |
Lucan |
Funding Scheme to Support National Organisations in the C & V Sector |
|
Pieta House |
Lucan |
Funding Scheme to Support National Organisations in the C & V Sector |
|
Irish Marching Bands |
Lucan |
Funding Scheme to Support National Organisations in the C & V Sector |
271 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when he will be making an announcement in regard to contracts for the provision of support services to projects in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9572/08]
273 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will supply the clarification sought by a development project (details supplied) in County Waterford in regard to withdrawal of support to support agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9660/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 273 together.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to question number 433 on 19th February 2008.
272 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad é líon iomlán na bpost a cailleadh de bharr dúnadh comhlachta [sonraí tugtha] agus méid iomlán na ndeontas a íocadh leo ó lonnaigh siad sa Ghaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [9585/08]
Dírím aird an Teachta ar an bhfreagra a thug mé ar Cheist Dála Uimh. 39 ar 27 Meán Fómhair 2007.
Tuigim ó Údarás na Gaeltachta gur cailleadh 14 post lánaimseartha agus 10 bpost páirtaimseartha nuair a dúnadh an comhlacht atá luaite ag an Teachta. D'íoc an tÚdarás deontas fostaíochta de €145,000 leis an gcomhlacht.
274 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a REP scheme farmer must be compulsory purchase ordered in order to provide land to a local authority to improve road safety; her plans to review this policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9495/08]
If land which is part of a REPS contract is disposed of on foot of a compulsory purchase order, reimbursement of REPS payments already made on the area is not required. In practice, however, my Department does not normally look for payments to be refunded if it is satisfied that land is disposed of to a local authority for the public good without a compulsory purchase order.
275 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the policies introduced by her Department to promote access to healthy food; her views on introducing positive discrimination in the provision of grants and funding to local industry in favour of healthy products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9499/08]
My Department's primary responsibility is to ensure the sustainable development of a competitive consumer-focused agri-food sector and to contribute to a vibrant rural economy and society and that only food which meets the highest standards of food safety and quality enters the food chain. All of the control systems in place within my Department acting in co-operation with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland are designed to guarantee the production of safe wholesome and traceable food.
Having said that, I am very much aware of the desirability of a good balanced diet for optimum health. Many of our attitudes to health and the influences on our lives are set in childhood and research suggests that food consumption patterns are established early in life. The Scientific Study on Children's Diet, which was co-funded by my Department and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, was the first study to benchmark dietary intakes of a nationally representative sample of Irish children. The Scientific Study identified inadequate consumption of milk, fresh meat and fruit and vegetables among the young.
The school milk scheme and the Food Dude programme are designed to address this. The school milk scheme was revamped in 2006 and has a broader range of milk products on offer including flavoured milk, low-fat and fortified options to encourage milk consumption. The National Food Dude Programme has among its objectives the increased consumption of fresh fruit & vegetables among school children during school time and at home as well as a change in parental behaviour towards purchase and consumption of fresh fruit & vegetables. This programme, which it is planned to run over a 4-5 year period, commenced last year following a very successful pilot. Some 625 schools and 85,000 children will receive the programme this year.
Positive discrimination in the provision of grants and funding to local industry in favour of healthy products is a form of state aid that is not permissible under EU state-aid rules.
276 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position in relation to employees of Coillte; if benchmarking has been awarded to the employees; the pay agreements they are subject to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9531/08]
Coillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters are the responsibility of the company.
As a commercial State company, Coillte Teoranta is not covered by the Public Service Benchmarking Scheme and consequently there are no direct implications for pay and pensions in the company arising from the report of the Benchmarking Body. Pay and conditions are set by agreement between company management and unions. The application of pay increases is primarily a matter for the company itself.
277 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps she is taking to ensure that a fair price is offered to sheep farmers at meat processing plants in view of the fact that the new electronic grading system is not in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9537/08]
My Department does not have a role in setting prices at meat processing plants. In the case of the sheep sector, I have noted that introduction of the new pricing system proposed by processing plants has been postponed. Trials on mechanical grading are planned for later this month and are being facilitated by my Department. I would hope that a transparent grid for pricing can be agreed between the processors and suppliers in the near future. Such a development would ultimately help suppliers to tailor their supply to the requirements of the marketplace.
278 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her Department has been notified by the EU Commission regarding proposals to review disadvantaged areas here in the context of the CAP budget; if so, when this review will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9592/08]
The European Commission first tabled proposals in 2004 on a review of the Less Favoured Areas (Disadvantaged Areas), with a view to having changes implemented as part of the Rural Development Framework for 2007-2013. The proposals represented a move away from designation based on socio-economic factors, (declining rural population, low productivity and low farm incomes), to a methodology favouring physical characteristics, (soil type, poor climate, slope and altitude of land). Agreement was not achieved because of the level of opposition from many Member States. Accordingly, the Commission agreed to allow the current criteria stand until 2010, with proposals for new criteria to be brought forward in 2008, for implementation from 2010 onwards.
An evaluation of the Less Favoured Areas Measure in the Member States was carried out on behalf of the Commission by the Institute for European Environmental Policy and published in November, 2006. Bi-laterals meeting between the Commission and Member States are taking place and following their conculsion, the Commission intend to prepare and finalise a proposal for submission to the Council of Ministers. It is expected that this proposal will be made in May 2008 with a view to having it adopted by the Council prior to the end of this year.
My officials and I will work very closely with the Commission and my colleagues in the Council of Ministers with a view to achieving the optimum outcome for Ireland.
279 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way a company (details supplied) has advertising rights in her Department documentation. [9593/08]
When a farmer applies to join the Suckler Welfare Scheme (and opts to send back the information on paper as opposed to on-line), the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) sends out a Suckler Pack containing the following:
1. An Animal Events Book
2. Pre-paid return envelopes
3. A copy of the latest Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
4. A pocket-sized notebook for the farmer's own use.
The ICBF is the body that operates the Animal Events System for Bovines in Ireland. A key component of The Suckler Welfare Scheme is the use of the Animal Events System to collect cattle breeding information from suckler farmers. The ICBF was asked to collect the animal events data as part of the new scheme. Prior to the introduction of the Suckler Scheme, there were already over 30,000 farmers on the ICBF database.
The notebook does carry a logo from the company named but this notebook is an ICBF document and not a Department document. The Animal Events Book, which is also an ICBF document, does not carry any logo other than that of the ICBF itself.
280 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the meaning of EU Regulation 183 of 2005 as it applies to farmers who operate feed businesses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9594/08]
EU Regulation 183/2005 lays down general rules on feed hygiene, the conditions and arrangements to ensure traceability of feed, and the conditions and arrangements for the registration and approval of all operators involved in the manufacture, haulage, storage or use of animal feed.
As required under the legislation my Department established a register in 2006 of all feed business operators, including farmers who feed livestock or grow crops which may be used to feed livestock. The legislation requires my Department, as the competent authority, to secure a declaration, two years after registration, from the operators indicating that they are in compliance with the hygiene requirements as set out in the legislation. Last November officials of my Department sent Guidance Notes and Declaration Forms to the 3,500 commercial feed business operators for completion and return by end December 2007. In January 2008 a Guidance Note was sent to all farmers reminding them of their obligations and informing them that the facility to make their declaration would be contained in the Single Payment Application form being issued in March.
281 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the regulations that apply for the storage and disposal of poultry manure; if new regulations must be compiled with before the end of 2008; the way these regulations compare with regulations operated within Northern Ireland against whom producers here compete; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9595/08]
The storage and utilisation of poultry manure are covered by the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 (SI no. 378 of 2006), made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Regulations place obligations on farmers regarding the storage of livestock manures, specify periods when the land application of fertilisers is prohibited and place limits on the land application of fertilisers.
The Regulations require that farmers must have 26 weeks' storage capacity for poultry manure. In certain circumstances, as defined in the Regulations, a lesser capacity may apply. In all cases, holdings with poultry must have the required storage in place on 1 January 2009. The application of poultry manure to land must respect the requirements of the Regulations in terms of nutrient requirement, timing and method of application.
In Northern Ireland, the Nitrates Action Programme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 and the Phosphorus (Use in Agriculture) Regulation (Northern Ireland) 2006 place similar requirements on NI farmers in relation to the storage and use of poultry manure. The NI Regulations came into force on 1 January 2007 and require holdings with poultry to have 26 weeks storage capacity by 31 December 2008 at the latest. The prohibited period for application of livestock manure, including poultry manure, is 15 October to 31 January, the same as specified for counties Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan in the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006.
282 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are some elderly farmers who do not have bank facilities which would enable them to receive the single farm payment and other such payments direct from her Department into such bank accounts and that such farmers are unable to sign the direct credit authorisation form as a consequence of this; if credit unions can accept such money transferred; if in exceptional circumstances such cheques can be posted out in the traditional manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9778/08]
At present, farmers can choose to have their payments made by cheque or electronic funds transfer directly into their bank account and this situation will continue during the 2008 EU financial year, which ends on 15 October. However, as and from the 2009 EU financial year commencing on 16th October 2008, payment by cheque will no longer be permitted under EU rules.
A new requirement to make all payments under EU funded or co-funded schemes directly into bank accounts must be implemented in accordance with EU Council Regulation 1290/2005 which lays down the rules on the financing and management of the Common Agricultural Policy for the years 2007 to 2013. The detailed implementing rules for that Regulation, as set out in EU Commission Regulation 885/2006, requires that all EU paying agencies must adopt procedures to ensure that payments are made only to bank accounts with effect from the 2009 financial year.
As the designated paying agency for EU funds, my Department is obliged to adhere to these arrangements. My Department is in contact with farmers to facilitate the smooth switch over of payments to bank accounts. I understand that about 14 Credit Unions are in a position to handle direct payment to customer accounts and it is likely that this number will increase over time. I recently met with An Post which intends to facilitate the electronic transfer of funds through a system of post bank accounts. My officials have also briefed the banks on the new requirement and I will continue to explore all possible solutions to minimise disruption to farmers.
283 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will re-examine the decision to refuse a special needs assistant for a pupil (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9488/08]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the application in question relates to the provision of support to facilitate a three year old child's attendance at a service within the health system. The provision of such support is a matter for the Health Service Executive to address.
284 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will assist in a case (details supplied); and if she will respond to the issues raised. [9508/08]
Progress is ongoing on the implementation of the recommendations of the Report of the Internationalisation of Irish Education Services, including the establishment of Education Ireland, a new body with responsibility for promoting the development of Ireland as a centre of excellence for international education. The Government is committed to establishing Education Ireland as soon as possible and preparations are now well advanced to establish the body in the coming months. Education Ireland will be established as a company limited by guarantee in the first instance. The association referred to by the Deputy is represented on the Board of the Advisory Council for English Language Schools (ACELS), which also includes representatives of my Department. ACELS will be incorporated into Education Ireland on its establishment and the ACELS Board will be kept fully informed of developments in this regard.
Draft legislation is also being prepared with the intention of establishing the body on a statutory basis. I intend publishing this draft legislation during 2008.
The Government is committed to establishing Education Ireland as soon as possible and preparations are now well advanced to establish the body in the coming months. Education Ireland will be established as a company limited by guarantee in the first instance.
The promotion and development of the English language sector will be a key responsibility for Education Ireland, working in collaboration with the other relevant statutory agencies and providers. Education Ireland will prepare, and submit to me, strategic plans for the development of international education services, including the English language sector. They will also have the critical responsibility of regulating and quality-assuring international education services, including the English language sector.
285 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects work to commence on the proposed extension to a school (detail supplied) in Dublin 15; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the board of management has agreed to facilitate higher enrolment numbers on foot of promises made by her and her Department to provide urgently needed classrooms and other facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9546/08]
In 2006, the school to which the Deputy refers, agreed to an annual fourth stream intake to cater for additional pupil places in the area. An application for major capital works is being progressed to extend the school to cater for this development.
Appointment of a design team is the first step in the architectural planning of a major capital school building project.
The process to appoint a Design Team for the proposed building project commenced in October 2007 and the Pre Qualification Stage is complete. Issue of Award Stage documentation will take place in the near future. The process to appoint the Project Supervisor at Design Process (PSDP) is completed.
When the Design Team is appointed, the progression of the project through the various stages of architectural planning will be progressed in the context of my Department's multi annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
286 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science when the promised extension and refurbishment to a school (detail supplied) in County Galway will go to tender; the stage the application is at; if her attention has been drawn to the chronic lack of accommodation in the school, the projected enrolments in the school catchment area for future years and that it is almost nine years since this extension was first applied for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9552/08]
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including the this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
287 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of teachers in respect of the annual subscription paid to the Teaching Council; her views on the problems that this creates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9586/08]
As the Deputy will be aware the Teaching Council Act 2001 provided for the establishment of a Council for the purposes of promoting teaching as a profession, maintaining and improving the standards of teaching, providing for the establishment of standards, policies and procedures for the education and training of teachers, and other matters relating to teachers and the teaching profession.
To date, the Teaching Council set up under the Act has been funded by my Department. However, from 28 March 2008, the Council will become a self-funding body and an annual registration renewal fee will be payable by all registered teachers. This fee is important as it will underpin the Council's financial independence and is an essential prerequisite to the development of the Council as an autonomous, self-regulating body. I have approved the level of the fee at €90 per annum, which is in line with other professional regulatory bodies.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department has been in close communication with the Teaching Council and with teachers' representative bodies over the course of the last year, to ensure all parties were aware of the implications and methods of fee-collection and to ensure a smooth transition to the Council becoming a self-funding body.
288 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [9642/08]
The Deputy will be aware that the home tuition scheme which 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 was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting a suitable educational placement and also to provide early intervention for pre-school children with autism.
The child in question is attending an early intervention ASD class attached to a mainstream school and therefore is not entitled to home tuition.
289 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding provided by her Department as devolved grants to schools in Waterford city in each of the years 2006 and 2007; the number of schools in Waterford city that received such grants in those years; the budgeted funding allocated to schools in Waterford city as devolved grants in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9643/08]
291 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding provided by her Department as devolved grants to schools in County Waterford in each of the years 2006 and 2007; the number of schools in County Waterford that received such grants in those years; the budgeted funding allocated to schools in County Waterford as devolved grants in 2008 [9645/08]
293 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding provided by her Department nationally as devolved grants in each of the years 2006 and 2007; the number of schools that received such grants in those years; the budgeted funding allocated to schools as devolved grants in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9647/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 289, 291 and 293 together.
I assume the Deputy is referring to the devolved Small Schools and Permanent Accommodation Schemes. There were no Waterford City schools listed for funding under the devolved schemes in 2006 and €1.01m was allocated to three schools in Waterford County that year. In 2007 a grant of €360,000 was allocated to one school in Waterford City and €1.784m to four schools in Waterford County.
In 2006, €98.0m was allocated nationally to 205 schools under the devolved Schemes. In 2007, €99.4m was allocated to 255 schools under these Schemes.
The purpose of the Schemes is to devolve funding to individual school authorities to undertake building works which will address schools long term accommodation needs. Under the terms of the Schemes, school authorities are empowered to manage these works with guidance from and minimal interaction with the Department.
With so many small projects having been approved over the past few years, I have decided to focus primarily on delivering as many large scale projects as possible in 2008. Decisions regarding the allocation of funding in 2008 in respect of the devolved schemes referred to by the Deputy will be taken in due course, in the context of my Department's School Building and Modernisation Programme.
290 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding provided by her Department under the summer works scheme to schools in Waterford City in each of the years 2006 and 2007; the number of schools in Waterford City that received such grants in those years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9644/08]
292 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding provided by her Department under the summer works scheme to schools in County Waterford in each of the years 2006 and 2007; the number of schools in County Waterford that received such grants in those years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9646/08]
294 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding provided by her Department nationally under the summer works scheme in each of the years 2006 and 2007; the number of schools that received such grants in those years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9648/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 290, 292 and 294 together.
The details requested by the Deputy are given in the following tabular statement.
|
No. of Schools |
Funding Waterford |
Funding Nationally |
Number of school projects |
|
|
€ |
€m |
|||
|
Waterford City |
12 |
3.107 |
84.1 |
830 |
|
Waterford Co. |
14 |
1.264 |
|
Year |
No. of Schools |
Funding approved Waterford |
Funding nationally |
Number of school projects |
|
€m |
€m |
|||
|
Waterford City |
14 |
3 |
122 |
1,139 |
|
Waterford Co. |
10 |
1.3 |
295 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will support a project at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [9652/08]
The architectural planning of the building project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage. The progression of all major projects to tender and construction, including this project, will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
296 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will support a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [9653/08]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations, including organising the holding of examinations and determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted.
In view of this, I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
297 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to address the situation where employers are not obliged to make payment to employees on maternity leave but do make a full payment when on sick leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9539/08]
The Maternity Protection Acts 1994 and 2004 provide protection for all pregnant employees and employees who have recently given birth. They do this in a number of ways including the provision of maternity leave, both paid and unpaid, and the right to return to work. They also allow a pregnant employee time off from work without loss of pay for the purpose of receiving ante-natal or post-natal care. In addition they provide time off for pregnant employees and expectant fathers to attend ant-natal classes without the loss of pay. They do not address the issue of maternity benefit which is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.
Employees have no statutory right to remuneration from their employer during the period of maternity leave. However employers may choose to pay employees their full remuneration and in turn recoup any maternity benefits to which the employee is entitled, to offset salary costs.
There is a commitment by Government and the Social Partners in Towards 2016 to review the level of statutory entitlements to maternity and paternity leave before the end of 2008. Work will commence shortly on this review. The commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government is, over the next five years, to increase paid maternity leave by five weeks to make all leave after the first 26 weeks available to either parent and, to examine the possibility of introducing a statutory entitlement to paternity leave and shared parental leave.
298 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to recent reports that fines issued for drinking in public places have in the majority of cases not been pursued and even in the tiny number of cases where that have been pursued to court, the fine collected was extremely small and would not represent a deterrent; his proposals to take action to improve enforcement as part of a drive to reduce the problem of youth drinking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9506/08]
I wish to inform the Deputy that I share his concern at patterns of drinking in this country and that is the reason why I set up the Government Alcohol Advisory Group at the beginning of this year. One of the Group's functions is to look at the issue of under-age consumption and they are to report to me by the end of this month. Following on from this report, I intend to bring forward urgent proposals for changes in the law. In addition, my Department will continue to work on the drafting of a comprehensive Sale of Alcohol Bill which is already included in the Government Legislation Programme for 2008.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána issue fines on behalf of Local Authorities in respect of the offence of "public drinking" contrary to the Local Authority by-laws where they are in place. Any follow up in respect of the fines, i.e. collection of fine or prosecution, is a matter for the relevant Local Authority.
I wish to also inform the Deputy that the Fines Bill, at present before this House, will raise the level of all fines through a method of indexation for summary offences imposed in the District Court to the value they had when the offences were first created.
299 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number, having regard to the exercise of his statutory authority under Section 71 of An Garda Síochána Act 2005, and the necessity for the Ombudsman Commission to deploy its resources efficiently, of officers at principal officer level or technical equivalent approved by him for appointment to the Ombudsman Commission, with the consent of the Minister of Finance, whether under the Dublin Public Appointments Service list system for offices decentralising or not, together with the number of officers at all grades appointed under the PAS list system; the date of such approval in each case, together with the date of subsequent appointment; the number of such posts suppressed by the commission; if he has been informed of or, statutorily approved any such suppression; the reasons for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9522/08]
I refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 552 of 12 February 2008. I have nothing to add to that reply.
300 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9529/08]
301 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9530/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 300 and 301 together.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of each Garda Division on 31 January, 2008 (the latest date for which figures are readily available) was as set out in the table hereunder:
|
Division |
Strength |
|
DMR Northern |
757 |
|
DMR South Central |
769 |
|
DMR West |
754 |
|
DMR South |
619 |
|
DMR North Central |
694 |
|
DMR Eastern |
618 |
|
Louth/Meath |
532 |
|
Longford/Westmeath |
317 |
|
Carlow/Kildare |
403 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
312 |
|
Wexford/Wicklow |
364 |
|
Waterford/Kilkenny |
425 |
|
Tipperary |
360 |
|
Cork City |
655 |
|
Cork North |
285 |
|
Cork West |
296 |
|
Kerry |
318 |
|
Limerick |
592 |
|
Clare |
313 |
|
Galway West |
422 |
|
Galway East/Roscommon |
281 |
|
Mayo |
314 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
299 |
|
Donegal |
473 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
402 |
The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual divisions may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers.
It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The next allocation of Probationer Gardaí is due to take place on 13 March next. In that regard, the needs of each Garda Division will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.
The Deputy should be aware that Garda Divisional boundaries and County boundaries are not coterminous. I recently approved the 2008 Garda Annual Policing Plan and laid it before the Houses of the Oireachtas. It sets out the Commissioner's proposals to realign the boundaries of Garda Divisions around the country to make them coterminous with local authority boundaries. The planned changes will bring about greater efficiencies and effectiveness in facilitating the establishment and functioning of Joint Policing Committees. A detailed programme of work is currently being developed by An Garda Síochána to implement these planned changes for various Garda Divisions. This programme of work will also examine the geographical areas of district and sub-district stations arising from the regional and divisional boundary realignments set out in the plan and will set out a timetable for the establishment of the new divisions.
302 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department covers the cost of repatriation and funerals of tourists or migrant workers who are murdered in this State; the arrangements in place to help such families recoup the costs of travel in such tragic circumstances; and his views on setting up a contingency fund, for both public and private contributions which can help on an ongoing basis the families of victims of such murders. [9534/08]
I can inform the Deputy that the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted provides that a person who suffers injury as a result of a crime of violence, or the dependants of a person who is fatally injured as a result of a crime of violence, may receive compensation. The Scheme applies to criminal injuries inflicted within the State, irrespective of the nationality or country of ordinary residence of the victim or the victim's next of kin. Funeral costs, repatriation of the body, where required, and the travelling expenses of family members who travel to Ireland are covered by the Scheme. Under the Scheme interim awards may be made in appropriate circumstances. The Scheme is administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal. The Tribunal's Office is located at 13, Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 2. (Telephone Number: 01 6610604).
I can also inform the Deputy that Ireland has given effect to the provisions of European Council Directive 2004/80/EC. The Directive was promulgated to assist the victims of crime to claim compensation in cross-border situations. In this regard, an applicant, or dependant, who is normally resident in one participating State and who suffers injury as a result of a crime of violence in another participating State can apply for compensation to the State where the injury occurred by submitting an application through his or her own national compensation authority.
303 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will work with Dublin City Council and Eircom on an anti-social issue (details supplied). [9540/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the location referred to is in Clontarf Garda Sub-district and is patrolled by foot and mobile patrols from that Garda station.
I am further informed that local Garda management is aware of anti-social activities in the area concerned. Local Garda Management will continue to work closely with the service provider and Dublin City Council concerning this issue and will investigate any complaints made by local residents.
Additional Garda patrols, including patrols by the District Detective and Drug Units, the Community Policing Unit and the Mountain Bike Units, supplemented as required by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel, have been directed to pay particular attention to this area, with a view to ensuring a visible Garda presence.
Current policing policy in the area is predicated on the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property, the prevention of public order offences and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of the policing service in this area.
304 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 542 of 12 February 2008, the plans for new Garda stations in Miltown Malbay, Lisdoonvarna, Doonbeg and Carrigaholt to replace existing stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9543/08]
The detailed allocation of resources, including accommodation, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to decide in accordance with his identified operational requirements. There is a significant ongoing programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda stations and other Garda accommodation around the country, including in County Clare. The Garda accommodation programme is based on agreed priorities established by the Garda Síochána and is brought forward in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.
I have been informed by the Office of Public Works that a review of a number of rural stations nationwide is currently taking place in consultation with the Garda Síochána with a view to putting in place a targeted programme of renewal. The results of this review will feed into a broader Garda accommodation strategy which is being developed at present by the Garda Síochána.
305 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if in relation to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 256 of 5 December 2007, there was correspondence from the Garda Commissioner to the Secretary General at the Department of Education and Science, the CEO of the Health Board and the then Director of the Children’s Centre, Finglas regarding co-operation in investigations into concerns regarding possible child abuse during the second half of 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9557/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information requested by the Deputy is currently being researched. I will contact the Deputy again when the information is to hand.
306 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take steps to expedite an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath which is over one year with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9583/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 1144 of 30 January 2008. The position remains as stated.
307 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when will a decision be made on the immigration status of a person (detail supplied). [9584/08]
I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the individual referred to by the Deputy entered the State on the 27th October 2001 and was granted permission to remain under work permit conditions until the 25th September 2002. He failed to renew his permission to remain after that date until the 23rd January 2008 when he again applied to his local immigration office for permission to remain. He was not granted an extension of his permission to remain by his local immigration office as he had been unlawfully present in the State since the 25th September 2002.
The Immigration Division of my Department will be in contact with the individual shortly outlining the options open to him.
308 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be granted long-term residency. [9598/08]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the person in question was granted long term residency by letter dated 26th February 2008, addressed to his legal representative.
The person concerned should now attend at his local immigration office to have his passport endorsed with the appropriate permission to remain.
309 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the monitoring of drink theatre licences that has taken place; the consultation that was held with An Garda Síochána, the District Courts and his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9656/08]
The holder of a public music and singing licence, which is granted by the District Court, is entitled to apply to the Revenue Commissioners for a theatre licence. The holder of a theatre licence may sell alcohol to persons who have engaged or paid for seats for a performance in the theatre during the period beginning half an hour before the commencement of a performance and ending half an hour after termination of the performance.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that all members of An Garda Síochána are tasked with the enforcement of legislation pertaining to criminal matters, including breaches of the liquor licensing provisions.
I announced the establishment of the Government Alcohol Advisory Group at the beginning of the year. I have asked the Group to examine urgently key aspects of the law governing the sale and consumption of alcohol, including those directed towards combating excessive and under-age alcohol consumption. I have asked the Group to report to me by the end of this month. I intend to bring forward after Easter urgent proposals for changes in the law which I hope will be enacted and implemented before the summer recess. In parallel with this, work will continue on the drafting of a comprehensive Sale of Alcohol Bill, which is already included in the Government Legislation Programme for 2008 and which will modernise and streamline the law in this area.
310 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will assist in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9781/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that in a letter dated 15th August 2005 the son of the person referred to by the Deputy requested that she be granted permission to remain in the State on a permanent basis. This letter was acknowledged on the 20th January 2006 and a form was enclosed requesting that he furnish the Immigration Division with further details, including evidence that his mother was in a position to support herself without becoming a burden to the State and that she had private medical insurance. On the 27 November 2006 the form was returned to the Division with a letter indicating that he had been unable to obtain private medical insurance for his mother.
On the 12th December 2006 a letter was forwarded to the individual concerned informing him that in order for his mother to make an application to extend her visiting conditions, it was necessary for him to prove that he had sufficient funds and private medical insurance to maintain her. To date no reply has been received.
The person referred to by the Deputy should contact the Immigration Division of my Department indicating her future intentions and supplying supporting documentation.
311 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 1331 of 30 January 2008, if a full health risk evaluation on CFLs will be carried out prior to the introduction of proposals; the level of mercury contained in CFLs; and if, in view of an increase in the number of CFLs being introduced into households here, he will address concerns that this will potentially increase the exposure to toxic mercury. [9562/08]
As stated in the reply to Question No. 1331 of 30 January 2008, in the context of any proposed measure relating to energy efficiency standards for lighting, I propose to consult with potentially affected stakeholders prior to the introduction of the measure.
My intention is to propose an energy efficiency standard for lighting that does not prescribe the type of lamp technology that must be used as a replacement. In this regard, my proposed approach will take cognisance of the availability of alternative lamp technologies currently in the market and seek to recognise the need for continued market choice and ongoing innovation in lighting products.
In relation to mercury contained in CFLs, the Waste Management (Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005, which transpose Directive 2002/95/EC, prohibit the placing on the Community Market of CFLs containing more than 5mg of mercury.
The disposal of CFLs is currently governed by the WEEE Directive. Retailers are required by law to take back waste CFLs and fluorescent lamps free of charge on a one-for-one, like-for-like basis from householders. Where replacement fluorescent tubes and CFLs are bought over the counter, retailers must take back the old product in-store, either at the time of sale or within a maximum of 15 days of the date of sale. Each local authority must also accept household waste CFLs and fluorescent tubes free of charge at its civic amenity facilities. Retailers can have their premises designated as ‘WEEE collection points' or deposit household WEEE free of charge at local authority civic amenity facilities. There are currently in excess of 600 ‘WEEE collection points' including both retail outlets and civic amenity facilities.
As previously indicated, I have asked the EPA to draw up guidelines on the safe disposal of these products.
312 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the planning policies developed for urban and rural housing, transport, amenity spaces and workplace settings to encourage spontaneous increases in physical activity in adults and children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9501/08]
The National Spatial Strategy and Regional Planning Guidelines identify improved social, amenity and cultural infrastructure as being key to achieving the objective of improving quality of life and providing better places for people to live. In turn, these aims are translated into concrete policies and actions in county and city development plans, as well as through local area plans, where the provision of community, sport and other recreational facilities and amenities have a key role in delivering on this objective.
Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, local authorities must have regard to requirements regarding recreation and amenities in preparing their development plans. Section 10(2) of the Act requires development plans to include objectives for the preservation, improvement and extension of amenities and recreational amenities and also the provision, or facilitation of the provision, of services for the community. Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Development Plans which were issued by my Department in 2007 emphasise the objectives for the provision of public open space and recreation space including space/places for children to play and the preservation, improvement and extension of amenities and recreational amenities.
Last month, I published for public consultation draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas. These draft guidelines, which are accompanied by a best practice Urban Design Manual, are designed to support the development of sustainable communities through high-quality standards in terms of the design and layout of new residential areas which are properly integrated with good transport links, community and recreation facilities. They aim, inter alia, to encourage walking and cycling and reduce car dependency, policies which have been developed in consultation with the Department of Transport, and which are aligned with the draft Sustainable Transport and Travel Action Plan.
313 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has conducted an investigation into the use of pyrite in construction here; if a ban has been in place on the use of this material as is the case in countries such as Canada; if he has satisfied himself that possible sources of this material have been properly identified in order that this material could not inadvertently get into the supply chain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9505/08]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 190 of 27 February, 2008.
Pyrite is a commonly occurring mineral in rock. It is not used in isolation, but may occur in rock and products containing rock used in construction. In many situations and at acceptable concentrations, rock containing pyrite does not pose a problem and a general ban on pyrite would not be appropriate. However, in certain conditions, oxidation of pyrite and further chemical reaction between the oxidation products and other components of underfloor filling can occur, leading to a volume increase, causing the floor slabs to lift and crack, and with a knock-on effect of distorting walls etc.
The national Building Regulations set out the legal requirements for the construction of new buildings (including houses), extensions to and material alterations of existing buildings and certain material changes of use of existing buildings.
Part C of the Regulations sets out the legal requirements/ technical guidance for Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture and stipulates that "the floors, walls and roof of a building shall be so designed and constructed as to prevent the passage of moisture to the inside of the building or damage to the fabric of the building."
Guidance is given in the associated Technical Guidance Document C in relation to the hardcore bed under ground supported concrete floors which states that "The hardcore bed should be at least 150mm thick and should be free from matter liable to cause damage to the concrete".
Having consulted the statutory Building Regulations Advisory Body, my Department, on 16 August 2007, issued circular letter BC 6/2007 to each County Manager and local Building Control Authority to bring the issue to their notice and to request their co-operation in the enforcement of the relevant requirements. The Circular letter also brought to their attention a notice issued by Fingal County Council on 26 July 2007 in relation to this matter.
The certification of products is the responsibility of the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). When the issue of pyrite arose, and following an intervention from my Department, the NSAI moved quickly to reconvene their Aggregates Panel in order to give urgent consideration to publication of additional guidance in relation to appropriate protocols for testing underfloor infill material. My Department is represented on this Panel, as is the construction industry.
Following a public consultation process, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) has now published a new Standard Recommendation, which is a definitive amendment to SR 21 — Guidance on the use of (Irish Standard) I.S. EN 13242:2002 — Aggregates for unbound and hydraulically bound materials for use in civil engineering work and road construction, and incorporating amendment 1:2007. The Standard Recommendation came into effect on 7 December 2007. The intention is that it will address the quality standards of underfloor hardcore for new homes by way of guidance given in Clause 3.4.2., and an example specification for unbound granular fill for use under concrete floors in Annex E. It is now my intention to adopt this NSAI Standard Recommendation in the relevant Technical Guidance Document to the Building Regulations.
Responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations is a matter for the owner and builder of a building. Enforcement of the Regulations is a matter for the 37 local Building Control Authorities which are empowered to carry out inspections and initiate enforcement proceedings when considered necessary. I understand that Fingal County Council has been in direct contact with the developers and the quarry concerned in relation to problems encountered following the use of pyrite as an underfloor infill material in certain developments within its administrative area.
314 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the Heritage Council felt it was appropriate to give a grant to a gun club (detail supplied) in County Leitrim under the 2007 biodiversity fund for a red grouse habitat survey/habitat management plan. [9565/08]
The Heritage Council was established in July, 1995, under the Heritage Act, 1995 to ‘propose policies and priorities for the identification, protection, preservation and enhancement of the national heritage.' I have no direct function in relation to grants schemes, including the Wildlife Grant Scheme, administered by the Council and any enquiry in regard to a specific grant should be made directly to the Council itself (Rothe House, Kilkenny or tel. 056 7770777).
315 Deputy Peter Power asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the schemes or programmes open to villages and small towns seeking to have the brand of Heritage Town; if there is a scheme in place to allow such branding; the way a town can seek such recognition; if there is a funding scheme available to preserve buildings of merit in the town; if funding is available for signage to indicate such status; the body that operates such a scheme; if no such scheme is in place, his plans to establish one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9573/08]
The designation "Heritage Towns" is a tourism initiative by Fáilte Ireland, an agency under the aegis of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism.
Structures of Architectural Heritage significance located within Heritage Towns may benefit from a range of conservation grant schemes funded by my Department, as follows:
Funds under the annual Civic Structures Conservation Grants scheme are available for the restoration and conservation of buildings of significant architectural heritage merit, which are in public ownership or open to the public generally.
My Department also funds an ongoing scheme of grants, aimed at assisting owners and occupiers to carry out conservation works on structures which are listed in the Record of Protected Structures.
The Heritage Council, supported by my Department, also makes funding available for a range of conservation and heritage projects. One such scheme introduced in 2007 involved funding of up to €2million for 18 Walled Towns, a number of which are members of the Heritage Towns of Ireland.
It is envisaged that this programme will continue under the 2008 Built Heritage Capital Programme.
316 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the issue of the designation of Wexford harbour and south slob as a special protection area; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a letter was sent out on 18 February 2008 to a number of farmers in the area of the river quoting a letter that was allegedly sent in November 2007 regarding an obligation on Ireland as a EU member state to protect places important to birds, in particular Wexford harbour and slobs; the reason a map could not be attached to these letters when they are being sent out to farmers to establish the portion of land that is affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9577/08]
317 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the proximity of designation of Wexford harbour and south slob as a special protection area to many sporting amenity areas in County Wexford, and its proximity to Wexford harbour, discussions have taken place with Wexford Corporation and Wexford County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9578/08]
318 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he proposes to take to protect the amenities that are currently available to the public and being used by the public, with particular reference to fishing, rowing, sailing, boating and general walks in respect of the designation of Wexford harbour and south slob as a special protection area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9579/08]
319 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in respect of the designation of Wexford harbour and south slob, as a special protection area, his attention has been drawn to the fact that funding has recently been granted for a number of developments at both Wexford and Killurin quaysides; the reason this funding would be granted if an area was being designated on SPA; the further reason Wexford County Council would apply for funding when they should have known that this was coming down the line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9580/08]
320 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals in respect of the designation of Wexford harbour and south slob as a special protection area in relation to the almost closed dump at Killurin, County Wexford; if the officials of Wexford County Council made their representation to his Department for funding this project, or held discussions with his Department in respect of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9581/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 316 to 320, inclusive, together.
The EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) requires the designation of sites in each Member State to protect birds at their breeding, feeding, roosting and wintering areas. For this purpose, my Department is currently engaged in a roll out of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) nationwide. This exercise includes re-designation of many existing SPA sites, some of which, like Wexford Harbour, were first designated some ten years ago. The adverse Judgement delivered by the European Court of Justice against Ireland in December 2007 means Ireland must deliver this programme of work in order to meet the requirements of the Judgement and to remedy perceived deficiencies in the designation of existing Special Protection Areas.
The proposal to designate the Wexford Harbour and Slobs area was published in November of 2007. All landowners or persons, with a legal interest in the land, that could be identified were notified. This notification included a map which indicated the full extent of the proposed designation. A further letter was issued to the same landowners as a clarification of certain points raised in respect of the designation. As maps had already issued to the landowners with the earlier letter a further map was not considered necessary.
Both Wexford County Council and Wexford Borough Council were notified of the designation proposal. Observations from both of these authorities are currently under consideration.
With regard to concerns about restrictions on recreational activity, such as swimming, sailing, and so on, current levels of use have no adverse effect on the existing or proposed designated area, and accordingly I have no plans to curtail current levels of recreational use of the area. In addition, there is potential for tourism and other economic opportunities in areas with significant levels of internationally important natural heritage, as is the case in Wexford.
It is a common concern that designation of land as a SPA precludes further development. This concern is unfounded. In practice it is normally possible for proposed developments to be planned or modified to ensure that they can proceed without negative impacts on the selected habitats and species. Where significant impacts are possible, the key requirements will be to do an appropriate assessment of the planned works, which will be considered by the planning authority in the context of any planning application.
The existence of the earlier SPA designation in 1985 and 1998 did not impede subsequent development in the Wexford area. Funding for the developments at Wexford and Killurin quaysides was provided by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The works on Killurin Pier are now complete. The funding provided for Wexford Harbour was in respect of consultancy work and did not involve any actual works to the Harbour.
In 2007 Wexford County Council applied for grant-aid in respect of the remediation of Killurin landfill. The total cost of the remediation was estimated by the Council at €4m. As this landfill is not fully closed it did not fulfil the terms of the Landfill Remediation Scheme (under this Scheme only landfills closed prior to 1 January 2006 are eligible).
My Department will be reviewing the terms of the scheme in 2008 and will be issuing a circular inviting applications later this year. Should Wexford County Council wish to re-submit their application when this circular issues it will be considered for assistance in accordance with the terms outlined.
321 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ensure that an inspection is carried out by his officials with respect to a rural renewal application for persons (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9780/08]
An inspection, with a view to issuing a certificate of reasonable cost, if in order, will be carried out before Easter.
322 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of people offered a payment under a scheme (details supplied); and the amount being offered to them. [9568/08]
The Salmon Hardship Scheme adopted by Government, aimed to provide a measure of relief to individuals in line with the level of hardship likely to be experienced on foot of the cessation of mixed stock fishing for wild salmon. Of the 1,332 applicants who received letters of offer from Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the administrative agency for the scheme, I am advised that some 994 applicants (75%) made claims. Up to 74 cases are, I believe, with the Independent Appeals Officer, some of which may not have gotten offers in the first instance. As the scheme aimed to provide a measure of relief to individuals in line with their recent catch history, I understand claims varied from €1,140 to €190,000.
I am advised that a further 127 applicants availed of the package offered by the Loughs Agency within its jurisdiction, to which the Exchequer contributes 50% of the cost.
It is estimated that the final cost of payments to all cases will amount to some €24.3million. A report outlining the performance of the scheme will be published on my Department's website shortly.
323 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of grants given via the greener home scheme to individuals to install small wood pellet boilers since the inception of the greener home scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9517/08]
324 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the amount of small wood pellet boilers which have been uninstalled since the inception of the greener home scheme and the number of complaints received by his Department by dissatisfied owners of small wood pellet boilers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9518/08]
325 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the standards or qualifications his Department requires from installers of small wood pellet boilers before his Department advertises these businesses on its website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9519/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 323 to 325, inclusive, together.
Wood Pellet boilers and stoves are just one of the technology ranges supported under the Greener Homes Scheme which has been in place since March 2006. Since the scheme was launched grant aid of €14.1 m has been paid out in respect of 4,021 installations of biomass boilers and stoves.
When the scheme was launched in 2006, no accredited qualification scheme for renewable heat system installations existed in Ireland but this is being progressively addressed by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), which is responsible for the Greener Homes Scheme. All applicants are strongly advised to research their chosen installer. The general requirements to be registered under the Greener Homes Scheme include tax compliance, acceptance that installations may be inspected by SEI and commitment to act on a direction from SEI following any such inspection.
Additionally, installers currently registered under the Greener Homes Scheme Phase II have made a commitment to have completed FETAC accredited training by the end of March this year. Training courses for biomass technologies as well as geothermal and solar technologies have been developed by SEI, in conjunction with Action Renewables in Northern Ireland, under an INTERREG project in recent years. These were accredited by FETAC late last year and are now being rolled out in a number of centres around the country. SEI has also worked closely with FÁS on a joint initiative for delivery of this training. The minimum entry requirement for these courses is typically a National Craft Certificate in a relevant trade (electrical, plumbing or fitting) or equivalent.
It is however, important to note that there is also a distinction between qualifications and quality of workmanship, which is the basis for the very strong recommendation to all grant applicants that they check references of their preferred supplier. This is also supported through Practical Guidelines for Buyers, which form part of the information collateral for Greener Homes Scheme applicants.
One of the objectives of the Greener Homes Scheme is to accelerate the development of a previously immature market/supply chain and to promote best practice and professional behaviour. SEI has received approximately 30 complaints from dissatisfied householders who have installed biomass boilers and stoves regarding either poor installation or disappointment with system performance versus expectations. Such instances are diminishing and the quality of installations, nearly two years on, has improved. I understand that 3 of the applicants have removed the installations from their homes.
When notified of issues, SEI works to establish where resolution might lie and notify the homeowner and/or the installer as appropriate. However, in many instances the matter remains a contractual one between the householder and the installer whereby, for example, a defect has to be remedied under the agreed warranty terms offered by the installer.
326 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be available to a company (detail supplied) in County Louth; the measures he is taking to ensure businesses can access broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9523/08]
The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for private sector service providers operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.
There are a number of platforms for delivery of broadband, and service providers are now offering broadband by wireless, satellite, fibre or standard telephone cable and more recently, mobile in many areas of the country. My Department operates a dedicated website, www.broadband.gov.ie where potential broadband customers can ascertain the availability of services in their area.
The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services by competing private sector service providers.
The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage experienced by both business and domestic users. These include providing grant-aid under the recently concluded Group Broadband Scheme and investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs).
Although broadband is now widely available in Ireland there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. These areas are being addressed by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), which will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved, including any unserved areas in County Louth, and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband are met.
The first phase of the National Broadband Scheme procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process.
It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected and appointed in June 2008 and that implementation of services commence as soon as possible thereafter.
327 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason for the delay in the delivery of broadband in parts of County Monaghan, the consequence of which is denying opportunities for businesses to start up there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9548/08]
The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, 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.
The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers.
The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These include providing grant-aid under the recently concluded Group Broadband Scheme and investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs).
Although broadband is now widely available in Ireland there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. These areas are being addressed by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) which will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved, including any unserved areas of County Monaghan and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband are met.
The first phase of the NBS procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process.
It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected and appointed in June 2008 and that implementation of services commence as soon as possible thereafter.
